PHILIPSBURG:---  As part of the observance of Financial Literacy Month, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Marinka Gumbs, continues to champion financial empowerment through a series of educational sessions aimed at improving financial knowledge and money management skills among citizens.
Last Tuesday, civil servants had the opportunity to participate in an informative session on “Understanding Your Payslip,” which provided valuable insights into the various components that make up monthly earnings. The Minister noted that education begins at home, and as such, it was fitting to begin the series with sessions designed to benefit those serving within government.
A subsequent session held last Thursday for members of the public was also well attended and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants eager to enhance their financial literacy. The Minister expressed her satisfaction at being able to facilitate these sessions, noting her enthusiasm for sharing her extensive knowledge on payslip components an area with which she is deeply familiar through her years of experience in the private sector.
The Minister of Finance also had the opportunity to visit St. Joseph School and Martin Luther King Jr. School, where she engaged with students on the topic of budgeting. Minister Gumbs shared that she thoroughly enjoyed teaching the children about the importance of managing money from a young age, noting that financial awareness should begin early to build a foundation for responsible decision-making later in life.
Building on this momentum, the next session in the series will focus on “Budgeting Basics” This upcoming workshop, scheduled for Wednesday November 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Government Administration Building, will be conducted by Ms. Shineca Carty, popularly known as “The Budget Babe.” Ms. Carty will guide participants through practical strategies for creating and maintaining a personal budget, managing expenses, and setting achievable financial goals.
Encouraging wider participation, Minister Gumbs stated:
“Financial education is the foundation of economic empowerment. These sessions are designed to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions. I urge everyone who has not yet registered to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their financial future.”
Interested persons are encouraged to register early for the remaining sessions, as spaces are limited. For further information or to register for upcoming sessions, please visit www.finlitsxm.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tomorrow, as the nation proudly celebrates St. Martin Day 2025, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) calls on all citizens to reflect on 66 years of resilience, unity, and shared determination in the pursuit of a healthier, fairer, and more inclusive St. Martin. We have endured and overcome storms, both literal and figurative. From rebuilding after natural disasters to confronting social and economic hardship, our people have remained steadfast, the beating heart of our nation’s progress. This year’s celebration honors that unshakable spirit, recognizing our collective struggle and achievements in poverty alleviation, healthcare, and labor, the very pillars that uphold our people’s dignity and strength.
“St. Martin’s story is one of perseverance and pride,” stated the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA). “Over the past 66 years, our people have worked tirelessly to strengthen social foundation, ensuring that every citizen has access to healthcare, decent work, and the opportunity to rise above poverty. That is the true spirit of Sint Maarten, a people who never give up, who lift one another, and who continue to rise together.”
Throughout the years, the Ministry of VSA has championed initiatives to reduce inequality, expand healthcare access, and protect the rights and livelihoods of workers. These efforts are not just government programs; they are acts of patriotism in service to the people. Every policy, every partnership, and every program reflects our shared commitment to building a St. Martin where no one is left behind.
“On this St. Martin Day, we celebrate our people, the single mother striving for a better tomorrow, the nurse who never gives up on her patients, the worker who keeps our island moving. You are Sint Maarten’s greatest treasure. Together, we continue to rise.”
St. Martin Day 2025 is more than a commemoration of history, it is a celebration of the strength of our people, the sacrifices of our workers, the healing hands of our caregivers, and the hope of every citizen who dreams of a better tomorrow.
Happy St. Martin Day!

COLE BAY:---The Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten has ruled in favor of Docta Catering N.V., operator of the popular restaurant and nightlife venue District 721, suspending the government’s decision to revoke its entertainment permit and shorten its operating hours. The judgment, delivered by Judge G. Drenth, restores District 721’s right to host music, shows, entertainment performances, and dancing under its original license until the final ruling in the ongoing case.

The case stemmed from an October 20, 2025, decision by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) to withdraw the venue’s entertainment permission and impose a midnight closing time. The ministry argued that District 721 repeatedly violated the sound level limits of 75 dB outside and 96 dB inside, as well as disturbing nearby residents.

However, the court found that the ministry’s actions were disproportionate and insufficiently supported by evidence.

Background and Noise Allegations

District 721, located at Welfare Road 64 in Cole Bay, holds a valid restaurant and entertainment license issued in February 2025. The permit explicitly allows live music and dancing, with sound levels capped at 96 dB indoors and 75 dB outdoors, and no disturbance to neighboring properties.

