PHILIPSBURG:---  “This week, I visited Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten—three islands, each with their own challenges and tremendous strength,” said the State Secretary of Kingdom Relations, reflecting on the first part of his working visit to the Dutch Caribbean.

The visit began with stops on Saba and Sint Eustatius, where the State Secretary assessed local projects, met with government officials, and engaged with community leaders to better understand the islands’ unique challenges and opportunities.

The working visit concluded on April 10th in Sint Maarten, where the State Secretary, together with PM Dr. Luc Mercelina, toured several key sites and reviewed initiatives aimed at strengthening the island’s infrastructure and community development.

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina emphasized the importance of the visit to Sint Maarten, stating, “This working visit represents more than an exchange of updates—it reflects our shared responsibility within the Kingdom to ensure that Sint Maarten’s recovery and future development are both sustainable and inclusive. We welcome the opportunity to showcase our progress, while also engaging in meaningful dialogue on the challenges that remain.”

Highlights of the Sint Maarten visit included a tour of the new library construction site and a brief commemorative ceremony marking the State Secretary’s first visit. This moment reflected continued collaboration to advance the Sint Maarten Library Project and demonstrated the shared commitment of partners in strengthening cooperation and implementing the Fostering Resilient Learning Projects. These projects, financed by the Government of the Netherlands through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, managed by the World Bank, and implemented by the NRPB, aim to rebuild and enhance Sint Maarten’s educational and cultural infrastructure, ensuring safer and more resilient facilities for future generations.

Reflecting on this milestone, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina added, “Investments in education and community spaces, such as our national library, are investments in our people. These projects are critical to building resilience—not only in our infrastructure, but in the opportunities we create for future generations of Sint Maarten.”

The State Secretary also met with the Council of Ministers to discuss the implementation of Country Packages and the proposal for a roundtable conference on diversity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina emphasized the significance of these discussions, “Sint Maarten continues to advocate for a more tailored and equitable approach within the Kingdom—one that recognizes the unique realities of small island states. Our engagement on the Country Packages and broader Kingdom relations must reflect mutual respect, flexibility, and a shared commitment to sustainable progress for our island.”

Additionally, the delegation visited several reconstruction and development projects, including the waste management site at the landfill and upgrades to the sewerage and water purification systems at the wastewater treatment plant on Illidge Road, as part of the Wastewater Management Project. The State Secretary also visited Point Blanche Prison, where he received updates on the construction of the new facility under the Sint Maarten Detention Sector Reform Program.

Speaking on these site visits, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina noted, “These projects highlight both the progress we are making and the urgency with which we must continue to act—particularly in areas such as waste management, environmental protection, and justice reform. Strengthening these sectors is essential to improving the quality of life for our people and ensuring a more resilient Sint Maarten.”

These initiatives reaffirm ongoing efforts to restore essential infrastructure while supporting long-term sustainability and resilience for the island community. The State Secretary emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to Sint Maarten’s recovery and development and highlighted the importance of collaboration between local authorities and the wider Kingdom.

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina concluded, “We appreciate the continued partnership within the Kingdom, and we remain committed to ensuring that Sint Maarten’s voice is heard and its needs are understood. Visits such as these reinforce the importance of cooperation as we work toward a stronger, more resilient future for our island.”

The State Secretary expressed his sincere thanks to everyone on Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius who welcomed him and shared updates on new developments before he continued his working visit to Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Motorworld officially introduced GAC to the Bonaire market on March 27 with a lively launch event at Autocity Bonaire. As the brand’s designated dealer, Autocity Bonaire, an established leader in the automotive industry across Bonaire and Curaçao, hosted the showroom event. The launch drew a strong turnout and featured vehicle displays, new model reveals, test drives, food trucks, and live entertainment.

The launch showcased GAC’s SUV lineup alongside its EV and plug-in hybrid models, designed to meet the practical demands of island driving. The introduction reflects Motorworld’s continued focus on expanding access to modern, factory-backed vehicle options across the region.

Martijn Lindhout, General Manager of Autocity Bonaire, commented:
 “The addition of GAC to our portfolio reflects our commitment to offering reliable, high-quality vehicles that meet the specific needs of island drivers. It also allows us to provide an alternative to grey and second-hand imports with factory-certified vehicles backed by strong warranty and service support.”

Tariq Amjad, Chairman of Motorworld, added:
 “We’re pleased to bring GAC to Bonaire and expand the range of modern, dependable vehicles available to customers. The turnout at the launch reflects a clear interest in new options that combine technology, efficiency, and long-term value.”

Bonaire marks the 19th Caribbean territory to welcome GAC through Motorworld’s regional distribution network, further strengthening the brand’s footprint across the region. Early market response has been positive, with strong interest and ongoing customer engagement following the launch event.

Looking ahead, Motorworld continues to expand its automotive portfolio across the Caribbean, reinforcing its commitment to providing reliable, modern mobility solutions tailored to the needs of local markets.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The NAPB Police Union has taken note of the recent statements made by Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes regarding the police-involved shooting that occurred on February 13, 2026, in St. Peters, which resulted in the tragic death of Rudy “Rock” Benjamin.
First and foremost, the NAPB-Sint Maarten extends its condolences to the family and loved ones affected by this incident. NAPB- Sint Maarten recognizes the impact such events have on the wider St. Peters community and understands the concerns being expressed.
At the same time, the Union emphasizes the importance of allowing the ongoing investigation, currently being conducted by the National Detectives (Landsrecherche), to proceed without undue pressure or influence. These types of investigations are, by nature, thorough and require time to ensure that all facts are carefully examined and that due process is upheld.
NAPB- Sint Maarten fully supports transparency and acknowledges the public’s desire for updates. However, it is essential to strike a balance between keeping the community informed and protecting the integrity of the investigative process. Premature or incomplete disclosures can compromise findings and potentially affect the outcome.
It is also important to recognize that the officers involved in this incident, along with their families and colleagues, are equally affected and are patiently awaiting the results of the investigation. They, too, deserve a fair, objective, and unbiased process.
NAPB-Sint Maarten therefore calls for patience and understanding from all stakeholders, including public officials, as the competent authorities carry out their responsibilities. Trust in the rule of law and established procedures is vital in ensuring justice for all parties involved.
The Union remains committed to supporting its members while also respecting the legal processes in place. We are confident that, upon completion, the findings of the investigation will be communicated through the appropriate official channels.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), COVID, would like to inform the general public that the clinic at the CPS Offices at the Vineyard Building Office Park in Philipsburg is open for COVID vaccines by appointment only, and the next available date is April 17.

The CPS clinic is open for COVID vaccines for persons aged 12 and older on Friday, April 17, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.

Due to limited supply, CPS is requesting persons to call or email for an appointment by calling 914 (option 4) or 542-1570, or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The booster is entirely free of charge and voluntary.

Please bring your vaccination card and a form of Identification (ID) when you have an appointment.
The COVID-19 virus has not disappeared. While the peak of the pandemic is in the past, the virus remains an active presence.
Routine prevention remains essential for public safety.