PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Ministry of General Affairs Fire Department/Office of Disaster Management (ODM), is appealing to the building sector; to have storm-ready plans in place for quick activation in the event a weather system threatens the country during the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

Construction activities, trenching, and excavation works are taking place throughout the country. Building materials and construction debris laying around could pose a threat in the event of a storm/hurricane threat to the nation.

Contractors and builders must have a plan in place to secure building sites before a storm/hurricane strikes.  This is also applicable to trenching and excavation contractors.

Building sites must be storm-ready within a 48-hour period before the arrival of a storm/hurricane. 

Contractors, trench/excavation works, and home builders during severe weather are responsible for securing building sites for the protection of the public and property. 

Materials such as plywood, shingles, zinc, and other construction materials could become flying missiles capable of impaling zinc roofs, windows, or anything in its way.  

Construction debris can cause severe damage to property and lead to possible loss of life.  Every construction site supervisor and/or foreman is advised to review their annual hurricane season plan with respect to what action they will be taking at their building site, whether it’s a small, medium, or large house, or a commercial enterprise project. 

As a rule, all building and trench work sites should be kept organized and clean.  Arrange timely pick up of trash (discarded old zinc, wood, etc.) dumpsters, and only keep materials on site that you will utilize during any given week, especially bearing in mind that we are in the hurricane season, and keep construction equipment secure. 

All businesses should also see to it that their premises are kept clean of any materials, objects, or garbage as part of a preventative approach to be storm-ready for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season.

Any planned building/construction supply deliveries should be postponed if there is a storm/hurricane threat to the island within a 48-hour period.

When a tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before a system is forecast to hit, remove all scaffolding, and remove, or safely secure, all building materials and equipment, and secure cranes and other heavy equipment of this nature. 

Subcontractors should also be informed of their responsibilities regarding the securing or removal of their materials and equipment.

Stop job processes that will likely become damaged by the storm/hurricane, such as window installations, house wrap, or landscaping.  Complete those tasks that will likely prevent damage, such as concrete work, closing in a house, or filling in foundation excavations.  

Follow through with a quick inspection of your building site once a tropical storm/hurricane watch has been issued for the country.  Do not wait until the last minute to inspect your job site, as you will need that time to go home and secure your own family dwelling or office/work yard. Employees will also need time to do their own personal final storm/hurricane-ready preparations.

Once the storm/hurricane is over and the All Clear has been given by the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) headed by the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, contractors/builders may return to the building site for damage assessment, inspection, and clean-up. 

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane, where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.

Listen to the Government Radio station SXMGOV – 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather-related news and information, as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), by going to the @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.  Be prepared!

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten, in collaboration with the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and Vogelbescherming is organizing the first large-scale Bird Fest on Dutch Sint Maarten on the weekend of June 14 and 15, 2025.

This event marks a significant step in promoting environmental awareness and celebrating the unique birdlife that calls Sint Maarten home. A mix of family-friendly workshops, immersive birdwatching tours, and scenic sunset sails will highlight the weekend’s festivities, all centered around the theme of bird conservation on our island.

One of the weekend’s highlights is the sunset catamaran sail, offering scenic views along with fun activities for participants of all ages.

“Sint Maarten is home to incredible birds,” said Gaia, Outreach Officer at the Nature Foundation. “They live and sing around us every day—we just need to learn how to know and appreciate them.”

Birds play a very important role in our local environment. They spread seeds, regulate insect populations, balance marine life, and serve as important indicators of the overall health of local ecosystems.

Overdevelopment, habitat degradation, and pollution are negatively affecting St Maarten's bird populations, and actions must be taken to preserve our natural biodiversity.

By bringing residents and visitors closer to the island's bird life, Bird Fest 2025 aims to inspire a deeper connection with nature and a shared commitment to its protection.

This event also builds on existing local outreach efforts, such as the Migratory Bird Festival, which is organized each fall by Les Fruits de Mer. By expanding bird-focused educational programming into the summer, Bird Fest increases year-round opportunities for the community to engage with bird conservation and environmental stewardship.

The full schedule of activities on the Nature Foundation’s website (https://naturefoundationsxm.org/bird-fest-2025/) and social media pages. Some events require advance registration.

For information and bookings, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call our office at +1 (721) 544-4267 Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.

