PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The hurricane season officially starts on June 1st and ends on November 30th.

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) which falls under the Fire Department (Ministry of General Affairs) headed by Fire Chief/Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, is appealing to all residents and businesses to start to prepare for the hurricane season. Do not wait until June 1st or for the last minute to make such preparations.

You have the time now to prepare in a timely manner for hurricane season. Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.

The latest forecast from the Colorado State University (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science anticipates a somewhat below-normal activity with 13-named storms of which six (6) could become hurricanes and of those two (2) could become major hurricanes with wind speeds of 111+ miles per hour.

The 2026 storm names are: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the general public that road repair works will be carried out tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. along Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg, specifically from the intersection of Manzanilla Steeg to Codville Webster Street, including the section on N. Debrot Street in front of the Old Government Building area.
As a result of these works, temporary traffic disruptions can be expected in the abovementioned vicinity. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, follow all traffic signs and directions, and allow for additional travel time when traversing the area.
The works are being conducted as part of ongoing efforts to improve road conditions and enhance safety for all road users.
Key Information Recap
Date: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Time: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg and N. Debrot Street (infront of the old Government Building area)
Work Area: Manzanilla Steeg intersection to Codville Webster Street intersection
Traffic Impact: Disruptions expected in the abovementioned work areas. No Road Closure in place.
Reminder: Motorists are urged to drive cautiously and follow traffic directions
The Ministry of VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during the execution of these and all ongoing repair works. For more information please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

~MP says Parliament must lead by example following Monday’s incident involving MP Dimar Labega~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion on Tuesday publicly addressed the incident that occurred on the floor of Parliament Monday afternoon, during which he said he was attacked by fellow MP Dimar Labega.
Speaking during a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday afternoon, Irion described the situation as “unfortunate” and expressed disappointment that the matter had become public through media reports rather than being addressed internally by those involved.
“It is unfortunate to even have to have this discussion on the floor of Parliament,” Irion stated. “My preference would be to focus on the matters that are most pressing and touching to the people.”
While acknowledging the seriousness of the altercation, Irion used the moment to call for higher standards of conduct among elected officials, arguing that Members of Parliament must set the tone for the wider community.
“We cannot be condescending and ridiculing the public if we, as Members of Parliament, cannot and will not set an example of what we want and expect to see from the general public,” he said.
Irion emphasized that political disagreement and criticism are part of democracy and parliamentary life. Drawing comparisons to political systems abroad, including the United States, he noted that politicians are regularly scrutinized and challenged by opponents.
“In politics, we discuss each other,” Irion said. “I have been criticized in opposition, in coalition, and as a minister. I don’t take criticism as a hindrance — I take criticism and turn that into solutions.”
The MP also defended his right to speak freely in Parliament and rejected what he described as intimidation or threats aimed at limiting debate.
“There’s not one MP who’s going to tell me that I cannot call out issues, discuss matters, or bring motions because I must be concerned about a threat,” Irion declared. “I fear no man. None.”
Irion stressed that Parliament provides procedures and mechanisms for members to respond when they feel offended or misrepresented, including points of clarification and parliamentary questions, rather than physical confrontation.

“Our duty is oversight of government. Our duty is to hold each other accountable,” he said. “Inside of here, we discuss what we say, what we do, and how government operates.”
He concluded by stating that while apologies had been acknowledged, clear standards for conduct moving forward were necessary.
The incident has sparked public discussion about decorum and professionalism within Parliament, with many now calling for calm and respect among the nation’s elected representatives.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tensions continued to rise in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon as Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes delivered a passionate presentation during the notification segment of the parliamentary meeting, sharply criticizing the handling of ongoing issues involving VSA and the Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina.
Addressing the Chairlady of Parliament, Lacroes expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of clarity, accountability, and communication from government officials amid growing public concern. He stressed that Parliament and the people of St. Maarten deserve straightforward answers regarding the controversy that has dominated recent political discussions.
“What I have seen happening in this House of Parliament, in my opinion, is unacceptable,” Lacroes stated during his presentation. He pointed out that ministers had appeared before Parliament multiple times while key questions remained unanswered.
The MP noted that meetings requested since April 4th have still not produced the necessary information for Members of Parliament to make informed decisions. According to Lacroes, the ongoing public accusations and political back-and-forth have become an embarrassment for the country.
“Because it is an embarrassment when accusations are thrown left and right in government, then we all look bad,” he said.
Lacroes also commended the Minister of VSA, Richinel Brug, for appearing before Parliament and facing questions directly, but he urged complete honesty from both the minister and the Prime Minister.
“Tell us the truth. Tell us exactly how it is and what about, from A to Z, and we expect the same thing from the Prime Minister,” he declared.
The MP further voiced concern that Parliament was once again being sidelined in important national matters, while the public continues to criticize lawmakers for perceived inaction.
“Everything again is holed up. And then the people out there saying Parliament ain’t doing nothing,” Lacroes stated, calling on the Chairlady to protect the dignity and authority of Parliament.
The parliamentary discussions surrounding the VSA matter and the Prime Minister's role are expected to continue as Members of Parliament push for further explanations and accountability from the government.