St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Minister Brug urges businesses to attend VSA Employment Permit Workshop.

WhatsApp Image 2025 06 05 at 15.54.56 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Division of Labor Affairs & Social Services, under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is organizing another free Employment Permit Workshop. This workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Government Building, Conference Room 1 & 2.

This interactive session is specifically designed to inform local businesses about the process to apply for labor permits for employees. The aim is to provide clarity and guidance on the employment permit application process, ensuring full compliance with legal obligations.

Minister Brug emphasizes the importance of transparency and legal awareness when navigating the employment permit system. “It is crucial that our local employers understand the proper procedures. This will ensure a more efficient process and turnaround time.”

The workshop will include:

A breakdown of when and why an employment permit is required
Step-by-step guidance for businesses hiring non-nationals
An overview of employer responsibilities including compliance and renewals
Hands-on group discussions with real-life business scenarios
A Q&A session to address specific employer concerns

The session is open to all businesses operating on Sint Maarten. Admission is free, and registration will take place at the door. As space is limited, early arrival is strongly encouraged. We look forward to welcoming you on June 25th!

For more information, please contact: Division of Labor Affairs & Social Services at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +1 (721) 542-3542.

“This initiative reflects the Division’s ongoing commitment to supporting local employers while safeguarding opportunities for local professionals. I commend the Division of Labor Affairs & Social Services for their continues efforts to inform and educate our local employers.”, concluded Minister Brug.

Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell attends Ceremony Celebrating 249 Years of American Independence.

gracita08062025 THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):--- Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, the Honorable Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell recently attended the celebration of the 249th Anniversary of the Independence of the United States of America, held at the Louwman Museum.

This year’s theme, “American Drive: Create & Innovate”, underscored the enduring partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of the Netherlands, rooted in a shared spirit of innovation and progress.

The event featured several speeches and provided a valuable opportunity for networking and the strengthening of diplomatic ties in honor of this significant national occasion.

More than 600 people attended the event comprised of diplomats, distinguished guests, government officials, business leaders, academics, and cultural figures.

The U.S. Independence Day is officially celebrated on July 4^th; however, celebratory events have been taking place in various countries around the world.

Fire Department: Caribbean Heat Wave Season. Be Extra Vigilant

PHILIPSBURG:--- (DCOMM) – The Fire Department is calling on the community to be extra vigilant for the coming weeks and months as the country is currently in the annual Caribbean Heat Season, which runs from June to October.

The Fire Department and Office of Disaster Management (ODM) would like to offer the following tips to help the community manage hot weather as we enter the heat season: Minimize the risks of sun and hot weather; prepare your household, pets and workplace; avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day; for those working outdoors, get relief from and avoid the effects of heat by adjusting your attire and activities to limit sun exposure, heat and exertion.

Hot cars/trucks can be deadly. Don’t leave children in cars/trucks; be aware of heat-related illness such as high body temperature, vomiting, and pale and clammy skin; stay cool with air-conditioning, or at a pool/beach; avoid going out during the hottest hours, and wear sunscreen if necessary; drink lots of water; wear lightweight, light-colored clothes; wear a hat or carry an umbrella with you when you’re out; help others by checking on those at risk, like the sick, older adults, pregnant women, and children.

Keep pets safe and healthy in the heat by: never leave pets in the car/truck; avoid hot surfaces like asphalt that may burn your pet’s paws; offer water and shade at all times; move indoor pets, like fish and birds, away from windows or direct sunlight; watch for heat stress such as excessive panting, drooling, weakness, and reluctance to move in a pet may be caused by heat stress.

Stay aware of your own wellness and that of others: family members, friends, and colleagues.

According to the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS), heat waves in the Caribbean are more common during the months of August and September.

In case of a fire emergency call: 919. The Fire Department falls under the Ministry of General Affairs.

For health/medical emergencies, call 911.

Fatal Road Accident Near Super U Roundabout: Witness Appeal.

MARIGOT:--- A tragic road accident occurred late this morning on the Cul de Sac road, shortly before the Super U roundabout. The incident involved a collision between a scooter and a car, and sadly, resulted in a fatality.

According to initial reports, a pedestrian was present at the scene and may have witnessed the accident. The Gendarmerie is eager to locate this individual, who could provide crucial information about the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

The magistrate has issued an appeal for witnesses, urging anyone with knowledge or information about the accident to come forward, particularly the pedestrian involved.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact authorities promptly to aid in the ongoing investigation.

Central Committee meeting of Parliament regarding the draft National Ordinance establishing the 2025 budget of Country Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on June 9, 2025.

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Council of Ministers will be in attendance.

The agenda points are:

Approval composition delegation and provisions to attend celebration Curaçao flag day on July 2, 2025 (IS/1107/2024- 2025 dated June 2, 2025)
Ontwerplandsverordening tot vaststelling van de begroting van het Land Sint Maarten voor het dienstjaar 2025 (Landsverordening begroting 2025) (Zittingsjaar 2024-2025-185) (IS/1093/2024-2025 d.d. 23 mei 2025)

Draft National Ordinance establishing the budget of the Country of Sint Maarten for the service year 2025 (National Ordinance Budget 2025) (Parliamentary Year 2024-2025-185) (IS/1093/2024-2025 dated May 23, 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