PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, has presented the first quarterly update of the NV GEBE Utility Relief Pilot Program, highlighting the program’s early impact in supporting vulnerable households across Sint Maarten.
The pilot program, launched in December 2025, was designed to help reduce the financial burden of electricity and water costs for residents facing economic hardship. During its first three months of operation, the program has already provided consistent and measurable relief to hundreds of households.
According to the Ministry’s Q1 statistics covering the period December 2025 through February 2026, an average of 238 households per month received assistance through the program. In total, XCG applied 70,650 directly to utility accounts during the quarter, helping families manage essential living expenses.
Minister Brug noted that the program initially supported existing Social Services clients while the operational framework was being established. By January 2026, the program expanded to include an open application process, allowing members of the wider public to apply for assistance.
“The goal of this pilot program is simple,” Minister Brug stated. “We want to ensure that the most vulnerable households in Sint Maarten receive meaningful support when it comes to essential services like electricity and water. Access to utilities should never become an overwhelming financial burden for families who are already struggling.”
The Ministry reported a 95% approval rate for new applications received during the quarter, indicating that the program is successfully reaching individuals who meet the eligibility criteria.
At the same time, the data has highlighted areas where improvements are needed. While the program has maintained steady participation, only 47.1% of the available monthly budget has been utilized, indicating that more eligible residents could benefit from the initiative. The Minister encourages persons, especially during these times, to register for relief.
Minister Brug emphasized that the Ministry will focus on expanding awareness and addressing structural barriers that prevent eligible households from applying.

“One of the main challenges we are seeing is that many residents carry high outstanding balances with NV GEBE, which makes it difficult for them to enter into formal payment arrangements. We are actively exploring mechanisms that can help residents overcome this barrier so they can access the relief that is available.”
The Ministry will also launch targeted outreach initiatives in the coming months to increase awareness of the program and ensure that eligible residents can access the support.
Minister Brug reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable households and ensuring transparency regarding the program’s progress, particularly duringthese challenging times when global conflicts and international instability continue to impact the cost of living, including the rising prices of fuel, energy, and essential goods.
“This pilot program is about providing practical relief where it is needed most. We will continue to monitor its impact closely and make the necessary adjustments to ensure it delivers real benefits to the people of Sint Maarten.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten took active and visible measures during the Opening Jump-Up on April 10, 2026, to ensure public order and road safety. The jump-up started at approximately 8:15 PM from L.B. Scott Road and reached The Village around 10:30 PM.

Despite clear traffic measures and earlier warnings, several scooter riders ignored police instructions. Some riders attempted to bypass the roadblocks, creating dangerous situations for the public.

A large number of scooters present at the Jump-Up and outside the village caused significant disturbance and unsafe conditions. As a result, police carried out targeted controls on scooters in the festive village area.

During these controls, 45 scooters were checked. Several were found to be in violation of legal requirements. 

A total of 14 scooters were confiscated, including those without valid documentation and those found unattended. In addition, one quad bike was confiscated for failing to meet technical requirements.

KPSM officers also arrested a male suspect during their operations on suspicion of dealing in narcotics.  He was arrested and brought to the police station in Philipsburg.  He was later issued a $800 fine. 

The Police Force of Sint-Maarten emphasizes that reckless behavior, especially by scooter riders during carnival events, will not be tolerated. Firm action will be taken against anyone who jeopardizes public safety and order.

The police remain committed to ensuring that all events are conducted in a safe and orderly manner.

~Representatives to participate in the Nationale Carrièrebeurs in the Netherlands~

CAY HILL:---  On Friday, April 24th, and Saturday, April 25th, 2026, the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) and St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) will be present at the Nationale Carrièrebeurs (National Career Fair) in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, to recruit healthcare staff. The joint presence aims to connect motivated (soon-to-be) graduates and experienced healthcare professionals interested in building their careers with the two largest healthcare organizations on St. Maarten.

This year, WYCCF and SMMC will team up to highlight career opportunities across both hospital and long-term/community care. Visitors are invited to meet representatives, ask questions about working and living on St. Maarten, learn more about roles, growth opportunities, and the application process, and explore what it is like to work in a close-knit, international healthcare environment where professionals can make a visible impact.

At the time of publication, WYCCF has 8 vacancies available, and SMMC has 19. The vacancies range from medical to nursing and non-medical positions. Current WYCCF vacancies can be found at www.wyccf.org/vacancies, and current SMMC vacancies can be found at www.smmc.sx/Careers.

WYCCF will be represented at the fair by Johanna Wever, HR Manager, and Bregje Boetekees, Operations Manager. SMMC will be represented at the fair by Hester Versleyen, Head Medical Staff Bureau, Christina Jacobs-Berkel, Manager Outpatient Care, and Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake, Cardiologist.

WYCCF and SMMC welcome interested candidates to visit their stand at the Nationale Carrièrebeurs (booth number: 201) at RAI Amsterdam (Europaplein 22) to learn more and explore career opportunities on Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable Minister of Finance, Marinka J. Gumbs, together with her Cabinet, welcomed Ms. Nicole Marlin as Director of the Sint Maarten office of the Centrale Bank van Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) during an introductory meeting on April 1, 2026.

Effective on the same date, Ms. Marlin assumes responsibility for the office’s operations and serves as the Central Bank’s representative in Sint Maarten.

The meeting focused on coordination between the Ministry of Finance and the CBCS, particularly on financial oversight, regulatory matters, and national economic priorities.

“Ms. Marlin’s appointment is a valuable addition for Sint Maarten,” stated Minister Gumbs. “Her experience within the Ministry and her new role at the Central Bank place her in a strong position to support effective financial governance.”

Both parties emphasized the importance of maintaining direct communication and alignment on key policy areas.

The Ministry looks forward to working with Ms. Marlin in advancing sound financial management and economic stability.