PHILIPSBURG:--- Excitement filled the air on Sunday, March 29th, as students, parents, and supporters gathered to witness the annual Caribbean Gems Interscholastic Elementary and High School Swim Meets. The event, organized by Caribbean Gems, Carib Swim Team (CST), and the St. Maarten Aquatic Federation (SMAF), brought together young swimmers from the different schools in a spirited display of talent and sportsmanship.

The morning session kicked off with the elementary school competition, featuring seven participating schools. St. Dominic Primary School emerged as the overall winner, followed by Learning Unlimited in second place and Sr. Regina Primary School in third. Caribbean International Academy secured fourth place, while Asha Stevens Hillside School placed 5th, John A. Gumbs MAC Campus placed 6^th , and Martin Luther King School placed seventh. Notably, Martin Luther King School was represented by a single swimmer, demonstrating determination and resilience. The School Spirit Trophy was awarded to Sr. Regina Primary School for their enthusiastic support.

In the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to the secondary schools. Caribbean International Academy (CIA) claimed first place, with St. Dominic School High finishing second and Milton Peters College taking third. Learning Unlimited placed fourth, followed by St. Maarten Academy in fifth, MAC Comprehensive Secondary Education in sixth, and St. Maarten Vocational Training School in seventh. Similar to the morning session, St. Maarten Vocational Training School was represented by a single swimmer. The School Spirit Trophy went to St. Dominic High School.

The St. Maarten Aquatic Federation expressed its gratitude to Caribbean Gems for its continued sponsorship of the event for over 30 years. The company’s contributions include providing medals, trophies, certificates, and facilitating the use of the swimming pool. Appreciation was also extended to Carib Swim Team for technical support, WIEMS, lifeguards, Eline Broere, and Nikki Grandtner, as well as the volunteers from CST and the board members of SMAF who ensured the success of the event. We would like to thank all participating schools and expressed hopes for an even greater turnout at the 2027.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Tax Administration is pleased to announce that number plates within the MF and V categories, which were previously unavailable, are now ready for collection. Motorists who have already completed payment and are awaiting their plates are encouraged to visit the Receiver’s Office on Pond Island to collect them.

Motorists who were issued temporary M plates are requested to return these plates in order to receive their assigned V or R number plate.

To collect your number plate, motorists must present the following documents at the service window: proof of payment, valid insurance, and a valid inspection card. Payments can be made online, via bank transfer, or in person at the Receiver’s Office.

Online payments are available via the online portal at https://services.sintmaartengov.org/ or via bank transfer to the following accounts: WIB USD 324800-05 / XCG 324800-03; RBC USD 8200000403930461 / XCG 8200000005425048.

For payments made via bank transfer, motorists must include their name and vehicle plate number in the payment description. Receipts, stickers, or number plates can be collected at the Receiver’s Office within three to five working days, provided all required documents are presented.

The Tax Administration urges all motorists who have not yet paid for or collected their 2026 motor vehicle stickers to do so at their earliest convenience.

PHILIPSBURG: --- A political dispute has emerged within the Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), as party leadership formally requested the immediate resignation of Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, who has rejected the request and disputed the claims made against him.

The request was issued in a March 26, 2026, letter from URSM President Brenda Brooks, citing concerns over governance, integrity, and alleged conflicts of interest.

Party Withdraws Support

In the letter, Brooks stated that the party had withdrawn its support for Brug’s continued role both within the party and in government, citing “a pattern of conduct” that raised concerns about governance, cohesion, and adherence to principles of collective responsibility.

The document outlined multiple issues, including:

• Alleged conflicts of interest involving contracts connected to the Minister’s Chief of Staff
• Concerns over a contract awarded to CZAR Management and Consulting B.V., including discrepancies in contract value and payments
• Claims that the Minister deviated from legal and supervisory advice in procurement and appointment processes
• Allegations that public statements by the Minister undermined the Prime Minister and party leadership

The letter also referenced warnings issued to the Minister regarding potential violations of Article 54 of the Landsverordening Materieel Ambtenarenrecht (LMA), and stated that continued actions could result in reputational and institutional harm.

Brooks concluded by stating that the breakdown in the relationship between the Minister and the party was “beyond repair,” and called for his voluntary resignation from both the party and the Council of Ministers.

Minister Rejects Allegations

In a detailed written response dated March 30, 2026, Minister Brug rejected the allegations, describing them as “assumptions, unfounded allegations, and a blatant disregard for the truth.”

