COLE BAY:---The Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten has ruled in favor of Docta Catering N.V., operator of the popular restaurant and nightlife venue District 721, suspending the government’s decision to revoke its entertainment permit and shorten its operating hours. The judgment, delivered by Judge G. Drenth, restores District 721’s right to host music, shows, entertainment performances, and dancing under its original license until the final ruling in the ongoing case.

The case stemmed from an October 20, 2025, decision by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) to withdraw the venue’s entertainment permission and impose a midnight closing time. The ministry argued that District 721 repeatedly violated the sound level limits of 75 dB outside and 96 dB inside, as well as disturbing nearby residents.

However, the court found that the ministry’s actions were disproportionate and insufficiently supported by evidence.

Background and Noise Allegations

District 721, located at Welfare Road 64 in Cole Bay, holds a valid restaurant and entertainment license issued in February 2025. The permit explicitly allows live music and dancing, with sound levels capped at 96 dB indoors and 75 dB outdoors, and no disturbance to neighboring properties.

According to TEATT inspection records, the venue was placed under “enhanced monitoring” in April 2025 following complaints from nearby residents. Despite several inspections, an internal TEATT email at the time acknowledged that no violations of the 75 dB outdoor limit had been confirmed.

Later inspections in August and September 2025 recorded readings such as 78 dB(A) at a residential porch and over 80 dBC in some nearby commercial properties. However, the court noted that these measurements were isolated incidents and not clearly tied to violations of the legal limits specified in District 721’s permit.

Court’s Findings

The court found that the government’s justification for withdrawing the entertainment license — citing “repeated violations” and “multiple warnings” — was factually incorrect. In reality, only one formal warning had been issued on May 7, 2025, and even that warning contained inconsistencies.

Evidence presented by Docta showed that the inspectors themselves admitted during one inspection that no sound limit was breached, contradicting the contents of the warning letter. The court ruled that this raised serious doubts about the reliability of TEATT’s enforcement record.

Judge Drenth emphasized that while the government must protect public order and residents’ peace, it must also act fairly and proportionately. The Minister, the court said, should have followed the Residential Economic Policy’s (REP) penalty structure, which requires two written warnings before any suspension or revocation — a process that was not respected.

“The Minister’s decision is insufficiently motivated,” the court concluded. “Given the severe financial and reputational impact on Docta, the immediate execution of the decision would cause disproportionate harm relative to the public interest it seeks to protect.”

Decision and Implications

The court therefore suspended the Minister’s October 20 decision, meaning District 721 can immediately resume its full entertainment operations under the original terms of its February 2025 permit — including the 3:00 a.m. closing time on weekends.

The Ministry of TEATT was ordered to pay ƒ1,400 in legal costs to Docta Catering N.V. No further appeal is allowed against this interim ruling.

While District 721 celebrated the outcome, the court cautioned the venue to remain compliant: sound levels must not exceed 75 dB at the property boundary, and monitoring will continue.

The decision is being seen as a significant reaffirmation of due process and proportionality in the enforcement of Sint Maarten’s business licensing and noise control regulations, balancing economic freedom with community peace.

