PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Tropical Storm Jerry continues to make its way across the central Atlantic Ocean towards the Leeward Islands.

The Prime Minister Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is calling on the community and business sector to continue to closely monitor the progress of Jerry and to be prepared to take action if necessary.

“The safety of the population and our visitors is our highest priority. The forecast indicates that Jerry will pass away from the island; however, out of an abundance of caution, I call on the community and the business sector to still review their hurricane season preparations and to make sure their property is storm/hurricane ready.

“We have seen where storms within a very short period of time grow to become a major hurricane, and therefore I reiterate as a precautionary measure, to review your plans and be ready to take action if this becomes necessary,” the honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said on Wednesday.

According to the latest forecast from the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS) at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 2025, the country remains under a Tropical Storm Watch until further notice. A watch is issued when tropical storm conditions of sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour are possible within a specified area within 48 hours.

MDS says Jerry could pass at its closest point approximately 140 miles northeast of Sint Maarten on Friday, October 10, 2025.

RAINFALL: This system could produce rain accumulation of up to 2 to 4 inches over the region. Thunderstorms may accompany this rainfall and could produce flash

flooding and rock falls. Flood Advisory/warning will be issued if necessary.

WIND: Tropical storm force winds are likely to affect Sint Maarten from late Thursday.

SEAS: Sea conditions will gradually deteriorate. Small craft advisories and watches will be issued as conditions warrant.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) – not activated - met on Wednesday morning October 08, 2025, where an assessment was provided about the forecast track of Jerry.

Boat owners/mariners are advised to review their storm/hurricane season action plans as a precautionary measure.

The building sector should review and be prepared to implement their storm-ready plans if necessary.

Food wholesalers and warehouse depots are requested to review and be prepared to implement their storm ready plans for their establishment if required to do so.

Continue to monitor local weather reports from MDS: www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/ in connection with the approach of the weather system.

For more information on hurricane preparedness and to find a list of official resources, please visit the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart” or you can use the following link: https://shorturl.at/VbaxC

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

Continue to monitor official news sources for credible information.

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.  Remain vigilant and prepared!

PHILIPSBURG:---  In celebration of the 15^th Anniversary of achieving the political status of becoming a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10^th, 2010, the Government of Sint Maarten will be celebrating Constitution Day on October 13^th at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village at 11:30 am.

This year’s theme is entitled “Fifteen Years of Country Status-Honoring Our Past, Shaping our Future,” and will be celebrated in two parts. The program will begin with a uniform parade and official speeches, followed by an Intercultural Food Festival & Cultural Showcase, featuring the various nations that have made Sint Maarten their home and continue to contribute to the fabric of our intercultural society.

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercilina extends a special invitation to all residents and guests on Sint Maarten to come out and attend the celebratory activities during Constitution Day with free entrance at the Jocelyn Arnedll Festival Village. Constitutional Day is commemorated as a Public Holiday annually on the second Monday in October. For those unable to attend in person, the celebrations will be broadcast live via the Department of Culture Facebook page.

Following the Solemn Meeting of the Parliament of Sint Maarten at 10:00 am, the Uniform Parade will start at 11:30 am and proceed via the route, Long Wall Road onto the Walter Nisbeth Road to the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village. The procession with over 100 participants will feature the following marching troupes led by the Police Force (KPSM), Voluntary Korps Sint Maarten (VKS), Coast Guard Sint Maarten, Customs Officers, Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders, and Sint Maarten Youth Brigade.

Official Addresses by Government Officials, including His Excellency Governor Ajamu Baly, Honorable President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams, Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercilina, and Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport Melissa Gumbs, will then take place on the grounds of the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village.

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina stated, “Constitution Day is an important day for all citizens as it reminds us of the journey we embarked upon fifteen years ago to shape our own destiny as a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a moment to honor the sacrifices, resilience, and unity that have guided our progress, while reaffirming our collective responsibility to build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Sint Maarten for generations to come.”

The afternoon phase of the celebration will feature the Intercultural Food Festival, where festival village guests will have the opportunity to sample a diverse array of tasty cuisines from the many cultures that comprise the community of people residing on Sint Maarten. While the Cultural Showcase taking place on the mainstage will allow the audience to enjoy a wide range of talent and the rich cultural creativity of our local artists from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

In addition to the activities on Constitutional Day, focus has also been placed on involving the youth of Sint Maarten; thus, the Department of Culture and the Sint Maarten Youth Parliament have joined forces to host a special event.

