PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina has expressed the heartfelt condolences of the Government and people of Sint Maarten to all those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck Venezuela, resulting in tragic loss of life, injuries, and widespread destruction.

"On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend our deepest sympathies to every individual, family, and community affected by this tragedy," Prime Minister Mercelina said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones, those recovering from injuries, those who remain displaced, and the dedicated emergency responders and humanitarian personnel working tirelessly to bring assistance to those in need."

The Prime Minister noted that natural disasters remind the region of the importance of compassion, cooperation, and support for those facing immense hardship.

"In times of tragedy, our shared humanity calls on us to extend compassion to those who are suffering. Our hearts are with the people whose lives have been profoundly impacted, and we hope that those affected will find strength, comfort, and resilience in the days and weeks ahead."

"Our prayers remain with everyone affected by this disaster."

The Government of Sint Maarten joins the wider Caribbean and the international community in expressing sincere condolences to all those impacted and wishes the people of Venezuela strength, healing, and hope as recovery efforts continue.

~Ryan Gumbs' death sparks fresh outrage as court trial remains set for October 29~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The wife of Ryan Gumbs, the scooter rider who was killed in a fatal traffic collision on June 11, says neither she nor Gumbs' mother was ever informed that the man accused in the crash was going to be deported from St. Maarten, despite criminal proceedings remaining before the court.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the tragedy, Gumbs' widow said she was shocked when prosecutors allegedly informed her that the suspect would be handed over to immigration authorities because of his legal status. She claims neither the Prosecutor's Office, the Police Force, nor Immigration ever officially notified the family when or if the deportation would take place.

The case has drawn renewed public attention as the trial is scheduled for October 29, with the victim's family demanding answers about how the matter has been handled.

"Nobody Told Us"

According to Gumbs' wife, prosecutors informed her there was insufficient evidence to proceed with certain charges after investigators concluded the suspect had been driving on the opposite side of the road while allegedly attempting to overtake other vehicles.

She said she offered investigators the names of witnesses and suggested authorities seek surveillance footage from nearby homes if traffic cameras failed to capture the collision.

"I can give you two people's phone numbers," she recalled telling investigators, claiming additional evidence was available but not pursued.

She further alleged that she only learned the suspect would be transferred to Immigration during a conversation with prosecutors.

"Immigration never called me. The police never let me know, and the Prosecutor's Office never let me know he was going to be deported or what day," she said.

Taking Matters into Her Own Hands

Frustrated by what she believes was an incomplete investigation, Gumbs' widow said she intends to visit the Prosecutor's Office on Monday to seek answers and plans to retain the services of an attorney to represent the family's interests.

She said that because, in her view, police and prosecutors failed to pursue all available evidence, she had decided to begin her own investigation.

"I'm going to take it upon myself," she said, explaining that she will search for witnesses, surveillance footage, and any other evidence she believes could help establish what occurred on the night of the fatal collision.

A Night that changed Everything

The grieving widow also recounted the final moments she shared with her husband.

She said Ryan left their home shortly after telling her he loved her and headed out to buy a hot dog before leaving again. Within minutes, she received a phone call from her sister informing her he had been involved in a crash.

She rushed barefoot to the scene after first stopping at the hospital, only to learn her husband had died.

"When I got there, I saw my husband's shoe first. His scooter was one way, the car was on the opposite side of the road, and my husband was lying there," she said while recalling the traumatic scene.

Family Raises Questions

The widow also questioned investigators' handling of the case, alleging the suspect did not immediately seek medical treatment following the fatal collision. Instead, she claimed, he left the scene, went to his barber shop on Pondfill Road, and remained there for several hours before turning himself in to the police at approximately 4:00 p.m. that same day. She alleges he was intoxicated at the time of the crash and believes he went to the barber shop to "sleep off the rum" before surrendering to authorities. These allegations have not been independently verified.

She further alleged that the Jamaican barber is known within the community for driving while intoxicated. According to the widow, eyewitnesses told her that during Carnival festivities along the Ring Road Strip, the accused allegedly struck a food grill belonging to one of the bars and also hit a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol. She said she has provided investigators with the names of individuals who can corroborate those allegations and questioned why those leads were not pursued. These allegations have not been independently verified.

The widow also claimed that relatives of the accused threatened members of Ryan Gumbs' family following the crash, another matter she believes warrants investigation.

