PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) has reported a substantial rise in public transport enforcement from June to December 2025, resulting in more than ANG 30,200 in fines across the transportation sector.
The increase in enforcement activity coincides with strengthened operational capacity within the Inspectorate, leading to more frequent roadside controls, improved coverage, and enhanced monitoring of public transport operators.
September and November recorded the highest enforcement totals, each exceeding ANG 7,900.
During this period, inspectors identified several recurring violations, including:
Operating passenger transport without the required permit;
Failure to comply with vehicle inspection (Keuring) requirements;
Service standard violations under the National Decree Passenger Transport, such as unsafe vehicle conditions, improper passenger handling, and failure to meet minimum operational obligations;
Unlawful fare practices;
Private vehicles engaging in commercial passenger transport;
Buses and taxis accounted for most of the violations, with several cases involving private vehicles operating illegally as public transport.
Head of the Inspectorate, Lucien Wilson, stated that the enforcement results reflect IETA’s commitment to improving safety, professionalism, and fairness within the public transportation system.
“These outcomes demonstrate the importance of consistent, visible enforcement. Our focus remains on passenger safety and ensuring that compliant operators are protected from unsafe and unfair practices.”
IETA - Section Transport will continue routine and targeted inspections in the coming months, prioritizing safety risks, permit compliance, and service quality standards.
Continuation Public meeting of Parliament handling the draft National Ordinance containing rules regarding a basic payment account for consumers.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on December 15, 2025.
The Public meeting, which was adjourned on November 5, 2025, and will be reconvened on Monday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The Minister of Finance will return to Parliament to provide answers to clarification questions posed by the Members of Parliament in the second round of deliberations.
The agenda point is:
2. Ontwerplandsverordening houdende regels met betrekking tot een basisbetaalrekening voor consumenten (Landsverordening basisbetaalrekening) (Zittingsjaar 2023-2024-174) (IS/292/2023-2024 d.d. 20 december 2023)
Draft National Ordinance containing rules regarding a basic payment account for consumers (National Ordinance basic payment account) (Parliamentary year 2023-2024-174) (IS/292/2023-2024 dated 20 December 2023)
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 regarding several Question Hours.
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
KPSM leads joint operations with military support in response to rise in crime.
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.
Minister Tackling Secures Military Support to Enhance Public Safety Operations.
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.