MARIGOT:--- The Collectivité de Saint-Martin is amending the General Tax Code to update old provisions and reduce environmental pollution. From July 1, 2025, a tax on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will be levied when vehicles are registered.
Currently, the cost of vehicle registration is calculated solely on the basis of horsepower. In accordance with the provisions of article 1585 J of the Saint-Martin General Tax Code (CGIsm), the cost of a vehicle registration certificate is calculated on the basis of the following scale:
- 36€ / horsepower for vehicles less than 10 years old;
- 18€ / horsepower for vehicles over 10 years old.

For 2 or 3-wheelers:
- Free for engines under 125cc;
- 18€ for 125cc vehicles under 10 years old;
- 9€ for 125cc over 10 years old;
- 36€/ horsepower for engines over 125cc.
This scale has never been modified since its introduction in 2015.
Updating these provisions is essential to meet a triple objective:
- Update the rate applied,
- Integrate an environmental dimension linked to COM taxation,
- Help preserve the Collectivité's financial autonomy.
From July 1, 2025, a tax on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will be levied on the registration of vehicles on the territory of the Collectivité de Saint-Martin, and on all vehicle sales and imports.
The amount of the tax is equal to a rate per vehicle, determined on the basis of carbon dioxide emissions using the scale for the year in which the vehicle is registered.
Up to one vehicle per beneficiary is exempt:

1- Any vehicle adapted to accommodate a wheelchair;
2- Any vehicle owned by a person holding a “mobilité inclusion” card bearing the “invalidité” mention mentioned in article L. 241-3 of the Code de l'Action Sociale et des Familles or a military invalidity card.
This eco-tax will enable the local authority to double its revenue from the tax on vehicle registration certificates over a full year, from €0.95 million to €1.9 million.

Environmental taxation, which applies to major environmental issues, is intended as a tool for reducing pollution and environmental damage. Several environmental taxes have proven their effectiveness; in particular, taxes on fossil fuel consumption have helped reduce energy consumption in Europe and continue to explain why Europeans consume less energy than Americans, who face much lower energy taxes.

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The digital payment system in the countries of Curaçao and Sint Maarten successfully switched to the Caribbean guilder during the night of March 31 to April 1, 2025. While the new currency was officially brought into circulation in both countries yesterday, the Caribbean guilder has now also been introduced for digital payment transactions. As of today, the currency code XCG applies to the new currency. Furthermore, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten confirms that all commercial banks have been reconnected to the payment systems.
A word of thanks goes out to the commercial banks for their efforts and dedication which have contributed greatly to a seamless transition.
Willemstad, April 1, 2025
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN

Willemstad & Philipsburg:--- Orco Bank is pleased to announce the successful completion of its transition to the Caribbean Guilder (XCG), the new official legal tender of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, which began circulating on Tuesday, April 1st, 2025.
Following meticulous planning and dedicated effort, Orco Bank has implemented the necessary operational updates and system adjustments to fully support the XCG. While some planned and communicated service interruptions occurred to facilitate the final stages of the transition, all core banking services are now being restored as scheduled.
"We are proud to have successfully navigated this significant national transition," said Désirée Alberto–Martina, Managing Director of Orco Bank. "Our teams worked tirelessly to ensure a smooth changeover for our valued customers and to align with the introduction of the Caribbean Guilder. We appreciate our clients' understanding during the brief periods of service adjustments."
As previously communicated, some services experienced temporary interruptions. Orco Bank is pleased to report that these scheduled downtimes for the Online Banking & App and other services proceeded as anticipated. Orco Bank extends its gratitude to its customers for their understanding during these brief periods of adjustment, which were crucial for ensuring a seamless and secure transition to the new currency.

Exchange of ANG at Orco Bank
Please note that Orco Bank will not exchange ANG for non-customers. Currency exchange services related to XCG are reserved exclusively for existing clients. This policy is in place to ensure seamless service to its customer base during the high-demand transition period.

Exclusive Benefits for Orco Bank Clients
Orco Bank remains committed to supporting its clients during this currency transition. To further support its valued clients, the following temporary benefits will apply from April 1st to June 30th, 2025:

• No fees on ANG to XCG exchanges and cash withdrawals in Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
• No cash deposit fees in Sint Maarten during this same period.

These waivers are designed to provide clients a smooth, cost-free experience while adapting to the new currency. For more information on our fees feel free to visit www.orcobank.com/fees.
Orco Bank encourages customers to continue to visit www.orcobank.com/Campaigns/Caribbean-Guilder-(XCG)-2025 for key dates, FAQs, and updated information regarding the Caribbean Guilder transition and to stay up to date by following our official social media pages on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank/ and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Below is the full statement from the Minister of Justice, Natalie Tackling, regarding the immigration raid last week.

"I acknowledge the media interest and concerns expressed regarding the recent multi-agency operation conducted at a local adult nightclub. While I understand the emotions and questions such actions may raise, I would like to take this opportunity to offer a measured clarification of the government’s position.

The Government of Sint Maarten has a fundamental duty to uphold the rule of law, including enforcing immigration and labor legislation. These responsibilities are not optional—they are essential for maintaining public order, ensuring fair labor practices, and protecting vulnerable individuals within our society. Moreover, these enforcement efforts stem not only from our national legal obligations but also from our commitments under international treaties and agreements aimed at combating human trafficking and preventing exploitation.

Unannounced inspections, such as the one in question, are neither unprecedented nor arbitrary. On the contrary, they are an essential part of effective enforcement—particularly in sectors where there is a known risk of abuse or coercion. These actions are not undertaken lightly or intended to provoke or sensationalize. They are structured, legally grounded operations executed with professionalism and respect for the rights and dignity of all involved.

Transparency is a principle I deeply value, but it must be weighed against the importance of operational integrity. Publicizing enforcement actions in advance—or too hastily afterward—can undermine investigations or alert those seeking to evade the law. In this context, discretion is not silence, and silence should not be mistaken for indifference. It reflects a responsible and deliberate choice to protect both the integrity of the process and the people involved.

Let me reassure the public that all operations are carried out within the legal framework and with full attention to human rights and procedural safeguards. Our law enforcement officials are trained to act respectfully, even under challenging circumstances. We must not allow discomfort to deter lawful oversight or necessary intervention.

In fact, it may be helpful to emphasize that these types of controls—though sometimes viewed critically—are necessary tools to understand what is truly happening at certain establishments or, at the very least, to verify existing concerns. In the case of this particular control, it yielded valuable insights into border-crossing patterns, the tactics being used to enter the country, the realities of employment for certain individuals, and the extent to which some businesses are willing to disregard the rule of law."