PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) is reminding the public that illegal dumping is strictly prohibited, following an incident that occurred on the evening of Sunday, October 5, 2025, at approximately 7:30 PM.

A large 20-foot container was illegally dumped in front of the entrance to the Sanitary Landfill, positioned dangerously off the sidewalk and onto several boulders, partially hanging into the road. This placement created a safety hazard for motorists and pedestrians.

VROMI, in collaboration with the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM), swiftly coordinated efforts to remove the container from the roadway. The container has since been safely relocated to the side of the road.

The Ministry reiterates that the area in front of the Sanitary Landfill is not a designated dumping site, especially after the facility’s closing hours. Boulders were previously placed along the roadside to deter illegal dumping and unauthorized parking; however, these are sometimes removed by individuals attempting to dump waste or park vehicles illegally.

VROMI strongly urges all residents and businesses to adhere to the island’s waste disposal rules and regulations.

In order to proceed correctly, individuals are encouraged to visit the metal scrap yard directly to inquire about the proper procedure and any associated costs for accepting containers, large metal objects, or vehicles to be crushed.

The Ministry reminds the public that all refuse must be disposed of responsibly at the designated facilities and not abandoned along roadways or public areas, as such actions contribute to environmental hazards and obstruct public safety. Illegal dumping not only undermines community cleanliness and safety but also carries legal consequences.

The Ministry thanks the public for their cooperation and continued efforts to keep St. Maarten clean and safe.

PHILIPSBURG:--- SHOWME Caribbean, the Caribbean's premier provider of high-definition destination live streams, has partnered with WMVision International, a global leader in Location-Based Content for Broadcasters. This collaboration establishes SHOWME Caribbean as WMVision's primary Caribbean content partner, significantly boosting the exposure of St. Maarten and other Caribbean live hotspots to a vast international audience.

SHOWME Caribbean has built a strong following on YouTube by streaming high-quality webcam footage from popular island spots like St. Maarten’s Maho Beach. The content has drawn millions of viewers, capturing the beauty and vibrant life of the islands for a global audience.

WMVision International, in turn, operates a massive media hub marketplace with over 100,000 webcams worldwide, used by major global news, weather, and travel networks. Through this new partnership, SHOWME Caribbean's captivating live footage will be featured on WMVision's MediaHub, offering the island's massive visibility and promoting tourism awareness on a global, professional scale.

"This deal with WMVision creates an enormous platform for the islands," said Sabine Berger. "Our mission has always been to share the Caribbean's magic with the world. This collaboration allows us to reach a professional audience of media companies and millions of viewers, offering real-time exposure that will be invaluable for the region's tourism sectors."

This is a significant step for both companies, combining SHOWME Caribbean's beautiful live streams with WMVision's expansive distribution network. It provides a continuous, live window into the Caribbean, bringing the islands closer to millions of potential visitors around the world.

For Caribbean locations and hotels seeking to gain exposure, SHOWME Caribbean is actively looking for new partners. To showcase your location to a global audience with a live webcam, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team at showmecaribbean.com.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Tropical Storm Jerry continues to make its way across the central Atlantic Ocean towards the Leeward Islands.

The Prime Minister Chairman of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is calling on the community and business sector to continue to closely monitor the progress of Jerry and to be prepared to take action if necessary.

“The safety of the population and our visitors is our highest priority. The forecast indicates that Jerry will pass away from the island; however, out of an abundance of caution, I call on the community and the business sector to still review their hurricane season preparations and to make sure their property is storm/hurricane ready.

“We have seen where storms within a very short period of time grow to become a major hurricane, and therefore I reiterate as a precautionary measure, to review your plans and be ready to take action if this becomes necessary,” the honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said on Wednesday.

According to the latest forecast from the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS) at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 2025, the country remains under a Tropical Storm Watch until further notice. A watch is issued when tropical storm conditions of sustained winds of 39 to 73 miles per hour are possible within a specified area within 48 hours.

MDS says Jerry could pass at its closest point approximately 140 miles northeast of Sint Maarten on Friday, October 10, 2025.

RAINFALL: This system could produce rain accumulation of up to 2 to 4 inches over the region. Thunderstorms may accompany this rainfall and could produce flash

flooding and rock falls. Flood Advisory/warning will be issued if necessary.

