PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has formally addressed the Supervisory Board of Directors (SBOD) and Management of NV GEBE following the utility company’s announcement of an increase in the fuel clause from Xcg. 0.36 per kWh in April 2026 to Xcg. 0.45 per kWh for May 2026.
In his correspondence of today, the Prime Minister acknowledged the global geopolitical tensions and fuel market instability impacting electricity generation costs worldwide, while expressing serious concern about the growing burden being placed on the people of Sint Maarten.
“The people of Sint Maarten are already facing considerable economic pressure and rising living expenses. Government has consistently advocated for measures that would protect consumers and provide meaningful relief, especially for our most vulnerable families, seniors, and working households,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government has been engaging NV GEBE for some time regarding the impact of utility costs and that he has acted in good faith based on assurances and discussions concerning mitigation and relief-oriented initiatives.
“It is important that the public understands that operational decisions concerning fuel clause adjustments fall within the management and governance responsibilities of NV GEBE. Nevertheless, the Government will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the people of Sint Maarten to ensure transparency, accountability, and consumer protection,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Mercelina also raised concern regarding the timing of the announcement, which was issued on Mother’s Day.
“On a day dedicated to honoring mothers and families, the timing of such an announcement understandably heightened public sensitivity and frustration. Greater consideration should have been exercised regarding the broader emotional and financial impact on the community,” he added.
In his letter, the Prime Minister requested urgent clarification from NV GEBE regarding:
• The factors leading to the increase and whether alternative mitigation measures were explored;
• The status of previously discussed relief measures for consumers;
• The company’s operational and financial strategy moving forward;
• Efforts to accelerate renewable and alternative energy solutions; and
• Improved public communication regarding future adjustments and relief initiatives.
Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed the Government's commitment to constructive dialogue and long-term solutions aimed at strengthening the country’s energy resilience while safeguarding the wellbeing of the population.
“We must continue working toward sustainable energy solutions that reduce Sint Maarten’s dependence on imported fuel and protect our people from external shocks beyond our control. The people deserve transparency, stability, and reassurance during these challenging times,” Prime Minister Mercelina concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of St. Maarten has announced an increase in the maximum consumer price of unleaded gasoline (ULG), effective Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:00 a.m., according to a public notice issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Telecommunication (TEATT).
Under the revised pricing structure, the maximum consumer price for ULG gasoline will rise from 3.097 XCG per liter to 3.202 XCG per liter. Meanwhile, the price of gasoil (diesel) will remain unchanged at 2.968 XCG per liter.
Officials stated that the increase is linked to developments in the international fuel market and to the need for fuel supplier SOL to restock at higher purchase costs. According to the announcement, world market prices for gasoline increased while diesel prices remained stable, forcing SOL to acquire ULG fuel at elevated rates verified by the Department of Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication against international postings.
The government explained that St. Maarten regulates petroleum prices by imposing a maximum selling price for wholesalers and retailers across the island. The updated pricing includes factors such as freight charges, import duty, wholesale margins, turnover taxes, and retailer margins.
The Ministry emphasized that all calculations were rounded to three decimal places and included in the official price buildup

PHILIPSBURG:---Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP), in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), is proud to host an Advanced Drone Training from May 18 to May 20 at the Fire Department Sint Maarten for members of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and Emergency Support Function (ESF) groups directly involved in disaster response and recovery operations.

This exclusive training serves as a follow-up to the highly successful and well-attended drone training organized in 2025. The previous session was very positively received by participants, particularly by members of the emergency services, several of whom have since acquired their own drones and are now actively utilizing them for specialized operational missions.

The upcoming training will combine both theoretical and practical components, focusing on important regulatory matters such as aviation rules, operational guidelines, safety protocols, and responsible drone usage, while also providing participants with hands-on practical exercises and simulated special mission scenarios.

The objective of the initiative is to ensure that Sint Maarten continues to develop and maintain a sufficient number of certified drone operators capable of supporting critical disaster recovery and emergency management operations. These operations include, but are not limited to, search and rescue missions, payload delivery, structural and building assessments, emergency mapping, and security surveillance during and after disasters.

Judianne Hoeve, Director of BTP, emphasized the importance of continued investment in innovation and disaster preparedness: “Drone technology continues to prove itself as an invaluable tool during emergencies and disaster recovery efforts. By investing in advanced training and certification of local operators, Sint Maarten is strengthening its national resilience and improving its ability to respond quickly, safely, and effectively during times of crisis.”

BTP would like to extend special thanks and appreciation to Fire Chief & National Disaster Coordinator Mr. Clive Richardson and the Office of Disaster Management, represented by Ms. Iesha Harrigan, for once again hosting the training group and making the training facilities available for this important initiative. The collaboration between BTP, ODM, emergency services, and regional drone professionals demonstrates Sint Maarten’s ongoing commitment to innovation, preparedness, and public safety.

Simpson Bay:---  Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) is proud to announce the launch of its refreshed website experience, introducing a more modern, user-friendly, and visually appealing digital platform for passengers, visitors, and stakeholders worldwide.

Designed with today’s traveler in mind, the refreshed website offers improved navigation, updated content, and enhanced visuals that better reflect the airport’s role as the gateway to the Caribbean. Under PJIAE’s marketing tagline, “Surrounded by Water. Connected by Air,” the updated platform further strengthens the airport’s commitment to connectivity, accessibility, and enhancing the overall passenger experience both online and at the airport itself.

The refreshed website introduces several new features and improvements, including:
• A dedicated airline page with direct airline contact information
• An overview of surrounding islands accessible through Sint Maarten
• A “Before You Fly” section to help passengers prepare for arrival and departure
• An updated careers page showcasing available opportunities within PJIAE
• A full overview of concessionaires available throughout the airport
• Direct links in the footer to both the Dutch and French-side tourism offices
• A new digital sponsorship request feature
• A dedicated section for airport events, updates, and announcements

In addition, the website will serve as PJIAE’s official digital communication platform. From now on, all official press releases, public statements, updates, and announcements issued by the airport will be published directly on the website, providing the public and media with a reliable and centralized source for official information.

Corporate Communications Officer Cassie Schoutens expressed her excitement regarding the launch. "I am very happy and proud to see the launch of our refreshed website experience. Behind the scenes, I worked closely together with Andrei Rochester and our website developers to ensure that both the content and visuals reflect the experience and vision of PJIAE. We look forward to continuing to improve and expand our digital presence moving forward," said Schoutens.

The refreshed website can be visited at: www.sxmairport.com