PHILIPSBURG:--- The company responsible for managing the Philipsburg landfill says it is on the verge of shutting down operations due to months of unpaid invoices by the government, raising serious concerns about the future of waste management on St. Maarten.
Owner of Fleming Waste Solutions (FWS), Derek Fleming, told SMN News that his company has not received payment from the Government since December 2025 and blamed Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. for what he described as a failure to facilitate timely payments.
Fleming warned that the situation has become unbearable and that he is prepared to halt landfill operations altogether, despite possible legal consequences.
“Right now, I am on the skin of my teeth because I am barely making it to pay the staff of FWS,” Fleming said. “Can you imagine I spent endless time training these workers and having them take full control of the landfill operations, but at the end of the month I can hardly pay them their salaries?”
The businessman said his employees are suffering as a result of the delays.
“These men have families that have to eat, they have their bills to pay, and need their money just like the Minister of VROMI. These workers don’t have the luxuries like the Minister does,” he added.
Fleming expressed frustration over what he called the Government’s continued neglect of the country’s infrastructure and local people. In a strongly worded Facebook post, he questioned why citizens must “get out of character to be heard” and accused the Government of repeatedly failing the people of St. Maarten.
He criticized the lack of progress in several key areas, including education, utilities, road infrastructure, drainage systems, and power generation.
“Where are the new schools? Where are the new GEBE generators? Where is the proper infrastructure? Where are the new roads? Where is the new drainage and sewer system?” Fleming questioned.
He further stated that the country continues to suffer from “empty promises,” urging Government officials to become more accountable.
“SXM Government, put your people first instead of putting yourselves. Proper leadership matters,” Fleming wrote.
Fleming also accused the Ministry of VROMI of ignoring professional advice on maintaining landfill machinery, which contributed to repeated breakdowns and operational difficulties at the dump.
According to Fleming, recommendations are consistently made to the Ministry concerning the upkeep and servicing of heavy equipment, but little to no action is taken.
He warned that if the situation remains unresolved, landfill operations could soon grind to a halt, potentially creating a public health and environmental crisis for the country. Several garbage haulers contracted to transport waste to the landfill are also reportedly facing non-payment issues, further worsening the country’s sanitation problems. The lack of payments has allegedly disrupted garbage collection services, resulting in mounting piles of trash in several districts, including Cole Bay, St. Peters, and Philipsburg. Residents in affected areas have expressed growing concerns over the stench, public health risks, and the increasing number of rodents and stray animals feeding on the uncollected garbage.
Up to press time, Minister Patrice Gumbs Jr. had not publicly responded to the allegations made by Fleming Waste Solutions.

PHILIPSBURG:--- SXM Doet is excited to announce its very first Kick-Off Party, set to take place on Friday, May 8th, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at the Dutch Quarter Community Center, on Zorg en Rust Road.
In previous years, SXM Doet traditionally hosted a “Thank You Party” following the completion of the Doet days. However, to introduce a fresh approach and build momentum early, the organization is shifting gears this year by launching a Kick-Off Party. The party aligns with the theme of this year, “From Jump up to Step Up for a Brighter St. Maarten,” and aims to carry the vibrant energy of the Carnival season straight into SXM Doet, setting the tone for an impactful and engaging experience from the very start.
The Kick Off party serves as an opportunity to bring together the heart of SXM Doet, namely, its dedicated volunteers, valued sponsors, committed partners, and participating organizations, for an afternoon of connection, celebration, and preparation ahead of the upcoming project days.
Attendees can look forward to a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere designed to encourage networking and collaboration. The event will be hosted by Suppa, along with special guest appearances from King James, King Vers and DJ Chubbs, adding an exciting touch of entertainment to the party.
Participating organizations will also be able to collect their SXM Doet supply bags, which include shirts, hats, and other goodies to gear up for the initiative. In addition, guests can enjoy interactive trivia games centered around SXM Doet, creating a fun and engaging way to learn more about the program and its impact.
SXM Doet 2026 will take place on May 15th and 16th, and members of the public are strongly encouraged to sign up and get involved. Whether as a volunteer, partner, or supporter, there are many ways to contribute.
Members of the public, as well as all stakeholders, are invited to come out and be part of this milestone moment. The Kick Off party marks the beginning of what promises to be another impactful year of community service, collaboration, and positive change across St. Maarten.
For more information, persons are encouraged to follow SXM Doet on social media, sign up for our newsletter or contact the organizing team directly via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):---  International Firefighters’ Day was observed on Monday, May 4, 2026, around the globe, and the Fire Chief of the Sint Maarten Fire Department Clive Richardson, is extending sincere appreciation to the dedicated men and women who serve on the frontlines to protect lives, property, and the environment across the country.

