— Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina held a constructive meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof to address Sint Maarten’s priorities for the Trust Fund and Country Packages. The dialogue focused on practical solutions, mutual responsibility, and ensuring that the people of Sint Maarten can look forward to tangible results of the ongoing projects.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Mercelina reiterated Sint Maarten’s continued commitment to the Country Package reforms but expressed the need for realistic timelines to effectively carry them out.

“Our commitment is genuine,” Prime Minister Mercelina said. “But commitment alone cannot override the practical challenges we face every day. I emphasized that extending the timelines is not about delaying progress — it’s about ensuring that the reforms are sustainable and serve our people in the long run. They deserve reforms that work, not reforms that are rushed simply to meet deadlines. I have therefore asked Prime Minister Schoof to explore the possibility of an extension of the current end date for the country packages. April 2027 simply comes too early for Sint Maarten.”

A major point of discussion was the future of the World Bank–managed Trust Fund, particularly the landfill and Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP). With Sint Maarten and the Netherlands having agreed that the landfill must be closed by 2032, continuity in financial support and technical assistance for the Ministry of VROMI is essential. Sint Maarten cannot do this alone. The Trust Fund is currently scheduled to close in 2028, and urgent decisions are needed to confirm the pathway towards 2032 and beyond.

Prime Minister Mercelina shared how critical this issue is to the island’s well-being and highlighted the full commitment of the Government of Sint Maarten to sustainable waste management.

“For us, the landfill is not just a project—it affects daily life, public health, and the future of our children,” he noted. “Sint Maarten is doing its part. We are committed to the 2032 closure and the Ministry of VROMI is making progress with agreed upon sector reforms. But we cannot proceed with this project if we are caught between institutions with differing expectations and timelines. What our people need is alignment, support, and the certainty that the closing of the landfill will really take place in 2032. Only then can we deliver the long-term waste management solution our nation deserves.

Prime Minister Mercelina stressed that open communication and shared commitment are essential as Sint Maarten continues to navigate these complex challenges.

“Today’s meeting was productive because it allowed for honest conversation,” he said. “Sint Maarten wants to move forward, and we seek to do so with clarity and genuine partnership. Our people need stability and steady progress. Today was an important step in that direction.”

~Project Satisfies MOU With SZV, SMMC~

PHILIPSBURG:---Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport Melissa D. Gumbs announced this week that the ministry, SZV, SMMC, and the National Sports Institute (NSI) have concluded a revised resolution to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the previous administration.

“The MOU, which involved the reallocation of land originally intended for the expansion of the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex, expired with no action taken on several critical points,” Minister Gumbs explained. “As a result, my cabinet and I, together with the Department of Sports and the Director of NSI entered into new negotiations with SMMC and SZV, to ensure that sports received at least some benefit from this old MOU.”

SMMC and SZV provided joint funding for the construction of a multi-sport court, at the rear of the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex. The court will support training and recreational use for netball, tennis and 3x3 basketball and will be managed by NSI as part of its overall responsibility for Government-owned sports facilities.

With all funds now received and in place, Minister Gumbs expressed her appreciation and thanks to SMMC management, Mr. Elton Felisie of SZV and Mr. Jisk Goslinga of NSI for their commitment to finding a viable way forward, considering the challenges faced with the expiration of the MOU and the change in funding possibilities from both companies.

NSI will provide regular updates on the project to the Ministry, and the multi-sport court will be in line with all relevant standards to ensure that St. Maarten continues to improve its compliance with regulatory guidelines in sports facility development.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Port St. Maarten Group, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), proudly unveiled the first installation of the island’s new destination branding at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility. This initiative marks the beginning of a broader island-wide project that will see similar branded signs installed at key locations throughout St. Maarten.

The vibrant “I Love St. Maarten” installation, prominently displayed at the port’s welcome area, offers an iconic photo opportunity for thousands of cruise passengers and visitors each day. The new branding features colorful, modern elements representing the culture, heritage, and experiences that define the spirit of St. Maarten.

As the gateway for the majority of the island’s visitors, Port St. Maarten is a natural starting point for this visual identity rollout. The initiative aligns with TEATT’s and STB’s broader vision of strengthening place-making, enhancing visitor engagement, and creating memorable touchpoints that encourage organic social media sharing and global brand visibility.

“The port is the first impression for many of our visitors, and this installation beautifully captures the vibrant energy and warmth of St. Maarten,” said Alexander Gumbs, CEO of Port St. Maarten Group. “Providing guests with a dedicated space to create memories through photos reinforces our identity and strengthens the emotional connection travelers have with the destination. We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of TEATT and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau on this important project that celebrates who we are as a people and as a destination.”

“This new branding represents more than a sign, it represents our story, our pride, and the experience we want every guest to feel from the moment they arrive,” said Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten. “Through this collaboration with Port St. Maarten and the Tourism Bureau, we are elevating the visual identity of the island and enhancing our visitor experience. This is the first installation of many, as we continue rolling out similar branded points across the island. Our goal is to showcase the beauty, diversity, and culture of St. Maarten in ways that resonate with both visitors and our own community.”

The installation is part of the Ministry’s ongoing destination enhancement strategy, supporting tourism development while creating identifiable landmarks across St. Maarten.

Additional locations for similar installations will be revealed in the coming months.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the public that a comprehensive round of pothole repairs is currently underway across the main road network. This maintenance effort started last evening, December 8th and will continue through to December 11th, during the evening work hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
In preparation for this week’s work, potholes around all main roads have already been identified and clearly marked, allowing repair teams to move efficiently and systematically from one location to the next. To ensure durable and timely repairs, the Ministry is utilizing hot asphalt, a method known for its fast-setting properties and ability to address potholes effectively with minimal traffic disruption.
These evening repairs are scheduled specifically to reduce inconvenience to road users, limit daytime congestion, and maximize safety for both workers and motorists.
Key Information Recap:
• Scope of Works: Pothole repairs on main roads using hot asphalt.
• Preparation: All potholes across main roads have been identified and marked.
• Work Period: December 8th–11th, during evening hours.
• Work Hours: 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Contractor: Washington Construction.
• Motorist Advisory: Reduce speed, stay alert, and follow on-site guidance.
The Ministry urges the public to exercise caution when traveling during these hours, as workers from Washington Construction will be actively operating along the roadway. Motorists are kindly asked to slow down, remain alert for signage, and follow any directions provided by personnel on-site.
The Ministry of VROMI appreciates the public’s continued patience and cooperation as we work to enhance the quality, safety, and reliability of our national road network. For more information please e-mail the Department of Infrastructure at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..