PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a public meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025.

The public meeting is scheduled for 13.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Prime Minister / Minister of General Affairs will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Question hour: 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)


The intention of a question hour is to create the possibility for Members of Parliament to exercise their supervisory activities by posing questions and interact with Ministers on current matters. During the question hour only questions and answers will be given on the topic at hand. The procedure of the question hour is regulated in article 69 and further of the Rules of Order.
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 

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The theme for World AIDS Day, which will be observed globally on Monday, December 1, 2025, is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) said on Sunday.

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, serves as a crucial global initiative to unite people in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with the virus, and commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

The day is a pivotal moment for governments, health organizations, and communities to renew their commitment to reach the UNAIDS target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

A primary objective of World AIDS Day 2025 will be to accelerate efforts toward achieving the ambitious 95-95-95 targets: of people living with HIV know their status, of all people with diagnosed HIV infection receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and of all people receiving ART achieve viral suppression.

CPS encourages the community to educate and inform themselves about the latest developments related to AIDS and HIV, and therefore, the topic is part of its annual calendar of health observances.

Achieving viral suppression is critical, as it means the virus is undetectable, rendering it impossible to transmit sexually or undetectable equals un-transmittable).

This scientific fact has fundamentally changed the social and medical landscape of HIV, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and preventing new infections.

Awareness campaigns on this day will heavily emphasize the importance of getting tested, starting treatment immediately, and understanding that modern ART is the most effective prevention tool available.

Finally, the commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to combat stigma and discrimination. Despite monumental medical progress, social stigma remains a major obstacle, preventing many individuals from seeking testing or adhering to treatment for fear of judgment, exclusion, or violence.

World AIDS Day is therefore a call to action for society to foster greater understanding and acceptance. By promoting open dialogue, celebrating the resilience of those living with HIV, and campaigning for inclusive policies, we can remove the final non-medical barriers to ending the epidemic, ensuring that the necessary healthcare and social support reach every individual, everywhere.

In 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally. Approximately 630,000 people died from HIV related causes in 2024, and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2024.

Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM airport) officially ushered in the holiday season with the lighting of its Christmas tree, a tradition that symbolizes warmth and hospitality for travelers during the busiest time of the year. The ceremony was led by CFO Michael Lake, and COO Emile Levons, marking the start of a month filled with holiday cheer.
The entire airport has been transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with vibrant decorations to create a welcoming atmosphere for thousands of passengers arriving on the island. Throughout December, SXM Airport will host a series of holiday-themed activities designed to spread joy and enhance the travel experience for passengers and locals.
“As we enter this festive season, it is important for us to create an atmosphere that reflects the warmth and hospitality of our island,” said CFO Michael. Lake. “The holiday decorations and activities are a gesture of appreciation to our passengers, partners, and employees who contribute to the success of SXM Airport.”
From an operational standpoint, maintaining a seamless passenger flow remains a top priority. COO Emile Levons emphasized:
“December is traditionally our peak travel period, and our teams have been preparing extensively. We are committed to delivering a safe, efficient, and enjoyable experience for all travelers, even on the busiest days. The holiday season brings unique challenges, but also great opportunities to showcase the resilience of SXM Airport’s operations.”

December is traditionally the airport’s busiest month, with 7,000 to 8,000 passengers passing through on peak days, as travelers flock to the Caribbean for winter escapes. SXM Airport is ready to meet this demand while ensuring a safe, efficient, and festive environment for all.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A wave of brazen robberies struck Sint-Maarten in the early hours of November 30, 2025, leaving residents and business owners on high alert. The Sint-Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is now conducting a full-scale investigation into two separate, audacious crimes that occurred just hours apart: one involving a suspect impersonating a police officer and the other a coordinated hotel heist.

The night's crime spree began shortly after 12:30 a.m. in the Madame Estate area. A local business owner on their way home was ambushed and robbed. In a chilling detail, the attacker was reportedly wearing a polo-style shirt strikingly similar to those worn by KPSM officers. The suspect stole keys and other valuables before disappearing, leaving behind a community shaken by the deceptive tactic.

KPSM has strongly condemned this act, highlighting the grave danger posed by criminals who impersonate law enforcement. Such incidents not only threaten the public but also undermine the safety and integrity of legitimate officers.

Before the island could process the first incident, a second, highly organized robbery unfolded. Just after 2:00 a.m., a small white vehicle carrying five individuals descended upon a hotel in the Oyster Bay area. Four of the suspects stormed the establishment, overpowering staff members in a swift takeover. Their target was a safe belonging to the business, which they successfully removed from the premises. A fifth suspect acted as the getaway driver, and the group fled with the stolen safe into the night.

Detectives are now poring over surveillance footage and witness statements from both crime scenes in an effort to identify the perpetrators. While the two robberies are not believed to be connected at this time, their severity and boldness have put the community on edge.

The police are urging the public to remain extremely vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have information about the incidents in either Madame Estate or Oyster Bay. You are encouraged to contact the KPSM Detective Department at +1 721-542-2222 or provide an anonymous tip through the 9300 tip line.