PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug, is pleased to confirm that SZV Social & Health Insurances will reopen its doors for in-person services for senior citizens beginning in the week of Monday, January 26, 2026.
Earlier announcements confirmed that SZV had agreed to implement Senior Priority Hours after recognizing that many seniors were encountering difficulties with online support options. Face-to-face assistance is critical to ensuring dignity, respect, and accessible support for older residents — a priority that Minister Brug has emphasized throughout his tenure.
“I am proud to share that SZV has agreed to offer dedicated in-person service for our seniors, without the need for appointments,” said Minister Brug. “As stated before our elderly population deserves direct, respectful, and accessible support, not only digital options. I thank SZV for responding swiftly to my request and for making the necessary adjustments to ensure this is once again possible.”
The in-person senior services will commence on Monday January 26th and begin as a soft opening, allowing SZV to continue finalizing preparations to ensure that the facility is not only operational but also fully senior-proof — with features designed to improve comfort, accessibility, and overall experience for elderly clients.
A centralized service area is being created so seniors no longer have to navigate multiple parts of the building for different services. Minister Brug reaffirmed that this action is part of a broader commitment to strengthen community services and to ensure that older persons in Sint Maarten receive compassionate, accessible support. Further details and service arrangements will be communicated directly by SZV as preparations continue.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Sint Maarten Tax Administration is pleased to inform the public that several key tax documents for the year 2025 are now available on the Government of Sint Maarten website. These documents, which apply to both individuals and businesses, can be easily accessed and downloaded.

For individuals, the available documents include the 2025 Income Tax Return Form IB Model A and the 2025 Income Tax Return Form IB Model B. Both income tax return forms are due on June 1, 2026.

Businesses are advised that the Opgaaf Werkzaamheden Derden 2025 and the Verzamelloonstaat 2025 forms are also available. The filing deadline for these documents has been adjusted to February 2, 2026, as the original deadline of January 31 falls on a weekend.

Additionally, businesses can access the 2025 Provisional Profit Tax Return Form, which is due on March 31, 2026. The 2025 Final Profit Tax Return Form and the 2025 Profit Tax Return are both due on June 30, 2026.

Taxpayers are encouraged to visit the Government’s website at
https://www.sintmaartengov.org/Pages/Taxes-and-Forms.aspx to download the relevant documents and ensure the timely filing of their tax returns.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Tax Administration by telephone at 542-2143, 542-3782, 542-3839, or 542-3840, via WhatsApp at 556-3699, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government of Sint Maarten, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), has officially established two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and the University of Bridgeport (UB) in Connecticut, United States of America. These strategic agreements significantly expand affordable and high-quality tertiary education opportunities for Sint Maarten students who receive government study financing.

Strengthening Access to Affordable Higher Education

The agreements align with the Government’s continued commitment to socio-economic development by investing in human capital and ensuring that Sint Maarten students have access to internationally recognized academic institutions at reduced cost.

Minister Gumbs stated:

“These partnerships are an important step in expanding affordable pathways to tertiary education for our students. By securing significant tuition reductions and scholarship opportunities, we are ensuring that financial barriers do not limit the potential of our young people.”

Saint Mary’s University – Canada

Through the MOU with Saint Mary’s University, Sint Maarten students enrolled in full-time undergraduate degree programs will benefit from approximately 41% in tuition savings.

Saint Mary’s University, founded in 1802, is a public undergraduate-focused institution located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It offers more than 57 undergraduate programs and 31 graduate programs across disciplines, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, and Environmental Studies, and is nationally ranked as a leading undergraduate research university in Atlantic Canada.

University of Bridgeport – United States

The MOU with the University of Bridgeport provides Sint Maarten study financing recipients with approximately 56% savings on the total annual cost of attendance.

The University of Bridgeport, located in Connecticut near New York City, offers over 100 academic programs across Engineering, Business, Education, Arts & Sciences, and Health Sciences, and is ranked among the top universities in the region for international student representation.

Coordinated Through Study Financing

All applications under these agreements are coordinated through the Division of Study Financing of the Ministry of ECYS. Students must meet admission requirements set by the respective institutions, maintain good academic standing, and comply with Study Financing regulations to continue benefiting from the agreements.

Both MOUs are valid for a period of five academic years and include provisions ensuring that students already enrolled at the time of any future termination may complete their studies under the agreed conditions.

Looking Ahead

These agreements follow the expiration of previous arrangements with institutions in Florida and reflect the Government’s strategic focus on expanding study opportunities within the Caribbean, North America, Canada, and beyond.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport encourages eligible students to explore these new opportunities and apply through the Study Financing platform

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, wishes to provide the public with an update regarding Sint Maarten patients currently receiving medical care abroad, in light of recent developments in the region, particularly the evolving situation in Venezuela.
From the onset of emerging regional tensions, the Ministry of VSA and SZV Social & Health Insurances have been closely monitoring the situation and assessing any potential impact on patient mobility, medical access, and continuity of care. As a precautionary measure, and prior to the developments over the past weekend, SZV had already begun facilitating the return of patients who were medically cleared and able to travel back to Sint Maarten from Curaçao and Colombia, due to concerns about possible disruptions to air travel in the region.
At this time, there are about 30 patients still receiving care in Curaçao and Colombia who require continued treatment before they are able to return home. SZV and the Ministry are actively coordinating medical oversight, logistics, and travel arrangements to ensure that these patients continue to receive appropriate care and can return safely as soon as their medical condition allows.
In the event of further escalation affecting Venezuela, Colombia, or Curaçao, the public is assured that contingency plans are already in place. SZV has identified alternative treatment destinations within the Caribbean, tailored to specific medical needs, to guarantee uninterrupted access to care for referred patients.
Minister Brug emphasized that these preparations are not solely a response to the current regional situation. “Even prior to recent developments, I instructed SZV to actively explore alternative care options within the Caribbean,” the Minister stated. “This was done both to strengthen our resilience in situations such as this and from a cost-containment perspective, while ensuring that the quality and safety of care remain paramount.”
The Ministry of VSA and SZV remain on top of this situation, working proactively, responsibly, and in close coordination with medical partners to protect the health and well-being of all patients receiving care abroad. The public will be kept informed should there be any changes that impact patient care or travel.