PHILIPSBURG:--- A powder keg of frustration exploded today as frontline workers, union leaders, and opposition Members of Parliament convened an emergency meeting, delivering a blistering indictment of government ineptitude, duplicity, and outright neglect. This administration stands accused not just of failing its essential workers but of shamelessly betraying those who risk their lives for the public's well-being.

Led by WICSU/PSU President Sharon Cannegieter—with unwavering support from WITU President Roxanne Pantophlet and NAPB President Marcus Pantophlet—the unions laid bare a staggering history of broken promises and bureaucratic indifference that has festered for years. At the heart of the anger is the government’s refusal to sign a commitment letter that would assure retroactive placements and correct a fatally flawed “function book” that has left veteran employees without proper recognition or pay.

But this crisis did not materialize overnight. The government’s indifference has been laid bare time and again: from the shocking cancellation of a crucial meeting with frontline workers on August 6th, without explanation or apology, to the continued delays in implementing long-promised reforms. Instead of responding to slights and administrative chaos with urgency, the cabinet has chosen silence—a slap in the face to those who serve the public at great personal risk. Since August 7th, firefighters and ambulance staff have been forced back into go-slow action, exhausted from years of unanswered grievances and demoralized by the government’s lack of basic respect. This goes beyond pay and promotion—these workers cannot even secure home loans because their status remains in bureaucratic limbo. Promises made to young firefighters over half a decade ago remain unfulfilled, while the government dithers and delays. The damage isn’t just financial; it’s the systematic erosion of trust, opportunity, and dignity.

Members of Parliament who attended the emergency meeting were stunned by how starkly the truth on the ground differs from the empty assurances routinely served up in Parliament. MP Darryl York of the National Alliance admitted he and his colleagues would have remained ignorant if not for the direct testimony of those suffering under government misrule. The Prime Minister’s claim that all union agreements had been approved was promptly exposed as a brazen falsehood.
MP Francisco Lacroes, echoing the growing fury, called on frontline workers to shut down the country if necessary: “Do we have to close down the country to get attention and the things done?” MP Omar Ottley, meanwhile, vowed to hold Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina accountable for what he called the “utterly unacceptable” disrespect and betrayal. “If things are not fixed, I will say it here, a motion of no confidence is coming,” Ottley declared.

The government’s inaction is not just an operational failure—it is a moral collapse. It’s about a firefighter denied the proper rank after years of service; about a veteran forced into retirement without thanks or recognition; about public servants treated as disposable. The function book, a basic document for career progression, remains a symbol of neglect, blocking families from building futures and young professionals from advancing in their lives. Even worse, these failures reverberate far beyond the unions: if the victimized essential workers escalate their protest—as seems inevitable—St. Maarten’s critical tourist economy and public safety could grind to a halt.

