St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Making Unity Work for Our Shared Prosperity.

A St. Martin Day Message by Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs

Fellow St. Martiners,

Residents of our beloved island,

Brothers and Sisters

Happy St. Martin Day!

This St. Martin Day 2026, we celebrate more than a borderless territory; we celebrate a unique, resilient spirit that transcends administrative divisions. This day is a testament to the wisdom of our ancestors who forged a peaceful, shared existence. Yet, we must ask ourselves some tough questions and tell ourselves some home truths.

Is our unity merely a symbol, or is it an active engine for progress and fiscal responsibility? Do we really live the unity our ancestors demonstrated in their daily lives or is it something we only proclaim ritually one day out of the 365 days in the year?

For too long, the idea of unity has been treated primarily as a cultural or historical legacy. In 2026, facing global economic pressures and the ever-present threat of climate instability, I am of the opinion that we must elevate this unity into a binding, operational principle for how we govern our island, how we spend our meager finances, and how we invest our very limited resources. Our destiny is indeed one - that is undeniable, but unfortunately, our financial strategies on both halves of the island do not reflect that reality.

In practically everything we do the first place we look for solutions is outside the island. We seldom look at each other at all for possible joint responses, strategies, or ventures. Cooperation between us is far from what it should be even as neighbors not to mention as family.

The Cost of Duplication

I am sure every citizen, whether paying taxes in Great Bay or Marigot, shares the same expectations for efficient governance and high-quality public services. However, the reality is that maintaining two entirely separate administrations on an island this size is fundamentally inefficient. We are constantly paying what I would like to call a "duplication tax"— spending resources to acquire, maintain, and staff two separate systems when one coordinated system would suffice.

Those who partitioned the island did it for their own interests, leaving us to pay lip service to the idea of unity and cooperation especially on this special day. Well, this year, we should proclaim that the time for symbolic cooperation is over. We must now embed the principle of mutual consultation and close collaboration into our daily operations. Our unity must be the basis for achieving tangible economies of scale that reduce the burden on our taxpayers and free up critical budget space for future investments.

Priority Areas for Fiscal Cooperation
The greatest opportunities for maximizing savings and cost-effectiveness lie in harmonizing core public services and infrastructure that serve every resident, regardless of which side they live on. I would like to propose three immediate areas where joint effort could yield substantial, verifiable fiscal benefits for both our administrations:

1. Joint Procurement and Supply Chain Management
One of the quickest paths to savings is through our purchasing power. When buying essential items—from computers for our schools to high-cost pharmaceuticals and specialized medical equipment for our hospitals—we currently operate as two small and distinct entities. This results in us paying higher prices than necessary.

By establishing a Joint Procurement Body, both administrations could pool their annual needs and enter the market as a single, larger purchaser. This would secure significant volume discounts, reduce the complexity of our supply chains, and lower the overall cost of critical public services like healthcare and education.

The savings here can be immediate and measurable, offering instant relief to both our national budgets. After all, if businesses in the private sector can do it, I would like to think that our governments should be able to do it also.

2. Waste Management and Environmental Infrastructure
The challenge of waste and the related financial and environmental risks are perhaps the most visible examples of fragmented planning. Maintaining two distinct solid waste management infrastructures, often leading to unsustainable practices, is an extraordinary, long-term financial liability for both sides.

A joint approach—such as the creation of a Unified Waste-to-Energy or Advanced Recycling Facility, governed by a mutually established authority—would allow us to share the massive capital expenditure and the ongoing operational costs.

This single, optimized investment would replace two expensive, duplicated systems, saving both governments millions in maintenance, landfill remediation, and environmental compliance costs over the next decade.

3. Disaster Resilience and Public Safety Assets
When a hurricane or a major crisis hits, the entire island suffers. Indeed, as Felix Choisy of immortal memory famously said, the gale does not stop at the frontier. Disaster preparedness should, therefore, be an inherently island-wide concern. Currently, both sides invest heavily in large, costly emergency assets: specialized communication networks, disaster supplies and the like.

By sharing the acquisition and maintenance of high-cost, low-frequency-use assets—such as large generators, or high-capacity pumps—we could reduce the capital expenditure burden on both treasuries.

Furthermore, a Unified Crisis Management Protocol guarantees faster, more efficient deployment of personnel and equipment across the island, which directly reduces the economic cost of downtime and accelerates overall recovery, providing an invaluable fiscal benefit to both governments.

Our Shared Future

This St. Martin Day, let us commit to making the unity we celebrate actually work in our best interest. Our cooperation should not be seen as a political negotiation; it is, in my humble view, a financial imperative that must be rooted in sound economic planning and good stewardship of the public purse.

By consulting closely, sharing assets strategically, and investing jointly, we would reinforce our resilience and ensure that every euro and every guilder spent works harder and better for all the people of St. Martin.

May this St. Martin Day mark the beginning of our most cost-effective and prosperous chapter yet.

