PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Youth hereby informs the public that student registration for the 2026 edition of the Business Outreach & Placement Program (BOPP) has officially closed after reaching and surpassing the program’s registration capacity within just five days of opening.
Student registration officially opened on Wednesday, May 20th, 2026 and, due to the exceptional response and growing popularity of the program amongst young people, the Department was required to close registration by Saturday after the maximum capacity had been exceeded.
The overwhelming interest shown by students once again reflects the growing demand for meaningful opportunities that provide workplace exposure, practical experience and professional development for youth on Sint Maarten.
Now entering its 28th year, BOPP continues to serve as one of Sint Maarten’s longest-running youth workforce development initiatives, connecting youth between the ages of 16 and 24 with both public and private sector host organizations for summer work experience placements.
The Department of Youth extends sincere appreciation to all students who registered and demonstrated interest in participating in this year’s program. The Department also wishes to thank the many businesses, organizations and government departments that continue to support BOPP and contribute toward the development and empowerment of the nation’s youth.
The Department remains committed to providing students with a valuable and meaningful work experience that not only strengthens their professional skills, but also allows them to build connections, expand their networks and gain exposure to potential career pathways and future employment opportunities.
Students who successfully registered will receive further communication regarding the next phases of the program, including orientation activities, interview scheduling and pre-placement training. Registered students are strongly encouraged to check their emails regularly in order to remain informed of all activities and important updates leading up to the training component of the program.
The Department of Youth is also continuing its appeal to businesses, organizations and government departments that have not yet registered as host organizations to come on board and support this important youth development initiative. By participating in BOPP, organizations play a direct role in helping to shape, mentor and prepare the future workforce of Sint Maarten.
For additional information, persons may contact the Department of Youth at telephone +1 (721) 542-2709 ext. 2754 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
South Omega Leo Club Calls for Greater Road Safety Following Recent Tragedy.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten South Omega Leo Club extends its deepest condolences to every family that has lost a loved one in a motorcycle or scooter accident. Our thoughts and prayers are especially with the families and friends affected by the recent tragic accident in Baie Nettle, which has once again shaken our community and reminded us how fragile life truly is.
Far too many young lives are being lost or seriously injured on our roads. As a youth organization committed to community service and youth development, we are calling on all motorists to exercise greater caution while driving, especially in school zones and around motorcycles and scooters.
We urge drivers to:
• Slow down and obey speed limits
• Avoid distracted driving and phone use behind the wheel
• Be mindful of young and inexperienced riders
• Give motorcycles and scooters enough space on the road
• Drive responsibly at all times
We also encourage our young riders to prioritize safety by wearing helmets, avoiding reckless riding, and respecting traffic laws.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. One careless decision can change lives forever. Together, we must work to create safer roads and protect the lives of our youth and community members.
Drive Safe. Arrive Alive.
Continuation Public Meeting of Parliament for deliberations with the Minister of VROMI on various concerns related to the Ministry, and ratification of IPKO Agreements List.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on May 26, 2026.
The Public meeting which commenced on April 1, 2026, and was adjourned, with a continuation and adjournment on May 11, 2026, will be reconvened on Tuesday at 14.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure will be returning to Parliament to provide answers to the questions posed by the Members of Parliament in the second round of agenda point 2.
The agenda points are:
- Deliberations with the Minister of VROMI addressing various concerns related to the Ministry (IS/331/2025-2026 dated November 13, 2025, and IS/669/2025-2026 dated February 9, 2026)
- Ratification Agreements Lists of the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) held from February 19-21, 2026, in Oranjestad, Aruba (IS/724/2025-2026 dated February 23, 2026)
Agenda point 2 was requested by MP F.A. Lacroes, MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York and MP L.C.J. Lewis, and agenda point 3 was requested by MP F.A. Lacroes, MP O.E.C. Ottley, and MP L.C.J. Lewis.
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.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx
Economic Licenses Reopening.
POND ISLAND:--- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT) hereby informs the public that the Department of Economic Licenses (DEL) has officially reopened for services as of Monday, May 25, 2026.
The DEL Front Desk, located at the Public Service Center (PSC) within the Government Administration Building, will operate as follows:
License Applications & Requests
Applications and requests must be submitted in person only.
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday
8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Clients are required to take a number from the queue system and wait their turn for service.
Please note the following:
• Only two (2) application submissions per person per day will be accepted.
• Persons with more than two submissions will be required to rejoin the line and obtain a new number for additional submissions.
• Applicants must submit two (2) copies of each application/request in order to receive a stamped copy as proof of submission and receipt by the department.
License Collections / Pickups
Processed licenses may be collected in person during the following hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Please note that the DEL Front Desk will remain closed on Wednesday afternoons, in conjunction with the operating schedule of the Public Service Center.
For additional information, the public may contact the Department of Economic Licenses via:
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +1 (721) 527-7622
📧 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Minister Brug Congratulates Mr. Urbain Javois on His 100th Birthday.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel Brug, extends his sincere congratulations to Mr. Urbain Javois on the occasion of his 100th birthday, celebrated today, May 25, 2026.
Reaching 100 years of age is a rare and remarkable milestone. While people are living longer than ever before, Sint Maarten now has four centenarians for the first time in its history. This achievement reflects resilience, wisdom, perseverance, and a lifetime of experiences that have contributed to our community and heritage.
Born in La Savane, Saint Martin, on May 25, 1926, Mr. Javois is a true embodiment of the spirit of the Treaty of Concordia and the shared heritage of our island. Throughout his life, he lived and worked in several Caribbean islands, including Guadeloupe, St. Croix, Aruba, and Curaçao, before returning to Sint Maarten.
Mr. Javois later contributed to the island's development through his work at F.W. Vlaun & Sons while residing in Cole Bay. A skilled mechanic who received specialized training at the Chrysler plant in Detroit, he eventually became an entrepreneur, demonstrating a strong work ethic and commitment to his profession.
His legacy continues through his children and family members, who contribute to both sides of the island and reflect the enduring spirit of One St. Martin.
“Mr. Javois’ life is an inspiration and a testament to hard work, perseverance, and dedication. On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and wish him continued health, happiness, and blessings,” Minister Brug stated.
Minister Brug also expressed his respect and appreciation for the invaluable contributions of the island’s elders to the Sint Maarten community and continues to encourage the community to respect, honor, and celebrate its senior citizens for their wisdom, guidance, and lasting impact on society.
The Ministry of VSA joins Mr. Javois’ family, friends, and the wider community in celebrating this extraordinary milestone and wishing him a happy 100th birthday.