This is an administration that, time and again, has proven itself completely out of touch with the needs of its most essential citizens. The government’s shameful negligence has not just eroded morale but has dealt a devastating blow to public trust. It is a betrayal that demands an immediate reckoning.
As this crisis reaches its tipping point, the message from unions, workers, and now many in Parliament is clear: St. Maarten deserves better. Its frontline heroes deserve leadership that is worthy of their sacrifice—not empty platitudes and endless excuses. Anything less is unconscionable.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Flow Sint Maarten has unveiled a significant upgrade in broadband connectivity by introducing internet speeds up to ten times faster than before. This milestone marks a major leap forward in the island’s digital transformation, setting a new standard for connectivity and innovation.
“Today, we mark a defining moment in Sint Maarten’s digital journey,” said Susanna O’Sullivan, Vice President and General Manager, North Caribbean.
“With this upgrade, Sint Maarten joins the ranks of the world’s most connected societies. This investment reflects our unwavering belief in the island’s potential to attract innovation, empower entrepreneurs, and strengthen the foundation for sustained digital growth. We are not just increasing speeds; we are expanding opportunities for everyone.”
Flow’s latest technology rollout now extends from Cay Hill through LB Scott Road, covering the full Cul de Sac basin, including South Reward, Saunders, St. Johns, and Ebenezer, as well as Middle Region, Dutch Quarter, Belvedere, and Sucker Garden. Customers across other areas will also benefit from a new minimum broadband speed of 50 Mbps. All existing customers will be automatically upgraded at no additional cost, as Flow continues to bridge the digital divide and expand access across Sint Maarten.
“We are leaving old limits behind. We are delivering speeds up to ten times faster. We are talking about gigabit potential, the kind of connectivity that places Sint Maarten alongside the world’s most connected countries and cities,” said Yolande Headley, General Manager, Flow St. Maarten.
“In today’s world, connectivity is not a luxury. It is the foundation on which education, commerce, emergency response, and everyday human connection rest. For us, providing internet service is a responsibility; one that demands we listen, respond, and invest in our communities.”
Speaking on Monday, Headley said the increased speeds will transform connectivity on the island.
“Students will join virtual classrooms and conduct research without delay. Entrepreneurs can run cloud-native businesses and sell globally from Philipsburg. Families can stream, video call, and play online simultaneously without compromise. This is not about raw numbers; it is about unlocking economic opportunity, strengthening resilience, and giving every resident the tools to thrive,” she said.
Headley also commended Flow’s teams for their dedication to delivering the transformative upgraded network and expressed gratitude to key stakeholders, including the Bureau of Telecommunication and Post, for their continued partnership and collaboration.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a blistering critique on the floor of Parliament, Member of Parliament Omar Ottley delivered a powerful rebuke regarding the ongoing Ennia saga and the precarious future of the Mullet Bay property. Drawing stark parallels between past and present government actions, Ottley warned that St. Maarten is watching a disastrous history repeat itself, with the nation's most valuable assets hanging in the balance.
At the heart of Ottley's condemnation is the recurring theme of a Minister of Finance seemingly acting alone, creating a sense of unease and distrust within Parliament and the coalition. He resurrected the words of former Prime Minister Sarah Wescot-Williams from 2014, who cautioned that decisions concerning the Central Bank must be a matter for Parliament, not the unilateral whim of a single minister. "The feeling is there again," Ottley declared, pointing out that the current Minister of Finance is being isolated by her own colleagues, some of whom claim they were not even present when critical decisions were made.
Ottley did not mince words, accusing St. Maarten of taking a monumental risk to bail out Curaçao from its financial woes related to the Ennia pension fund restructuring. He reminded the chamber that while St. Maarten could have survived for a few more years, Curaçao faced an imminent collapse in 2025 without intervention. The reward for this act of solidarity? A slap in the face. Ottley cited a bold statement from an advisor to Curaçao's Prime Minister, who proclaimed to his own parliament that St. Maarten's MPs "can say what they want... Mullet Bay belongs to the Central Bank, and the Central Bank is ours."
This brazen declaration exposes the dangerous position St. Maarten now finds itself in. The country holds the first right of refusal on the Mullet Bay property, but as Ottley furiously pointed out, this right is meaningless without the financial means to exercise it. "First right of refusal with no money in the coffers," he scoffed, noting the sale price of Mullet Bay could equal St. Maarten's entire annual budget.
The MP passionately argued that the only viable path forward is to stall any sale until St. Maarten is in a position of control. He referenced past advice suggesting that development plans and proof of financing are paramount, and that if a sale must be stalled, it should be done to allow the government to dictate the future of Mullet Bay.
"It will be a cold day in hell as this Member of Parliament sits and watches Curaçao take over Mullet Bay," Ottley vowed, expressing a sentiment of deep-seated betrayal and fierce national pride. He left the Minister of Finance with a clear and urgent mandate: ensure the nation's interests are protected. The time for political maneuvering is over. Without decisive action to prepare and stall, Ottley fears he will be forced to tell the people of St. Maarten the one thing he desperately wants to avoid: "I told you so."

by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

Have you ever heard of a “Zig when they Zag” campaign? “Study the methods of your competitors and do the exact opposite”, David Ogilvy, an advertising pioneer often hailed as the “Father of Advertising.” He revolutionized the industry by blending emotional appeal with rational benefits. Contrarian branding thrives when one challenges standards with purpose, not just to be different, but to be unforgettable.

