PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the St. Peter's Seventh-day Adventist Health Ministry, in collaboration with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, hosted a heartfelt celebration in honor of Nurses Week 2025. The event, held at the St. Peters SDA Church, recognized and celebrated the unwavering dedication and service of nurses across the island of St. Maarten. Nurses from various healthcare institutions were honored for their critical role in the health and well-being of the community. Head nurses from the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and major facilities such as the St. Martin’s Home, St. John’s Home, St. Basilia Center, Mental Health Foundation, District Nursing Services, the Ambulance Department, and the Prison Health Services were each presented with commemorative plaques and cups as tokens of appreciation. A major highlight of the event was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Nurse Brunilda Illidge, one of St. Maarten’s pioneering nurses. Affectionately known as the “Mother of Nurses,” Nurse Illidge has made a profound impact on the island’s healthcare landscape. Born in Aruba, she is a proud mother of three daughters and grandmother to f ive grandchildren. Nurse Illidge is a dynamic Registered Nurse and energetic Nursing Instructor. She is widely respected for being trustworthy, loving, and highly motivated. Her students praise her for encouraging critical thinking and professionalism. Known for her ethical standards and civic-mindedness, she consistently demonstrates effective cross-cultural communication and a readiness to support others. Her no-nonsense attitude is balanced by a deep commitment to mentorship and excellence in nursing education. The event was coordinated by Health Minister Erica Davis, Health Leader of the St. Peters SDA Church, whose dedication and organizational efforts contributed greatly to the success of the program. Her leadership, along with the collaboration of the Honorable Miniter, ensured that the contributions of nurses were recognized in a meaningful and memorable way. This Nurses Week celebration was not only a tribute to individual achievements but also a collective acknowledgment of the dedication and sacrifices made by nurses, especially in recent challenging times. The organizers extended heartfelt thanks to all the nurses for their tireless efforts and devotion to serving the people of St. Maarten. A special thank-you was also given to everyone who contributed to making the event a success—your support was instrumental in honoring our community’s unsung heroes.
Central Committee meeting of Parliament regarding report on the 8th Gathering of the Parliamentary Network in San José, Costa Rica, from October 23-25, 2024.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on May 19, 2025.
The Central Committee meeting which was originally scheduled for May 12, 2025, but was postponed due to a lack of quorum, will be convened on Monday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda point is:
Report on the 8th Gathering of the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change and Sustainability, the 16th Gathering of the Parliamentary Network for Gender Equality and the XI Meeting of the Interparliamentary Commission on Women’s Rights and Gender Equity of the FOPREL, in San José, Costa Rica, from October 23-25, 2024 (IS/961/2024-2025 dated May 5, 2025)
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
Public Meeting of Parliament handling the Draft Ordinance to amend the vacation and exemption from service regulations and Ratification of Memorandum of Understanding establishing the SSS Cooperative Consultation.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on May 19, 2025.
The Public meeting is scheduled for Monday at 15.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of General Affairs and the Minister of Finance will be in attendance.
The agenda point is:
- Incoming documents
- Ontwerplandsverordening tot wijziging van de Regeling vakantie en vrijstelling van dienst teneinde de hoogte van de vakantie-uitkering te wijzigen alsmede de wijze waarop, toekomstige wijzigingen van de hoogte van de vakantie-uitkeringen zullen worden gerealiseerd en het toekennen van een dag verlof bij het bereiken van het 45-jarig ambtsjubileum (Zittingsjaar 2024-2025-183) (IS/508/2024-2025 d.d. 17 januari 2025)
Draft Ordinance amending the vacation and exemption from service regulations to change the amount of vacation allowance and the way future changes to the amount of vacation allowance will be implemented and the granting of one day of leave upon reaching the 45th anniversary of service (Parliamentary Year 2024-2025-183) (IS/508/2024-2025 dated January 17, 2025)
- Ratification of Memorandum of Understanding between the Island Councils of Saba and Sint Eustatius and the Parliament of Sint Maarten establishing the SSS Cooperative Consultation (IS/926/2024-2025 dated April 23, 2025)
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
The 22nd Annual St. Martin Book Fair Set for June 5–7, 2025
PHILIPSBURG:--- /MARIGOT, St. Martin:--- The 22nd Annual St. Martin Book Fair, taking place from June 5 to 7, 2025, will host a dynamic lineup of new writers, seasoned authors and scholars, workshop presenters, and at least six new books published in St. Martin this year, said literary festival coordinator Shujah Reiph.
Familiar book fair names like award-winning novelist Nicole Cage (Martinique) and children’s book author/publisher to US entertainment industry and NBA stars, Professor Heddrick McBride (USA), are returning to the Friendly Island—each bringing fresh titles for readers of all ages.
The roots linking orature and literature in the Caribbean is on the calendar with a thrilling extempo face-off on stage. Trinidad’s well-known kaisonian and former monarch, Pink Panther, will meet St. Martin’s own emperor, Kaiso Brat, to deliver this high art form of calypso.
“This could be a crowd-pulling face-off,” said Reiph, “and it is a major highlight of the Literary Evening and Main Book Launch on Friday, June 6, at the Poetry Garden of the Collectivity (government building) in Marigot.