Trial Scheduled for October

Ryan Gumbs, described by his wife as a licensed scooter rider, died in the June 11 collision, which has generated widespread public concern and calls for accountability.

The criminal matter is currently scheduled to be heard in court on October 29.

The Prosecutor's Office has not publicly responded to the family's latest claims regarding notification of the suspect's reported deportation. In a statement on Wednesday, the Prosecutor's Office said the case will go to trial.

Ryan Gumbs leaves to mourn his passing his wife, their one-year-old child, his mother, and numerous other relatives and friends, who continue to seek answers and justice following his untimely death.

For Gumbs' family, however, the central issue remains justice.

"We were never told," his widow said. "All we want is justice for Ryan."

PHILIPSBURG:---  Windward Islands Emergency Medical Services (WIEMS) proudly celebrated the successful completion and graduation of its latest Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) training on June 13, 2026.

A total of 22 students successfully completed the EMT program, demonstrating dedication, discipline, and commitment throughout the training process. Of the graduating class, 17 graduates were of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) Airport Rescue Firefighters Department, highlighting the department’s continued investment in emergency preparedness and professional development.

The EMT program trains participants with the knowledge, clinical skills, and practical experience necessary for medical emergencies. This training includes CPR, AED use, and airway management for patients of all ages, providing critical pre-hospital emergency care and responding effectively during medical emergencies. Through intensive instruction and examinations, graduates were challenged to meet the standards expected of emergency medical professionals.

WIEMS extends sincere appreciation to the PJIA Airport Rescue Firefighters Department for their partnership and support in arranging and accommodating the two-week examination period, enabling the examinations to be successfully conducted at their facilities.

Special recognition is also extended to GMET members Jonathan Streat and Doreen Gumbs Vines for their time, expertise, and professionalism in conducting the examinations and supporting the evaluation process.

WIEMS congratulates all 22 graduates on this achievement and wishes them continued success as they apply their skills in emergency medical care and public service.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on June 26, 2026.

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance.  

The agenda points are:

1. Goedkeuring Eindverslag Ontwerplandsverordening houdende regels inzake het toezicht op virtuele activa dienstverleners (Ontwerplandsverordening toezicht virtuele activa dienstverleners) (Zittingsjaar 2025-2026-188) (IS/527/2025-2026 dated January 7, 2026)

National Ordinance containing rules on the supervision of virtual asset service providers (National Ordinance on the Supervision of Virtual Asset Service Providers) (Parliamentary Year 2025– 2026–188)

2. Goedkeuring Eindverslag Ontwerplandsverordening houdende regels inzake oversight door de Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (Ontwerplandsverordening oversight op systemen in het betalings- of effectenverkeer) (Zittingsjaar 2025-2026-189) (IS/528/2025-2026 dated January 7, 2026)

National Ordinance containing rules concerning oversight by the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (National Ordinance on Oversight of Systems in the Payment or Securities Settlement System) (Parliamentary Year 2025– 2026–189)

3. Goedkeuring Eindverslag Ontwerplandsverordening houdende regels inzake de clearing- en settlementsystemen in de monetaire unie van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (Ontwerplandsverordening toezicht beheerders FMI-systemen) (Zittingsjaar 2025-2026-190) (IS/529/2025-2026 dated January 7, 2026)

National Ordinance containing rules concerning clearing and settlement systems in the monetary union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (National Ordinance on the Supervision of Operators of FMI Systems) (Parliamentary Year 2025– 2026–190)

4. Approval composition delegation and provisions for Members of Parliament to attend Curacao Flag Day celebrations on July 2, 2026 (IS/1158/2025-2026 dated June 11, 2026)

5. Approval of composition delegation and provisions for Members of Parliament to attend the 250th Statia Day Celebration on November 16, 2026 (IS/1122/2025 -2026 dated May 28, 2026)

6. Approval of composition delegation and provision for the President of Parliament to attend the 48th Conference and the 19th Presiding Officers and Clerks Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Caribbean, Americas and Atlantic Region Conference from August 30 - September 5, 2026, in Jamaica (IS/1168/2025-2026 dated June 12, 2026)

7. Ontwerplandsverordening tot vaststelling van de begroting van het land Sint Maarten voor het dienstjaar 2026 (Landsverordening begroting 2026) (Zittingsjaar 2025-2026-192)

Draft National Ordinance establishing the budget of the Country of Sint Maarten for the fiscal year 2026 (National Ordinance Budget 2026) (Parliamentary Year 2025-2026-192)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. 

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament