SIMPSON BAY:---  The runway at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) was closed on the evening of Sunday, September 7, 2025, following an incident involving a WestJet aircraft. Airport authorities have confirmed the closure will remain in effect until at least noon on Monday, September 8th, 2025, as response teams manage the situation.

The incident, which occurred earlier Sunday, involving a WestJet Boeing 737-800 arriving from Toronto, has prompted a complete operational shutdown of the airport's single runway. While specific details about the nature of the incident have not yet been fully disclosed, airport officials have stated that teams are actively working with the airline and relevant authorities. The priority is to ensure the safe and careful removal of the aircraft and to conduct a thorough assessment of the runway.

The closure has caused significant disruptions for travelers, with numerous flights being delayed, diverted, or canceled. In an official statement, Princess Juliana International Airport advised all passengers to contact their respective airlines directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their flight status and rebooking options.

"We understand this disruption is inconvenient for your travel plans, and we are making every effort to resume normal operations as quickly and safely as possible," an airport spokesperson said in a public notice.

The airport has committed to keeping the public informed and has announced that the next official update will be provided tomorrow morning. Travelers and local residents are awaiting further details on both the incident itself and the timeline for the resumption of normal airport operations.

Airport authorities expressed their gratitude for the public's patience and understanding as they work to resolve the issue. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of all operations before reopening the vital air link for Sint Maarten

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Community Development, Family and Humanitarian Affairs/Women’s Desk proudly hosted the certificate ceremony for the 4th cohort of the “Gather the Threads of Your Life and Stitch Them into Joy” Women’s Sewing Empowerment Program on September 5, 2025.

This cohort marked another milestone in the program’s success, with 17 women successfully completing the three-month training out of a targeted 20 participants. The ceremony drew more than 60 attendees, including family, friends, and community members eager to learn about the program. Attendees were treated to a showcase of beautifully crafted garments, with items displayed on mannequins that complemented the room décor, while some participants proudly wore their creations to the event.

Special recognition was given to two outstanding students:

• Ms. Maria Mathilde of the beginners’ class, who received a certificate entitling her to one month of fully covered tuition by the Women’s Desk as she advances to the intermediate class.
• Ms. Edith Shillingford, who was awarded a sewing machine to support her journey and creativity.

The success of this program continues to be attributed to the commitment of the participants and the patience and dedicated teaching of Ms. Jo-Ann Schet, owner of Leighloe and the staff of CDFHA. Together, they have transformed sewing into more than just a skill—it has become a source of empowerment, confidence, and opportunity for women in our community.

As demand for the program continues to grow, a waiting list has already been established for the 5th cohort, which will be the final cycle for 2025. Women interested in joining this transformative program are encouraged to call 559-0819 or send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information.

This initiative reaffirms the Women’s Desk’s mission: empower women, strengthen families, and uplift communities. With every stitch, these women are not only creating garments but also weaving their dreams into reality.

SIMSPSON BAY:--- The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has issued a statement following the incident involving a WestJet Boeing 737-800 aircraft, flight WS2276, arriving from Toronto at Princess Juliana International Airport earlier today.

“First and foremost, we are grateful that the passengers and crew of WestJet flight WS2276 are safe following today’s incident at Princess Juliana International Airport,” stated Prime Minister Mercelina. “The safety and security of travelers, our aviation personnel, and the general public remain our highest priority.”

The Prime Minister confirmed that the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company (PJIAE), the PJIAE Fire Department, and the Sint Maarten Civil Aviation Authority are working diligently and in close coordination with local contractors to ensure the aircraft is safely removed from the runway.

“While the runway remains closed for the time being, every measure is being taken to ensure that the airport resumes safe operations as soon as possible,” Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized. “I want to commend the swift response of the PJIAE Fire Department, PJIAE operations staff, Civil Aviation, emergency services, and all stakeholders who immediately mobilized to address the situation with professionalism and efficiency.”

The Prime Minister also urged the public and travelers to remain patient and to rely on official channels for updates.

“I ask the traveling public to remain calm and follow updates directly from Princess Juliana International Airport and WestJet Airlines. Together, we will ensure a safe and swift return to normal operations,” said PM Dr. Mercelina.

The Government of Sint Maarten will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide additional updates as necessary.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Omar Ottley stressed on the critical situation facing our Ambulance and Fire Department, marking exactly one month since the emergency services have been operating under a “Go Slow” with no clear resolution in sight.

While residents may see ambulances on the roads daily, this visibility does not erase the underlying issues that threaten public safety. MP Ottley stressed the alarming reality that certain calls for assistance are going unanswered. “I was recently approached by members of the Simpson Bay community who were forced to rely on their own collective to address an urgent issue impacting the local school and playground, which required the Fire Department’s assistance, but unfortunately, they were left without support due to the ongoing Go Slow,” Ottley stated.

He further highlighted a troubling incident involving a community member with a leg injury who was forced to seek alternative means to reach the hospital. The individual’s injury, while not deemed life threatening, shows the vital importance of a fully operational emergency response system, particularly in times of need.

“The lack of urgency from our government in addressing these critical issues is unacceptable,” Ottley stated. “Our communities rely on the Ambulance and Fire Department for their safety and wellbeing, and we cannot afford to let bureaucratic delays compromise that trust.”

MP Ottley calls upon the relevant ministers to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing frustration of our front line workers, restore full operational capacity to our emergency services, and ensure that our citizens have access to the help they need when they need it the most.