Happy St. Martin Day to one and all.

Ms. Marinka Gumbs,

Minister of Finance, Sint Maarten

Rotary Clubs of St. Martin Join Forces to Donate Four Anti-Decubitus Mattresses to SMMC.

rotarysmmc09112025 Cay Hill:--- In a remarkable show of unity and service, all four Rotary Clubs on the island - Rotary Club of St. Maarten, Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise, Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset, and Rotary Club of St. Maarten-Mid Isle came together to make a meaningful contribution to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).
The clubs collectively financed the purchase of four Anti-Decubitus Mattresses, specially designed to prevent bedsores and improve comfort for bedridden patients. These mattresses play a crucial role in enhancing patient care and ensuring a more comfortable recovery experience for those confined to their beds.
The official handover took place during the visit of District Governor Dr. William Aiken, who, being a medical professional himself, shared his appreciation for this impactful initiative. The presentation was made to the SMMC management team by all club presidents, along with the Assistant Governor – Elisia Lake, symbolizing the power of collaboration and service within Rotary.
“As proud Rotarians, we are always seeking ways to make a tangible difference in our community,” said the club presidents jointly. “Providing these mattresses aligns perfectly with Rotary’s mission of service above self, and as we approach Disease Prevention and Treatment Month in December, this initiative highlights our continued commitment to improving health and well-being across St. Martin.”
This joint effort stands as a testament to the shared vision and teamwork of all Rotary Clubs on the island, working hand in hand to serve the community and bring comfort to those in need.

TSB Rules Out Hard Landing in WestJet Gear Collapse at St. Maarten.

westjet08092025 Ottawa / Philipsburg:--- An updated report from the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has confirmed that the right main landing gear collapse of a WestJet Boeing 737-800 at Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) on September 7, 2025, was not the result of a hard landing.
According to the TSB, a preliminary review of the aircraft’s flight data recorder (FDR) showed no indications of excessive landing force. The investigation has since turned its focus to a mechanical failure within the landing gear assembly.
Investigators discovered that the right gear’s aft trunnion pin had fractured — a critical component that connects the main gear to the aircraft structure. Both sections of the pin have been sent to the TSB Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa for detailed metallurgical examination.
The board also confirmed that the right main landing gear was last overhauled in 2016, and is now reviewing previous cases of aft trunnion pin fractures on other Boeing 737 aircraft to determine if this represents a broader safety concern.
The incident occurred as WestJet Flight WS2652 from Toronto was landing at St. Maarten. The right engine nacelle contacted the runway as a result of the gear collapse. No injuries were reported among passengers or crew, but the aircraft sustained significant structural damage.
The investigation remains ongoing, and a final report with findings and safety recommendations will be released once the analysis is complete.

For Background information:

Landing Gear Collapse at Princess Juliana International Airport — TSB Launches Investigation

A serious safety incident occurred on landing when a WestJet Airlines Boeing 737-800 (registration C-GWSR) touched down on Runway 10 at Princess Juliana with 157 passengers and 6 crew members aboard. During rollout, the aircraft’s right main landing gear collapsed, causing the right engine nacelle to scrape the runway surface. Thankfully, no major injuries occurred; all occupants evacuated via emergency slides, and only one minor injury was reported.

According to the official TSB investigation summary:

The occurrence occurred on 7 September 2025 during the landing phase from Toronto’s Lester B. Pearson International Airport to St. Maarten.
After touchdown, the right main gear collapsed. The aircraft sustained substantial damage and came to a stop on the runway.
The evacuation proceeded via the left side of the aircraft, and only one minor injury was reported.

Key Technical Findings

An initial review of the flight data recorder data did not indicate a hard landing.
During the post-incident examination, the right gear aft trunnion pin was discovered fractured. The parts were sent to the TSB Engineering Laboratory in Ottawa for further analysis.
That landing gear assembly had been overhauled in 2016, raising questions about wear, fatigue or other structural issues.
The TSB is reviewing previous occurrences involving 737 series aft trunnion pin fractures to evaluate whether this is part of a recurring failure mode.

Investigation Process & Coordination

Under the provisions of Annex 13 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the St. Maarten Civil Aviation Authority delegated the investigation to the TSB.
The TSB deployed a team to the site and is working closely with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Boeing, and WestJet for the technical and operational aspects.
The investigation is classified as a Class 3 occurrence. Class 3 investigations focus on a small number of safety issues and may result in safety recommendations. They are typically completed within 450 days.
Safety Implications

Landing gear collapse is a significant safety event with multiple potential consequences: risk of fire from engine nacelle contact, uncontrolled evacuation, damage to runway infrastructure, and threat to other aircraft operations. The fact that the gear collapsed despite no indication of a hard landing suggests a possible fatigue or structural failure of the component, rather than a pilot error or extreme landing scenario.

The investigation into aft trunnion pin fractures of Boeing 737 aircraft could have implications across fleets worldwide. If the TSB finds a design, maintenance, or inspection oversight, recommendations could follow that affect operators, manufacturers, and regulators globally.

