PHILIPSBURG:--- Lyndon Lewis, Member of Parliament  and Vice Chair of the Justice Committee, has voiced serious concerns over the recent announcement by the Minister of Justice regarding the completion of “Phase One.” His concerns follow a press release issued by the NAPB union and feedback from justice workers, which suggests a significant disconnect between the official announcement and the reality on the ground.
According to the union’s press release and corroborated reports from justice workers, many employees are still awaiting their official decrees despite the declaration that “Phase One” has been completed. Additionally, several justice workers who have received their decrees have filed formal objections but have yet to receive any response from the Ministry.

“When public announcements are made, they must reflect the actual situation. Right now, I’m confused because many active employees have reportedly received no communication from the Ministry regarding their placement within the organization,” MP Lewis stated. “The concerns raised by the unions highlight a clear gap between what has been announced and what justice workers are experiencing.”

MP Lewis emphasized that premature or misleading declarations risk confusing the public and eroding trust among justice workers. He stressed the importance of honest, timely, and transparent communication, particularly on matters that directly impact the careers and livelihoods of justice workers.
“Justice workers are essential to upholding the rule of law, and their concerns must be treated with the seriousness and respect they deserve. Processes involving their employment status, decrees, or objections must be handled with diligence, accountability, and fairness,” he added.

In response to these concerns, MP Lewis confirmed that he has formally requested a meeting with the relevant authorities to seek clarification on the status of “Phase One.” The meeting aims to address the issues raised by the unions and ensure that justice workers are treated in accordance with proper procedures.
Reaffirming his commitment to justice workers and the people of Sint Maarten, MP Lewis pledged to continue advocating for transparency, accountability, and integrity in public governance. “I stand firmly with justice workers and the people of Sint Maarten. Their voices must be heard, and their concerns must be addressed,” he concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), in collaboration with the Simpson Bay Fireworks Association, is pleased to reflect on the successful execution of Crew Year’s Eve 2026, held on Friday, January 9, in Simpson Bay.
Crew Year’s Eve once again proved to be a highlight on St. Maarten’s maritime calendar, bringing together yacht crew, marine professionals, residents, and visitors for an evening celebrating the island’s vibrant marine community. The festivities culminated in a spectacular fireworks display at 10:00 PM, lighting up the Simpson Bay skyline and creating a memorable moment for attendees both on land and on the water.
Beyond the celebration itself, Crew Year’s Eve generated a noticeable positive ripple effect across the island’s economy. Restaurants and bars experienced increased activity throughout the evening, while visitors and tourists actively sought information about the event, reinforcing St. Maarten’s reputation as a lively and welcoming destination. The timing of Crew Year’s Eve also encouraged many visitors to extend their holiday stays, allowing for greater flexibility in travel plans and contributing to sustained economic activity beyond the traditional holiday period. This extended engagement highlights the value of the event not only to the maritime sector, but to the wider tourism and hospitality industries on the island.
Following the strong turnout and enthusiastic response, the SMMTA is proud to see Crew Year’s Eve continue to grow as a meaningful moment of appreciation for the hard-working crews and marine businesses that contribute year-round to St. Maarten’s reputation as a leading yachting and maritime destination.
In addition to the main fireworks celebration, several marinas hosted events open to the maritime community and the wider public, further enhancing the island-wide atmosphere. Palapa Marina welcomed guests with a vibrant Gatsby-themed celebration, while Isle de Sol Marina and Yacht Club port de Plaisance also hosted themed events, reinforcing the inclusive and collaborative spirit that defines Crew Year’s Eve.
The SMMTA extends its sincere appreciation to the event partners and sponsors whose support made Crew Year’s Eve 2026 possible: IGY Marinas, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, Palapa Marina, Port of St. Maarten, Skyport Marina, Simpson Bay Resort, Nowhere Special, ProServ Marine, Island Water World, NAPA, BWA Yachting, Carrefour, Steve Coetzer, PDG Supplies, and Bluwater Construction.
Their commitment reflects the strength of collaboration within the marine sector and a shared pride in celebrating the people who power it.
The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association thanks all partners, marinas, sponsors, and attendees for contributing to a safe, festive, and successful Crew Year’s Eve 2026 and looks forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, has released the third video in an ongoing awareness series focused on youth mental health, this time addressing the serious issue of bullying and online exploitation. The video was produced in collaboration with local artist King James.
This third installment follows two earlier videos launched by the Ministry: the first centered on emotional well-being and the message “You good? Are you okay?”, encouraging young people to reach out to trusted individuals and not suffer in silence; the second highlighted the negative impact of vaping on youth health and development.
The latest video focuses on bullying, particularly in the digital space, and tells the story of a young girl who shared a private image with someone she trusted, only to have that image later shared widely without her consent. The video sheds light on the emotional harm, shame, and long-lasting mental health consequences that can result from such actions, while also emphasizing responsibility, empathy, and the importance of speaking up.
Minister Brug emphasized that the goal of the series is not to shame or frighten young people, but to create open conversations, promote awareness, and encourage safer choices, both online and offline. Bullying, including the sharing of private images without consent, is never acceptable and that young people who experience such situations should know they are not alone and that help is available.
Through this video series, the Ministry of VSA continues its commitment to supporting youth mental health by addressing difficult but relevant topics in a way that is relatable and locally grounded. Minister Brug emphasized the importance of respect, empathy, and accountability, calling on parents, educators, community leaders, and young people to work together to create safe and supportive environments. The Minister highlighted that addressing bullying requires early intervention, education, and consistent support for those affected.
The project reflects government’s priorities for 2024–2028, which focus on strengthening social well-being, empowering young people, and fostering safe, inclusive communities. These priorities emphasize protecting vulnerable groups, promoting positive social behavior, and encouraging collaboration among public institutions, schools, families, and community organizations.
Further information on support services and youth assistance programs will continue to be shared through the Ministry’s official communication channels.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During Tuesday’s meeting of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR), MP Egbert J. Doran raised a central question facing Sint Maarten today: can the country realistically speak about autonomy while remaining structurally dependent on external support?

