SXM DOET Volunteer Registration Now Open “Community Invited to Step Up and Make a Difference”

sxmdoet30032026PHILIPSBURG:---  The SXM DOET organizing team is pleased to announce that volunteer registration for SXM DOET 2026 is now officially open via www.sxmdoet.com, and the community is encouraged to sign up and be part of one of the island’s largest community service events.

Set to take place on May 15 and 16, 2026, under the theme “From Jump Up to Step Up for a Brighter Sint Maarten,” SXM DOET continues to be a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when the community comes together in the spirit of volunteerism. With more than 80 community projects registered, volunteers are essential to bringing these initiatives to life. This year, the SXM DOET team is aiming to mobilize between 1,200 and 1,500 volunteers across the two-day event, and is calling on the community to help make this goal a reality.

From painting and small repairs to community outreach, environmental clean ups, and social activities, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved whether individually, with friends and family, or as part of a company or organization.

“NGO’s and volunteers are the heartbeat of SXM DOET,” the Project Management Team shared. “The organizations have done their part, now it’s the volunteers’ turn. Each person who signs up contributes directly to the development and upliftment of our communities. Whether you can give a few hours or a full day, your time makes a real impact.”

“Now is the time for the community to step forward,” the team added. “We have the projects. What we need now are the hands and hearts to help execute them. Every volunteer makes a difference.” SXM DOET continues to serve as a platform to stimulate volunteerism and unity, allowing residents from all walks of life to actively contribute while spending quality time and building new connections during May 15 and 16.

As an extra added incentive, for the third consecutive year, the SXM DOET team has secured early DOETie items, some from local vendors, which will be distributed to the first 10 organizations that completed their registration correctly. These items will then be given to the first (10) volunteers of those respective projects.

The SXM DOET team is encouraging persons not to wait until the last minute to register, as projects will begin filling up based on volunteer interest and availability.

Individuals and groups can sign up by visiting www.sxmdoet.com. For more information and updates, follow SXM DOET on social media or contact the team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Let’s come together, step up, and make SXM DOET 2026 a true reflection of the oneness and comradery of Sint Maarten.


Committee for District Councils of Parliament to discuss proposal for a Community-Driven District Development Fund for Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Committee for District Councils (CDC) of Parliament will meet on March 31, 2026.  

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:

Discussion on proposal to endorse the exploration and piloting of a Community-Drive District Development Fund for Sint Maarten (IS/596/2025-2026 dated January 26, 2026)

This meeting was requested by MP S.A. Wescot-Williams.

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 

Central Committee meeting of Parliament regarding composition of a delegation to travel to Grenada and discussion on the future of the monetary union and the role and functioning of CBCS.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on March 31, 2026.

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 15.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance.

The agenda points are:

1. Approval of composition delegation and provisions for Members of Parliament to participate in a Workshop on care for Caribbean Parliamentarians from April 16-17, 2026, in St. George’s, Grenada (IS/798/2025-2026 dated March 10, 2026)

2. Discussion with the Minister of Finance on the future of the monetary union between Curacao and Sint Maarten and the role and functioning of the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten (IS/821/2025-2026 dated March 12, 2026)

Agenda point 2 was requested by MP D.C. Labega, MP V.V. Kotai, MP C.L. Wever, MP V.C. Jansen-Webster, MP S.D.M. Roseburg, MP R.A. Peterson, MP F.A. Meyers and MP S.A. Wescot-Williams.

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

Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi Dies Suddenly at 67 Following Medical Emergency.

santoki300329026PARAMARIBO:--- Former Surinamese President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has died at the age of 67 following a sudden medical emergency at his home earlier on Monday.

According to reports from Suriname, an ambulance was dispatched to Santokhi’s residence after he fell ill. He was subsequently rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Santokhi, who served as the ninth president of Suriname from 2020 to 2025, was a prominent political figure and leader of the Progressive Reform Party. His death was confirmed by officials and has prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the region.

Guyana’s President Irfaan Ali described Santokhi as “a fine statesman,” praising his years of public service and dedication to regional cooperation, according to reports.

Current Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons also paid tribute, noting that Santokhi’s contributions to public life would be remembered for years to come.

Born on February 3, 1959, in Lelydorp, Santokhi began his career in law enforcement, rising to become a police commissioner before entering politics. He later served as Minister of Justice and Police from 2005 to 2010 before assuming the presidency in 2020.

During his tenure as president, Santokhi focused on economic reform and international cooperation, guiding Suriname through a challenging period marked by fiscal restructuring and social unrest.

His passing marks the end of a decades-long career in public service that spanned policing, governance, and regional leadership, including a term as Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Funeral arrangements and further official statements are expected to be announced in the coming days.

Budget Entry for Air Antilles Sparks Debate Among Saint-Martin Officials.

airantilles09122025Marigot, Saint-Martin:---  The decision by the Collectivité of Saint-Martin to include a financial provision related to Air Antilles in its budget has sparked concern and debate among several officials, who are questioning both the necessity and the implications of the move.

During recent discussions, members of the Territorial Council expressed unease about the lack of clarity surrounding the provision. While the executive has indicated that the measure is linked to ongoing considerations regarding regional air connectivity, some elected officials argue that insufficient information has been provided to justify the entry.

At the heart of the issue is uncertainty over whether the provision signals a future financial commitment or simply reflects a precautionary accounting measure. Critics within the council have pointed out that no concrete agreement or finalized plan involving Air Antilles has been publicly presented, raising concerns about transparency and financial prudence.

Several officials also emphasized the broader financial context, noting that the Collectivité must remain cautious in managing public funds, particularly given competing priorities and existing budgetary constraints. They warned that any potential engagement with an airline should be backed by a clear strategy and measurable benefits for the territory.

It should also be noted that, according to several members of the majority, the Collectivité did not take a political decision to allocate new funding at this stage, but rather recorded a budgetary provision in line with standard accounting principles. This entry reflects a precautionary measure to account for potential financial risk associated with previous commitments, ensuring the sincerity and legal compliance of the 2026 budget, rather than constituting an immediate disbursement of public funds.

Despite this clarification, questions remain among some council members, who are calling for greater transparency and more detailed explanations from the executive. They argue that clearer communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings and to maintain public trust.

As discussions continue, the issue underscores the challenges the Collectivité faces in balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to support essential services, such as regional air transport. Further deliberations are expected as officials seek to better define the scope and intent of the provision.


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