PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting on July 7, 2026.

The Public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 14.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Justice will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Deliberations with the Minister of Justice on the increase in traffic accidents and road safety concerns, and other justice-related matters (IS/1207/2025-2026 dated June 24, 2026)

This meeting was requested by MP L.C.J. Lewis, O.E.C. Ottley, F.A. Lacroes.

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

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on July 6, 2026.

The Central Committee meeting, which was adjourned on June 29, 2026, will be reconvened on Monday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:

5. Ontwerplandsverordening tot vaststelling van de begroting van het land Sint Maarten voor het dienstjaar 2026 (Landsverordening begroting 2026) (Zittingsjaar 2025-2026-192)

Draft National Ordinance establishing the budget of the Country of Sint Maarten for the fiscal year 2026 (National Ordinance Budget 2026) (Parliamentary Year 2025-2026-192)

Parliament will ratify the draft Final Report before it is forwarded to the Government for further handling and the Note following the Final Report.

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 Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament 

Pond Island:---  Final preparations are well underway as the St. Maarten Little League Association prepares to welcome twelve countries to the island for the 2026 Latin America & Caribbean Little League Baseball Tournament, scheduled to take place from Sunday, July 12 through Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Erwin "Baco" Richardson Little League Stadium.

The prestigious regional tournament will bring together some of the Caribbean and Latin America's most talented young baseball players as they compete for the opportunity to advance to the Little League World Series, while showcasing the spirit, sportsmanship and hospitality that Sint Maarten is known for.

Association President Michael Hyman said preparations have now entered their final phase and expressed gratitude to the  volunteers, sponsors, Government agencies and event partners who continue working tirelessly to ensure the island delivers a first-class international tournament. Thank you to all who have contributed thus far, we are still open to receiving sponsorship and volunteers should this opportunity peak your interest.

"Hosting this tournament is much bigger than baseball. It is an opportunity to showcase Sint Maarten to the entire region, to inspire our young athletes and to demonstrate what our community can accomplish when we work together. Every volunteer, sponsor and supporter has played an important role in making this event possible, and we look forward to welcoming our visiting teams and fans to our island."

Official Opening Ceremony

The Association is inviting the entire community to attend the Official Opening Ceremony on Sunday, July 12, 2026, beginning promptly at 6:00 p.m.

Prior to the ceremony, participating teams will take part in a celebratory parade beginning at the Government Administration Building, travelling past the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village, before making their way into the Erwin "Baco" Richardson Little League Stadium.

Residents are encouraged to line the parade route, welcome the visiting delegations and proudly support Team Sint Maarten as the island officially opens one of the region's premier youth sporting events.

Parking Lot Preparation

As part of the final preparations for the tournament, the parking lot adjacent to the Erwin "Baco" Richardson Little League Stadium has officially been placed under the care of the St. Maarten Little League Association by the Ministry of VROMI for the duration of the tournament period.

The Association extends its sincere appreciation to the Ministry of VROMI for its continued support in helping prepare the venue for this major international event.

Members of the public who previously utilized the parking area were requested to remove all vehicles, buses and personal property to facilitate tournament preparations. The area is now being transformed to accommodate tournament operations, visiting delegations, spectators and logistical requirements throughout the event.

Season Passes Still Available

With excitement continuing to build, the Association has extended the deadline for supporters wishing to purchase Season Passes until Wednesday, July 8, 2026.

Season passes are available for:

• Adults: US$65 (General Admission: US$10 per day)
• Children (ages 4–15): US$30 (General Admission: US$5 per day)

The Association encourages supporters to secure their passes before the deadline to enjoy every game throughout tournament week while supporting Team Sint Maarten.

A Tournament for the Entire Community

Beyond the competition on the field, the tournament is expected to generate significant activity for the island's economy through increased visitor arrivals, hotel occupancy, restaurant patronage and local business engagement.

The St. Maarten Little League Association encourages residents to come out throughout the week, cheer on the home team and extend a warm Sint Maarten welcome to the visiting countries.

With only days remaining until first pitch, the Association is confident that the island is ready to deliver a memorable tournament that reflects the pride, unity and hospitality of the people of Sint Maarten.

For tournament schedules, ticket information and updates, members of the public are encouraged to follow the St. Maarten Little League Association on its official Facebook and Instagram platforms, @sxmlittleleague.

~Statia’s pivotal role in global history is celebrated through a unique artistic bridge and an international livestream linking Washington and The Hague.~

Statia Government proudly marked a historic milestone today, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the "First Salute" at an exclusive reception hosted by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United States, Birgitta Tazelaar. The prestigious event, held at the Ambassador's Residence in Washington, D.C., brought together high-level dignitaries, including Statia's Acting Island Governor Sharon Hassell and Commissioner Reuben Merkman, to witness the unveiling of a powerful new mural by renowned New York artist Cynthia Marsh.

The ceremony underscored the unshakeable, historic ties that bind Statia, the United States, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1776, the guns of Fort Oranje in Statia fired the first official foreign salute to the flag of the emerging United States, forever securing the island's legacy, affectionately known as the 'Golden Rock', as the first foreign territory to acknowledge American sovereignty.

“When our ancestors answered the salute of the Andrew Doria, they did more than clear a vessel for entry; they forged a legacy of sovereignty and mutual respect that has endured for two and a half centuries,” stated Acting Island Governor Sharon Hassell. “That moment teaches us that significance is never dictated by a map; it is defined by our convictions and our willingness to engage with the world. It honours the full tapestry of our past, from the leadership of our officials to the foundational, enduring labour of the enslaved men and women who truly built our beloved island.”

The focal point of the gathering, the Statia / First Salute mural, stands as a powerful visual testament to international friendship. Commissioned by Mr Tom Morgan through the Morgan McReynolds Charitable Foundation in loving memory of his late wife, Erna Morgan McReynolds, the piece offers a profound reflection on the historic 1776 harbour scene. Following its exhibition in the United States, the mural will journey home to Statia, where it will be permanently displayed for the community, visitors, and future generations.

“Today we gather in a moment of profound historical reflection and shared pride,” said Commissioner Reuben Merkman during his remarks. “This anniversary is not only a celebration of the past; it is a reminder of the enduring ties between nations, of the power of principled action, and of the remarkable role Statia played on the global stage. This mural is more than an artistic work; it is a bridge between centuries, a visual testament to the courage of our ancestors, and a celebration of the bonds that continue to unite us.”

While the mural was being unveiled in Washington, parallel celebrations took place in the Netherlands. Guests at the Ambassador's residence watched a live broadcast of these official opening ceremonies, which featured speeches by Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and U.S. Ambassador Joe Popolo. This cross-continental connection beautifully underscored the thriving three-way partnership between Statia, the United States, and the Netherlands.

The Statia Government extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Morgan McReynolds Charitable Foundation, the United States Government, and the Kingdom of the Netherlands for their continued partnership in keeping Statia's proud history alive.