SANDY GROUND, Saint-Martin:---  A devastating traffic accident shook the island during the early hours of this morning after a vehicle reportedly lost control on RN7 near Sandy Ground, killing one young person and critically injuring four others.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m., according to the Prefecture of Saint Martin. Preliminary findings indicate that a car traveling from the direction of Nettlé Bay veered off course and violently struck five young people who were seated on their scooters along the roadside.
Emergency rescue teams responded immediately to the scene. Despite rapid intervention, one victim was pronounced dead. The four other victims, all reported to be in absolute emergency condition, were rushed to the Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital Center, where medical personnel continue to provide urgent care.
The violent impact left the area in shock as residents awoke to news of yet another serious accident on the island’s roads. Authorities have not yet released the identities or ages of the victims pending notification of their families.
An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact causes and circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators are expected to examine factors including speed, road conditions, and possible driver impairment.
Local officials are once again calling for increased vigilance and responsibility on the roads, particularly during nighttime hours, as concerns continue to grow over road safety across Saint-Martin.
More information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), through its Youth Health Care Baby Wellness Clinic has a vaccine outreach for members of the community for Wednesday, May 27.

Parents and guardians can bring the children and teenagers to the clinic at the Vineyard Office Park between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27. You should also bring along your child’s vaccination record.

For those who would like additional information to verify their child(ren’s) status or would like to make an appointment, you can call 721-542-3003 or message CPS via WhatsApp 721-520-4163.

The vaccine outreach is geared primarily towards children four to nine-years-old who have not yet gotten their vaccine boosters. If parents have missed recent appointments for vaccines, CPS encourages them to make use of this opportunity for children from two months to 17-years-old.

The vaccines that are provided include: DTaP-IPV-Hib (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenza type B), PCV13 (Pneumococcus Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), DT-IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis), and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

Vaccination is essential in preventing a wide range of childhood diseases and significantly reduces the risk of illness, disability, and death.

These include conditions such as cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus, diarrhea, rubella, and tetanus.

CPS also highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls between the ages of nine and 17. This vaccine offers long-term protection against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of death among women, making early vaccination a vital preventive measure.

Maintaining routine vaccination coverage is crucial. According to PAHO, gaps in vaccination can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as polio, tetanus, measles, and diphtheria, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Ensuring full immunization not only protects individuals but also strengthens community immunity.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in eliminating childhood diseases. CPS urges parents and guardians to treat vaccination records with the same importance as other essential documents, such as passports or identification, ensuring they are up to date and safely stored.

