St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

MP Francisco A. Lacroes Calls for Immediate End to Double Turnover Tax on Fuel Prices Sint Maarten, March 21, 2026.

fuelprices21032026 PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes is urgently calling on the Government of Sint Maarten to eliminate the double application of the Turnover Tax (TOT) to fuel prices, an unnecessary and inflation‑driving practice that directly contributes to the record-high costs currently burdening residents at the pump.

Recent price buildup data published by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication (TEATT) confirms once again that Turnover Tax is being charged twice:

First TOT charge is applied on the maximum wholesale price.
Second TOT charge is applied again on the consumer retail price.

This practice results in Sint Maarten residents paying Turnover Tax on top of Turnover Tax, a multilayered burden that amplifies fuel price increases and inflates the final cost per liter beyond what is reasonable.

“With fuel prices climbing to unsustainable levels, our people are suffering,” stated MP Lacroes. “When TOT is charged twice, it becomes a form of hidden double taxation. In a time when families are struggling with high living costs, the government should not be adding unnecessary layers of tax on essential commodities such as gasoline and diesel.”

The latest price adjustment shows gasoline rising from 2.288 to 2.850 ANG per liter and diesel jumping from 1.918 to 2.679 ANG per liter. These increases hit working families, taxi and bus drivers, small businesses, and the entire economy. The double TOT included in the new buildup only worsens the situation.

The current fuel price buildup shows the concrete savings that residents would experience if the Turnover Tax were corrected. Today’s pump price for gasoline stands at ANG 2.850 per liter, but removing only the second TOT layer would immediately reduce the price to ANG 2.714 per liter, a 4.77% decrease. If the wholesale TOT were removed instead, the price would drop to ANG 2.722 per liter. However, eliminating both unjustified TOT layers further reduces the price to ANG 2.592 per liter, a full 9.05% reduction. Diesel shows the same pattern: the current ANG 2.679 per liter would fall to ANG 2.551 with retail TOT removed, ANG 2.558 with wholesale TOT removed, and ANG 2.436 if both TOT layers were eliminated, saving residents approximately ANG 0.243 per liter. These figures demonstrate that correcting the double‑taxation practice delivers immediate and meaningful relief to the public.

MP Lacroes emphasized that eliminating the second TOT layer can be implemented immediately through a ministerial decision (MB). “There is no legal or economic justification to continue taxing the people twice on the same product. Removing the double TOT will provide instant relief at the pump and ease inflationary pressure across all sectors,” he added.

The MP is formally calling on the Minister of TEATT and the Council of Ministers to:

Immediately remove the second layer of Turnover Tax applied at the consumer level,
Review the fuel price buildup mechanism to ensure transparency, and
Implement consumer-protection measures to prevent unnecessary tax layering in the future.
Find other revenue generating measures to supplement the budget that will not burden the people
Update our currency on the sheet, the Antillean guilder no longer exist. The Caribbean guilder is our currency.

“As representatives of the people, we must act now. High prices are squeezing every household, and government must take responsible steps to reduce the burden wherever possible,” said MP Lacroes.

Urgent Appeal: Two Teenage Girls Reported Missing in St. Martin.

missinggirls21032026 MARIGOT:--- The French Gendarmerie has issued an urgent public information alert following the worrisome disappearance of two teenage girls in St. Martin. Authorities are asking for the public's help to locate 14-year-old Etaicha Baly and 15-year-old Blandine Pierre, who have been missing since March 19, 2026.

According to the official alert, the two friends met near the Concordia neighborhood after their school classes ended. They did not return to their respective homes afterward. While the Gendarmerie notes that the girls have a history of leaving without parental permission, authorities are treating their current absence with high concern and urgency.

Police have provided descriptions to help the public identify the missing teens:

Etaicha Baly: Born July 12, 2011. She has dark, curly hair, which she recently wore styled in two buns on top of her head.

Blandine Pierre: Born January 19, 2011. She has dark hair styled in braids or twists.

The Gendarmerie urges anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Etaicha and Blandine to come forward immediately. Time is a critical factor in ensuring their safe return.

If you see the girls or have any details that could assist the search, please dial the emergency number 17 right away.

You can also contact the Judicial Support Section of the Saint Barthélémy and Saint Martin Gendarmerie directly by calling 05.90.52.33.88. Alternatively, you can provide information in person at their station located at 80A route de la savane, 97150 St

Provisional Profit Tax Due by March 31, 2026.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Inspectorate of Taxes is reminding businesses that the deadline for filing and paying the 2025 Provisional Profit Tax Form is Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

To ensure compliance, businesses must submit the tax return form at the cashier’s window or service window at the Tax Administration Office in the Vineyard Building.

