PHILIPSBURG: --- The triumph of St. Maarten’s young athletes at the CARIFTA Games should have been a moment defined purely by pride, unity, and celebration. Instead, it has become a glaring reminder of governmental neglect—an uncomfortable truth that cannot, and should not, be ignored.
While the nation erupted in joy as Nahjah Wyatte powered across the finish line to secure gold, bringing honor and recognition to St. Maarten, Members of Parliament could not help but reflect on the shameful circumstances that preceded this victory. These athletes did not arrive at the CARIFTA Games backed by strong institutional support or seamless preparation. They arrived in spite of it.
Members of Parliament, particularly from the Opposition benches, were right to sound the alarm.
The issue is simple, yet deeply troubling: the Government of St. Maarten, specifically the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), failed to provide the necessary funding in a timely and adequate manner to ensure these athletes could participate without uncertainty or struggle. This is not a minor administrative oversight—it is a fundamental failure in responsibility.
As echoed passionately in Parliament on Tuesday, our athletes “should never, ever, ever have to go through again what they went through to try to make this possible.”
That statement alone captures the gravity of the situation.
St. Maarten consistently finds funding for a wide array of initiatives—many far less impactful than the development and representation of our youth on regional and international stages. Yet when it comes to investing in young athletes—individuals who carry the flag, embody national pride, and inspire an entire generation—the support suddenly becomes uncertain, delayed, or insufficient.
This contradiction is unacceptable.
The image of supporters cheering at the airport, celebrating the team’s departure, now rings hollow when placed against the reality that those same athletes had to endure stress, last-minute arrangements, and uncertainty just to get there. National pride should not begin at the departure gate—it should begin with structured, reliable support from the very institutions tasked with fostering it.
And yet, despite these obstacles, they delivered.
Nahjah Wyatte’s gold medal is not just a victory; it is a statement. It is proof of what our young people are capable of, even when the system fails them. But it is also an indictment of that system. Imagine what more could be achieved if these athletes were properly supported from the outset.
The government must be held accountable—not out of spite, but out of necessity.
This cannot be allowed to happen again. Not next year. Not to another team. Not under any circumstances.
If St. Maarten is serious about youth development, national representation, and excellence in sport, then funding for athletes must be prioritized—not treated as an afterthought or a last-minute scramble. Policies must be strengthened, budgets must reflect real commitments, and leadership must act with urgency and foresight.
Celebrating victory is easy. Supporting the journey is where true leadership is tested.
This time, it failed.
The athletes succeeded anyway.
And that contrast should trouble every single person in government.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In recognition of World Health Day, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, is encouraging members of the community to take a moment to reflect on the importance of health and well-being and to actively participate in activities that promote healthier lifestyles.
POND ISLAND, St. Maarten:--- Fuel prices on St. Maarten are regulated through a transparent mechanism designed to reflect global market movements while safeguarding fairness at the local level,” Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten said in response to queries about how the prices are managed.
