PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on June 12, 2026.

The urgent Public meeting, which adjourned on August 21, 2025, and on September 3, 2025, of the Parliamentary Year 2024-2025, will be reconvened on Friday at 12.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs will return to Parliament to answer questions posed by the Members of Parliament in the first round.

The agenda point is:
Deliberations on the pressing matters related to GEBE:
a) Update on the status, timelines, and disbursement of the long-awaited promised relief measures;

b) Update on GEBE Supervisory Board for clarity on the current composition, mandate, and operational status of the Supervisory Board as well as any recent or pending decisions impacting corporate governance;

c) Update on unrest by middle management to remove the CEO by a specific date, in particular a detailed briefing on the government’s position, planned interventions, and anticipated implications for the company’s stability. (IS/1317/2024-2025 dated August 13, 2025).

This meeting was requested by MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP F.A. Lacroes, MP L.C.J. Lewis, MP D.T.J. York, MP E.J. Doran, and MP A.M.R. Irion

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Courthouse in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG:--- We are bursting with excitement here at the Sint Maarten Library as we welcome our readers, families, and the wider community into a vibrant new era of storytelling! In a spectacular boost to regional literacy and cultural exchange, we have officially unveiled a captivating collection of children’s and youth literature, generously donated by acclaimed visiting author Delno Tromp, affectionately known as "Denchi," during his recent high-profile literary tour of our island. These brilliant works celebrate the richness of Caribbean storytelling and highlight the vital power of multilingual literature to strengthen identity and spark imagination across the region.

Written in English, Dutch, and Papiamentu, the official languages of the Dutch Caribbean islands, this dynamic collection bridges cultures and generations. The newly available titles weave together unforgettable narratives rooted in rich culture, vivid imagination, history, and even entrepreneurship, ensuring there is a transformative story for every young reader who walks through our doors.

Among the standout treasures now gracing our shelves is Quingo Flamingo, a thrilling adventure that follows a charismatic flamingo protagonist as it journeys across the Caribbean, meeting vibrant wildlife and discovering the unique ecosystems of neighboring islands. For a touch of whimsy mixed with real-world ambition, The Goat with the Golden Tooth delivers an inspiring tale of creativity and entrepreneurship, following a young goat whose discovery of a golden tooth leads to unexpected fame, business ventures, and the creation of merchandise.

Deeply rooted cultural identity and life lessons shine through in Shi Helena ta Konta, a beautiful blend of storytelling and poetry that reflects on heritage, morals, and everyday wisdom. Meanwhile, history comes alive with profound resonance in 1842 – Abolition of Slavery: An Emancipation Story. This powerful narrative follows the life of Urdu, an enslaved man whose journey symbolizes ultimate resilience, justice, and transformation. This vital historical work is already generating massive excitement as it is currently being adapted into a major theatrical production set to tour the islands.

The excitement surrounding Delno Tromp’s visit continues to ripple. During his time with us, the author brought his storytelling directly to young audiences through our Virtual Story Time program, delivering an engaging, high-energy live session in Dutch and English. For families eager to experience more of his work, the journey continues this Saturday, June 13, 2026, with a special follow-up storytelling session featuring one of his written works, broadcast live on our official Facebook page.

We warmly encourage all residents, children, youth, educators, and families to dive into these remarkable new titles. By making these books available for both in-library reading and borrowing, we are thrilled to offer a unique, golden opportunity to engage with stories that reflect both our proud local heritage and universal human values. Come visit us today and let your next great reading adventure begin!

Following a successful 2026 Marketplace, Caribbean hospitality and tourism leaders will convene in Barbados from May 18-21, 2027 for the region's premier B2B tourism event

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.:--- The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has named Barbados as the host destination for Caribbean Travel Marketplace (CTM) 2027, the region's premier business-to-business tourism event. The annual gathering connects global buyers with Caribbean suppliers to strengthen partnerships and drive business opportunities across the region. The announcement was made at this year's Caribbean Travel Marketplace in Antigua. 

"Barbados has long played an important leadership role in Caribbean tourism and within CHTA," said Vanessa Ledesma, Chief Executive Officer of CHTA. "We are thrilled to bring Caribbean Travel Marketplace to Barbados in 2027, marking the 45^th edition of this historic event. We look forward to delivering a reimagined, elevated attendee experience with innovative formats and deeper global business opportunities." 

Caribbean Travel Marketplace brings together destinations, hotels, attractions, transportation companies, and tourism partners from across the Caribbean and international markets for pre-scheduled business meetings designed to generate tangible commercial outcomes.

“Hosting Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027 is an important opportunity for Barbados and a reflection of the confidence placed in our tourism product, our people, and our infrastructure,” said Hon. G.P. Ian Gooding-Edghill, Minister of Tourism and International Transport. “It will create economic value, strengthen regional collaboration, and further position Barbados as a leader in Caribbean tourism.” 

The announcement was also welcomed by Barbados’ Hotel & Tourism Association.

“On behalf of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association and the wider local industry, we are honoured to welcome CHTA Marketplace 2027 to Barbados,” said Javon Griffith, Chairman of the Barbados Hotel & Tourism Association. “This event is where relationships are built, business is advanced, and our destination is showcased to the world. We look forward to welcoming delegates with the very best of Bajan hospitality.”

Additional details regarding Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2027, including venues and registration information, will be announced in the coming months.

For more information on Caribbean Travel Marketplace, visit www.CaribbeanTravelMarketplace.com. For more information on CHTA, visit www.CaribbeanHotelandTourism.com. 

Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2026 was made possible by host destination Antigua & Barbuda Tourism Authority, Antigua & Barbuda Hotel & Tourism Association; Premier Destination Partners: Barbados, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Experience Turks & Caicos; Platinum Partners: ABA Global Marketing, Interval International, Mastercard, Triptease, U.S. Virgin Islands; Gold Partners: Amadeus, Courts Business Solutions, Dominica, Maestro PMS, MyBookingRewards.com, Silverware, TaConnect, Tambourine, Travelzoo; Silver Partners: Antigua Cruise Port, Caribbean Journal, Infor, Saint Lucia Cruise Port, Sojern, The Anything Group; Bronze Partners: Atlas Obscura, Simplotel, Questex Travel; Airline Partners: Inter Caribbean Airways, Liat Air; Data Partner: STR; and Media Partner: Breaking Travel News. For information on CTM partnership opportunities, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs has confirmed that the Government has received approximately Cg. 6.5 million from Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company (PJIAE), representing passenger safety fees collected on behalf of the Government from 2019 through the first quarter of 2026.

The payment follows the successful resolution of longstanding discussions regarding outstanding passenger safety fee transfers and brings PJIAE fully up to date with its obligations to the Government.

"I welcome this payment of approximately Cg. 6.5 million, which brings PJIAE fully up to date with the transfer of passenger safety fees collected on behalf of the Government. This outcome ensures that these public funds are now properly accounted for and available for their intended purpose," Minister Gumbs stated.

The passenger safety fee was introduced to support civil aviation oversight within Sint Maarten. While the envisioned Civil Aviation Authority has not yet been formally established, these responsibilities are still carried out by the Department of Civil Aviation under the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT).

Minister Gumbs confirmed that the funds will be safeguarded and reserved for aviation-related purposes until the Civil Aviation Authority becomes operational.

"These monies were collected specifically to support aviation oversight and safety. It is therefore important that they remain available for that purpose. The funds will be held in a dedicated account pending the establishment of the Civil Aviation Authority, ensuring that they can be utilized for the continued strengthening of civil aviation oversight in Sint Maarten."

The Minister expressed appreciation to PJIAE and all stakeholders involved in bringing the matter to a successful conclusion.

"This resolution demonstrates the value of constructive engagement and responsible financial stewardship. More importantly, it reflects Government's commitment to ensuring that revenues collected on its behalf are properly transferred, accounted for, and safeguarded in the interest of the people of Sint Maarten