PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on December 15, 2025.

The Public meeting is scheduled for Monday at 13.00 hrs. to 15.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:
1. Question hour: Questions from MP F.A. Lacroes directed to the Minister of Finance on the application and extension of tax holiday legislation under the Landsverordening ter bevordering van bedrijfsvestiging en hotelbouw (LBBH) and broader framework of fiscal incentives. (IS/362/2025-2026 dated November 18, 2025)
2. Questions from MP F.A. Lacroes directed to the Minister of General Affairs regarding Sint Maarten's national strategy for fuel diversification, LNG transition, public utilities, and the implementation of community benefits (IS/368/2025-2026 dated November 19, 2025)
3. Questions from MP E.J. Doran directed to the Minister of TEATT regarding the reconstruction of the Philipsburg Marketplace and support to displaced vendors (IS/395/2025-2026 dated November 26, 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.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is intensifying its efforts to address the recent rise in criminal activity on the island, with temporary support from the Marine Detachment of Dutch Defence in the Caribbean. The cooperation began on Friday, December 12th, 2025, and will continue for the upcoming period.
The Government of Sint-Maarten, via the Minister of Justice N. Tacking, had requested this short-term assistance to reinforce police capacity during ongoing operations. The Marines will support police officers during joint patrols and assist with traffic controls. Their role is to strengthen the police presence and operational ability during this period of heightened activity.
These actions will be carried out under the directive of the chief of police of Sint-Maarten.

Marines provide support on Sint Maarten due to rising crime

At the request of the Sint Maarten authorities, Marines from the Sint Maarten Detachment have been supporting the police on the island since Friday, December 12th.

This is to maintain public order and thus ensure safety. The reason for this is the rising crime rate.

Over the next two weeks, the Marines will amongst other things, be conducting traffic checks and patrols alongside members of the Sint Maarten Police Force.

Supporting civil authorities is one of the Defense Department's responsibilities in the Caribbean Region.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice confirms that the formal request submitted by Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling for military assistance has been officially approved. Effective immediately, Marines stationed on Sint Maarten will support the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) in maintaining public order and strengthening security in key areas.
The procedure for a formal request for military assistance was initiated on 7 November 2025 as part of broader efforts to reinforce public safety and ensure readiness amid increased activity. Following recent armed robberies and heightened public safety concerns, the scope of the request was amended to allow for expanded operational support. The Marines will operate alongside KPSM officers in joint patrols and traffic controls as part of a coordinated preventive action plan. The objective is to enhance visible law enforcement presence, deter criminal activity, and reassure residents, business owners, and visitors.
Minister Tackling emphasized that the deployment reflects a deliberate and firm approach to public safety, underscoring that protecting residents and visitors remains a top priority and that decisive action will continue to reinforce public trust.
The approved support will remain in effect throughout the Christmas period, with the daily deployment of eight (8) marines under joint operations with KPSM. An evaluation will be conducted thereafter to assess the impact and determine next steps.
This measure represents another concrete step toward reinforcing public confidence and safeguarding the social and economic well-being of Sint Maarten.

Cay Hill:--- Rotary recognizes December as Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. In alignment with this focus, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset continues to live out its mission of Service Above Self, recently handing over one Bili Blanket to the Pediatric Department of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). This contribution was made possible through a District Grant for the Rotary Year 2024–2025.

A Bili Blanket is a soft, therapeutic phototherapy device designed to provide soothing comfort while delivering targeted light treatment to infants suffering from jaundice. These blankets help reduce anxiety, promote a sense of security, and support the overall well-being of pediatric patients during medical treatment or recovery.

During the presentation, Ms. Sheryl Carty of SMMC expressed profound gratitude for the club’s ongoing support. “The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset is a God-sent as they continuously help us make our patients’ recovery and well-being more comfortable. We are so happy and proud of this club for its generosity, as its commitment to the community is admirable.”

Club President Alex Pierre shared that he is both honored and proud to make this handover on behalf of the club. “Caring for our community is our #1 mission, and we remain committed to ensuring that our island’s children receive comfort, hope, and support during difficult moments.”

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset extends heartfelt appreciation to The Rotary Foundation and, by extension, Rotary District 7020’s Foundation Committee for providing the grant that made it possible for the club to present this much-needed equipment.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at Carl & Sons from 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM. Individuals interested in learning more about the club or joining its efforts are encouraged to reach out via our social media pages – Rotary Club of St Martin Sunset or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..