Impact on St. Maarten Airport Operations

Despite the collapse and damage, the incident was handled swiftly, with evacuation completed and no serious injuries reported. However:

The runway was blocked while the aircraft was removed, and damaged assemblies were documented—potentially leading to delays or cancellations for other flights.
The airport's and the operators' reputations could be affected if it becomes known that a major carrier experienced gear failure on landing.
The thoroughness of St. Maarten’s ramp inspections and gear maintenance standards may come under scrutiny by operators and insurers.

What’s Next

The TSB continues with the examination and analysis phase: testing fractured parts, reviewing maintenance history, reviewing any relevant previous occurrences, modelling loads, and evaluating inspection protocols. Once their internal review is complete, the TSB will produce a draft report, share it with interested parties (including Boeing, the carrier, and regulatory authorities), receive representations, and then publish a final report containing findings and, if warranted, safety recommendations.

For now, air-travel stakeholders — airlines, maintenance organizations, and airports — will closely watch for interim safety bulletins and updates from the TSB.

Sources: Air transportation safety investigation A25F0337.
Transportation Safety Board- Canada.

St. Maarten Men’s Physique Athlete Calvin Mardembrough Jr. Closes Out the Year With Silver Medal Finish at Caribbean Grand Prix.

calvinmardemboroughandludi09112025 Nassau, Bahamas / Philipsburg:--- St. Maarten’s own Calvin Mardembrough jr ended his 2025 competitive season on a high note, securing a 2nd place silver medal in the Masters 35+ Men’s Physique Division at the Caribbean Grand Prix held on Saturday, November 8, in Nassau, Bahamas. Mardembrough also earned a 5th-place finish in the highly competitive Open Class B, further solidifying his presence among the region’s top athletes.

Reflecting on the accomplishment, Mardembrough expressed deep gratitude for the outcome of a year defined by commitment and consistency.
“I feel blessed and content with my achievements in 2025. I spent 197 days in uninterrupted prepping,” he shared. “While this competition wasn’t originally on my list for the year, I’m happy I took this opportunity. I gained valuable experience and had the chance to interact with the show organizer, judges, and many other talented competitors.”

When asked about what comes next, Mardembrough shared that he will be taking a well-deserved recovery period before ramping up for the upcoming season.
“I’m looking forward to two months of rest and eating normally again,” he said. “After that, I’ll dive directly into my 2026 prep. My conditioning is strong, but size played a major factor in this particular show, so the focus will be on adding a bit more size.”

With another successful season behind him, Calvin Mardembrough Jr. continues to represent St. Maarten with discipline, professionalism, and pride on the international bodybuilding stage.

Where Culture Lives Survey Launches: Public Invited to Share Insights.

lemonadeculture09112025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Where Culture Lives project is proud to announce the launch of its survey across Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Statia, and St. Maarten, marking the next crucial phase in understanding how people create and experience cultural life throughout the Dutch Caribbean.
Following successful focus groups with local practitioners and key informants, the research team now invites the wider public to participate in a short but meaningful survey.
Entitled “Your Voice, Where Culture Lives,” the survey explores how arts, culture, and heritage shape life on the ABCSSS islands. By sharing their experiences, residents help show what culture means to them—and guide policymakers and institutions to support it in their communities better.
Participants will be asked about their involvement in cultural activities; accessibility to cultural spaces and funding; and the roles of government and community in preserving and promoting heritage.
Each island’s Island Coordinator will lead a small team of trained surveyors who will be present in key public locations, inviting people to complete the survey and assisting anyone who may need support or a proxy.
The survey is available digitally via a shared link in English, Papiamento, and Papiamentu and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Parents are encouraged to complete the survey for themselves and for any children under 12.
“Every song, dance, painting, and tradition keeps our islands’ culture alive. This is a unique opportunity to document, reflect, and influence how cultural life is seen, supported, and celebrated,” said Jorien Wuite. As Project Coordinator and director of Lemonade, I can emphasize that the team is happy that OCW reps. Also visited this week to envision further engagement, ownership, and landing of the research results of the project, Where Culture Lives.
To participate in the survey, follow the official link distributed by the Island coordinators and their team of surveyors, Gregory Richardson (Aruba), Sharifa Balfour (Saba), Paula Pandt-Pompier (Statia), Ashayna Nisbett (Sint Maarten,) and Lara Chirino (Bonaire). The survey will run until the first week of December 2025. The phase following the survey will involve detailed analysis and recommendations.
For further information, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via WhatsApp, contact the Project principals Jorien Wuite, (721) 5202335, and Elton Villarreal, (599) 95213108.
The Where Culture Lives project was commissioned by the Dutch Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) in The Hague and on Bonaire (OCW and OCW-CG), as part of a long-term effort to strengthen cultural engagement through shared information. St. Maarten-based consultancy Lemonade B.V manages the project.