PHILIPSBURG:--- The Shop Stewards of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU), on behalf of the members of the Ambulance Department of Sint Maarten, wish to extend sincere appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Brug, as well as to their Union, WICSU-PSU, for the significant milestones that have recently been achieved.

These accomplishments mark a meaningful step forward for the Ambulance Department and reflect what can be realized through cooperation, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to progress.

For many years, ambulance personnel have continued to serve under challenging circumstances, demonstrating unwavering dedication to the people of Sint Maarten. The progress now being realized is the direct result of ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the Minister, the Union, and the workers themselves.

The Shop Stewards take this opportunity to recognize and commend:

• The Honorable Minister Brug for his willingness to engage, listen, and take concrete steps toward addressing longstanding concerns
• The Union WICSU-PSU for its continued advocacy, representation, and support of its members
• The members of the Ambulance Department for their unity, resilience, and commitment to the process

In particular, the Shop Stewards wish to extend special appreciation to Stichting Overheids Gebouwen (SOG) for their collaboration and support in the realization of the Ambulance Unit at the Jocelyne Arndell Festival Village.

This achievement represents a historic milestone for the Ambulance Department, as it strengthens emergency preparedness and ensures a higher level of service delivery during major national events. The Shop Stewards once again express their gratitude to Minister Brug for standing with the workers and seeing this initiative through to reality.

Furthermore, the cooperation formalized with the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) is recognized as both significant and long overdue, and the Shop Stewards, along with the Union and members, look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead.

The achievements realized thus far, including improved resources, structured dialogue, and strengthened cooperation, are a testament to what can be accomplished when all parties work together toward a common goal.

While there is still work to be done, the Shop Stewards acknowledge that a solid foundation has now been established, and they remain committed, alongside the Union and the Ministry, to continuing this path of constructive engagement and progress.

This moment stands as a clear example of the power of collaboration in advancing both worker welfare and national service delivery.

On behalf of the Shop Stewards and Members of the Ambulance Department of
Windward Island Civil Servants Union -Private Sector Union

Mr. Jean Illidge               Mr. Alvin Daniel          Mr. Antonio Hughes

PHILIPSBURG:---The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating an armed robbery that took place on Wednesday, April 1st, 2026, at approximately 23:00 hours in the Cay Bay area.  During this incident, the victim was threatened with a firearm and subsequently robbed of their vehicle.

As part of the ongoing investigation, detectives from the Special Unit Robbery conducted a house search in the Dutch Quarter on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026.

During this investigation, a 21-year-old male suspect, identified by the initials R.R.A., was arrested. The stolen vehicle, along with a firearm believed to have been used in the robbery, was recovered and confiscated.

The suspect is currently in police custody and remains detained at the police station pending further investigation.

KPSM notes a trend in robberies targeting individuals, particularly involving scooters and vehicles. The police strongly urge anyone who has been a victim of similar crimes to come forward and report them.

Your information can be vital in assisting ongoing investigations and ensuring the safety of the community.

KPSM continues to actively address these criminal activities and remains committed to maintaining public safety.

THE HAGUE:--- The Dutch economy is entering a period of heightened uncertainty, according to a recent warning from De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB), which has declared a “code orange” alert. This signal reflects growing concerns about structural weaknesses, global instability, and rising pressure on households.

What “Code Orange” Means

The “code orange” designation is not a crisis yet—but it is a serious warning. It indicates that risks to economic stability are increasing and that immediate attention is needed to prevent further deterioration. The central bank is effectively cautioning policymakers, businesses, and citizens that the economy is becoming more vulnerable to shocks.

At the heart of this warning are global geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions. The Netherlands, as a highly open and trade-dependent economy, is particularly exposed to international developments. According to DNB, an escalation in global trade conflicts could slow Dutch economic growth dramatically, potentially bringing it close to a standstill.

Pressure on Households

One of the most pressing concerns is the financial strain on households—especially those with lower incomes. Energy costs remain a major burden, even though the situation has improved since the peak of the 2022 energy crisis. By 2026, about a quarter of low-income households are still expected to spend more than 10% of their disposable income on energy.

Housing affordability is another growing issue. House prices are projected to rise further in the coming years, making homeownership increasingly out of reach. By 2027, only one in three households is expected to afford an average home, a sharp decline from previous years.