According to MP Doran, discussions about Kingdom relations have repeated themselves for years, often focusing on autonomy, inclusion, and a stronger voice within the Kingdom. Yet, he noted, those discussions lose meaning when actions taken at the executive level do not reflect the same objectives.

“We talk about having more control over our future,” Doran said, “but when decisions consistently move us toward deeper dependence, we are not moving forward. We are standing still, or worse.”

A key part of Doran’s intervention focused on the country’s continued reliance on the Netherlands for assistance across multiple sectors. While he acknowledged that cooperation is necessary, especially in areas such as justice and governance, he stressed that long-term autonomy is impossible without a strong local revenue base.

“If Sint Maarten does not actively build its own revenue streams,” Doran cautioned, “then no amount of political language about autonomy will change our reality.”

This position, he emphasized, is not new. Last year, Doran formally requested a Finance Committee meeting focused specifically on revenue generation. That meeting has yet to be convened. More recently, together with his faction, he requested an urgent joint meeting with the Ministers of Finance and TEATT to discuss concrete revenue opportunities for Sint Maarten.

That meeting was scheduled, but ultimately canceled at the last minute.

For Doran, these delays highlight a deeper issue. While there is no shortage of talk about reform, there has been limited follow-through on discussions that directly address the country’s financial independence.

“Autonomy cannot exist without revenue,” he stated. “If we are serious about reducing dependence, then revenue generation cannot remain a postponed conversation.”

In addition to revenue generation, Doran raised concerns about transparency in Kingdom-level agreements. He questioned the number of mutual agreements signed in recent months within the Ministries of Justice, Finance, General Affairs and the Netherlands.

According to Doran, Parliament often learns of these commitments only after they are already in effect.

“Parliament must know what is being agreed to on behalf of the country,” he said. “What obligations are being taken on, and what is Sint Maarten committing to in return? That information should not come after the fact.”

He reiterated that cooperation is not the issue. The concern is whether Sint Maarten is engaging as an informed partner or simply reacting to circumstances without a clear long-term strategy.

While speaking from the opposition, Doran’s tone remained focused on national interest rather than political confrontation. He called for honest dialogue between Parliament and government, clearer alignment between public debate and executive action, and renewed urgency around building local economic strength.

“This is not about rejecting cooperation,” Doran concluded. “It’s about making sure Sint Maarten stands on its own feet while cooperating, not leaning indefinitely.”

MP Doran’s message remains clear: real autonomy begins at home. Without deliberate action on revenue generation, transparency, and follow-through, discussions about independence risk remaining just that, discussions.