PHILIPSBURG:--- The General Audit Chamber published a mini audit on the monitoring of air quality, examining whether the government has adequate systems in place to measure, manage, and report on air quality over time. The audit does not assess whether the air on St. Maarten is good or bad, but focuses on governance, monitoring capacity, and policy arrangements.
The report finds that, although air quality is mentioned in national strategies and policy documents, there is currently no fully operational government system to structurally monitor air quality. Previous efforts to procure monitoring equipment have faced delays, and existing standards and policies are being updated to reflect international guidelines.
According to the Chairman of the General Audit Chamber, Mr. Alphons Gumbs:
“This audit looks at whether government has the tools and systems needed to understand air quality over time. Reliable data supports informed decision-making on public health, environmental policy, urban development, and sustainability.”
St. Maarten has committed to international goals related to sustainable development, public health, and environmental protection. Establishing clear monitoring and reporting mechanisms can support transparency and long-term planning in these areas.
The full report is available on the website of the General Audit Chamber: www.arsxm.org

PHILIPSBURG:---  RISE Foundation, in collaboration with the St. Maarten Timeshare Association (SMTA), has delivered 14 water coolers and 42 large water bottles to support students at Leonald Conner School, Oranje School, and RISE Foundation’s youth education programs.
With the support of volunteers, the RISE Foundation team coordinated the loading and delivery of the equipment. The donation supports students’ well-being, comfort, and focus throughout the school day, and is expected to benefit more than 300 students.
Of the 14 water coolers donated, 10 were delivered to Leonald Conner School, 3 to Oranje School, and 1 to RISE Foundation’s Youth Education Program, where it will support students participating in GED classes.
The water coolers were funded through SMTA’s Dollar-a-Day Fund, which is supported by voluntary guest contributions at member resorts.
“Many of our member resorts collect a voluntary contribution of one dollar per day by adding it to guests’ invoices,” said Jelle Hamstra, President of the St. Maarten Timeshare Association. “Most guests are happy to contribute, knowing these funds are used to support staff education, youth initiatives, and community development.”
Leonald Conner School, which received water coolers for the majority of its classes, welcomed the donation after years of limited access to drinking water across the school grounds.
“For quite a few years we have been asking around for water coolers, and sometimes it’s good to wait,” said Alice Samuel-Grigoria, Principal of Leonald Conner School. “Our students will be very happy and make good use of them, and we are going to take very good care of them.”
Teachers at the school noted that the donation will have a lasting effect on students’ daily routines and learning environment.
“This donation will have a lasting impact on our students, helping them stay healthy, hydrated, and ready to learn each day,” said Tr. Judith Anderson-Woods.
At Oranje School, where water coolers were placed in key locations around the school grounds, leadership emphasized the importance of hydration in supporting children throughout the school day.
We would like to thank the RISE Foundation for the generous donation of the three water coolers and several bottles of water. It is very important for the children to drink water on a daily basis.” said Mrs. Minerva Marlin-Cooper, Principal of Oranje School.
RISE Foundation noted that access to drinking water is a basic part of a supportive learning environment.
“Growing up, water was freely accessible in schools,” a representative of RISE Foundation said. “We wanted to help restore that sense of normalcy, where students can focus on learning without worrying about access to something so essential.”
The foundation also thanked Home N U for providing discounted pricing on the water coolers, allowing the contribution from SMTA to reach more classrooms and students.
For more information, contact RISE Foundation at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1-721-584-7473 or +1-721-523-8421.
RISE Foundation is a Sint Maarten-based nonprofit focused on youth development, education, and community support initiatives that empower individuals and strengthen families.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on January 28, 2025.

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Justice will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Discussion with the Minister of Justice on urgent unresolved matters impacting justice workers and the relationship between the ministry and representative unions (IS/091/2025-2026 dated September 22, 2025)

This meeting was requested by MP F.A. Lacroes, MP O.E.C. Ottley, and MP L.C.J. Lewis

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 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

PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of an intensified and ongoing effort to combat serious and organized crime, detectives of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) arrested two suspects on Monday, January 27, 2026, on Madrid Road in the Dutch Quarter.
One of the suspects, identified by the initials E.E.R., is suspected of involvement in multiple violent incidents, including an attempted murder related to a shooting that occurred on November 20, 2024, at Kimsha Beach. This suspect is also suspected of involvement in a second shooting incident that took place on November 30, 2024, in the vicinity of a well-known nightclub on Welfare Road.
Further investigations indicate that E.E.R. may also be connected to an incident in Defiance on January 20, 2025, during which two firearms were discovered and confiscated. Information gathered thus far suggests that the suspect is possibly part of an organized criminal group. He was arrested and transported to the police station, where he is currently being held for questioning.
The second suspect, identified by the initials R.R.P., who also resides on Madrid Road, was arrested in connection with the transportation of firearms and narcotics and is likewise suspected of being involved in organized criminal activities.
This investigation is being led by the Major Crime Unit of KPSM and remains ongoing. KPSM emphasizes that its detectives will continue to follow all leads, wherever they may lead and regardless of the individuals involved, as part of its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and safeguarding the community.
Further information will be provided as it becomes available and when operationally appropriate.