PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka Gumbs, following up on the post published on her official Facebook page and the Government of Sint Maarten’s official Facebook page on July 8, 2025, extends her gratitude to the public for actively engaging and submitting names of businesses that continue to impose minimum purchase requirements when customers use bank cards.

This practice is in direct violation of vendor agreements with the banks. As outlined in those agreements, such requirements are not permitted. In fact, the St. Maarten Bankers Association issued a public statement last year explicitly confirming that vendors must comply with the following rules:

1. No additional fees may be charged for card payments.
2. No minimum purchase limits may be imposed.
3. Both MasterCard and Visa cards must be accepted.
4. Card acceptance markings must be clearly displayed.

Despite this, non-compliance continues at several businesses.

On August 28, 2025, Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka Gumbs officially sent a letter with the list of businesses received from the public to the Bankers Association, requesting that the matter be investigated and that appropriate follow-up and enforcement be carried out in line with the Association’s own statement. The Minister has also requested that an update be provided to her office. Any cases of non-compliance, as previously stated in the Bankers Association’s press release last year, can be reported directly to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

As this matter concerns a breach of vendor agreements rather than a violation of law, the Bankers Association is the responsible authority to enforce compliance. However, Minister Gumbs has initiated discussions with the Minister of TEATT and other Ministers to explore the possibility of linking compliance with this rule to the issuance of business licenses. Such a measure would provide Government with a direct mechanism to address violations. While these discussions are still in the early stages, the Minister views this as a potential step toward greater adherence and accountability.

“As we move toward a more digital economy, we cannot continue to allow practices that force customers to spend money they do not intend to spend simply to use their bank cards,” Minister Gumbs stated. She also acknowledged vendors concerns regarding transaction fees and confirmed that this issue is being discussed with the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) to explore solutions.

The Minister of Finance Ms. Marinka Gumbs emphasized that while broader financial reforms take time, it is important to begin with concrete actions to enforce change and protect consumers.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library Board proudly announces the official start of the demolition of its former library building, which was severely damaged by Hurricane Irma in 2017. This milestone marks not just the clearing away of bricks and mortar, but the beginning of a new chapter in the cultural and educational heart of Sint Maarten.

Since the devastation eight years ago, the Library has continued to serve the community from a smaller, temporary location, ensuring access to knowledge, literacy programs, and cultural activities. Now, with the demolition of the old site, preparations are underway for the construction of a modern, innovative library that will meet the needs of current and future generations.

“This is more than just a demolition,” said Joseanne R. Peterson, Chairlady of the Sint Maarten Library Board. “It is a symbolic moment of transformation. We are clearing the way for a new space that reflects our vision: a library that is resilient, future-ready, and deeply rooted in the community.”

The new library building will embody modern design, functionality, and inclusivity, offering not only books and resources, but also technology, creativity hubs, and community spaces.

The Board extends heartfelt thanks to the Government of Sint Maarten, stakeholders, and the community for their continued support throughout this journey.

“As Sint Maarteners, we have always proven ourselves to be a resilient people,” added Peterson. “This next step shows that no matter the challenges, we rise, rebuild, and look forward with hope.”

THE HAGUE:--- On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Ministers of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, the Netherlands, and Sint Maarten gathered in The Hague for the Judicial Four-Party Consultation (JVO). The meeting, a follow-up to the June session in Aruba, resulted in new agreements that strengthen Kingdom-wide cooperation.

Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling used the platform to ensure Sint Maarten’s challenges and contributions remained central to the discussions. Detention was a key focus given the difficulties at Point Blanche Prison. Minister Tackling welcomed Aruba’s offer of support and emphasized that such exchanges reflect the Kingdom’s strength in solidarity, noting her vision for Sint Maarten to contribute similarly once the new prison is fully operational in 2028. The Ministers also agreed on the urgency of convening a Kingdom-wide Taskforce on Detention to identify priority actions. Alongside this, they signed agreements on cooperation in forensic care, including new training programs for professionals working with forensic patients and detainees.

Another outcome was the signing of an agreement officially ending the outdated guardianship arrangement under which Dutch guardians were automatically assigned to minors moving from the islands to the Netherlands. The change ensures fairer treatment and greater recognition of local child protection services.

Youth crime prevention, first introduced to the JVO agenda by Sint Maarten, remained high on the agenda. Minister Tackling strongly advocated for a prevention-first strategy, stressing that long-term societal challenges can only be reduced through early interventions. She pledged to work closely with the Ministries of Education and Public Health, Social Development and Labor to ensure the issue is tackled across government, not only within Justice.

At Minister Tackling’s invitation, Professor Marieke Liem of Leiden University presented findings from the Dutch Caribbean Homicide Monitor. For Sint Maarten, the data confirmed disproportionately high homicide rates compared to Kingdom partners, though lower than the wider Caribbean average. The Ministers recognized the gravity of the challenges that Sint Maarten is experiencing and its connection to the lack of detention capacity. All Ministers expressed their support to Minister Tackling to address these challenges.

The Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to training local prosecutors. Sint Maarten’s own candidate, Ms. Royanna Baly, was featured in the program, which strengthens local judicial capacity and ensures that justice systems remain rooted in the communities they serve.

Minister Tackling further stressed the urgency of tackling subversive crime, calling for a shared Kingdom understanding of the term. She noted that the definition must also include crimes that directly affect citizens, such as robberies and violent offenses, and warned that when these crimes go unpunished due to detention shortages, public trust in the rule of law is eroded. Tackling highlighted the continued threat posed by illegal firearms and the importance of addressing how such weapons enter the country.

This theme will be further explored during the next JVO, which Sint Maarten will host from January 14–16, 2026. Minister Tackling expressed confidence that the agreements and outcomes achieved in The Hague mark important steps toward building a stronger and more resilient justice system across the Kingdom.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee of Justice of Parliament will meet on September 16, 2025. 

The Committee meeting, which was adjourned on August 28, 2025, will be reconvened on Tuesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:

Discussion with the Nationaal Algemene Politiebond regarding pressing justice-related concerns that are currently affecting its membership and the broader public service environment (IS/1280/2024-2025 dated August 5, 2025) 

Members of the public are also 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.