On Monday, International Firefighters’ Day provided an opportunity to recognize the courage, commitment, and professionalism of firefighters who respond to emergencies at all hours and under challenging conditions.

Whether combating structural fires, responding to traffic accidents, assisting during natural disasters, or providing critical rescue services, the personnel of the Sint Maarten Fire Department remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard the community.

Fire Chief Richardson highlighted that the department’s strength lies in its highly trained professionals who consistently demonstrate bravery, teamwork, and a deep sense of duty.

Firefighters are often called upon to make split-second decisions in life-threatening situations, and their readiness to respond at any moment reflects their unwavering dedication to public safety.

“On this International Firefighters’ Day that took place on Monday, we recognize and honor the sacrifices made by our firefighters and their families,” Fire Chief Clive Richardson stated.

“Their commitment to service, often in the face of danger, is a testament to their character and their passion for protecting the people of Sint Maarten. We are proud of their continued dedication and professionalism.”

Fire Chief Richardson encourages the community to take a moment to recognize the invaluable role firefighters play and to support efforts that promote fire safety and prevention.

The Sint Maarten Fire Department remains committed to serving the community with integrity, readiness, and professionalism, ensuring that help is always available when it is needed most.

Those seeking information can contact the Fire Department at 542-1215, 542-1217, 542-6001 or in case of an emergency call 919.

The Fire Department falls under the Ministry of General Affairs.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) and Butterfly Warriors Lupus Support Group, have collaborated to organize an information session for Friday, May 8, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm at the Government Administration Building, Rooms 1 & 2.

May is Lupus Awareness Month. On Friday evening, there will be guest speakers, presentations, testimonials, and refreshments.

May 10, 2026, is World Lupus Day under the theme, “Belonging. Belief.” This day is used to increase awareness of the symptoms and health effects of lupus, an autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide.

The 2026 theme is “Make Lupus Visible.” The focus is on the "invisible" nature of the disease. Because many symptoms—such as extreme fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues—are not always apparent to observers, patients often face a lack of understanding from the public, employers, and at times healthcare providers.

You cannot "catch" lupus from someone else. While it can affect anyone, 90% of people living with lupus are women, and it is most common during childbearing years. It is estimated that at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus.

Lupus is a chronic, auto-immune disease that can damage any part of the body (skin, joints, and/or organs inside the body). Chronic means that the signs and symptoms tend to last longer than six weeks and often for many years.

In lupus, something goes wrong with your immune system, which is the part of the body that fights off viruses, bacteria, and germs (“foreign invaders,” like the flu).

Normally a person’s immune system produces proteins called antibodies that protect the body from these invaders. Auto-immune means your immune system cannot tell the difference between these foreign invaders and your body’s healthy tissues (“auto” means “self”) and creates auto antibodies that attack and destroy healthy tissue. These auto antibodies cause inflammation, pain, and damage in various parts of the body.

World Lupus Day is sponsored by the World Lupus Federation, a coalition of lupus patient organizations from around the world, united to improve the quality of life for people affected by lupus.

World Lupus Day serves to call attention to the impact that lupus has on people around the world. The annual observance focuses on the need for improved patient healthcare services, increased research into the causes of and cure for lupus, earlier diagnosis and treatment of lupus, and better epidemiological data on lupus globally.

For those seeking information about lupus, you can email CPS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.