PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Statistics (STAT) of Sint Maarten recently conducted a working visit to L’Institut Territorial de la Statistique et des Études Économiques (ITSEE) of Saint-Martin to explore opportunities for closer collaboration and to strengthen statistical cooperation between both sides of the island.
Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in key areas, including Tourism Statistics, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Inflation, the Labor Force Survey, and the Household Budget Survey. Both institutions also exchanged views on methodologies and best practices to improve the quality, comparability, and reliability of data produced on the island.
A key outcome of the meeting was the recognition of the importance of potential areas for information sharing, particularly regarding visitors who stay on the French side or vice versa. By working together, both institutions aim to develop a more comprehensive understanding of tourism flows across the island, including future analysis of visitor spending and satisfaction patterns. This would allow for more accurate insights into how much visitors spend on different parts of the island, based on aggregated survey data.
The collaboration will also support comparisons of price levels using the basket of goods used in CPI calculations, providing a clearer picture of inflation and cost-of-living differences between the two sides. In addition, both parties discussed opportunities to compare and analyze socio-economic data from the Population Census and labor market indicators to better understand cross-border dynamics and support evidence-based policymaking.
This partnership is expected to yield important benefits for both Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin. By combining efforts, both sides will be able to produce more complete and consistent data, leading to improved policy coordination, stronger economic analysis, and better-informed decision-making for governments, businesses, and the public. It also positions the island as a leading example of cross-border statistical cooperation within the region.
Further discussions also highlighted the potential to expand cooperation into additional areas, including joint publications, capacity building, sharing tools and systems for data collection and processing, and developing environmental and economic statistics.
It is important to note that during this meeting, no personal data was shared. Both institutions agreed that future collaboration will not involve the exchange of personal or identifiable information but will be strictly limited to aggregated data derived from surveys and statistical outputs.
Both STAT and ITSEE intend to continue discussions to formalize this collaboration and identify concrete next steps. This initiative marks an important step toward a more integrated statistical framework for the island, supporting sustainable development and improved outcomes for all residents.
For more information, please contact: Department of Statistics (STAT)/ITSEE
Police Urge Owners to Retrieve Impounded Scooters.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is once again calling on owners and riders of scooters that have been impounded over the past weeks and months to come forward and retrieve their vehicles.
KPSM acknowledges that this message may appear repetitive to the public. However, in accordance with established legal procedures and the principles of good governance, such notifications must be issued to ensure that all rightful owners are given an adequate opportunity to reclaim their property.
In this regard, KPSM requests that all concerned individuals present themselves at the police station with the required documentation to claim their scooters. This includes proof of ownership, a valid form of identification, proof of paid road tax, and, where applicable, a valid driver’s license.
KPSM also reminds scooter owners and riders that, in order to operate a scooter legally on public roads, they must be in possession of a valid driver’s license and are required to wear a protective helmet at all times.
These scooters have been held for an extended period, and efforts are being made to clear the storage area at the police station. Owners are therefore urged to act promptly to avoid further inconvenience.
Please be advised that if these scooters are not collected within a reasonable timeframe, KPSM will, in consultation with the Prosecutor’s Office, proceed with the necessary legal steps to dispose of the unclaimed vehicles.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten appreciates the public's cooperation in this matter and encourages all scooter owners to comply with this request as soon as possible.
Library & Tax Administration Hosted Second Annual Workshop.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, April 10, 2026, the Sint Maarten Library, in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Tax Administration, hosted its second annual tax workshop at the Belvedere Community Center, where approximately 25 senior citizens gathered for an informative session.
Designed for persons aged 60 and over, the session included a practical presentation and an interactive tax case study, giving participants a clearer understanding of how to complete their income tax forms. The Tax Administration created an engaging and welcoming atmosphere, turning what can often feel like a tense topic into an experience that blended learning with moments of laughter.
The workshop was led by Tax Assessment Officer Mr. Marlon Kwidama, who provided clear guidance on the importance of timely tax submissions and how to complete the filing process with confidence. Seniors also received one on one assistance with their tax return forms and had the opportunity to ask questions for further clarification.
Also in attendance were Tax Assessor Ms. Lorraine Boasman and Public Relations Officer Mr. Kelron Bellot, who supported the initiative and engaged with participants throughout the session.
This joint initiative highlights the shared commitment of the Library and the Tax Administration to community outreach and public education, ensuring that seniors are equipped with the information and support needed to meet their tax obligations.
“With this partnership, we hope to foster an even stronger relationship with the Tax Administration and look forward to our next collaborative session next year,” said Ms. Francia Housen, Media Coach at the Sint Maarten Library.
This workshop was made possible by the Cyber Seniors team, J. Lambert, D. Helligar, and M. Spencer, under the leadership of Ms. Francia Housen. Appreciation is also extended to the seniors and the Tax Administration for their participation.
Public meeting of Parliament for a Question Hour with the Minister of ECYS on fuel levy for sports programs
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on April 14, 2026.
The Public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 14.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS) will be in attendance.
The agenda point is:
Question hour: Questions from MP D.C. Labega directed to the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport regarding the levy on gasoline and diesel to fund sports programs (IS/941/2025-2026 dated April 8, 2026)
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.
The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx
UNOPS Invite Local Contractors and Consultants to Procurement Information Session for a Sanitation Project in Dutch Quarter.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is inviting local contractors and consultants to an informative session on bidding for an upcoming Sanitation (WASH) project in the Dutch Quarter.
Led by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and implemented by UNOPS, this project builds upon the 9th and 10th EDF cycles, which initiated sanitation improvements in the Dutch Quarter. It represents a continuation of the program to modernize collective sewage and stormwater drainage in the area. The WASH project forms part of the Government of Sint Maarten’s broader commitment to strengthening essential public infrastructure and promoting sustainable development, particularly in densely populated areas. The works will be carried out with careful coordination and ongoing communication with residents as the project progresses.
To ensure this project benefits the local economy, UNOPS will host a webinar on April 21, 10:00 AM. The goal is to engage the local market and equip local firms with the technical and digital tools required to successfully bid on the project.
The webinar is specifically tailored for construction companies with proven sanitation experience in Sint Maarten, as well as engineering and consulting firms specializing in the supervision of island-based sanitation projects. The webinar will feature an in-depth look at the project’s scope, requirements and timelines, as well as a comprehensive walkthrough of UNOPS procurement platforms, explaining compliance standards and the specific criteria used to evaluate bids.
Interested parties should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register.
Background. Dutch Quarter, situated in the Upper Princess Quarter Region of Sint Maarten and bordering the French side, is a densely populated area with a major road network that connects five larger communities, including Madam Estate, Middle Region, Belvedere, and Belle Plaine (French St. Martin). This road network facilitates movement for residents, visitors, and businesses.
In addition to its roadways, Dutch Quarter manages stormwater runoff, directing water from elevated areas to lower regions, including the Middle Region District and much of the Defiance area, both located within the Dutch Quarter Basin. Existing water and sanitation infrastructure in the area had reached the end of its lifespan, increasing the need for a durable and sustainable solution. Minister Patrice Gumbs encourages all contractors to take part in this very critical project as we move to finalize the long-awaited sewage projects in the Dutch quarter.
The new WASH project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), contributing to improved health outcomes and long-term environmental protection. The official launch reaffirms the Government of Sint Maarten’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that strengthens public services, protects communities, and promotes sustainable development across the island.