Youth Reflections: Fifteen Years of Country Status will be a presentation by the youth for the youth, that consists of amazing speeches, powerful spoken word, great music, a panel discussion, and dances that will take place at the Philipsburg Cultural & Community Center on Saturday, October 11th at 6:00 pm. All youth on the island are invited to participate in this presentation by their fellow Youth Parliament representatives.

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, the Honorable Melissa Gumbs, shared her thoughts on the importance of youth expression, “Fifteen years of Country status signify more than a constitutional milestone. They mark the ongoing journey of a people who continue to learn, create, dream, and rise together. Through education, we build minds; through culture, we honor our spirit; through our youth, we renew our hope; and through sport, we strengthen our spirit of unity. May this Constitution Day remind us that our greatest achievement is not only in the past we honour, but in the future, we have the courage to shape, together.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Insurances is excited to announce the official launch of our NAGICARE SME Smart Health Insurance, a comprehensive and affordable medical plan, tailored to provide coverage for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs who no longer have medical coverage under SZV following the recent changes.
According to Tamisha Wigley, NAGICO’s Operations Manager for St Maarten, Saba & Statia, “The NAGICARE SME Smart Health product was created specifically for this target group, which no longer qualifies for SZV,” she said. “This plan is a complete all-in-one coverage which will ensure that the insured has access to quality medical coverage at an affordable rate. So, whether it’s a simple routine checkup or for an emergency, NAGICARE Smart Health will ensure you are covered, not only here locally, but also when you travel abroad. Our goal is to make healthcare more accessible for everyone.”
Under the NAGICARE SME Smart Health, the insured will have coverage for: Vision Care, Dental Services, Annual Checkups, Lab Testing, Preventative Care, Emergency Overseas Treatment, and much more.

HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG:--- Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency A.G. Baly, LL.M., today announced the speakers for the 12th Annual Governor’s Symposium.

The distinguished group of experts who will address this year’s event, themed “15 Years of Constitutional Autonomy: Achievements, Lessons, and Prospects,” represents diverse fields including law, governance, economics, and social development. The Symposium will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Cupecoy. The distinguished group of experts for this year's Symposium include:

• Franklyn Richards, a legal scholar, and Lieutenant Governor of the former Island Territory of Sint Maarten (2000–2010), continues to contribute to national institutions through leadership roles at the Progress Committee, the Sint Maarten Volunteer Corps Foundation (VKS), and the General Pension Fund of Sint Maarten (APS). His career reflects decades of dedication to good governance, public service, and civic resilience.
• Nancy R. Guishard-Joubert, member of the Council of Advice of Sint Maarten, is a constitutional and administrative law specialist. She previously served as Secretary General of Parliament and played a key role in the legislative process leading up to and following Sint Maarten’s constitutional transition in 2010.
• Jason Lista, Economic Analysis and Research Specialist at the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS), focuses on Sint Maarten’s real sector and macroeconomic outlook. He has previously served as a senior policy advisor to the Government of Sint Maarten and contributes to regional economic research and IMF consultations.
• Carla Vlaun, Managing Director of Tackling Law and former policy advisor at the Social Economic Council, is a researcher and cultural advocate whose work bridges governance, heritage, and civic engagement. She is also the co-host of Mele, Sint Maarten’s first historical podcast exploring local history and identity.
• Jorien Wuite, Crown-appointed member of the Social Economic Council (SER), former Minister Plenipotentiary, and Member of the Second Chamber of the Netherlands, is known for her leadership in both Sint Maarten and the Netherlands. She currently serves in various supervisory and advisory capacities, including at the Netherlands Film Fund and Qredits, advancing social innovation and cultural collaboration across the Kingdom. 
• Khalilah S. Peters, Senior Director of Caribbean Government Relations at Adtalem Global Education, with over 15 years of experience in regional policy and diplomacy as the former Head of the Department of Foreign Relations of the Government of Sint Maarten will moderate the panel discussion and public engagement session. Panelists will reflect on Sint Maarten’s 15-year constitutional journey, highlight lessons learned, and share insights for the country’s path forward. 

As in previous years, attendance at the Symposium is by invitation only. However, the public is encouraged to join the conversation virtually. The event will be livestreamed on the Governor’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel on Friday, October 10, 2025, starting at 8:30 a.m. In-person registration for invited guests begins at 8:00 a.m. promptly. Virtual viewers are encouraged to log on a few minutes early to ensure access.

Interested parties who wish to attend the Symposium may submit their requests for attendance via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or through the Governor’s official Facebook page.