Brug stated that:

• He did not violate principles of collective responsibility, asserting that his public statements addressed specific actions taken unilaterally by the Prime Minister
• There were no improper conflicts of interest in relation to contracts or Cabinet roles
• Payments alleged to exceed contract values were “entirely false and without substantiation”
• All relevant contracts and documentation were accessible through official government systems

He also questioned how the party obtained certain internal documents referenced in the letter, suggesting they may have been acquired outside formal legal channels.

Counter-Allegations Raised

In his response, Brug raised additional concerns regarding actions by the Prime Minister and party leadership, including:

• Allegations of political interference in procurement processes
• Claims that confidential information was shared to influence outcomes
• Assertions that directives were issued to civil servants that deviated from established legal procedures
• Concerns about the handling of appointments within government entities, including SZV

He further stated that he had requested an independent investigation, including possible review by the Integrity Chamber.

Dispute Over Contracts and Appointments

A central issue in both letters involves the awarding and management of contracts related to public projects, including a technical expert role and procurement processes linked to SZV.

The party’s letter alleges that tender processes were structured in a way that favored specific individuals connected to the Minister’s Chief of Staff.

Brug, however, maintains that:

• The contract in question was limited in scope and duration and completed within budget
• Subsequent procurement processes were handled independently by SZV
• He had no direct involvement in awarding later contracts

Position on Resignation

Brug stated unequivocally that he does not intend to resign from his ministerial post or party membership, asserting that the allegations against him are unsupported by evidence.

He added that he remains committed to his role and to serving the people of Sint Maarten, while calling for transparency and accountability in addressing the issues raised.

Ongoing Political Tensions

The exchange of letters highlights escalating tensions within the governing party and the broader coalition, with both sides presenting conflicting accounts of governance, integrity, and decision-making.

No formal announcement has been made regarding further action by the party or coalition partners at this time.

Click here to read the letter sent by the board of URSM to Minister of VSA Richinel Brug

Click here for the response from Minister Richinel Brug to the URSM Board

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has called on countries to accelerate efforts to achieve cervical cancer 2030 elimination targets in the Americas, warning that, with only five years remaining, the current pace puts reaching the goals at risk, despite progress in vaccination.

Each year, over 78,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Americas, and more than 40,000 die from the disease.

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cervix, which is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by persistent infection with certain high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common sexually transmitted infection.

The cancer typically develops very slowly, often beginning as pre-cancerous cell changes (known as dysplasia) that, if left undetected and untreated, can take many years to progress into invasive cancer. This slow progression is what makes routine screening so effective.

While this disease is a significant health challenge in our region, the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) wants every resident to know the most important fact: Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer, provided it is detected early.

Cervical cancer rates in the Caribbean are among the highest in the Americas. CPS recommends a three-tiered approach to eliminating cervical cancer in our community: HPV Vaccination: The First Line of Defense.

Vaccination is most effective when given to girls (and boys) between the ages of nine (9) and 14, before they are exposed to the virus. By vaccinating our youth, we are providing them with lifelong protection against the primary cause of cervical cancer.

Screening is not about looking for cancer; it is about looking for pre-cancerous changes. If these changes are found, they can be treated long before they ever become "cancer." The pap smear is a simple test that looks for abnormal cells in the cervix.

Women should begin regular screening at age 21 (or as advised by their healthcare provider). Don't wait for symptoms as cervical cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. If you wait until you feel pain or notice unusual bleeding, it may be more difficult to treat.

While vaccination and screening are the most powerful tools, overall health plays a role in how our bodies fight infections like HPV. Smoking doubles the risk of developing cervical cancer because it weakens the immune system’s ability to clear HPV infections.

A diet rich in Caribbean fruits and vegetables provides the antioxidants necessary for cellular health. At CPS, our goal is to ensure that no woman in our community suffers from a disease that we have the power to prevent.

Prevention is primarily achieved through the HPV vaccine, which protects against the strains of the virus most likely to cause cancer. Early detection relies on regular cervical cancer screening, which includes the Pap smear (to look for pre-cancerous cell changes) and the HPV test.

When these screenings are performed routinely, abnormal cells can be found and removed before they ever become cancer, making the prognosis for women who participate in regular screenings excellent.

CPS advises women who need additional information to contact their physician. Early detection is your best protection. Let us work together to keep the women of the Caribbean healthy, vibrant, and strong.