PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, the Honorable Melissa Gumbs, hosted a courtesy visit by the National Restoration Fund (NRF), represented by CEO Mr. Ugur Ozcan & CFO Mr. Coen Reinders. During the courtesy visit, a number of topics were discussed, including current projects on Sint Maarten, NRF policies on heritage and monument preservation, and the possibility of the NRF supporting future initiatives by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport.

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport also discussed the recent acquisition of the Belvedere Plantation South and the potential plans that include the restoration of the main house and surrounding buildings on the property that spans over 125,000 square meters. In her discussion with the NRF, Minister Gumbs further explained her vision for the property, including possibly accessing funding for the development of a park that would be self-sustaining and act as a green space for highlighting and safe-guarding the country’s culture and heritage. It is the Minister’s intention to bring these discussions further along with the NRF and other funding avenues.

The National Restoration Fund (www.restauratiefonds.nl) indicated that they are currently engaged with the restoration project taking place at Pasture Piece monument located at #105 LB Scot Road. Pasture Piece is one of 50 properties that are listed on the Monument List of Sint Maarten. It was built in the early 1900’s and now houses a Bed & Breakfast, Museum & Event Space. With roots tracing back to the Van Romondt family and the Retreat Estate sugar plantation, every corner of Pasture Piece tells a story—one of culture, resilience, and Caribbean grace, for more information visit www.pasturepiecesxm.com. The courtesy visit ended with a site visit to Pasture Piece.

HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the second naturalization ceremony of 2026 was held at the Cabinet of the Governor of Sint Maarten. During two separate ceremonies, a total of 70 individuals took the declaration of allegiance before the Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency Mr. Ajamu G. Baly, thereby formally obtaining their Dutch citizenship.

The newly declared Dutch citizens represent 15 different nationalities across the community of Sint Maarten. The youngest was 1 year and the oldest was 73 years. In his address to the attendees, Governor Baly emphasized the significance of Dutch nationality and highlighted the core values of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in general and of Sint Maarten in particular. He also pointed out the rights and responsibilities that accompany citizenship, as well as the connection to the Sint Maarten community and the Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of embodying the Friendly Island spirit and urged individuals who had obtained Dutch nationality to do so in their daily lives.

Dutch nationality can be acquired in several ways: automatically at birth if at least one parent is Dutch, through adoption or acknowledgment, or through formal procedures such as the option or naturalization process. These procedures are governed by stringent requirements set out in the Kingdom Act on Dutch Nationality. To honor the completion of this milestone, the Governor’s Cabinet organizes naturalization ceremonies for all individuals who obtain Dutch nationality through the option or naturalization procedure. Attendance at the naturalization ceremony is mandatory and must be done within one year of the decision being rendered.

These ceremonies take place across the Dutch Kingdom. By publicly marking this milestone, the Cabinet wishes to promote awareness and understanding of the process of acquiring Dutch citizenship.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Orco Bank proudly supported and participated in the 30th edition of the St. Maarten Open Golf Tournament, hosted by the St. Maarten Golf Association (SMGA) on April 18th and 19th, 2026, at the Mullet Bay Golf Course.
The milestone event brought together golfers from St. Maarten and across the Caribbean, as well as international participants, for a weekend of competitive play, networking, and community engagement. Over the course of two days, participants enjoyed a vibrant tournament atmosphere, culminating in an awards ceremony and closing celebration.

Beyond the sport, the St. Maarten Open continues to make a meaningful impact within the community. Proceeds from the event support a wide range of local organizations and initiatives, reinforcing its role as one of the island’s key fundraising events.
As a committed partner in community development, Orco Bank was honored to contribute to an initiative that combines sport with purpose.
“At Orco Bank, we believe in supporting initiatives that bring people together while creating a positive impact in our communities. The St. Maarten Open is a great example of how sport can unite individuals and contribute to meaningful causes, and we are proud to have been part of this milestone 30th edition,” said Judy King - Richardson, Country Manager for Orco Bank Sint Maarten.

Orco Bank extends its appreciation to the St. Maarten Golf Association for organizing a successful event and to all participants and sponsors who contributed to its continued success.
Orco Bank. Proud to Serve Sint Maarten.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting on April 23, 2026.

The Public meeting, which was adjourned on March 9, 2026, will be reconvened on Thursday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport will return to Parliament to provide answers to questions posed in the first round.

The agenda point is:

Deliberations on the current state of operational and sanitary conditions in Public Schools, including supply shortages and instructional resource constraints (IS/739/2025-2026 dated February 26, 2026)

This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York, MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP L.C.J. Lewis and MP F.A. Lacroes

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.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx