PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina responded to a series of questions during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, addressing concerns ranging from whistleblower protections within government to the delayed 2026 national budget and the appointment of St. Maarten’s Inspector General of Public Health.

The first line of questioning focused on allegations previously made regarding the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA). Asked whether civil servants might be reluctant to come forward with complaints due to his dual role as Prime Minister and Acting Minister of VSA, Mercelina said the government remains committed to protecting employees who report concerns.

He pointed to existing reporting channels and noted that the Integrity Chamber is preparing to conduct its own investigation. He also referenced ongoing efforts to strengthen whistleblower protections and emphasized that civil servants should feel free to report misconduct without fear of retaliation.

During the exchange, the Prime Minister argued that political rhetoric has contributed to unnecessary unrest and defended the work environment within VSA, describing a recent meeting with the ministry’s management team as constructive and professional.

The briefing also featured questions regarding the detention of Dr. Danny Denway. The Prime Minister deferred to Justice Minister Natalie Tackling, who reiterated that the government does not comment on individual criminal cases and noted that decisions regarding pretrial detention are made by the judiciary rather than the executive branch.

Questions then turned to the 2026 national budget. Asked how the government intends to manage a larger budget later in the year after operating under the 2025 budget framework for several months, Mercelina explained that the budget has already been submitted to Parliament and that the government intends to move quickly once parliamentary approval is obtained.

He said routine government operations have continued despite the delay and that investment projects currently awaiting financial authorization are prepared to proceed as soon as funding becomes available.

In another exchange, the Prime Minister was asked about the appointment of Inspector General Alcala and allegations connected to his previous tenure in Curaçao. Mercelina described the claims presented during the briefing as serious and said he was not personally familiar with the details, noting that he only became Acting Minister of VSA earlier this month.

While promising to review the information, he cautioned against making unverified accusations in public forums and stressed the importance of balancing accountability with fairness toward public officials and professionals.

Throughout the question-and-answer session, Mercelina repeatedly emphasized the need for fact-based public discourse, proper investigative procedures and responsible governance, arguing that St. Maarten’s current challenges require unity and stability rather than political division.

PHILIPSBURG: ---  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten used Wednesday's Council of Ministers Press Briefing to emphasize the government's continued commitment to economic development through entrepreneurship, education, and consumer protection.

Addressing members of the media and the public, the Minister said progress remains at the heart of the government's "Forward by Design" approach, which focuses on making deliberate decisions to strengthen Sint Maarten's future.

A key announcement centered on the St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center (SEDC), which currently has registration open for several training programs under its Advanced Education Program. The courses target entrepreneurs, small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and individuals working within the creative sector.

The upcoming training opportunities cover Public Relations and Social Media Marketing, Financial Management and Decision-Making, and opportunities within the Creative and Film Industry. Participants can access professional-level training for a registration fee of US$35 per course.

"Strong businesses contribute to a stronger economy," the Minister stated, emphasizing that supporting entrepreneurship requires more than financing and must also include skills development and knowledge-building.

The Minister also provided an update on the work of the Inspection Department of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA), which has intensified inspections across various sectors in recent months.

According to the Minister, inspections focused on compliance with maximum-price controls, price-display requirements, business-licensing regulations, permit conditions, and fuel-pump calibration standards.

As a result of the inspections, fines totaling NAf 5,125 were issued to supermarkets and retail establishments for violations involving maximum pricing regulations, failure to display prices, and licensing infractions. An additional NAf 2,350 in fines was issued following inspections of petrol stations and related businesses.

Particular attention was given to fuel pump calibration, where several pumps were found operating outside legally permitted tolerance levels. Those pumps were immediately removed from service until corrective measures were completed and compliance was verified.

The Minister stressed that the inspections are designed not to hinder businesses but to protect consumers, ensure fair competition, and support responsible operators.

IETA is expected to continue conducting both routine and unannounced inspections throughout 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen consumer confidence and marketplace integrity.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten announced significant progress on the Philipsburg Marketplace redevelopment project while also addressing hurricane preparedness measures and the economic benefits generated by major events such as Soul Beach and Carnival.

Speaking during Wednesday's Council of Ministers Press Briefing, the Minister confirmed that the Ministry has received the updated building permit from the Ministry of VROMI, allowing the long-awaited Philipsburg Marketplace redevelopment project to move fully into its next phase.

The Minister noted that discussions are currently underway among contractors, project managers, and relevant stakeholders to finalize construction schedules and coordinate upcoming works. Preparatory activities have already been completed, with construction planning continuing to advance.

Describing the project as a major investment in the revitalization of Philipsburg, the Minister said the redevelopment will support local vendors, improve the visitor experience, and create a modern marketplace that will serve the community for years to come.

The Minister reiterated that marketplace vendors will receive project updates before broader public announcements, recognizing them as the stakeholders most directly impacted by the redevelopment.

Attention was also given to the ongoing 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The Minister announced that updated maximum-price lists for hurricane- and disaster-related items will soon be published. The price controls will apply to selected food products, hardware and construction materials, as well as certain pharmaceutical and medical supplies.

The measure is intended to prevent price gouging and ensure essential goods remain reasonably accessible during emergencies. Residents were encouraged to begin preparations early and not wait until a storm is imminent.

The Minister also addressed recent public discussion of comments from the Council of Advice on the draft 2026 national budget, particularly regarding government support for Soul Beach and Carnival.

While acknowledging the importance of accountability, transparency, and proper oversight, the Minister emphasized that discussions about public investments should also consider economic impact.

The Minister noted that Soul Beach and Carnival generate benefits across multiple sectors, including hospitality, transportation, food service, entertainment, retail, security, and other small business activities.

Citing findings from an independent Social Economic Council (SER) review commissioned by the Ministry, the Minister reported that Soul Beach attracted approximately 2,556 international visitors, generated more than US$525,000 in operational spending, and contributed tourism-related economic activity estimated at up to US$7.26 million.

Although the report advised caution regarding the higher-end estimate, the Minister said even conservative calculations demonstrate significant economic benefits for Sint Maarten.

"The people of Sint Maarten deserve accountability," the Minister concluded. "But they also deserve the complete picture."

The briefing concluded with the Minister reaffirming government's commitment to balancing responsible governance with investments that support long-term economic growth and community development.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) strongly addresses a recent school-related physical altercation that took place on Monday, June 15th, at one of the local high schools in the St. Peters area. The incident, which quickly gained attention after video footage circulated on social media, prompted immediate concern due to the involvement of minors and the potential for further escalation within the community.

Following the incident, officers from KPSM—including personnel from the Juvenile Department, Community Police Officers, and School Resource Officers—were notified. Officers also observed video footage of the altercation circulating on social media.

In the interest of maintaining public order and safeguarding the well-being of all minors involved, KPSM initiated immediate follow-up actions. A parent of one of the students involved later reported to the Philipsburg Police Station and requested mediation assistance to address the root cause of the dispute and prevent further escalation.

Subsequently, all parents and students involved were invited to the police station by the Juvenile Department and complied with this request. A structured meeting was held with all relevant stakeholders, during which the matter was discussed openly.

Through this intervention, all parties reached a mutual agreement aimed at preventing a recurrence of similar incidents. The outcome was constructive and demonstrated a shared commitment by parents, students, and KPSM to resolve conflicts in a peaceful and responsible manner.

KPSM extends its appreciation to all parents and students who cooperated fully and contributed to the positive outcome of the mediation process.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten reminds the public that violence is never an acceptable means of resolving disputes. Parents and guardians are encouraged to continue engaging with their children and schools to promote respect, discipline, and peaceful conflict resolution.