PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government of Sint Maarten has taken another significant step in strengthening our civil service and unlocking funding opportunities with the formal signing of the Certificate of Extraordinary Membership with the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG International). The signing took place immediately following a high-level working meeting between the Government of Sint Maarten and VNG International representatives.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina was accompanied by a formal delegation which included the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Gracita Arrindell, and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Mr. Stuart Johnson. Their presence affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening governance frameworks, ensuring compliance, and maximizing future opportunities for cooperation.

The certificate, co-signed by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and VNG Chair and Mayor of Utrecht Sharon Dijksma, officially recognizes Sint Maarten's extraordinary membership. Reflecting on the occasion, the Prime Minister stated, “The signing of this certificate is far more than a formality — it is a statement of confidence in Sint Maarten’s future. Through this strengthened partnership with VNG International, we are unlocking new avenues of support, knowledge exchange, and technical expertise that will directly improve the lives of our people.”

During the constructive meeting, the Government of Sint Maarten and VNG International discussed several priority areas for a 10 year program. These include enhancing mental health services, support the training of medical professionals and transitioning toward greener and more sustainable energy sources. The discussions also addressed outstanding technical assistance under the TWO country packages, including the status of available support and the potential reallocation of remaining resources.

Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized the value of these areas of cooperation, noting, “We are committed to modernizing Sint Maarten through evidence-based policies, professional capacity, and strong partnerships. VNG International can help us build the systems and expertise our ministries and institutions need to deliver at the highest level.”

Human resource development also featured prominently in the discussions, with a focus on recruitment needs within key ministries, the creation of training opportunities for medical specialists, and the development of pathways for other medical personnel in anticipation of the opening of our new hospital. These initiatives align with the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the civil service and enhance the island’s professional workforce.
“Our people are our greatest resource,” PM Dr. Mercelina added. “By investing in training and development, we are investing in a stronger, more resilient Sint Maarten.”

The signing of the certificate symbolizes shared values of equality, trust, and responsible cooperation between Sint Maarten and VNG International. Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Mercelina remarked, “Sint Maarten stands ready to work side-by-side with VNG International to build the strong, professional, service-oriented public sector our citizens deserve. Today’s signing marks a new chapter — one where cooperation leads to real, tangible progress for our island nation.”

HNLMS Den Helder is returning to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The ship was previously there for warm-water trials. After interim visits to Norfolk and New York, this supply ship is now returning to the Caribbean region.

The ship will remain in the area in order to contribute to resupply if required. The Ministry of Defence periodically assesses whether this is appropriate as an additional precaution in light of current developments. Tensions in the region do not presently constitute a direct threat to the ABC Islands.

HNLMS Den Helder has been in the Caribbean since mid-October for warm-weather trials. The high humidity and high seawater temperatures provide ideal conditions for testing how the ship and its installations will respond.

The Royal Netherlands Navy officially commissioned HNLMS Den Helder on October 1, 2025.

PHILIPSBURG:--- After twenty-five years of living and operating a business in Sint Maarten, I experienced something this past Friday night in Maho that I never imagined possible—a gun was placed to my head during an attempted robbery.

While I was fortunate to walk away physically unharmed, this incident highlights a growing and deeply troubling reality: the surge in crime across Sint Maarten has reached a level that threatens both residents and the tourism industry on which our economy depends.

At present, there is insufficient police presence on the streets and limited resources available to deter or respond to criminal activity. Additionally, our open and uncontrolled borders allow individuals to commit crimes and cross between the Dutch and French sides within minutes, often without consequence. This creates an environment where criminals feel empowered, and victims feel unprotected.

As a long-time resident and business owner, I am urgently calling on the Government of Sint Maarten to take immediate and decisive action to restore safety on the island. The implementation of 24/7 border controls, increased police presence, and coordinated cross-border security measures are no longer optional—they are essential.

These are practical, common-sense steps that can significantly reduce crime and reinforce the safety of our community. We should not have to wait for a tragic event to force change. The people of Sint Maarten, and the tourists who choose our island, deserve to feel safe.

I have never once felt unsafe in the 25 years I’ve lived here. Today, I am concerned not only for myself, but for every business owner, employee, resident, and visitor. Without swift response and stronger security measures, St. Maarten risks losing the trust and confidence of the very people who keep this island thriving.

I urge our leaders to prioritize public safety and take the actions necessary to protect our community

From: Manny Almirakis, Owner of Lotus Nightclub

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has expressed deep concern regarding the Government's current approach to the GEBE relief measures, which could have already been implemented but are seemingly being offered only as a "dangling carrot" to the people of St. Maarten.
In his recent statements, Ottley emphasized that the Government has all the necessary tools to implement meaningful changes that would ensure the long term sustainability of GEBE and benefit the community as a whole.

In early November, MP Ottley submitted a ministerial regulation to the government, which aims to empower the relevant Minister to establish a maximum tariff for fuels imported specifically for electricity generation and to adopt a structured approach to calculating the electricity tariff. This critical regulation is will create a clear and transparent billing system for SOL, potentially saving GEBE millions of dollars in operational costs.
Ottley further expressed his discontent with the recent announcement from the chair of Parliament regarding a question hour on GEBE matters. He views this initiative as another political gimmick, especially given that the public meeting on GEBE's operations has yet to reconvene and that the Parliament recently had two closed door meetings with the Prime Minister and GEBE’s Management teams.
The Chair of Parliament went on to state that she is bringing an "amendment that would establish a structural, legal basis for social tariffs." MP Ottley is deeply concerned by this statement because the legal basis for structuring such is already in the law and it is to be further detailed by lbham. However, based on current existing legislation entitled the “Price Ordinance” the Minister of TEATT may regulate prices in the public's interest if deemed necessary via Ministerial Regulation. This method is used in Curacao and Aruba to establish the electricity tariff prices and categories.

“Based on extensive research and confirmed by the recent BTP/RAC report, there is no existing LBHAM regulating electricity tariffs,” MP Ottley states. “This makes the MR the most immediate and effective tool available to bring relief and transparency to consumers.”

MP Ottley questions why Parliamentary time will be used for question hour while we have already been granted ample opportunities to ask questions directly to GEBE management and Government, with a continuation scheduled. Ottley characterizes this as a misplaced prioritization at a time when residents and businesses are demanding solutions.

“We cannot continue to engage in superficial discussions while the real issues remain unaddressed," Ottley remarked. "The people of St. Maarten deserve a comprehensive and transparent approach to their energy needs. It is both the Government and Parliament’s responsibility to ensure that we prioritize the long term sustainability of GEBE ."
MP Ottley ended by saying light shows and lights on poles are nice but there are people in our country that are without lights for months. Let us prioritize the people first and take a page from Curacao who once reconnected every household for the holiday season.