PHILIPSBURG:--- Arch Road, once a bustling hub of nightlife and entertainment, is now a shadow of its former self as businesses grapple with a surge in nighttime crime. Club patrons and their vehicles have become frequent targets of attacks and vandalism, leaving business owners frustrated and fearful for their livelihoods.

One local businessman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, painted a grim picture of the situation. "Our customers are being attacked, their cars are being broken into, and when we call the police, we’re told it’s pointless to arrest the culprits because the jail is full. Within days, they’re back on the streets," he said, his voice tinged with frustration.

The businessman expressed his growing disillusionment with the authorities, suggesting that the lack of action is forcing some to consider taking matters into their own hands. "If we defend ourselves, maybe then the authorities will find space in the jail. But why should it come to that? We’re being hounded by the tax office, our assets are being seized, and yet the government can’t even provide a safe environment for us to operate."

The impact of the crime wave extends beyond the immediate safety concerns. Business owners are also facing bureaucratic hurdles that stifle their ability to grow or even maintain their operations. The businessman pointed to delays at the Ministry of VROMI, where building permits are reportedly being held up without explanation. "We can’t expand, we can’t improve, and yet the Minister responsible still enjoys the confidence of Parliament. It’s baffling," he lamented.

The situation has left many business owners feeling abandoned by the very government they help sustain through taxes. "We’re expected to replenish government coffers, but what are we getting in return? Nothing but crime, red tape, and indifference," the businessman said.

The businessman also called on the St. Maarten government to think outside the box and explore creative solutions to address the overcrowded prison system. "If the great USA didn’t have space for their prisoners but found space in other countries, why can’t we? The government needs to negotiate with neighboring countries to house inmates. And if politicians traveled less and gave up their daily travel allowances, they’d find the money to truly run this country," he asserted, emphasizing the need for bold leadership and fiscal responsibility.

As the situation worsens, the call for immediate and decisive action grows louder. Business owners are urging the government to prioritize public safety, streamline bureaucratic processes, and provide the support necessary to revive the once-thriving Arch Road. Without intervention, the area risks becoming a ghost town, leaving behind shuttered businesses and a community in despair.

HNLMS Van Amstel briefly relieves HNLMS Groningen for regular maintenance. HNLMS Van Amstel was in the region for an international exercise on the American East Coast. After the completion of this exercise, the Amstel departed for the ABC Islands. As soon as the Groningen's maintenance is completed, the Amstel will depart to resume her role as flagship of SNMG1. The Amstel will be active in the Caribbean in the coming week.

The maritime military presence is usually filled by patrol vessels; the change from the OPV (Ocean Patrol Vessel) type to M-Frigate is due to the availability of resources. HNLMS Van Amstel also sailed in the region in September to fill the gap between two station ships.

With the permanent presence of a station ship in the region, the Ministry of Defence contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean Region.

~ SZV celebrates the leadership of Glen A. Carty, whose 15 years of service redefined customer experience, strengthened healthcare access, and positioned the organization for a digital and sustainable future.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Social and Health Insurances (SZV) proudly celebrates the leadership and legacy of its Director, Mr. Glen A. Carty, whose tenure concludes after 15 years of dedicated service to the people of Sint Maarten.

Mr. Carty’s leadership represents a defining chapter in SZV’s transformation into a modern, people-centered, and future-ready organization. Guided by his vision of teamwork, accountability, and innovation, SZV has become a regional model of digital progress and service excellence.

“For me, leadership has always been about people,” said Mr. Carty. “What we have accomplished is the result of collective effort, shared purpose, and the belief that progress must always begin with people.”

Under his direction, SZV achieved major milestones driven by digital transformation and innovation. The launch and enhancement of the Employer Portal, MySZV portal, and HECINA Health Provider portal modernized access, transparency, and service efficiency for citizens, employers, and healthcare partners alike.

Mr. Carty championed modernization not as a goal but as a way to empower citizens and strengthen trust in public services. His focus on technology, data-driven decision-making, and transparency improved efficiency and reinforced accountability across the organization.

Equally impactful was his dedication to improving healthcare access, affordability, and sustainability. Through cost-management strategies, regional partnerships, and preventive care programs, SZV expanded access to essential and specialized medical services.

The E-Health Program is one of the key initiatives introduced under his leadership, expanding digital links between SZV and healthcare providers, allowing faster, more secure sharing of medical information and more coordinated, data-driven decisions that enhance patient access and care quality.

Similarly, the Lifestyle Interventions Pilot Project promotes healthier living and prevention among residents managing non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease, conditions that continue to drive the need for long-term care and rising healthcare costs. Both initiatives reflect Mr. Carty’s belief that sustainable healthcare begins with empowering individuals and using innovation to strengthen the systems that support them.

Throughout his tenure, Mr. Carty has consistently and openly highlighted the structural challenges behind the financial sustainability of Sint Maarten’s healthcare system. He cautioned that the country’s current base of compliant, premium-paying residents is too small to generate the revenues needed to finance the level of healthcare that the population requires and deserves. He also underscored the combined impact of rising global healthcare costs, the increasing number of persons living with chronic diseases, outdated laws, limited local medical specialties, and the resulting dependence on overseas treatment, all of which place significant strain on the system.

“This challenge is not new, and I have spoken about it often,” said Mr. Carty. “The truth is, Sint Maarten’s social insurance model cannot sustain itself on the current contributor base. Too few are contributing to support the growing healthcare demands of our population. But the solution lies not in blame, rather in bold, collective reform. Government, social partners, and institutions must come together to modernize our laws and financing structures, ensuring that access to quality and affordable care is never jeopardized.”

He emphasized that meaningful reform requires courage, leadership, and collaboration across all levels of society. “This is a national challenge that requires all of us; government, employers, healthcare professionals, and citizens to act. We must work together to safeguard the future of healthcare for generations to come.”

Within SZV, Mr. Carty led a cultural transformation rooted in teamwork, transparency, and professional growth. He empowered employees to embrace innovation and service excellence, creating a workforce grounded in compassion and accountability.

“None of this would have been possible without the dedication and heart of the SZV team,” he reflected. “Every milestone was achieved together, through professionalism, integrity, and the shared belief in the power of service.”

The Management and Staff of SZV extend heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Carty for his visionary leadership, transformative contributions, and commitment to the people of Sint Maarten. His legacy of courage, service, and innovation will continue to guide SZV’s Beyond 3.0 journey toward a more connected, transparent, and people-first organization.

SZV Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Mental Health lives in our homes, our communities, and in the quiet moments we all face.

Over the years, our resilience has been tested. The devastation of Hurricane Irma and the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic left lasting impacts—not just on our economy and infrastructure, but on our hearts and minds.

But beyond these major events, many among us continue to face daily battles. The pressure of making ends meet, the struggle to put food on the table, the weight of trying to provide a better future for our children—all of these take a toll.

And for our single parents, many of whom carry these burdens alone, the emotional and mental strain can be overwhelming. We see you. We hear you. And we are working to build a system that supports you—not just in crisis, but every day.

As Minister of Public Health, I have placed mental health high on the Ministry’s agenda. Our goal is clear: to make mental health care more accessible, to reduce stigma, and to create a culture where seeking help is seen as a sign of strength—not weakness.

Take a moment for yourself. Check in with a friend. Be kind—to yourself and to others. Our strength as a country lies in how we care for one another.