WIND: Tropical storm force winds are likely to affect Sint Maarten from late Thursday.

SEAS: Sea conditions will gradually deteriorate. Small craft advisories and watches will be issued as conditions warrant.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) – not activated - met on Wednesday morning October 08, 2025, where an assessment was provided about the forecast track of Jerry.

Boat owners/mariners are advised to review their storm/hurricane season action plans as a precautionary measure.

The building sector should review and be prepared to implement their storm-ready plans if necessary.

Food wholesalers and warehouse depots are requested to review and be prepared to implement their storm ready plans for their establishment if required to do so.

Continue to monitor local weather reports from MDS: www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/ in connection with the approach of the weather system.

For more information on hurricane preparedness and to find a list of official resources, please visit the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart” or you can use the following link: https://shorturl.at/VbaxC

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

Continue to monitor official news sources for credible information.

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.  Remain vigilant and prepared!

PHILIPSBURG:---  In celebration of the 15^th Anniversary of achieving the political status of becoming a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10^th, 2010, the Government of Sint Maarten will be celebrating Constitution Day on October 13^th at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village at 11:30 am.

This year’s theme is entitled “Fifteen Years of Country Status-Honoring Our Past, Shaping our Future,” and will be celebrated in two parts. The program will begin with a uniform parade and official speeches, followed by an Intercultural Food Festival & Cultural Showcase, featuring the various nations that have made Sint Maarten their home and continue to contribute to the fabric of our intercultural society.

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercilina extends a special invitation to all residents and guests on Sint Maarten to come out and attend the celebratory activities during Constitution Day with free entrance at the Jocelyn Arnedll Festival Village. Constitutional Day is commemorated as a Public Holiday annually on the second Monday in October. For those unable to attend in person, the celebrations will be broadcast live via the Department of Culture Facebook page.

Following the Solemn Meeting of the Parliament of Sint Maarten at 10:00 am, the Uniform Parade will start at 11:30 am and proceed via the route, Long Wall Road onto the Walter Nisbeth Road to the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village. The procession with over 100 participants will feature the following marching troupes led by the Police Force (KPSM), Voluntary Korps Sint Maarten (VKS), Coast Guard Sint Maarten, Customs Officers, Seventh Day Adventist Pathfinders, and Sint Maarten Youth Brigade.

Official Addresses by Government Officials, including His Excellency Governor Ajamu Baly, Honorable President of Parliament Sarah Wescot Williams, Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercilina, and Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport Melissa Gumbs, will then take place on the grounds of the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village.

Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina stated, “Constitution Day is an important day for all citizens as it reminds us of the journey we embarked upon fifteen years ago to shape our own destiny as a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It is a moment to honor the sacrifices, resilience, and unity that have guided our progress, while reaffirming our collective responsibility to build a stronger, more inclusive, and prosperous Sint Maarten for generations to come.”

The afternoon phase of the celebration will feature the Intercultural Food Festival, where festival village guests will have the opportunity to sample a diverse array of tasty cuisines from the many cultures that comprise the community of people residing on Sint Maarten. While the Cultural Showcase taking place on the mainstage will allow the audience to enjoy a wide range of talent and the rich cultural creativity of our local artists from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

In addition to the activities on Constitutional Day, focus has also been placed on involving the youth of Sint Maarten; thus, the Department of Culture and the Sint Maarten Youth Parliament have joined forces to host a special event.

Youth Reflections: Fifteen Years of Country Status will be a presentation by the youth for the youth, that consists of amazing speeches, powerful spoken word, great music, a panel discussion, and dances that will take place at the Philipsburg Cultural & Community Center on Saturday, October 11th at 6:00 pm. All youth on the island are invited to participate in this presentation by their fellow Youth Parliament representatives.

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, the Honorable Melissa Gumbs, shared her thoughts on the importance of youth expression, “Fifteen years of Country status signify more than a constitutional milestone. They mark the ongoing journey of a people who continue to learn, create, dream, and rise together. Through education, we build minds; through culture, we honor our spirit; through our youth, we renew our hope; and through sport, we strengthen our spirit of unity. May this Constitution Day remind us that our greatest achievement is not only in the past we honour, but in the future, we have the courage to shape, together.”