PHILIPSBURG:---  A string of audacious robberies targeting both tourists and residents has sent a shockwave across Sint Maarten, threatening to cripple the island's tourism-dependent economy as the critical holiday season begins. The most recent incident, a coordinated heist at the Divi Little Bay Hotel, has left visitors terrified and the community demanding urgent action.

On Sunday evening, a group of young men reportedly gained access to the resort, where they proceeded to ransack approximately seven rooms, stealing valuables and personal belongings from tourists. Bystanders described a scene of chaos and fear, with many guests believing the perpetrators were armed. The traumatic event prompted some victims to declare they would never return to Sint Maarten, vowing to warn other travelers about their ordeal.
This single incident threatens to have a devastating ripple effect. An economy built on the promise of a safe, welcoming paradise cannot withstand stories of terrified visitors. Negative publicity from tourists sharing their experiences could inflict long-term damage on the island's reputation, deterring future bookings and striking a direct blow to local businesses, hotels, and the livelihoods of thousands.

The hotel heist is not an isolated event. It follows a recent crime spree that has put the entire island on high alert. In the early hours of November 30th, criminals carried out two separate, bold robberies. One involved a suspect impersonating a police officer to rob a business owner in Madame Estate. Just hours later, a team of five individuals stormed a hotel in the Oyster Bay area, overpowering staff and stealing a safe.
This escalation of crime as the peak tourist season approaches has created a sense of crisis. With police already investigating a series of armed robberies, there is growing concern that authorities are struggling to contain the violence. The government and the Ministry of Justice are now under immense pressure to implement a decisive plan to restore order and protect the island’s primary economic driver.

Failure to act swiftly could have dire consequences. If tourists perceive Sint Maarten as unsafe, the economic fallout will be severe and prolonged. The immediate challenge is not only to catch the perpetrators but also to restore confidence in the island's ability to guarantee the safety of its visitors. The future of Sint Maarten's reputation as a premier Caribbean destination hangs in the balance.

French Quarter:--- The Les Fruits de Mer association invites the public to see the new snail exhibit at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House. The free launch event for the panels will be held on Saturday, December 6th, from 9 am to noon. Guests can see the new snail panels and visit the Amuseum. There will also be free coloring pages featuring local snails. The panels were created with the support of Stibeman and Stichting ANEMOON.

“Snails are some of St. Martin’s most interesting animals,” said exhibit designer Mark Yokoyama. “We have snails that live in the trees, on the ground and in the soil. We have snails that are hunters, some that are scavengers, and others that are plant eaters. We even have rare snails that are only found in a few places on the planet!”

The Les Fruits de Mer association has been researching snails with the help of Tello Neckheim, a snail expert and frequent visitor to St. Martin. One of the new panels includes native snails, and the other features snails that were brought to St. Martin by people. The association plans to develop more snail panels, a coloring book and a field guide to local snails. There are about 50 species of land and freshwater snails on St. Martin.

Funding for the panels was provided by two foundations based in the Netherlands. Stibeman (Stichting tot Behartiging van de Belangen van de Malacologie in Nederland) is a foundation dedicated to the study of snails. Stichting ANEMOON is a foundation dedicated to the study of marine life.

The exhibit launch will be held on Saturday, December 6th, from 9 am to noon at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House on the hill above Coconut Grove. The free event is also a great chance to visit the museum. There will be a coloring station with a variety of snail coloring pages for attendees to enjoy.

PHILIPSBURG:--- NOW Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis extends heartfelt gratitude to the people of Sint Maarten as the island officially marks the end of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. MP Lewis expressed relief and appreciation that the nation has safely navigated another season without major threats or impacts.

“I am thankful that Sint Maarten has once again been spared from severe weather events this year,” MP Lewis stated. “We recognize the power and unpredictability of nature, and we are truly blessed to have come through this season safely.”

MP Lewis commended the dedicated efforts of emergency personnel, volunteers, and essential workers, as well as the preparedness and cooperation demonstrated by residents throughout the season. He emphasized that the collective vigilance and resilience of the community continue to strengthen the island year after year.

As the hurricane season concludes, MP Lewis encourages the public to remain cautious, look out for one another, and continue fostering unity and preparedness in all circumstances.

“I wish all residents a safe, enjoyable, and peaceful remainder of the year,” MP Lewis added. “May God continue to guide and protect our beloved Sint Maarten through every season ahead.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a public meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025.

The public meeting is scheduled for 13.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Prime Minister / Minister of General Affairs will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Question hour: Questions from MP F.A. Lacroes directed to the Minister of General Affairs regarding Sint Maarten's national strategy for fuel diversification, LNG transition, public utilities, and the implementation of community benefits (IS/368/2025-2026 dated November 19, 2025)


The intention of a question hour is to create the possibility for Members of Parliament to exercise their supervisory activities by posing questions and interact with Ministers on current matters. During the question hour only questions and answers will be given on the topic at hand. The procedure of the question hour is regulated in article 69 and further of the Rules of Order.
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 TV 15, 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