The festival also shines a spotlight on emerging voices. First-time authors from St. Martin, such as Roseann Rumnit, and from Anguilla, such as children’s graphic novelist Serena Connor, are invited guests alongside writers, scholars, and presenters from Ghana/Puerto Rico, Marie-Galante, Jamaica, Mexico/UK, Cuba, and Guadeloupe.
The Opening Ceremony on Thursday, June 5, will feature author and noted professor of trauma studies, Caribbean literature, and women’s literature, Dr. Dannabang Kuwabong, delivering the keynote address titled “Redefining,” at the Belair Community Center in Cay Hill. Books published this year in St. Martin by authors from the Virgin Islands, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Ghana, and St. Martin will also be unveiled to festivalgoers.
All book fair activities are free and open to the public, including the Main Book Fair Day, which takes place on Saturday, June 7, at its traditional home—the University of St. Martin campus. “Expect a full day of book sales, workshops, open mic readings, the Presidents Forum, and master classes running non-stop,” said Reiph.
The lit fest will also collaborate with the 49th Annual Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) Conference, June 1 – 7, for the cultural showcase of St. Martin dance, music, and theater at the Ruby Bute Silk Cotton Grove Art Gallery in Cripple Gate/Frairs Bay (not at the Marigot Waterfront as previously reported), on June 4, said CSA president Dr. Rhoda Arrindell.
“I can’t thank the St. Martin Book Fair Committee enough, along with the CSA, our sponsors and venue managers for their time, partnership, and generosity. In 2025, the people of St. Martin deserve the very best ‘book fair for the entire family,’” said Reiph.
Stay connected via the St. Martin Book Fair Facebook page, the island’s media, SOS Radio 95.9 FM, or contact Shujah Reiph directly for updates at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or WhatsApp +590 690 30-7366.
Mercelina, Gumbs sign Letter of Intent for regional cooperation on waste.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs cosigned a letter of intent, the Gustavia Appeal, in support of regional cooperation in waste during the Zero Waste Conference. Spearheaded by SYVADE, the Regional Waste Management and Recovery Center in Guadeloupe, to address waste at the regional level.
Co-signing the Gustavia Appeal were Mr. Xavier Ledee, President of Saint-Barthelemy; Mr. Louis Mussington, President of Saint-Martin; Mr. Kyle Hodge, Minister for Economic Development and Natural Resources of Anguilla; Jean-Philippe Courtois, First Vice-President of the Departmental Council of Guadeloupe; Mr. Bruce Zagers, Commissioner of Saba; and Mr. Domique Biras, President of SYVADE. The Sint Maarten delegation included Mr. Stuart Johnson, Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister; Mr. Claret Connor, Director of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), and Mr. Ronald Halman, Representative of Sint Maarten on the Trust Fund Steering Committee.
In the Letter of Intent, Governments recognized the shared challenges of managing waste and the need to collectively find solutions. As part of its mission, SYVADE supports cooperation across municipalities and agencies in Guadeloupe and has been working to expand this collaboration throughout the Caribbean. This initiative towards a regional approach to waste is supported by the European Union and aims to assist Caribbean islands with waste solutions through knowledge exchange, advanced technology, and innovative financing.
The Ministry of VROMI is in the final stages of designing the solution for the landfill under the Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP). The project, administered by the World Bank, through the trust fund, has earmarked over USD$50 million towards waste reforms. These reforms will consist of physically improving the landfill, enhancing existing waste regulations and financing, and introducing a more circular economy that makes use of the value of our collective waste; thereby minimizing the amount of garbage going to the landfill.
Minister Gumbs outlined his Ministry's definition of success for EDMP as the "improving of current disposal practices supported by a financially sound waste management system that focuses on creating a circular and safe economic environment. Gumbs concluded by stating "these efforts are geared towards the closure and rehabilitation (cleaning up) of the existing landfill site; cooperation with our subregional partners plays a critical part in achieving this success through joint solutions for waste treatment and management".
As focal point of the Trust Fund, Prime Minister Mercelina reiterated his commitment to supporting VROMI’s vision for waste reforms through regional cooperation. During the conference Prime Minister Mercelina met with regional colleagues to discuss economic opportunities through regional cooperation and how best to align national policies to facilitate such engagement. Prime Minister, who is charged with foreign relations, pledged his support to facilitate agreements that may be deemed necessary to support this initiative. "the Caribbean must no longer see waste as a burden, but as a resource and an opportunity,” stated Prime Minister Mercelina reflecting about the seminar. “We are here because regional cooperation is key to supporting our future; our environment demands more than words, it demands decisive, collective action.” Prime Minister concluded by issuing a call to regional leaders to be a catalyst for real change, underscoring Sint Maarten's readiness to find regional solutions to collective challenges.
As Minister Gumbs continues to lead in the advancement of EDMP, what will be important is a comprehensive update to the Parliament of Sint Maarten in the coming months. The request for this meeting will be made once the long-term vision for waste management is finalized. Minister Gumbs stated that "for the first time ever both political will and financing have aligned and offered the opportunity to fix the landfill and by extension our ongoing waste challenges. The Government of Sint Maarten remains committed to addressing this in support of improving the overall well-being for both residents and visitors alike, as well as our future generations.