Structural Weaknesses in the Economy

Beyond immediate pressures, the Dutch economy faces deeper structural challenges. These include:

• An overloaded electricity grid, which is slowing down new housing and industrial projects
• Environmental restrictions, such as nitrogen regulations, limiting development
• Policy uncertainty discourages business investment

These bottlenecks are not short-term issues—they point to systemic inefficiencies that could hinder long-term growth.

A Call for European Cooperation

DNB emphasizes that the Netherlands cannot navigate these challenges alone. As a relatively small economy, it depends heavily on international cooperation—particularly within the European Union.

The central bank recommends strengthening the European single market and maintaining a rules-based global trading system. This approach would reduce dependency on individual trading partners and improve resilience against global shocks.

Policy Recommendations

To stabilize and strengthen the economy, DNB outlines three key actions:

1. Deepen European economic cooperation
2. Maintain strong fiscal buffers to absorb future crises
3. Address structural bottlenecks that hinder investment and growth

These measures aim to build resilience rather than provide quick fixes.

Conclusion

The “code orange” warning from De Nederlandsche Bank is a clear signal that the Dutch economy is at a critical juncture. While not yet in crisis, mounting pressures—from global tensions to domestic structural issues—require urgent and coordinated action.

Whether the Netherlands can navigate this period successfully will depend on its ability to adapt, cooperate internationally, and tackle long-standing internal challenges.

PHILIPSBURG:---   Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes is once again raising the alarm following yet another increase in fuel prices, which will take effect on April 3, 2026, at 6:00 AM. For households already dealing with high grocery bills, rising utility costs, and stagnant wages, this latest adjustment pushes families deeper into financial hardship.

Fuel Price Change Confirmed by Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, Public Announcement dated April 2, 2026, effective April 3, 2026

• Gasoline ULG increased from ANG 2.850 to ANG 3.055 per liter
• Diesel Gasoil increased from ANG 2.679 to ANG 2.716 per liter

 What the Government Price Buildup Reveals:

Import duty and turnover tax remain fully in place within the final fuel price. No reduction has been applied. No subsidy has been introduced. No price control mechanism has been implemented.

“These increases are not small adjustments. They are immediate hits to every household and every business in this country,” MP Lacroes stated. “People feel this directly. It affects transportation, food prices, electricity, and the entire cost of living. What is most troubling is the lack of any clear plan from the government to soften the blow.”

According to the official price buildup, the increases stem from rising international fuel prices and higher freight costs. Yet local components, including import duties and turnover tax, remain embedded in the final price. “Global factors already make the base price higher. Adding taxes on top of that is simply unfair,” Lacroes emphasized. Regional Governments Are Taking Action Across the Caribbean. Governments are stepping in to protect their residents. Anguilla implemented a suspension of import duty and capped electricity surcharge levels while absorbing costs.  Bonaire formally requested intervention from the Dutch Government to reduce fuel-related taxes.  French territories continue to maintain regulated price caps supported by state subsidies.  Aruba benefits from continued excise relief measures within the Kingdom framework.  Barbados implemented fuel price reductions effective April 2026.   The Dominican Republic allocated subsidies to offset increases.  Guyana maintains a zero percent excise tax on fuel. 
Antigua and Barbuda reduced fuel consumption taxes to stabilize prices. 
Jamaica continues transparent pricing adjustments through Petrojam. 
OECS-associated territories have implemented tax adjustments to improve purchasing power.

Sint Maarten has implemented no relief measures!

“These are responsible actions by governments that understand the pressure on their people,” Lacroes said. “Meanwhile, Sint Maarten has not explained what and how it intends to do it, how it will protect consumers, or whether it plans to intervene at all.”

The community is already struggling. The government cannot treat this as a future problem.

Lacroes stressed that residents are already experiencing the impact. “Every day, people say the same thing. Groceries cost more, light bills are higher, and now fuel has gone up again. Yet there is no communication, no explanation, and no plan.”

He warned that the economic impact goes far beyond the pump. Reduced purchasing power slows business activity, increases operational costs, and places additional pressure on small businesses trying to stay afloat.

MP Lacroes Calls for Immediate Government Action:

• A temporary reduction of fuel-related taxes.
• Targeted support for vulnerable groups.
• A full review of the fuel price buildup.
• A system to monitor fuel pricing cycles.
• Clear public communication.

“With every increase, the question becomes more urgent. Why is Sint Maarten the only one standing still while others act. How long are our people expected to carry this burden alone?”

Lacroes stressed that he will continue pressing the government in Parliament until concrete measures are taken. “This is about fairness, transparency, and protecting our people.”