PHILIPSBURG:--- Since 2018, the Sint Maarten Lions Club has proudly upheld its tradition of welcoming students back to school with warmth and encouragement. This year, Lions members visited Prince Willem Alexander School on Wednesday, August 20th, and Martin Luther King School on Monday, August 25th, personally greeting a total of 210 students at the school gates.

With smiles, cheers, and a small treat to kick off the academic year, students met with enthusiasm and positivity, setting the tone for a year of growth and learning.

In its sixth year of this heartfelt initiative, the Lions Club expanded its gesture of appreciation by also honoring the dedicated teachers and staff. Each received a thoughtful token of gratitude in recognition of their tireless efforts to nurture and educate the island’s youth.

             “The Sint Maarten Lions Club has proudly executed our ‘Welcome Back to School’ project at the start of each academic year to show support for students and uplift the teachers and support staff who guide them,” said Lion President Alvin Prescod. “Education is a cornerstone of a brighter future—opening doors to opportunity and shaping tomorrow’s community leaders. We believe in showing appreciation through action, by being present in our schools and in our community.”

The Lions Club remains committed to serving the community In meaningful ways—championing education, celebrating school spirit, and fostering a culture of encouragement and inclusion from day one

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a move that reeks of political vendettas and administrative chaos, Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. has “relieved” two senior civil servants—Head of Infrastructure Charlon Pompier and Head of New Works Kurt Ruan—from their duties. The letter informing them of this decision, however, raises more questions than it answers.

The letter, which failed to follow basic administrative procedures, was not booked in by the Division of Internal Affairs (DIV) and lacks a DIV number—a glaring oversight for such a significant action. While the Minister claims the two are not suspended, all the hallmarks of a suspension are present: their access passes revoked, phones disconnected, and emails blocked. The lack of transparency and procedural adherence is alarming, leaving the public to speculate about the true motives behind this decision.

The Front Street Repairs: A Convenient Excuse?

Speculation is rife that the Minister’s fury stems from the Front Street Road repairs conducted in March 2025 while he was conveniently vacationing in Miami. With Carnival Parade preparations looming, VROMI had just two weeks to repair the road. Given the urgency, the Ministry adhered to the procurement for paying contractors and requested multiple quotations from all civil works contractors registered at the Ministry of VROMI for the execution of similar infrastructure works. It was mentioned that VROMI used these procedures just three years ago.

 The repairs were completed on time, but the Minister only begrudgingly signed off on the work order months later in July, reportedly displeased with the choice of contractor—a local company he personally dislikes.

This raises a critical question: Is the Minister’s decision to relieve Pompier and Ruan from their duties a retaliatory act against their involvement in the Front Street repairs? If so, this is not just petty, it’s a gross misuse of power.

A History of Tension and Retaliation

Charlon Pompier, a founding member of the Party for Progress (PFP), has been a thorn in the side of the party leadership for some time. Known for his outspoken criticism of the party’s ad hoc decision-making, Pompier has refused to compromise his integrity, even when pressured to leak confidential information. Most recently, he filed a formal complaint against the Secretary General, further straining his relationship with the party.

Pompier also raised red flags when Minister Gumbs Jr. controversially withdrew a contract from Avyanna and handed it to All Waste in Place, despite legal advice warning against such a move. The legal counsel explicitly cautioned that this action could have serious repercussions, yet the Minister proceeded, ignoring the advice of his own experts. Pompier’s principled stance on this issue likely made him a target for retaliation. Not to mention the Chief of Staff of the Minister of VROMI  Cabinet is affiliated with All Waste in Place… This, of course, shows that the Minister has blatant corruption in his cabinet.

A Pattern of Abuse?

The Minister’s actions appear to be part of a broader pattern of political interference and abuse of power. By sidelining experienced civil servants like Pompier and Ruan, Gumbs Jr. is not only undermining the Ministry’s operations but also sending a chilling message to others who dare to question his authority. The lack of transparency, procedural irregularities, and apparent personal vendettas are deeply troubling and demand immediate scrutiny.

What’s Next for VROMI?

The public deserves answers. Why were Pompier and Ruan relieved of their duties without a clear explanation? Why was the letter not properly processed through DIV? And most importantly, is this yet another example of political interference in the civil service?

Minister Gumbs Jr. owes the people of this country an explanation. Until then, the stench of corruption and political vendettas will continue to hang over VROMI, eroding public trust in the Ministry and its leadership.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Departments of Sport, Culture, and Collective Prevention Services are pleased to announce the return of the Annual Health, Sport & Culture Expo, taking place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the John Cooper Jose Lake Ball Park.

The Expo, a signature community initiative, is designed to promote health awareness, physical activity, and cultural enrichment within the community of Sint Maarten. This year’s program will once again highlight the importance of wellness and healthy living through a variety of interactive and educational activities.

The Expo will feature:

• Free health screenings including Blood Pressure, Diabetes, and HIV testing.
• A Police Obstacle Course Challenge, open to the public, to test their skills and endurance.
• Interactive fitness and cultural classes, including Zumba, Capoeira, and Yoga.

“The Health, Sport & Culture Expo is about bringing our community together to learn, move, and celebrate wellness,” said Jonelle Richardson, Head of the Department of Sport. “It is an opportunity for everyone to take part in activities that benefit both body and mind, while also enjoying the diversity of our cultural practices.”

Eva Lista–de Weever, Head of Collective Prevention Services, said, “CPS is pleased to take part in this year’s Expo and remains thankful for the continued collaboration with government partners and community organizations as we work together to promote healthy living.”

In addition to health and sport, the Expo will also highlight Sint Maarten’s vibrant cultural scene. The Department of Culture emphasizes the importance of the creative industry in the country’s development. “The development of the Cultural Creative Industry on Sint Maarten continues to be at the forefront of the agenda of the Department of Culture. As such, the department is encouraging all residents in our community to come out, partake and experience the diverse groups that will be featured at this year's Health Sport & Culture EXPO 2025.”

The general public is encouraged to come out and take advantage of this free and accessible event, designed to promote wellness, community spirit, and healthy living across Sint Maarten.

Event Details:
📅 Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025
🕖 Time: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Venue: John Cooper Jose Lake Ball Park
💰 Admission: FREE

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (CTEATT) will meet on August 26, 2025.  

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Representatives of SXM TAXI will be in attendance.  

The agenda point is:

Presentation by SXM TAXI on its Smart Transportation Solution for Sint Maarten's Taxi Industry (IS/1108/2024-2025 dated June 2, 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.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament