St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Minister Brug’s Deafening Silence on a Public Health Crisis.

PHILIPSBURG:--- When public officials are entrusted with safeguarding the welfare of their constituents, particularly the vulnerable youth, inaction is not just negligence—it’s betrayal. Minister of VSA, Richinel Brug, has spectacularly failed in this regard, choosing to sidestep accountability and dragging his feet on a growing public health crisis. Despite alarming revelations back in May about children inhaling household products and other dangerous substances, the Minister has done little more than make hollow statements while the situation spirals further out of control.

A Timeline of Failure

The issue first surfaced when the Turning Point Foundation disclosed on May 13, 2025, the troubling trend of youth resorting to inhalants—substances known for their immediate but profoundly damaging effects. During a press briefing earlier that month, Minister Brug acknowledged the problem, openly stating that he was informed of the situation by SMN News and Turning Point. At the time, he pledged swift action. A collaboration between the Ministries of VSA and Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS) was supposedly in the works, promising a public awareness campaign.

Now, nearly two months later, all we have are empty words. There hasn’t been a single announcement, campaign launch, or tangible effort to address the issue. Neither Minister Brug nor his cohorts in the Ministry of ECYS have shown any urgency in following through with their commitments. Worse yet, when pressed for updates during another press briefing on July 9, 2025, Minister Brug didn’t even mention whether his Ministry planned to provide counseling or support to the children and families already suffering from the real-life consequences of this crisis.

Empty Promises, Unmet Expectations

Brug’s words during that initial briefing may have sounded productive, even regretful, urging parents to talk to their children and imploring collective action. But his so-called leadership crumbled the moment bold action was required. Where is the “togetherness” he so earnestly claimed was necessary? A campaign that “should have happened yesterday” hasn’t happened at all under his watch.

This glaring inaction isn’t just irresponsible, it’s disgraceful. Vulnerable children continue to inhale toxic substances, irreversibly damaging their health, while the Minister fiddles around making excuses. The promised collaborative campaign? It’s become nothing more than vaporware. Without immediate action, how many lives will be lost or shattered before this administration wakes up?

Dodging Accountability

Minister Brug’s evasion of difficult questions from the media adds insult to injury. SMN News, which has been pivotal in exposing this crisis, has reportedly been shut out by the Minister’s office entirely. Why? Because their “questions are too difficult.” For an elected official tasked with protecting the public, such cowardice is unbecoming. This is not just a failure of policy but an indictment of character. Brug has shown he is unwilling—or worse, unable—to take necessary steps to protect the nation’s youth.

This isn’t just about bureaucracy or delayed timelines; this is a matter of lives. Children, our most vulnerable citizens, are being harmed by substances readily available in their homes, and the Minister has wasted precious time. Two months have passed, with no public acknowledgment of the affected families and no psychological or medical support offered. Brug’s neglect sends a chilling message to the people of St. Maarten: their children’s lives aren’t worth his time.

Minister Richinel Brug must answer for his failures. His empty rhetoric, refusal to engage with the press, and chronic inaction betray every parent and child in this country. How dare he occupy this critical position of public trust while ignoring a crisis that directly impacts the youth he vowed to protect?

Until tangible action is taken—awareness campaigns launched, resources are allocated, and families supported—Minister Brug’s legacy will be one of apathy and abdication. St. Maarten deserves leaders who prioritize public health over their own convenience, and right now, Minister Brug doesn’t make the cut.

Click here for the Public Service Announcement by Turning Point Foundation.

Strengthening Partnerships for a Safer Sint Maarten: Victim Support Services and the Ombudsman of St. Maarten Join Forces to Address Domestic Violence.

victimsupport09072025 PHILIPSBURG:--- In an ongoing mission to create a safer and more compassionate Sint Maarten, Victim Support Services (VSS) partnered this week with the Office of the Ombudsman of Sint Maarten to deliver a powerful two-day sensitization workshop on Domestic Violence (DV).

This important collaboration forms part of a broader initiative to raise awareness, strengthen public service responses, and ensure that victims of domestic violence receive the care and protection they need.

The training equipped the Ombudsman team with insights into the root causes, patterns, and long-term impact of domestic violence on individuals and communities.

“An educated and aware community makes for a healthy community,” commented the Head of the Bureau Ombudsman, Ms. Gwendolien Mossel.

As the Bureau Ombudsman prepares for its investigation into the public service system’s response to domestic violence, this training plays a critical role in framing their approach.

“At VSS, we see 3 to 4 domestic violence cases every week. This doesn’t necessarily mean DV is on the rise; it could mean that more people are aware of their circumstances and are reaching out for help, or encouraging loved ones to do the same, and that’s progress,” added VSS Director, Cassandra Richardson, on the relevance of the work.

Victim Support Services salutes the Ombudsman’s commitment to examining the systemic response to domestic violence and looks forward to their findings and recommendations. These will be vital in guiding public service stakeholders toward more effective and survivor-centered responses.

Together, through continued partnership and education, this is work toward better practices and a safer Sint Maarten for all.

VROMI and Collectivité launch collaboration in waste and flood mitigation.

vromicollectivite09072025 PHILIPSBURG:--- Following the successful bilateral meeting held on June 27, 2025, the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and the Collectivité of Saint-Martin have officially launched their joint island-wide clean-up initiative. The kick-off event took place today at the Dutch Quarter-French Quarter border, strategically chosen to highlight the collaborative flood mitigation efforts planned in this area.

Minister Patrice Gumbs, alongside Mrs. Bernadette Davis, 2nd Vice-President of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin and Chair of the Living Environment and Ecological Transition Delegation, outlined comprehensive strategies for the clean-up campaign while emphasizing the critical connection between waste management and flood prevention as the hurricane season approaches.

"Our collaboration, with this initiative, goes beyond simple waste removal, like waste, water and storms don't stop at the border. Hurricane preparation involves ensuring our waterways are clear, clean, and able to alleviate flood risk for all communities; working together makes efficient use of limited human capacity and resources, realities that we are both faced with, stated Minister Gumbs. By working together at this border location, we are demonstrating our commitment to addressing flooding concerns that affect both communities. Our joint efforts will ensure that drainage systems and trenches are clear and ready for the hurricane season."

The island-wide clean-up will continue through December 2025, providing residents ample opportunity to clear unwanted debris from their properties throughout the hurricane season and beyond. Dutch side residents can access hauler schedules through multiple channels:

Minister Gumbs' Facebook page
VROMI Facebook page
Government website
Daily Herald newspaper reminders

Waste Management Guidelines:

Large bins are provided for bulk waste disposal
Designated metal bins are available in each district for greenery waste, household bulk items, and old electronics
Construction debris is excluded from this initiative
Residents are encouraged to utilize bins promptly to prevent system strain and last-minute disposal rushes before storms and the campaign deadline.

The clean-up efforts are also directly linked to flood prevention strategies, with ongoing work to ensure trenches and drainage systems are clear and functional for the hurricane season. Experts will assess natural rainwater flow patterns to develop optimal solutions for alleviating flooding in the border area through joint Dutch-French cooperation.

Minister Gumbs emphasized the importance of community participation: "We encourage everyone to take part in this essential effort to maintain a clean and safe environment. By participating in this clean-up, residents are not only improving their immediate surroundings but also contributing to our island's resilience against flooding and storm damage. In the coming months, both Gumbs and Davis will kick off an educational campaign in schools, encouraging students to recognize their role in keeping their island clean, a point stressed by Vice-President Davis.

The initiative represents a tangible outcome of the strengthened Dutch-French cooperation announced in June, demonstrating both governments' commitment to protecting the shared environment and infrastructure of the island.

For more information about the clean-up schedule and guidelines, residents should consult the official government channels listed above.

Vehicle Burnt close to gas cylinders.

vehiclefire09072025 PHILIPSBURG:--- At approximately 6:30 PM on Tuesday, July 8^th, 2025, emergency services were dispatched to La Rosa Restaurant following a report of a vehicle on fire.

Upon arrival, first responders found a white Lexus fully engulfed in flames, dangerously close to two large propane cylinders—one weighing approximately 500 pounds and the other 300 pounds. The presence of these cylinders posed a significant safety hazard.

Before the Fire Department arrived, two individuals attempted to extinguish the blaze, including the vehicle's owner. For their safety, they were instructed to leave the area immediately due to the high risk of explosion.

The Fire Department responded swiftly and managed to bring the situation under control by extinguishing the vehicle fire before it could spread or cause further danger.

KPSM would like to remind the public not to intervene in potentially hazardous situations. Your safety and public safety remain the top priority in all emergency responses.

KPSM Press Release.

Afternoon Traffic Control—Several Violations Recorded.

controls09072025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) conducted a routine traffic control during the afternoon hours of Monday, July 7^th,2025, as part of ongoing efforts to promote road safety and enforce traffic regulations.

During the operation, a total of 35 vehicles were stopped and inspected at various checkpoints. Five fines were issued for different traffic violations, including:

Failure to wear a seatbelt, operating a vehicle without valid insurance, and driving a vehicle without a valid inspection certificate

These checks are part of KPSM’s continued commitment to ensuring that all motorists comply with traffic laws for the safety of all road users.

KPSM reminds all drivers to regularly inspect their vehicles, ensure proper documentation, and adhere to all safety measures, including wearing seatbelts at all times.

KPSM Press Release.