According to TEATT inspection records, the venue was placed under “enhanced monitoring” in April 2025 following complaints from nearby residents. Despite several inspections, an internal TEATT email at the time acknowledged that no violations of the 75 dB outdoor limit had been confirmed.

Later inspections in August and September 2025 recorded readings such as 78 dB(A) at a residential porch and over 80 dBC in some nearby commercial properties. However, the court noted that these measurements were isolated incidents and not clearly tied to violations of the legal limits specified in District 721’s permit.

Court’s Findings

The court found that the government’s justification for withdrawing the entertainment license — citing “repeated violations” and “multiple warnings” — was factually incorrect. In reality, only one formal warning had been issued on May 7, 2025, and even that warning contained inconsistencies.

Evidence presented by Docta showed that the inspectors themselves admitted during one inspection that no sound limit was breached, contradicting the contents of the warning letter. The court ruled that this raised serious doubts about the reliability of TEATT’s enforcement record.

Judge Drenth emphasized that while the government must protect public order and residents’ peace, it must also act fairly and proportionately. The Minister, the court said, should have followed the Residential Economic Policy’s (REP) penalty structure, which requires two written warnings before any suspension or revocation — a process that was not respected.

“The Minister’s decision is insufficiently motivated,” the court concluded. “Given the severe financial and reputational impact on Docta, the immediate execution of the decision would cause disproportionate harm relative to the public interest it seeks to protect.”

Decision and Implications

The court therefore suspended the Minister’s October 20 decision, meaning District 721 can immediately resume its full entertainment operations under the original terms of its February 2025 permit — including the 3:00 a.m. closing time on weekends.

The Ministry of TEATT was ordered to pay ƒ1,400 in legal costs to Docta Catering N.V. No further appeal is allowed against this interim ruling.

While District 721 celebrated the outcome, the court cautioned the venue to remain compliant: sound levels must not exceed 75 dB at the property boundary, and monitoring will continue.

The decision is being seen as a significant reaffirmation of due process and proportionality in the enforcement of Sint Maarten’s business licensing and noise control regulations, balancing economic freedom with community peace.

Cole Bay:--- In recognition of Rotary International’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset honored eleven primary school teachers for their exceptional dedication and service to St. Maarten’s youth.
The appreciation ceremony, held at Carl N Sons in Cole Bay, brought together Rotarians, school representatives, and community partners to celebrate educators who go above and beyond in shaping young minds.
“Teachers play a vital role in the future of our communities,” said Rotary Club President Alex Pierre. “Despite the challenges they face, they show up every day with love, patience, and purpose. Honoring them is our way of saying thank you for their unwavering commitment to our children.”
Each teacher was nominated by their school board for demonstrating passion, leadership, and a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom. The honorees were:
1. Seventh-Day Adventist School – Ms. Georgia Richardson
2. Caribbean International Academy – Ms. Mirjam Wigman
3. Montessori St. Maarten – Ms. Tiffany Chance
4. Learning Unlimited Preparatory School – Ms. Analeighni Wout
5. Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School – Mrs. Shiera Lewis-Richardson
6. St. Joseph Primary School – Ms. Shaundel Glasgow
7. Methodist Agogic Center – Mrs. Erika Richardson Van Putten
8. Marie Geneviève De Weever School – Ms. Marilyn Clark-Waterfort
9. Hervé Williams Primary School – Madame Pauline Beaurain-Cratere
10. Clair Saint-Maximin Primary School – Madame Jessica Sabas
11. Emile Choisy Primary School – Monsieur. David Farlot
Honorees received certificates of appreciation along with gift baskets, spa and dining vouchers, and bottles of wine, expressing the community’s gratitude for their service.
The club also acknowledged the school boards and management teams for their support, as well as the event sponsors, including Magical Memories Gifts n More, Carl N Sons, Inglot, MK Signature, Fabrice Burnett, Captain’s Rib Shack, The Wax Room, Thierry Gombs, Penha, By LuMarie, Addicted Hair Lounge, Carita Spa, Senaïa’s Cosmetics and Beatz by Ti.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset extended its appreciation to all teachers on the island, highlighting their critical role in shaping the future. “While teaching often goes unheralded, its impact is immeasurable,” said Pierre. “These educators are building not just knowledge, but character and leadership in our children.”
About Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset: Chartered in 2018, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset is one of the newest and fastest-growing Rotary Clubs in District 7020. The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at Carl N Sons Unique Inn and Conference Facilities in Colebay at 7:30 pm. The club can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the official Facebook page at facebook.com/rotarysxmsunset.