Cash or debit/credit card payments can be made in person at the Receiver’s Office on Pond Island or via bank transfer to the following accounts: WIB USD 324800-05 or XCG 324800-03, or RBC USD 8200000403930461 or XCG 8200000005425048.

For payments made via bank transfer, businesses must include the CRIB number, tax year, and “Provisional Profit Tax” in the description field.

Businesses are encouraged to file and pay before the deadline. For further information or assistance, contact the Inspectorate of Taxes via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sint Maarten participates in CARIBE WAVE 2026 tsunami wave exercise.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) actively participated on Thursday, March 19, in the annual 15th CARIBE WAVE 2026 tsunami exercise held across the Caribbean Region.
It was part of its ongoing efforts to enhance tsunami preparedness and improve public communication and alerting systems.
ODM is currently focusing on the tsunami alerting phase and the communication component, specifically how alerts and information will be conveyed to the public.
This approach allowed Sint Maarten to remain engaged in the exercise while continuing to strengthen ODMs internal processes and coordination mechanisms.
There are two scenarios from which participants can choose: a tsunami generated by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake located southwest of the Cayman Islands and a tsunami generated by a flank collapse of the Kick’ Jenny submarine volcano near Grenada. ODM selected the exercise related to the Kick em' Jenny submarine volcano.
The regional training exercise overall was designed to test tsunami preparedness, warning communication systems, and emergency response procedures among participating countries and territories.
The ODM is also currently in an active partnership with UNESCO to refine national tsunami readiness to fully build a comprehensive public awareness campaign. Tangible steps are being taken to ensure every resident is fully informed of the national preparedness plan. The goal is to move from planning to visible, island-wide awareness.
The exercise provided ODM and its partners with an important opportunity to assess national readiness in the event of a tsunami threat. By participating in the simulation, the country was able to review communication protocols, coordination procedures, and response actions necessary during a real coastal hazard event.
Exercises such as Caribe Wave play a critical role in helping emergency management agencies identify strengths as well as areas for improvement.
ODM emphasizes that participation in the regional exercise reflects Sint Maarten’s continued commitment to disaster preparedness and public safety.
Tsunami events, while infrequent, can pose serious risks to coastal communities, making it essential that warning systems and emergency procedures be regularly tested and updated.
ODM encourages the public to continue learning about tsunami safety. Building a culture of preparedness remains a shared responsibility and an important step in protecting lives and property.
The Intergovernmental Coordination Group (ICG) for the Tsunami and other Coastal Hazards Warning System for the Caribbean and Adjacent Regions at its eighth session (ICG/CARIBE EWS-VIII, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 29 April–1 May 2013), decided to conduct tsunami exercises named CARIBE WAVE on an annual basis leaving each Member State to define its level of participation.
The ICG/CARIBE-EWS of UNESCO/IOC, the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the Caribbean Regional Stakeholders (CEPREDENAC, CDEMA, and EMIZA) provided the framework for this exercise as a means for emergency responders throughout the Caribbean and adjacent regions to test and update tsunami response plans.

There are 48 Member States and Territories, stakeholders, and communities at risk that participate in the annual exercise.

Friday is World Oral Health Day - “A Happy Mouth is…A Happy Life”

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), joins the international community in observing World Oral Health Day (WOHD) on Friday, March 20, under the theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life.” The annual observance highlights the importance of good oral hygiene and reminds the public that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is an essential part of overall health and well-being.

Oral health plays a major role in everyday life. Healthy teeth and gums help people eat properly, speak clearly, smile with confidence, and avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other health complications that may affect a person’s quality of life. CPS is encouraging residents of all ages to make oral care a daily priority and to understand that prevention begins at home.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most important steps in protecting oral health.

Regular brushing helps remove plaque, prevent cavities, and reduce the risk of gum disease. CPS also encourages the public to floss daily, reduce sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, and visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. These simple habits can make a significant difference in keeping the mouth healthy.

Parents and guardians are also reminded of the importance of teaching children good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Encouraging children to brush properly and consistently helps lay the foundation for lifelong dental health.

Good oral care practices established in childhood can prevent many common dental problems later in life.

In observance of WOHD, CPS calls on the Sint Maarten community to reflect on the connection between oral health and overall wellness. A healthy mouth contributes to a healthier body, greater self-esteem, and improved daily living. Taking care of your teeth is not only about appearance, but also about protecting your health and preventing avoidable problems.

CPS encourages everyone to use World Oral Health Day as an opportunity to recommit to proper oral hygiene and to share this important message with family and friends.

By working together to promote good oral health practices, the community can help ensure that more people enjoy healthier smiles and happier lives.