PHILIPSBURG:--- Monday, January 26th, 2026- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) informs the general public of a partial road closure on Cannegieter Drive in Cay Bay as part of the Concrete Hard Road Resurfacing Project 2023–2024.
The affected section covers approximately 170 meters, extending to the intersection with Cay Bay Road. Road works commenced on Monday, January 26th, 2026, and will take place daily from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The works are expected to last approximately two (2) weeks, weather permitting.
Residents in the area have been informed accordingly. A detour route has been established, and traffic guidance will be provided on-site, with workers assisting road users as needed to ensure safety and accessibility.
Key Information Recap:
Project: Concrete Hard Resurfacing Project 2023–2024

Location: Cannegieter Road, Cay Bay

Closure Type: Partial road closure

Affected Length: 170 meters (up to the intersection with Cay Bay Road)

Start Date: Monday, January 26, 2026

Working Hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Duration: Approximately 2 weeks

Traffic Measures: Detour in place; traffic guided by workers on site
The Ministry of VROMI kindly asks motorists and residents to exercise caution, follow all posted signage, and adhere to instructions from traffic personnel while traversing the area. The Ministry thanks the public for their continued patience and cooperation as efforts to improve road infrastructure continue.
For further information on the Concrete Hard Road Resurfacing Project 2023-2024, please contact the Department of New Works at 542-4292 ext 2402.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Flow partnered with RISE Foundation to provide extended support to vulnerable families through the Foundation’s Project Hope initiative, delivering assistance that continues beyond the holiday season and into the new year.
Project Hope is a targeted community initiative that supports families experiencing financial, medical, or social hardship during one of the most challenging times of the year. The initiative is structured to provide relief over multiple months, recognizing that the pressures families face do not end after the holidays.
As part of this initiative, RISE Foundation collaborated with Leaders for Change Foundation, which worked closely with community families and conducted an initial needs assessment to identify those most in need of support.
Through Flow’s sponsorship, more than 40 families received non-perishable food supplies in December, helping reduce household expenses during the holiday season. In addition, Flow provided shopping vouchers allocated for January and February, ensuring continued assistance during the early months of the year.
This partnership allowed us to extend support beyond the holidays and into the new year, which is when many families feel the pressure most,” said Chiaira Bowers of RISE Foundation. “Flow’s support made it possible to respond in a practical and dignified way.”
Following the needs assessment, the vouchers were specifically targeted to senior beneficiaries within the selected families, reflecting the identified priority needs.
RISE Foundation expresses sincere appreciation to Flow for stepping up to fill this critical need. Flow’s support played a key role in transforming Project Hope into a multi-month relief effort rather than a one-time intervention.
Special recognition is extended to Flow’s marketing team for championing the initiative and actively seeking meaningful ways to support vulnerable families across the island. Their commitment and collaborative approach were instrumental in expanding the project's reach and impact.
RISE Foundation values Flow’s partnership and looks forward to continued collaboration in initiatives that strengthen families and uplift communities across St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Today, Member of Parliament Omar Ottley issued a stern reminder to the government regarding the ongoing crisis surrounding GEBE's billing system and the urgent need for immediate action to address clients' concerns.
In recent months, the government has made a series of promises to the people of Sint Maarten that have yet to materialize, causing frustration and hardship for many households and businesses. MP Ottley highlighted several critical issues that have emerged from these unfulfilled commitments:
1. A loan of 76 million guilders was taken out by the government for 3 generators that have not yet been ordered; it has now been over a year. This financial burden is being placed on the backs of the people, with no tangible benefit in sight.
2. The Prime Minister assured the public that relief on GEBE bills would be provided by October 2025, but this promise has also gone unfulfilled, leaving residents to struggle with rising costs.
3. Most recently, a statement indicated that relief would be forthcoming by December 2025, but this has yet again proven to be another broken promise.
In response to these ongoing challenges, MP Ottley has taken proactive steps to engage the community. He has organized town hall meetings, gathering hundreds of signatures from concerned citizens who share their experiences and stress the urgency of resolving the issues with GEBE.
Furthermore, MP Ottley has drafted and submitted a Ministerial Regulation to the Minister of TEATT, proposing immediate remedies to alleviate the burden on residents. However, to date, no action has been taken, which only exacerbates the crisis.
"It is unacceptable that the government continues to make empty promises while our people suffer," MP Ottley stated. "We need immediate and concrete action to resolve the GEBE billing crisis. The time for talk is over; it is time for action."

MP Ottley urges the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens and deliver on its commitments. The people of Sint Maarten deserve transparency, accountability, and relief from the burdens they have been facing for far too long.
It has also come to light that Parliament has been holding closed-door meetings regarding GEBE while there remains a pending continuation of an urgent public meeting on the matter. MP Ottley believes this lack of transparency is unacceptable, especially when so many residents are relying on the government for solutions.
"If GEBE is not resolved for the people, I am calling for the resignation of those in charge of this matter," MP Ottley declared.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Civil Registry employee who was arrested by the National Detectives (Landsrecherche) under the direction of the Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten has been released following six hours of interrogation. SMN News has learned that the employee was interrogated without her legal representative present. The civil servant is suspected of accepting payments in exchange for improperly advancing appointment times for government services.

The employee was released on Monday, but the Prosecutor’s Office has yet to issue an official announcement regarding the case. The investigation remains ongoing.

The Civil Registry Department provides essential public services, including the registration of births, deaths, marriages, and divorces, the issuance of official certificates, passport and identification card applications, address changes, and updates to personal records. Many of these services require appointments, which are intended to ensure fair and equal access for all citizens.

The National Detectives specialise in investigating criminal activities within the government, with a particular focus on civil servants.