PHILIPSBURG:--- In politics, it’s easy to criticize others, but true leadership requires action, accountability, and results. Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs has spent her career excelling at the former while failing miserably at the latter. Elected in 2020, Gumbs spent four years in Parliament as a vocal critic of the then Executive branch, yet she failed to produce a single piece of draft legislation. Now, as Minister of ECYS for over a year, her tenure has been defined by hypocrisy, inaction, and a complete disregard for the people she was elected to serve.

A History of Hypocrisy

Melissa Gumbs has never shied away from criticizing others, often with a sharp tongue and a penchant for public humiliation. In her commentary on Theo Heyliger, she accused him of engaging in "revisionist history" and lambasted his leadership for failing to address the island’s systemic issues. Yet, her own record reveals a glaring lack of action and accountability. While she was quick to point out Heyliger’s shortcomings, she had done little to address the very issues she claimed to care about.

In her own words, Gumbs once stated, “If everything is a priority, nothing is a priority.” Ironically, this statement perfectly encapsulates her own leadership. Under her watch, critical projects like the Ruby Labega School’s roof repairs, the completion of the Prins Willem Alexander School, and the construction of the Library and Charles Leopold Bell School have all stalled. Her inability to prioritize and execute has left these projects in limbo, much as her political career has.

A Minister Missing in Action

Gumbs’ commentary on Heyliger also criticized his lack of focus on Sint Maarten's people, accusing him of prioritizing physical structures over human development. Yet, her own tenure as Minister of ECYS has been marked by a similar neglect of the people she serves. Teachers at the Ruby Labega School have repeatedly raised concerns about the leaking roof, which is in dire need of repair or replacement. Instead of addressing these urgent issues, Gumbs has been conspicuously absent, avoiding media engagements and failing to communicate with the public.

Her commentary on Heyliger’s alleged “megalomania” and “delusions of grandeur” rings hollow when one considers her own actions. Gumbs has spent more time dictating how students should wear their hair than addressing the systemic issues plaguing Sint Maarten’s education system. Her attempt to impose her will on privatized schools, particularly Catholic institutions, has been met with fierce resistance, further alienating the very stakeholders she is supposed to collaborate with.

Misplaced Priorities and Stalled Projects

Gumbs’ tenure has been a masterclass in doing nothing while pretending to do everything. The Prins Willem Alexander School project, which was already underway before she took office, has made no progress under her leadership. The Library and Charles Leopold Bell School projects remain stuck in the pre-construction phase, with no clear timeline for progress. The Marie Laurence School project is similarly delayed, awaiting financing and the outcomes of public bidding. Even the promised upgrades to sports facilities, such as the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex (RISC) and the John Larmonie Center for Basketball and Physical Education (JLCBP), have not materialized.

In her commentary on Heyliger, Gumbs criticized his focus on physical structures, yet she has failed to deliver on this front as well. Her inability to advance these critical projects is a testament to her lack of leadership and vision.

A Legacy of Excuses

Gumbs’ response to criticism has been to deflect and distract. In her commentary on Heyliger, she accused him of creating a “Revised Version of History” to explain away his failures. Yet, she has done the same, blaming bureaucratic hurdles and external factors for her own inaction. Her commentary on the Kingdom’s dysfunction and the challenges of governance rings hollow when one considers her own failure to navigate these challenges effectively.

The Bigger Picture: A Minister Who Doesn’t Care

Gumbs’ tenure as Minister of ECYS has been a colossal failure. Her inability to advance critical projects, coupled with her lack of accountability, has left Sint Maarten’s education and sports sectors in crisis. Her focus on trivial matters, like school hair policies, while ignoring pressing issues, is a clear indication of her misplaced priorities.

Her commentary on Heyliger accused him of being “out of touch” with the people of Sint Maarten. Yet, her own actions reveal a similar disconnect. By avoiding media engagements and failing to address the concerns of teachers, students, and the broader community, Gumbs has shown complete disregard for the people she was elected to serve.

Time for Change

The people of Sint Maarten deserve better. They deserve a leader who listens, acts, and delivers. Minister Gumbs has had her chance, and she has failed spectacularly. It is time for a change. Sint Maarten cannot afford another year of inaction, excuses, and neglect. The clock is ticking, and the people are watching.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Special team of the police force of Sint. Maarten (KPSM) remained vigilant on Christmas Eve, conducting routine controls and preventative searches throughout the island to ensure public safety during the holiday season.
On December 24, 2025, officers from the Special Team stopped a rider on a red-and-white scooter in the Fort Willem area for a routine check. During a preventative search, officers discovered a 9mm pistol loaded with six rounds of live ammunition in the suspect's bag, along with a small quantity of narcotics.
The suspect with initials T.J.L was immediately arrested and transported to the police station, where he remains in custody pending further investigation.
This arrest underscores KPSM's unwavering commitment to combating illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking on Sint Maarten. The Special Team will continue to conduct controls and preventative searches at all hours and in all locations as part of ongoing efforts to keep the community safe.
KPSM urges residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

KPSM Press Release.

Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) is proud to announce its collaboration with the RISE Foundation, reinforcing the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting local youth and strengthening the community it serves.
This year, PJIAE teamed up with the RISE Foundation to support the impactful work they do for young people across St. Maarten. Through various programs and initiatives, PJIAE continues to invest in the well-being, development, and future of the island’s next generation.
As part of the holiday season, PJIAE hosted a special Christmas initiative featuring Christmas Angels placed on one of the airport’s Christmas trees in the Check-In Hall. Each angel represented a wish from a child in need. Within a very short time, all angels were taken by PJIAE employees and travellers, demonstrating the pride, compassion, and generosity of the airport community in giving back.
In addition, PJIAE, together with the RISE Foundation and joined by their Secret Santa, visited two foster homes this week to surprise children with gifts from their wish lists. The visits included presents, pizza, and plenty of smiles, creating a memorable experience for the children during the holiday season.
“Supporting our community, especially our youth, is a responsibility we take to heart,” said Mr. Michael Cleaver, President and CEO of PJIAE. “Our partnership with the RISE Foundation reflects who we are as an organization. When we uplift our children, we uplift the future of St. Maarten. I am incredibly proud of our employees for stepping up and showing what it truly means to care for one another.”
At PJIAE, giving back goes beyond the holidays. The organization firmly believes in standing together, supporting those in need, and contributing positively to the community it serves every day. This collaboration with the RISE Foundation is one of many ways PJIAE continues to make a meaningful impact beyond airport operations.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), as families come together during the holiday season, CPS advises to take preventative measures against respiratory illnesses causing flu like symptoms.

CPS advises that preventive measures should be applied at all times in and during the celebrations that will bring families and friends together for the season.

The prevention measures are to sneeze in a napkin, or inside of your elbow sleeve, and don’t forget to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

Hand washing should last at least two minutes or use hand sanitizer that consists of at least 60 percent alcohol.

Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Persons with flu-like symptoms should remain at home until they have recovered.

Also discuss with your physician on the possibility of vaccinating during this flu season to enjoy the holiday season.

In addition, proper ventilation is important should you meet indoors, and where possible, hold lunches and dinners outdoors.

Have a safe and healthy holiday season. Don’t forget an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Happy and healthy holidays.