PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, has issued an official statement addressing the suspension of his Chef de Cabinet, Sueana Laville, following a directive from Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. The Prime Minister reportedly instructed security personnel to deny Laville access to government facilities, citing an incident that allegedly occurred in the Minister's office on January 7th.
Minister Brug expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing that it was made without his consultation as the competent authority. "I find it quite unfortunate that such a decision was made without allowing the competent authority, which is my person, to hear both parties and decide on a way forward," Brug stated. After conducting his own investigation, the Minister declared his full support for Laville.
The incident has sparked significant tension within the government, with reports suggesting that the Prime Minister's directive was enforced at the main entrance of the government administration building. Witnesses noted heightened security measures, including police officers on standby, to prevent any potential confrontation should Minister Brug attempt to escort Laville into the building.
This development follows allegations of a heated exchange between Laville and the Prime Minister, reportedly linked to the reassignment of the World Bank-funded Mental Health Project from the Ministry of VSA to General Affairs. The project, previously overseen by Romain Laville from the VSA cabinet, was considered a critical initiative to address the island's mental health challenges. Advocacy groups have raised concerns over delays in the project, citing increases in untreated mental health conditions and suicide attempts.
The public and stakeholders are now calling for clarity from the Council of Ministers regarding Laville's status, the future of the Mental Health Project, and the broader implications for the Ministry of VSA. The incident has highlighted underlying administrative and political conflicts, raising questions about the operational relationship between the Prime Minister's office and the Ministry of VSA.
At the time of writing, no official statements have been released by the Prime Minister's office or the Ministry of VSA regarding the incident or its potential impact on government operations.

Below full statement from the Minister of VSA:

Minister Brug Official Statement Regarding the Suspension of the Chef de Cabinet
 "As Minister of Public Health Social Development and Labor, I would like to inform the general public that yesterday I was informed through an official correspondence from the Prime Minister that he made a decision to suspend access to the Government building and Government platforms of my Chef de Cabinet based on a supposed incident that took place yesterday January 7th in my office without me being present. I find it quite unfortunate that such a decision was made without allowing the competent authority, which is my person, to hear both parties and decide on a way forward.
Nonetheless, after having heard all parties involved in this process, I stand in full support of my Chef de Cabinet, based on my own research conducted today."

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT), in collaboration with Qredits Microfinance Sint Maarten, and supported through the E6 Country Package funded by the Temporary Work Organization (TWO), proudly announced the first two recipients of agricultural loans under the Agriculture Business Academy framework.
The official check presentation, held at Qredits’ office in late December 2025, marks a critical milestone in moving from capacity building to concrete economic impact. This moment follows the successful completion of the 12-week Agriculture Business Academy, which commenced on July 3, 2025, and was designed to strengthen Sint Maarten’s agricultural and fishery sectors through structured training, mentorship, and direct access to finance.
The Academy, organized by Qredits Sint Maarten and SOFIN (Social Finance Consulting), with policy oversight and strategic direction from the Ministry of TEATT, was funded through TWO under the E6 Country Package (Landspakket). Participants, most of whom were already active entrepreneurs within the sector, completed an intensive curriculum focused on agribusiness development, innovation, financial management, and sustainable production practices.
This first disbursement of agricultural loans represents the intended outcome of the programme: not training in isolation, but training that leads to viable, finance-ready businesses. Graduates of the Academy became eligible to apply for loans of up to USD 50,000 at a preferential interest rate of 2%, providing a clear and practical pathway from knowledge to execution.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Honorable Minister of TEATT, Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, underscored the policy-driven nature of the initiative:
“This is exactly how policy should work. Through the E6 Country Package and the support of TWO, we invested in people first, built their capacity, and are now backing that investment with access to capital. This is how sustainable economic transformation is achieved.”
The Minister further emphasized the strategic importance of agriculture within Sint Maarten’s broader economic agenda:
“Agriculture is a key pillar for economic diversification, food security, and resilience. By supporting local farmers and agri-businesses in a structured and intentional way, we are reducing import dependency while creating real opportunities for local entrepreneurs.”
The Agriculture Business Academy was delivered by local experts, whose practical, sector-specific guidance equipped participants with the tools required to operate sustainable and bankable agribusiness ventures.
Participants ranged from new farmers and fishermen to established agricultural and fishery business owners, all united by a shared goal: strengthening local food production and building resilient enterprises. With no cost to participate, hands-on training, personalized coaching, and now access to affordable financing, the Agriculture Business Academy has moved decisively from concept to measurable impact.
Qredits Microfinance Sint Maarten remains steadfast in its mission to empower entrepreneurs by providing accessible financing and mentorship. This initiative reflects Qredits’ ongoing dedication to helping small businesses succeed and contribute to the island’s economic growth
The Ministry of TEATT, together with Qredits and its international partners, will continue advancing E6-aligned initiatives that translate reform agendas into tangible results for entrepreneurs and communities across Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Wescot-Williams has formally called on the Kingdom government to ensure that Sint Maarten is explicitly taken into account as the Kingdom of the Netherlands continues to assess evolving conditions in the wider Caribbean.

In her letter to the Prime Minister of St. Maarten, the MP noted that a debate on current regional developments has been requested in the Dutch Second Chamber and stressed that the interests of Sint Maarten must not be lost in that discussion, despite the island not being at the geographic center of attention.

“Small island societies experience the effects of regional uncertainty differently and often more acutely,” the MP stated. “Scale matters. What may be manageable elsewhere can have immediate consequences for Sint Maarten.”

Referring to Article 3 of the Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the MP emphasized that foreign affairs and the safeguarding of the international legal order are Kingdom responsibilities, requiring inclusive consideration of all constituent parts of the Kingdom, including in parliamentary debates.

“In a time of heightened geopolitical tension, legitimacy matters. When Dutch ministers act as Kingdom ministers on the international stage, their authority derives from the Kingdom as a whole. That authority must therefore be matched by accountability to all parliamentary bodies within the Kingdom.”

The MP further underscored the importance of the Kingdom continuing to promote peaceful and lasting solutions, rooted in respect for sovereignty, international law, and multilateral cooperation.

“For Sint Maarten, a stable and rules-based international environment is essential to economic security, social stability, and long-term resilience,” the MP concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The 21st Annual National Day of Prayer will take place on January 11th at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg, with the theme “Holding fast to the Lord with hands that serve and hearts that pray”. The National Day of Prayer is held every year on the second Sunday in January, and all persons residing or visiting Sint Maarten are cordially invited to pray and worship at the National Day of Prayer.

The National Day of Prayer begins with Praise & Worship at 4:30 pm, and the official service and program begins at 5:00 pm and will feature numerous contributions of prayers, song, and dance renditions.

“The National Day of Prayer calls us to pause as a nation and remember that our true strength lies in faith, unity, and service. I invite our youth, families, and public servants to come together in prayer—seeking wisdom, renewing hope, and recommitting ourselves to building a Sint Maarten rooted in compassion, integrity, and shared responsibility. As we hold fast to the Lord, may our hands serve and our hearts remain steadfast in prayer,” said The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.

The National Day of Prayer was decreed in 2005 by the Executive Council of the Island Territory of Sint Maarten and serves as an ecumenical service for persons of all faiths and religions to pray for a prosperous and healthy new year for the nation. The St. Maarten Christian Council, St. Maarten United Ministerial Foundation and the Seventh Day Adventist Church in collaboration with the Government of Sint Maarten hosts the annual prayer service.