PHILIPSBURG:--- In a major step toward administrative efficiency, Minister Gumbs announced the awarding of a contract to Grant Thornton to tackle the extensive backlog at the Department of Domain Affairs. The project aims to clear up existing delays and implement stronger, more efficient systems for the future.
Grant Thornton's role will include creating a full inventory of the backlog, developing a detailed action plan, and executing it. This process involves digitizing hard copy files and integrating them into the current domain administration systems. The project will also establish clearer workflows between Domain Affairs and the Receiver's Office and provide dedicated training for staff.
The Minister emphasized that the $209,120,000 project comes at no direct cost to the Government of Sint Maarten, as it is fully funded by the Dutch Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations. "This is a meaningful step forward in modernizing our administration and ensuring the people of St. Martin receive the quality of services they deserve," concluded Minister Gumbs.
Senior Doctor Released on Medical Grounds in Abuse Investigation; Suspects Accused of Kidnapping and Torture.
PHILIPSBURG, Senior Dr. Dennaoui, one of the two local doctors arrested earlier today in connection with a serious investigation into abuse and ill-treatment, has been released from police custody due to medical reasons. The Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that despite his release, he remains a primary suspect in the ongoing case.
The second suspect arrested in the early morning raid remains in detention at the Philipsburg Police Station as detectives continue their inquiries.
The investigation, which was launched following an official complaint filed with the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), centers on disturbing allegations involving the doctors' domestic employee. Law enforcement officials have indicated that the suspects are accused of kidnapping and torturing their maid.
According to preliminary reports, the doctors allegedly beat the cleaner and held her against her will. The situation reportedly escalated over an accusation that the employee had stolen $50,000 from them. Further allegations state that during the ordeal, a weapon was pointed at the victim.
KPSM has emphasized that this is a highly sensitive and active investigation. While one suspect has been released on medical grounds, the inquiry is proceeding rapidly as detectives gather evidence and conduct interviews regarding the severe accusations
SER bids farewell to the SG of theMinistry of General Affairs, H. Plantijn.
PHILPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in a short ceremony at the Government Administration Building, the Secretary-General of the Social Economic Council (SER), Mr. Gerard Richardson, expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mr. H. Plantijn, for his dedicated years of service to Country Sint Maarten.
Mr. Plantijn is scheduled to retire next month following many years of public service on Sint Maarten. In his former capacity as the Legal Policy Advisor to the former Prime Minister and current President of Parliament of Sint Maarten, the Honorable S. Wescot-Williams, SG Plantijn, together with the former SG of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mrs. Emilia Connor-Thomas, both played instrumental roles in the establishment of the SER dating back to May 2011.
Mr. Richardson conveyed his sincere thanks and appreciation to SG Plantijn for his longstanding contributions to the SER since its inception. While there were occasions when differing perspectives emerged regarding the SER and the Ministry of General Affairs, both officials recognized the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful working relationship and concluded their collaboration on a positive note.
On behalf of the Chairman of the SER, Mr. Harlec Doran, Mr. Richardson thanked his outgoing colleague for his valuable contributions to both the SER and Country Sint Maarten and wished him every success in his future endeavors.
11,898 QR Code Stickers Sold Thus Far; ahead February 27 Deadline.
PHILIPSBURG:--- As of February 25, the Sint Maarten Tax Administration reports that 11,898 QR code stickers about 23% of the total 51,869 ordered, have been sold for the 2026 Motor Vehicle Stickers period.
While many vehicle owners have already paid for and collected their stickers, the current figures indicate that approximately 77% remain outstanding. Motorists are strongly urged to pay for and collect their QR code stickers.
A closer look by vehicle category shows that for personal vehicles, 29,000 M category stickers were ordered, with 6,327 sold to date, and 9,999 P category stickers were ordered, with 2,775 sold.
For public transportation classifications, 350 Bus category stickers were ordered and 116 sold; the T category shows 270 ordered and 80 sold, while the Taxi category has 600 stickers ordered and 377 sold.
Within specialized vehicle classifications, Z plates account for 650 ordered and 119 sold. The R category reflects 3,600 stickers ordered and 715 sold, the G category shows 160 ordered and 56 sold, the V category has 5,000 ordered and 1,057 sold, and the MF category reflects 1,900 stickers ordered and 187 sold.
These figures clearly indicate that many motorists have yet to meet their obligations. The Tax Administration strongly encourages all vehicle owners to visit the Receiver’s Office, which operates from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM daily throughout February, with cash payments accepted until 3:00 PM. Payments can also be made online via https://services.sintmaartengov.org/ or through bank transfer.
The Sint Maarten Tax Administration urges all motorists not to wait until the final hours to comply and to ensure that their vehicles are stickered and legally compliant.
Committee of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports Affairs (CECYSA) to meet with the Minister of ECYS regarding the frameworks regulating medical education on Sint Maarten and presentation of EGRA and EGMA Results.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs of Parliament will meet on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
The Committee meeting is scheduled for 10.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) will be present.
The agenda points are:
1. Discussion on the frameworks regulating medical education on the island of Sint Maarten (IS/370/2025-2026 dated November 20, 2025)
2. Presentation on the results of the Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Mathematics Assessment (EGMA) (IS/598/2025-2026 dated January 26, 2026)
Agenda point 1 was requested by MP F.A. Lacroes, MP O.E.C. Ottley, and MP L.C.J. Lewis, agenda point 2 was requested by the Minister.
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 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