PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has expressed deep concern for St. Maarteners and visitors currently abroad, particularly those in the United States and Europe, as regional aviation disruptions continue to affect travel to and from the island. Special attention is being given to students expected to return home ahead of the resumption of school on Monday, as well as families and visitors impacted by widespread flight cancellations.

“My thoughts are with all St. Maarteners and visitors who are currently stranded or facing uncertainty abroad,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated. “My government is actively engaged with airport authorities, airlines, and Kingdom partners to provide support wherever possible and to ensure that clear, reliable information is shared with the public.”

Upon receiving confirmation of these developments, Prime Minister Mercelina immediately held two separate telephone conversations with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Dick Schoof, and the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. David van Weel, to ensure that St. Maarten remains fully informed and aligned within the Kingdom of the Netherlands as the situation continues to evolve.

The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor international and regional developments impacting aviation operations across the Caribbean, following the issuance of a NOTAM affecting Caribbean airspace, with specific implications for U.S.-registered aircraft.

Based on the latest confirmed information from Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), airline operators, and Kingdom partners, all flights involving U.S.-registered aircraft are cancelled at this time, with the notice remaining in effect for a minimum of 24 hours and subject to extension.

“This situation does not involve the closure of St. Maarten’s airspace,” Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized. “Our airspace remains open. However, due to international aviation safety protocols and the current NOTAM restrictions, U.S.-registered aircraft are unable to operate, and several airlines have taken precautionary operational decisions.”

In addition to the grounding of U.S.-registered aircraft, several non-U.S. airlines have independently scaled back or cancelled operations out of an abundance of caution. As of this morning, KLM (Amsterdam) and Air France (Paris) flights to St. Maarten have been cancelled, along with multiple flights operated by U.S. carriers including JetBlue, Delta, American Airlines, Spirit, and Frontier from various U.S. cities. Regional airlines, including WINAIR, St. Barth Commuter, Tradewind Aviation, and SXM Airways, are also expected to scale down or temporarily suspend certain services.

In direct contact with WINAIR Chief Executive Officer Mr. Hans van Velde, the Prime Minister was informed that WINAIR’s Curaçao–Aruba–Curaçao flights have been postponed for today only. WINAIR will operate an additional recovery flight once full operations resume to accommodate displaced passengers from these two destinations. All the remaining WINAIR routes are proceeding as per the normal schedule at this time.

Passengers are strongly advised to contact their respective airlines directly for rebooking options and to rely solely on official airline and airport communications for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

After careful assessment, the Prime Minister determined that activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is not required at this time. However, in anticipation of increased congestion around Princess Juliana International Airport, the Prime Minister engaged directly with Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM) Chief of Police Carl John to ensure adequate traffic management and public order in and around the airport area.

“We are taking measured, calm, and coordinated steps,” the Prime Minister stated. “Public safety, orderly traffic flow, and clear communication remain our focus.”

The Government of the Netherlands has reaffirmed that the safety of Dutch nationals remains the highest priority within the Kingdom. Dutch nationals currently in Venezuela are advised not to go out into the streets, to register with the Ministry’s information service, and to inform family and friends of their well-being.

“At this moment, there is no indication of further escalation,” Prime Minister Mercelina concluded. “Nevertheless, we remain fully engaged, vigilant, and in constant communication with our Kingdom partners and local stakeholders. The people of St. Maarten will be kept informed as the situation continues to evolve.”

The Prime Minister also ensured that a letter was electronically sent today to the Parliament of St. Maarten, addressed to the Honorable President of Parliament MP Sarah Wescot-Williams, providing a status update on these developments. “This step reflects our commitment to transparency, accountability, and keeping Parliament fully informed as we continue to address matters of national importance,” the Prime Minister concluded.

~ The US will run Venezuela until a judicious transfer.~

 USA:--- In a dramatic escalation of U.S. foreign policy, President Donald Trump announced a large-scale military operation in Venezuela on January 3, 2026, resulting in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. The operation, which involved U.S. special forces and the FBI, targeted key locations in Caracas, including military installations and government sites, leaving the city shaken by explosions and low-flying aircraft.

The Operation.

The strike, described by Trump as a "brilliant operation," was executed with precision and speed. U.S. Army Delta Force operatives, supported by helicopters and advanced air assets, infiltrated Caracas under the cover of darkness. Maduro and Flores were reportedly taken from their residence and transported out of the country aboard a U.S. Navy vessel. The couple is now en route to New York, where they will face charges in federal court, including narco-terrorism, cocaine trafficking, and weapons possession.

Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed the indictments, stating, "They will soon face the full wrath of American justice on American soil." The charges stem from years of alleged criminal activity, including Maduro's leadership of the Cartel de los Soles, a group accused of facilitating drug trafficking into the United States.

Impact on Caracas

The operation left a visible mark on Venezuela's capital. Explosions rocked key sites, including the La Carlota airbase and Fort Tiuna, the country's largest military complex. Videos and images from the scene showed burning vehicles, damaged infrastructure, and plumes of smoke rising over the city. Residents reported being awakened by loud detonations and the sight of helicopters overhead. Many streets remained eerily quiet in the aftermath, as citizens stayed indoors, uncertain of what would come next.