PHILIPSBURG:--- “Today marks a turning point for St. Maarten’s electricity future.” Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, stated as she announced the official publication of the Ministerial Decree designating the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) as Supervisor under the Electricity Concession Ordinance. This marks the first time since the Ordinance was established that the legal supervisory mechanism for the electricity sector has been activated.
Minister Heyliger-Marten stated that this step is “not only historic, but essential for restoring order, transparency, and long‑term stability in our electricity system.”
For years, the GEBE operated without the supervision afforded by law. The obligations between the Electricity Concession Ordinance and the Concession, including multi-annual planning, audited financials, quality reporting, maintenance standards, and tariff transparency, were not enforced. The result was predictable: unstable electricity supply, unverified tariffs, rising fuel clause charges, missing data, and a complete breakdown of public trust.
“The country is still recovering from the consequences of years of inaction, shortcuts, and political quick fixes that led to the near total collapse of GEBE,” the Minister said. “There was no proper oversight, and that left the people without protection.”
When this Government took office, the electricity sector was in crisis. Prime Minister Mercelina spent nearly two years stabilizing GEBE, rebuilding its Supervisory Board, and preventing further deterioration of the grid. The process to restore proper executive management is still ongoing.
“People forget how close we came to a total collapse,” the Minister said. “We inherited a GEBE that had no verified data, no audited financials, no approved multi-annual plan, and no functioning oversight. We had to rebuild the foundation before we could fix the roof.”
“When we assumed office in May 2024, the fuel clause was already above 40 cents per kilowatt hour. Yet at that time, those who now shout loudest were not calling it ‘too high.’ This shows the real issue: for years, governments reacted to symptoms instead of fixing the system. We are choosing a different path because leadership is not reflected by shouting; leadership fixes what’s broken. Anyone can demand instant action when they are sitting in opposition. Governing, however, requires understanding the consequences of every decision made.”
The Minister reiterated that under the Electricity Concession Ordinance, the Government cannot legally set electricity tariffs without verified, cost-oriented data from the concession holder. GEBE was given the opportunity to submit a complete tariff proposal as required by its concession itself. They did not. This triggered the need to activate the Supervisor, who now has the legal authority to:
• Request and verify all operational and financial data
• Inspect and audit GEBE
• Monitor compliance with the Concession
• Provide the Government with the verified information required to establish a lawful LBham tariff decree.
“This is the correct pathway,” the Minister said. “It is the only pathway that protects the people, protects the country, and ensures that any tariff decision we make will stand up legally and financially.”
The Minister addressed recent public commentary suggesting that the Government could bypass the Concession Ordinance and set tariffs immediately using the general Tariff Ordinance alone.
“This is simply not true,” the Minister said. “Electricity tariffs are governed by a specific law; the Electricity Concession Ordinance, and that law requires a National Decree containing general measures based on cost orientation regarding the concession holder’s investments and operational business activities concerning generation, distribution and supply of electricity. If Government were to take shortcuts now, the tariff would be unlawful, GEBE could collapse financially and the people would be worse off. I will not repeat the mistakes that caused the electricity crisis.”
She added “St. Maarten cannot afford another collapse. I will not gamble with the country’s economy, electricity system, or the people’s future just to satisfy political pressure or create catchy headlines.”
The Minister acknowledged the frustration many households and businesses feel.
“People want relief, and they deserve relief. But they also deserve a system that works, a system that is fair and a system that will not collapse again in two years. We are not here to repeat the mistakes of the past. We are here to fix them.”
The Minister reminds the public that during the previous administration, the relief that was given was possible only because the country received hundreds of millions in loans from the Netherlands during and after Covid-19. Loans that the people of St. Maarten, as taxpayers are still responsible for today.
“This is not about pointing fingers,” the Minister said. “It is a matter of understanding why we must fix the system structurally. Quick fixes feel good in the moment, but they leave the country weaker. We are choosing the responsible path, the path that protects the people long-term.”
The publication of the Ministerial Decree is the beginning of a new era of regulation in St. Maarten. For the first time, the Government will have structured oversight, enforceable compliance of the concession, transparent tariff methodology and a foundation for long-term energy transition.
“This is how we protect consumers,” the Minister concluded. “This is how we build a future where electricity is reliable, affordable and accountable. This is the beginning of a stronger, more reliable electricity future for every household and every business on our island.”

~A year-long journey in mindful creativity culminates at the John Larmonie Center~

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, May 23rd, the final glaze strokes were applied to the last ceramics pieces to be loaded into the kiln, bringing the Let’s Act Break Free Ceramics Project to a close. What began as a creative initiative with the National Institute of Arts (NIA) and Milton Peters College has grown into a rich, community-centered experience that engages adults and teens in mindful artistic practice throughout the school year.

The program was structured across five themed six-week sessions, each designed to inspire participants while honoring Caribbean culture and heritage. The themes spanned a rich variety of traditions and celebrations, from coal pot making and Christmas decorations to a dedicated Black History Month session.

The program goals were 3-fold:                                                                                             Preservation of Cultural Heritage - Participants learned about traditional Caribbean ceramic techniques and historical artifacts, deepening their connection to local cultural roots.

Creative Skill Development - Attendees gained hands-on experience in ceramics, enhancing their artistic skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

Community Engagement and Economic Opportunity - Exhibitions provided a platform for participants to showcase their work to the public — and for emerging artists, an opportunity to sell their creations.

Workshops were well attended throughout the year, and participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. NIA’s commitment to providing meaningful one-on-one attention meant that class sizes were intentionally kept small — ensuring every student received the guidance and focus they deserved while still reaching as many community members as possible.

To celebrate the work of this year’s participants, NIA will present a public display of student ceramics at the John Larmonie Center, Longwall Road from May 28th through June 5th, 2026. The public is warmly invited to view the exhibition free of charge.

On Thursday, June 5th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, join NIA for a special closing reception. While exploring the exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to meet and greet the instructors and hear about exciting future plans for the program.

This program was made possible through the Let’s Act Program for Strengthening Cultural Participation. NIA extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, supporters, and the wider community whose enthusiasm made this project a success.