Cole Bay:--- In recognition of Rotary International’s Basic Education and Literacy Month, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset honored eleven primary school teachers for their exceptional dedication and service to St. Maarten’s youth.
The appreciation ceremony, held at Carl N Sons in Cole Bay, brought together Rotarians, school representatives, and community partners to celebrate educators who go above and beyond in shaping young minds.
“Teachers play a vital role in the future of our communities,” said Rotary Club President Alex Pierre. “Despite the challenges they face, they show up every day with love, patience, and purpose. Honoring them is our way of saying thank you for their unwavering commitment to our children.”
Each teacher was nominated by their school board for demonstrating passion, leadership, and a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom. The honorees were:
1. Seventh-Day Adventist School – Ms. Georgia Richardson
2. Caribbean International Academy – Ms. Mirjam Wigman
3. Montessori St. Maarten – Ms. Tiffany Chance
4. Learning Unlimited Preparatory School – Ms. Analeighni Wout
5. Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School – Mrs. Shiera Lewis-Richardson
6. St. Joseph Primary School – Ms. Shaundel Glasgow
7. Methodist Agogic Center – Mrs. Erika Richardson Van Putten
8. Marie Geneviève De Weever School – Ms. Marilyn Clark-Waterfort
9. Hervé Williams Primary School – Madame Pauline Beaurain-Cratere
10. Clair Saint-Maximin Primary School – Madame Jessica Sabas
11. Emile Choisy Primary School – Monsieur. David Farlot
Honorees received certificates of appreciation along with gift baskets, spa and dining vouchers, and bottles of wine, expressing the community’s gratitude for their service.
The club also acknowledged the school boards and management teams for their support, as well as the event sponsors, including Magical Memories Gifts n More, Carl N Sons, Inglot, MK Signature, Fabrice Burnett, Captain’s Rib Shack, The Wax Room, Thierry Gombs, Penha, By LuMarie, Addicted Hair Lounge, Carita Spa, Senaïa’s Cosmetics and Beatz by Ti.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset extended its appreciation to all teachers on the island, highlighting their critical role in shaping the future. “While teaching often goes unheralded, its impact is immeasurable,” said Pierre. “These educators are building not just knowledge, but character and leadership in our children.”
About Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset: Chartered in 2018, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset is one of the newest and fastest-growing Rotary Clubs in District 7020. The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at Carl N Sons Unique Inn and Conference Facilities in Colebay at 7:30 pm. The club can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the official Facebook page at facebook.com/rotarysxmsunset.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Today’s book launch and storytelling morning at the Sint Maarten Library was a resounding success! Families filled the library with laughter, curiosity, and excitement as children’s author Gramey Brown brought to life the wonders of nature and the special bond between fathers and sons through his newly released books, “Mountain Trails: A Father and Son Nature Adventure” and “Ocean Waves: A Father and Son Beach Adventure.”

The event, themed “Connecting Children with Nature: A Path to Healthier Minds and Brighter Futures,” reminded everyone of the importance of outdoor exploration in nurturing healthy, creative, and resilient young minds. Through live readings and interactive storytelling, Brown inspired children to dream, explore, and appreciate the beauty of the world around them.

When asked about the inspiration behind his books, the author shared a heartfelt reflection: “I wrote these stories to connect fathers and sons; because for boys to become the men of the future that society needs, they must be inspired by the men of today. We as men, as fathers, have a responsibility to lead by example.”

This message deeply resonated with parents and caregivers, reinforcing the vital role of fathers and male mentors in shaping strong, compassionate, and responsible young men.

In addition to today’s successful launch, Gramey Brown also hosted several book talks and storytelling sessions as part of a soft launch earlier this week. These included engaging visits to the Community Afterschool Program in Cay Hill at the Asha Stevens School and sessions with the No Kidding with Our Kids Foundation at Retreat Estate (ASA).

Children at these sessions enthusiastically participated in age-appropriate listening activities and fun word search puzzles, all centered around the themes of adventure, family, and nature. Each participating school also received a special gift from the author — a wonderful gesture to encourage continued reading and connection beyond the event.

The Sint Maarten Library extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who attended and supported this meaningful celebration. Today was not just about books, but about building connections, inspiring imagination, and fostering a love for reading and the great. Here’s to more stories, more exploration, and more moments that connect hearts across generations!

PHILIPSBURG:--- In commemoration of International Men’s Day, the Division of Labor Affairs and Social Services, under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, proudly presents a Men’s Conference themed:
“My Legacy – Your Example: The incredible impact of a man in his business of life”, with keynote speaker Melchizedek “Gammy” Carbon.

A man's legacy is the enduring impact he has on others, including his actions, values, and the memories he creates. It's not just about possessions or financial wealth, but about the positive influence he has on individuals and communities. A legacy is built through how one lives their life, the relationships they cultivate, and the lessons they impart.

This conference is designed to empower, inspire, and uplift men as they reflect on their roles, values, and legacy in family, work, and community life, and to give attendees a thorough understanding of what constitutes a legacy, and its consequences – the example it leaves behind, the lasting impact, and the way to be remembered for generations to come.

The Male Empowerment Network extends a special invitation to all men to participate in this conference. We know it will help to prepare you for the journey of continuous growth and contribution, as you start to build a legacy you can be proud of, realizing this can only happen when you make a conscious decision to do so.

Therefore, all men, ages 16 and older, are encouraged to attend this FREE conference on Friday, November 14, at the Government Administration Building, Conference Room 1 & 2, from 8:00am to 2:00pm.

Registration is required and can be done in advance at the Social Services receptionist desk in the Government Administration Building or via the Facebook page at the Division of Labor Affairs and Social Services. Or, on the day of the event at the door.

The 2025 Male Empowerment Conference – an International Men’s Day celebration event. Let’s come together to celebrate and strengthen the incredible impact of men in all walks of life!
You won’t want to miss it!