PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season that started on April 14 will conclude on May 30. Documents to request a pass (s) should be submitted by May 30.

There are two types of passes, the Disaster Pass and the Hurricane Pass.  No passes will be issued to business owners, only with some exemption categories as noted below.

The pass allows the bearer to access the public road to visit the place of business to assess possible damage to the property.  No company passes will be accepted during curfew hours.  This can only take place during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Prime Minister in a curfew situation.

Disaster Passes are issued to the following crucial disaster relief organizations and are valid for three years.  The disaster relief organization consists of the following: Emergency Operations Center staff, Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) staff, Crucial governmental organizations, and entities involved in disaster management such as medical institutions, general practitioners and pharmacies, Red Cross, WIEMS, White & Yellow Cross Foundation, National Security Service VDSM, Sea Rescue, Shelter Management, Ministers, and their drivers.

The following categories qualify for a Hurricane Pass which is valid for two-years: Essential Government personnel without a disaster pass; Essential personnel of crucial companies or organizations: NV GEBE, Seven Seas Water, Telecom and Internet providers, Princess Juliana International Airport, Port St. Maarten, Hotels and Guesthouses, Marinas, Fuel distributors and gas stations, Commercial banks, Hardware stores, Security companies (supervisors only), Medium and large sized supermarkets, Restaurants (those providing food services to emergency services), Importers and Wholesale Companies for perishable goods (Only requests can be submitted for refrigeration and or generator technicians).

The crucial organizations listed above (disaster & hurricane passes) can request personal passes for their key personnel.

The Office of Disaster Management that falls under the Ministry of General Affairs is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The Hurricane Pass is valid for the 2025 and 2026 hurricane seasons and will remain the property of the Government of Sint Maarten.

Please note that company passes from the following institutions, Sint Maarten Medical Center and White & Yellow Cross Foundation, will be accepted during curfew hours.

The pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations.  The Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with Emergency Disaster Management entities of the Government after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.

An application form can be requested by sending an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Emails should include the following: Name of business or organization; A short description of activities of the business or the organization; Request for either disaster or hurricane pass.

When submitting the application, the following documents need to be attached:

-      copy business license fee paid (or receipt) for 2025 for businesses.

-      proof of 2025 registration at the Chamber of Commerce, for organizations.

-      copy valid Sint Maarten ID-card of applicant.

-      Nafl. 50,- in leges stamps per application (to be obtained at the Receiver’s Office or the Simpson Bay Public Service Center), this is a non-refundable handling fee; a copy of a digital payment transfer is accepted as well.

-      One (1) passport picture for new applicants, to be sent in JPEG-format to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the name of the person clearly indicated.

The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management – in print form, to the attention of the secretary located at Jackal Road 5 (Office hours Monday-Friday 9.00AM to 4.00PM), Cay Hill, by Friday, May 30, 2025, with all necessary documents attached.

Applicants will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the aforementioned address.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On May 20, 2025, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, the  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) in Sint Maarten, issued an important clarification regarding recent fuel price updates. This announcement addresses a communication issue that created inconsistencies in the publication of new petroleum prices and their effective dates. The Ministry acted promptly to address the situation and provide clarity to both the public and fuel sellers.

Issue with Fuel Price Announcement

The challenge arose from an error in the communication process, which led to confusion about the official fuel prices announced on May 13, 2025. While these prices were published and implemented, discrepancies regarding their effective dates caused uncertainty within the community. This affected fuel resellers, who were uncertain about which pricing structure to follow, and caused inconvenience for consumers who relied on accurate information.

To resolve this issue, the Ministry reaffirmed that the fuel prices published and implemented on May 13, 2025, remain valid. All fuel resellers are instructed to use this pricing structure until the next update takes effect. The Ministry's quick response underscores its dedication to minimizing the impact of the error and maintaining smooth operations in the fuel market.

Actions Taken to Address the Situation

The Ministry of TEATT has taken significant steps to rectify the issue and ensure that such errors are not repeated. Key measures include:

1. Reinforcement of Current Pricing
   The Ministry confirmed that the prices announced on May 13, 2025, remain in full effect. This gives resellers clear guidance and allows them to continue operations without interruption. Consumers can also rely on these prices for their fuel purchases until further updates are officially announced.
2. Release of a Corrected Price List
   A revised and accurate fuel price list will be officially published on May 21, 2025. This new list will include updated information and corrections to ensure total clarity. These revised prices will take effect on May 22, 2025, providing a seamless transition for both fuel vendors and the public.
3. Commitment to Transparency and Accuracy
   The Ministry recognizes the importance of clear and timely communication, particularly in critical areas such as fuel pricing. By promptly addressing the issue and implementing corrective actions, the Ministry is demonstrating its ongoing commitment to serve the public with transparency, reliability, and accountability.

Ensuring Reliable Communication Moving Forward

This incident highlights the need for robust processes to prevent future discrepancies. The Ministry is actively working to strengthen its internal communication procedures and ensure accuracy at every step. Clearer workflows, enhanced oversight, and improved public information dissemination are some of the measures that may be considered moving forward. The Ministry’s swift response and public acknowledgment of the error underscore a strong willingness to learn from the situation and improve beyond it.

Reassurance to the Public

Grisha Heyliger-Marten expressed gratitude to the public for their patience and cooperation throughout this situation. By reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to addressing issues promptly and transparently, the Minister aims to maintain public trust and confidence in the institution's operations. The public can look forward to consistent updates and reliable communication as the Ministry works diligently to meet its responsibilities across the tourism, economic, traffic, and telecommunication sectors.

Key Takeaways

• The fuel prices published on May 13, 2025, remain valid until May 21, 2025.
• A corrected and clarified price list will be published on May 21, 2025, and will take effect on May 22, 2025.
• The Ministry of TEATT is actively improving its processes to prevent future communication issues.
• Transparency, accuracy, and accountability remain top priorities for the Ministry.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Traffic Department of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) continues its investigation into the tragic fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on Monday, April 28, 2025, at approximately 4:30 AM near the Billy Folly Crossing on Welfare Road, Cole Bay.

A male pedestrian in his late sixties was walking along the sidewalk when he was struck by a scooter rider, who then fled the scene in the direction of the Welfare Road roundabout. Emergency personnel and bystanders provided immediate assistance, but the victim sadly passed away at the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) shortly after 8:00 AM that same morning.

KPSM is once again appealing to the public for assistance. In particular, the Traffic Department is urging the driver of a blue Toyota bus, who was reportedly in the area at the time of the incident, to come forward. Investigators believe this individual may have witnessed the collision or holds information that could prove valuable to the ongoing case.

In addition, the scooter rider involved in the collision is strongly encouraged to come forward and do the right thing. KPSM is urging this individual to report the incident to the Philipsburg Police Station and provide a statement. Taking responsibility is a necessary and respectful step toward closure and accountability.

Anyone with relevant information, including surveillance or dashcam footage, is asked to urgently contact the KPSM Traffic Department.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on May 20, 2025.  

The Public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 14.00 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 escalating state of crime, the deteriorating conditions at the Point Blanche Prison, and the vulnerable state of the Justice Ministry (IS/1050/2024-2025 dated May 16, 2025)

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

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