Vogelbescherming Nederland, the Dutch partner of BirdLife International, is the leading Dutch organization dedicated to the protection and conservation of wild birds and their habitats. Founded in 1899, it aims to halt bird population declines and promote biodiversity through research, advocacy, habitat management, and public engagement.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During a Central Committee meeting on the 2025 budget, Acting Minister of Justice Marinka Gumbs provided Parliament with detailed updates on the status of the Crime Fund, a topic of significant public and parliamentary interest. Minister Gumbs stepped in to address the session as Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling is currently on a working trip overseas.

The Crime Fund, governed by the National Ordinance on Crime Prevention, has been a focal point of discussions surrounding crime prevention and justice reform in Sint Maarten. Minister Gumbs confirmed that the Ministry is actively working on an amendment to the ordinance, in line with recommendations from the Law Enforcement Council.

This amendment, along with a comprehensive policy framework, is slated for completion by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Minister Gumbs emphasized that while the overarching policy plan for the Crime Fund is still in development, the Ministry has already approved incidental requests for financing. These include two court-mandated cases focused on the prevention and reintegration of mental health patients, as well as law enforcement chaperoning costs. Additionally, the Ministry has proactively engaged various organizations, inviting them to submit project proposals aligned with crime prevention goals. Three potential projects are currently under review and, if deemed suitable, will be incorporated into the upcoming policy plan.

"The Ministry is committed to ensuring that the Crime Fund is utilized effectively to address pressing issues related to crime prevention and public safety," Minister Gumbs stated. She also highlighted that the Ministry is drafting a policy framework to provide clear guidelines for the allocation of funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in the process.

The Acting Minister also addressed questions regarding the lack of a policy plan for 2025, explaining that the Ministry is taking a deliberate approach to ensure that all proposals are thoroughly evaluated before being incorporated into the plan. "We are prioritizing quality over speed to ensure that the projects financed through the Crime Fund have a meaningful and lasting impact on our community," she added.

Minister Gumbs reassured Parliament that the Ministry remains committed to fulfilling its legal obligations under the Crime Fund ordinance and to addressing the concerns raised by Parliament and the public. She also noted that the Ministry is working closely with stakeholders to finalize the policy framework and ensure that the Crime Fund is used to its fullest potential.

As Minister Tackling continues her working trip overseas, Minister Gumbs' updates provided clarity and reassurance on the Ministry's efforts to strengthen crime prevention initiatives and improve public safety in Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG: --- During a Central Committee meeting earlier this week, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided details on permits issued in St. Maarten as part of discussions surrounding the second draft of the 2025 budget. Her responses shed light on the administration's progress, notable challenges, and key statistics in this area.

Minister Heyliger-Marten confirmed that a total of 916 permits were issued in the past year, with Business and Directors permits and cancellations together accounting for two-thirds of the total. These numbers underscore the ongoing activity within Sint Maarten’s licensing framework but also hint at areas requiring attention and improvement.

Breakdown of Permit Types

The Minister noted that licenses are generally categorized by broader groups rather than the more detailed classifications outlined on the government’s website. Among the notable licenses, no Taxi or Bus Permits were issued during the last year. This gap is significant given the role of public transportation in the local economy and community services.

While the government is working to simplify classifications and streamline processes, the absence of detailed breakdowns by specific permit type, such as vendor licenses, amendments, or public transportation permits, was highlighted as an area needing refinement.

Challenges in Licensing and Revenue

Issues within the licensing process, including backlogs and delays, have emerged as challenges impacting the overall efficiency of permit issuance. These obstacles may also be contributing factors to changes in revenue generated from licenses, a concern raised during the meeting. Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged these challenges and assured Members of Parliament (MPs) that efforts are underway to improve transparency and service delivery. She emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the system for the benefit of businesses and individuals alike.

Although the financial specifics of licenses fall under the purview of the Ministry of Finance, Minister Heyliger-Marten expressed her intention to seek stronger collaboration between the two Ministries to address these issues comprehensively.

Looking Ahead

The debate also touched on potential updates to the license issuance process, with the Minister planning to introduce measures to streamline operations and reduce existing backlogs. These changes aim to improve both the efficiency and accessibility of services for entrepreneurs and organizations in Sint Maarten.

The breakdown of last year’s permit numbers and the ongoing technical challenges demonstrate the importance of effective interdepartmental coordination, streamlined processes, and continuous improvement efforts. Minister Heyliger-Marten assured MPs that updates on these initiatives will be shared in the coming months, reflecting the Ministry’s focus on building a more robust and user-friendly framework for licenses.

The topic of permit issuance, while often viewed as administrative, plays a critical role in shaping economic activity and public resource management in Sint Maarten. The discussions during this week’s budget debate highlighted this significance, setting the stage for reforms and improvements that could enhance how permits are handled in the coming years.