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López condemned the attack, calling it "the greatest outrage the country has suffered." He vowed to resist any foreign military presence, while Vice President Delcy Rodríguez decried the loss of civilian and military lives, demanding proof of life for Maduro and Flores.

International Reactions

The operation has drawn mixed reactions globally. Supporters, including U.S. allies in Florida, praised the move as a decisive step toward ending Maduro's regime. Florida Representative Carlos Gimenez likened the event to "the Fall of the Berlin Wall." At the same time, Vice President JD Vance emphasized the need to stop drug trafficking and recover stolen oil assets.

However, critics have raised concerns about the legality and implications of the strike. Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Jim Himes, questioned the lack of Congressional approval and the absence of a clear post-operation strategy. Internationally, Russia and Iran condemned the attack as a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty, while European leaders called for de-escalation and adherence to international law.

What’s Next for Venezuela?

The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. The country's constitution requires Vice President Delcy Rodríguez to assume leadership and call for elections within 30 days. However, the opposition, led by exiled politician Edmundo González and Nobel laureate María Corina Machado, sees this as an opportunity for a democratic transition. Machado, who has been preparing for an "orderly and peaceful" transition of power, could play a pivotal role in shaping Venezuela's future.

Meanwhile, the U.S. faces mounting pressure to justify its actions and outline a plan for stabilizing the region. Trump defended the operation as a necessary measure to combat narco-terrorism, stating, "This was about justice and protecting American lives."

A Turning Point in U.S.-Venezuela Relations

The capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a significant moment in U.S.-Venezuela relations, with potential ripple effects across Latin America. As the world watches, the operation underscores the Trump administration's willingness to take bold, unilateral action on the global stage, raising questions about the balance between justice, diplomacy, and the rule of law.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In light of the recent capture of Venezuela’s President and First Lady, Member of Parliament Lacroes has issued an urgent statement highlighting the potential national security and humanitarian challenges facing the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Caribbean territories. The geopolitical instability stemming from this development has raised concerns about the safety of Venezuelan nationals residing in the region and the strategic risks to territories such as Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and the BES islands.
Humanitarian Concerns for Venezuelan Nationals
MP Lacroes emphasized the importance of safeguarding the dignity and well-being of Venezuelan nationals within the Kingdom’s borders, including those with unresolved immigration statuses or pending deportation cases. “In times of instability, humanitarian principles must guide our actions,” Lacroes stated, urging the government to reaffirm its commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals during this volatile period.
Security Risks to Caribbean Territories
The MP also warned of potential threats to the Kingdom’s Caribbean territories due to their proximity to Venezuela and the Netherlands’ alliance with the United States. “In any regional conflict, weak links become immediate targets,” Lacroes cautioned, underscoring the need for heightened vigilance in Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and the BES islands.
Call for Immediate Action
To address these pressing concerns, MP Lacroes has called for an emergency parliamentary session within the next 24 hours. The proposed meeting would include key officials such as the Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice, the Police Commissioner, and the Commander of the VKS. The session’s agenda will focus on assessing security risks, reviewing immigration protocols, and formulating a coordinated response plan to ensure the safety and stability of the Kingdom’s territories.
“The time to act is now,” Lacroes declared, urging decisive leadership to navigate the challenges posed by the unfolding crisis.

 VENEZUELA/ PHILIPSBURG:--- In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured by US forces during a large-scale military operation early Saturday morning. The operation, announced by US President Donald Trump, involved airstrikes across Caracas and surrounding regions, leaving the Venezuelan capital reeling from explosions and widespread power outages.

The Operation

The strikes, which began around 2 a.m. local time, targeted key military installations, including Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex. Eyewitnesses reported hearing low-flying aircraft and multiple explosions that shook the ground. Plumes of smoke and fire were seen rising from several locations, including La Carlota airport.

President Trump hailed the mission as a "brilliant operation," emphasizing the precision and planning involved. Maduro and Flores were reportedly flown to the United States, where Maduro is expected to face charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The US Department of Justice had previously placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro, accusing him of leading a criminal organization involved in cocaine smuggling.

Venezuelan Response

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who is constitutionally next in line for leadership, stated that the government is unaware of Maduro's whereabouts and demanded proof of life. Rodríguez condemned the US operation, calling it an act of aggression and a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López vowed to resist what he described as an "invasion," while the government declared a state of emergency and urged citizens to defend the nation.

Regional and Global Reactions

The operation has drawn mixed reactions globally. Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations and the Organization of American States, describing the strikes as an attack on Venezuela's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the operation as "state terrorism."

European leaders, including those from the European Union, have expressed concern over the escalation, calling for de-escalation and adherence to international law. Russia and China, key allies of Venezuela, have condemned the strikes, with Russia demanding immediate clarification and labeling the operation a violation of international norms.

Impact on the Region

The strikes have disrupted air travel across the Caribbean, with Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten reporting delays and cancellations due to the active NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) affecting the region. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates.

What’s Next?

The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. While the opposition sees this as an opportunity for democratic transition, the government insists on its resilience. The US has stated that no further military action is planned, but the situation on the ground remains tense.

As the world watches, the capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela's history, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.