According to regional tourism boards, over 20 Caribbean islands host culinary festivals. Various media mention about 10 different Culinary Capitals of the Caribbean spanning from the Cayman Islands to Barbados. Contrary to culinary festivals that celebrate indulgence, gourmet legacy, and flavor, weight-loss tourism would emphasize wellness, detox, and transformation.

The United States, a major tourism source market for most of the Caribbean territories, is a country where weight loss is a main issue, driven by high obesity rates and growing demand for wellness tourism.

The global weight loss market exceeds US$250 billion. The Caribbean owns the most under-leveraged asset: nature’s healing infrastructure. It doesn’t need not selling a product. It can export a transformation. The region can build the world’s first branded weight loss tourism circuit where every island becomes a gateway to vitality.

Weight-loss and diet-focused tourism is a thriving niche within the broader wellness travel industry. It's often called weight loss retreats, fitness holidays, or detox tourism, and it's designed to help travelers jumpstart healthier lifestyles in immersive, supportive environments.
These experiences are often marketed as transformational journeys rather than quick weight-loss fixes with pills, vaccinations or even surgery. They emphasize sustainable lifestyle changes over crash diets.

David Ogilvy’s approach to weight-loss tourism branding campaign would likely include the following. Don’t position it as a retreat but rather as a rebirth. He would define the offer as more than a vacation, but instead a turning point. He’d position it as an emotionally enriching journey to reclaim health and vitality. His headline mastery would come up with slogans like “Lose weight. Gain life”, “Where the ocean meets your new beginning”, or “Escape the ordinary. Return transformed.” He would use a testimonial like “I came for the Caribbean beach. I left with a new body, a new mindset, and a new life.”

A full Ogilvy-style campaign concept for Caribbean weight-loss tourism, tailored to wellness, youth, and regenerative goals with clarity and emotional pull. “We offer direction. Our islands are more than beautiful; they’re biologically restorative. Here, weight loss is not punishment. It’s empowerment. The Caribbean helps guests shed more than pounds; they shed doubt, fatigue, and fear. It’s a rebirth. Book a reservation for your transformation, and your journey will begin here. Welcome to the Caribbean’s most vital export: vitality itself.”

There are so many potential expressions that are more meaningful than the common sun, sand, and sea clichés, which are marketing misalignment and brand fatigue, missing opportunities to differentiate through wellness and innovation. For instance: “Island-born wellness therapy, and cultural healing” or “Where the ocean meets your new beginning” or “Healing begins where the tide turns.” Or “From stress to strength. From fatigue to freedom” or “Immerse in nature and culture while focusing on personal well-being”, “Waste no more. Heal much more.”. Enough?

Smart targeting, especially toward U.S. wellness seekers or high-net-worth travelers, is underutilized. There is an overreliance on traditional tourism. Many destinations still depend heavily on cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts, which offer low per-capita economic impact and limited local engagement. There’s a need to pivot toward high-value, low-impact tourism, such as wellness and nature immersion.

What is this weight-loss tourism really all about, and what should be in it for them? They want their darn energy back and to renew their body and mind. They are too smart for woo-woo and too tired for hacks. They want to return home from a Caribbean vacation, with a body that feels 10 years younger and feels lighter by losing 10–15 pounds without hunger or humiliation.

David Ogilvy would have branded weight-loss tourism as a transformative lifestyle experience, anchored in credibility, emotional aspiration, and product truth. He’d avoid gimmicks and instead build a campaign rooted in trust, storytelling, and clear benefits.

“Position the region as a global leader in regenerative tourism and wellness experiences.”. Maybe there could be the Weight-Loss Capital (Zig!) of the Caribbean, contrary to the Culinary Capital (Zag!). Bold brands may do the opposite of their competitors and win big.

Weight-loss tourism typically includes structured wellness programs often combining fitness classes, yoga, meditation, and spa treatments. Restaurants could offer diet menus. Nutritionists tailor meals to support weight loss and detoxification. There could be metabolism-boosting workouts with activities that range from hiking and boot camps to aquatic fitness and dance. How about holistic therapies like massage, acupuncture, and mindfulness sessions to help reduce stress and support transformation?

Are you noticing something here? Different employment and career opportunities that can be well compensated. Also, new small business opportunities for entrepreneurial members in the community. The keyword for it may be tourism diversification.