PHILIPSBURG:--- The Tax Administration is pleased to welcome five students participating in the Business Outreach and Placement Program (BOPP), organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), for the month of July.

As part of their placement, the students will be assigned to the Business Unit and Income Tax Unit, where they will gain practical workplace experience while learning about the day-to-day operations of the Tax Administration.

“Investing in our youth is investing in the future of Sint Maarten,” said Mrs. Sharon Washington, Section Head, Business Unit. “Through programs like BOPP, we are able to provide students with valuable exposure to the workplace while introducing them to the many opportunities available within the tax sector. We hope this experience inspires them to explore future educational and career opportunities, build their confidence and skills, and gain a better understanding of public service.”

The Tax Administration wishes Christopher Williams, Jada George, Norris Marlin, Tah’Jenique Baron, and T’Saiyna Cristian a successful and rewarding placement experience.

PHILIPSBURG   :--- The Parliament of Sint Maarten invites the public to submit nominations for the Annual President of Parliament Award.

The nomination form can be found via the link https://form.jotform.com/241716306215853 or by scanning the QR code below. Persons have until August 17, 2026, to submit their nominations.

The purpose of the President of Parliament Award is to recognize and honor young people of Sint Maarten who have made positive contributions to the community and the country through exceptional achievement, leadership, innovation, or service in any field that has had a positive and meaningful impact on society.

Whether through education, entrepreneurship, the arts, sports, volunteerism, environmental initiatives, or any other endeavor that benefits the community and deserves recognition.

The eligibility criteria are:

• the candidate must have Dutch nationality and/or have been legally residing in Sint Maarten for 10 years or more consecutively and have been registered in the Civil Registry for that period of time;
• must be between the ages of 15 and 24 years;
• has made a worthwhile contribution to the development of the community and the country;
• these contributions/achievements must have taken place within the last three years;
• contributions/achievements must have been made while the individual was acting as a private citizen, not as an appointed or elected government official; and
• must have demonstrated a capacity for leadership and ability to motivate.

An award committee, consisting of Members of Parliament, reviews nominations and selects the recipient in consultation with the President of Parliament. The award is presented annually to the recipient during the Opening of the Parliamentary Year reception ceremony.

All residents of Sint Maarten who know a deserving young person meeting the above-mentioned criteria are encouraged to submit a nomination for the Annual President of Parliament Award.

Nominations can also be submitted by delivering a hard copy       to:

The Parliament of Sint Maarten

Attn: Annual President of Parliament Award Committee

Wilhelminastraart 1, Philipsburg

Sint Maarten             

Or via e-mail to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Residents and visitors are invited to join “Shark and Ray Discovery Day,” a Shark Week 2026 community event dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of sharks and rays and highlighting the local efforts underway to protect these vital marine species.
The event is organized by the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten and will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Simpson Bay Fish Market. Shark and Ray Discovery Day brings together local conservation organizations, scientific researchers, local fishers, and community groups with an interest in safeguarding Sint Maarten's marine environment.
A highlight of the day will be free lagoon boat tours departing every 30 minutes. These tours offer participants a unique perspective on the lagoon ecosystem and its connection to the island's biodiversity. Safety regulations will apply, and as space on each tour is limited, advance registration is strongly encouraged via WhatsApp message at +1 (721) 581-6365 or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Event activities are weather-dependent.
Throughout the event, attendees will have the opportunity to visit educational booths, meet conservation professionals, learn about ongoing research and protection initiatives, and discover the important role sharks and rays play in maintaining healthy ocean ecosystems.
Designed for all ages, the event will feature interactive activities, games, and opportunities to win prizes while learning about the fascinating species that inhabit Caribbean waters. Visitors are welcome to attend at any time during the event and explore the exhibits at their own pace.
“Sharks and rays are among the ocean's most important species, helping to maintain balanced and healthy marine ecosystems,” said a representative of the Nature Foundation. “However, many populations around the world face increasing pressures from overfishing, habitat degradation, and other human activities.”
The organizers encourage families, students, residents, and visitors alike to attend and take part in this celebration of marine life and conservation during Shark Week.
The initiative is part of the MENAA (Marine Elasmobranch Nursery Area Advocacy) project at the Nature Foundation. MENAA seeks to form a foundation for the success of Sint Maarten’s marine and coastal area, particularly for sharks and rays. Research shows local waters serve as a nursery for species like tiger sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and spotted eagle rays. These animals are crucial for reef health and fishery stability but remain threatened by poaching and ghost nets, despite local protections. Learn more at https://naturefoundationsxm.org/menaa.
MENAA is funded by BESTLIFE2030 (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas), a granting mechanism focusing on preserving and restoring biodiversity in the EU’s outermost regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), which host rich biodiversity but also face significant climate change threats.
Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has applauded the Civil Registry Department for its continued commitment to improving public access to essential government services, following the successful delivery of more than 3,600 additional services through expanded walk-in service days during the first half of 2026. The initiative has enabled thousands of residents to access critical government services more quickly and conveniently while reducing waiting times and enhancing the overall customer experience.
Between January and June 2026, the Civil Registry Department provided 3,622 additional services during dedicated walk-in service days. These included 1,981 Registration Form services, 809 Identification Card services, 520 Passport services, and 312 Driver's Licence services, reflecting both the growing demand for these essential services and the department's commitment to meeting the needs of the community.
Building on this success, the Civil Registry Department continues to implement practical measures to improve public access to its services. In addition to organizing dedicated walk-in service days, the department is continuously reviewing its appointment schedule and proactively contacting customers to offer earlier appointment dates whenever openings become available. These efforts are helping to improve service delivery while ensuring that available appointment slots are utilized as efficiently as possible.
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina commended the department for embracing a customer-focused approach to public service.
"Government is at its best when it responds directly to the needs of its people. The Civil Registry Department has demonstrated exactly what citizen-focused public service should look like by expanding access through additional walk-in days while actively working to accommodate residents with earlier appointments whenever possible. I sincerely commend the management and staff for their professionalism, dedication, and unwavering commitment to serving the people of Sint Maarten."
The Prime Minister emphasized that the figures represent meaningful progress in improving access to government services.
"Providing more than 3,600 additional services in just six months is a significant achievement. Behind every service delivered is a resident who was able to obtain an important government document more efficiently. While we recognize that demand for these services remains high, these results demonstrate that the department is taking concrete steps to improve accessibility and reduce waiting times. This is the kind of practical, solution-oriented governance our people expect and deserve."
PM Dr. Mercelina also encouraged residents to make full use of the department's appointment system and not to wait until documents have expired before seeking assistance.
"I encourage residents not to wait until the last minute to renew their identification card, passport, or driver's license. Applying early gives the department greater flexibility to accommodate appointments and, where possible, offer earlier dates. Our staff is committed to providing the best possible service, and we encourage the public to reach out if they wish to inquire about earlier appointment availability."
Residents requiring services related to Identification Cards, Driver's Licenses, Passports, or Registration Forms are encouraged to contact the Civil Registry Department to schedule an appointment or inquire about earlier appointment opportunities.
Appointments and inquiries can be made through the following channels:
Email:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Telephone:
+1 (721) 550-8280
+1 (721) 550-8262
+1 (721) 550-8284
+1 (721) 526-1543

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Residents are also reminded to take advantage of the Civil Registry Department's appointment-based services by contacting the department in advance. The department continues to enhance its service delivery through improved scheduling, proactive customer outreach, and additional walk-in opportunities when operationally feasible. The public is encouraged to follow the official Government communication channels for announcements regarding future walk-in days and other service enhancements.