PHILIPSBURG:---  Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) is proud to announce the launch of its second Just for Dads & Men Masterclass. The theme for this year's Masterclass, “Stronger men, stronger families, stronger community,” serves as a powerful and urgent call to action for men to become more resilient, engaged, self-aware, and effective leaders in their families and communities. Further, the free Masterclasses are exclusively for men and take place Saturday, November 1, until Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 4 pm-7 pm in Conference Rooms 1 and 2 in the Government Building. The weekly program will feature interactive sessions, led by dynamic facilitators, on key topics such as:

1. Saturday, November 1, 2025:
   • Masterclass 1: Navigating masculinity & manhood in the 21st century by Reverend Professor Mr. Courtney Richards
2. Saturday, November 8, 2025:
   • Masterclass 1: Father wounds by Reverend Professor Mr. Courtney Richards
3. Saturday, November 22, 2025:
   • Masterclass 1: Co-parenting strategies by Reverend Dr. Nolan Nanton.
4. Saturday, November 29, 2025: Rights & Responsibilities
   • Masterclass 1: Rights & responsibilities of fathers by Mr. Marciano Geeerd
   • Masterclass 2: Cultivating Healthy Romantic Relationships by Mr. Alston Lourens
5. Saturday, December 6, 2025:
   • *Outdoor Sports Activity at the Boardwalk Sports Park with Monster Factory

Space is limited, and early registration is highly encouraged. This is a unique chance to join a community of men committed to becoming better fathers, mentors, and leaders. Participants who attend at least 80% of the sessions will receive a Certificate of Participation. Registration ends on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.  For more information or to register, send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., facebook@cdfhasxmgov or call +1721-5204315.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion acknowledges the ruling delivered on October 16, 2025, by the Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten in the summary case filed by Mr. Jairo Bloem. While the Court ordered a partial rectification limited to one remark in a People’s Tribune article regarding alleged excessive claims to GEBE, MP Irion firmly maintains that the ruling does not change the fundamental facts and has announced that he will be appealing the decision.

The central issue remains unchanged: the process for nominating the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten was not conducted in accordance with the law. The Court did not dispute this fact, nor did it reject the broader concerns Irion raised regarding transparency, procedure, and accountability.

 “I respect the judiciary and the rule of law,” Irion stated. “However, I will be appealing this decision because the limited ruling does not reflect the larger reality. My statements were based on legitimate parliamentary concerns and the people’s right to transparency. The process was not done lawfully, and I will continue to defend that truth.”

Irion emphasized that his remarks were never personal attacks but a reflection of his duty as a Member of Parliament to uphold integrity and the rule of law in public office.

 “My responsibility is to the people of Sint Maarten,” he said. “When processes are mishandled or when transparency is ignored, I will speak up. It is my duty to ensure that our institutions operate lawfully and in the best interest of the country.”

According to eyewitnesses, there are alleged contradictions between Mr. Bloem’s statements and actions. Mr. Bloem himself publicly confirmed that he had approximately seven months to decide whether to accept the nomination. During that period, the Democratic Party's leadership allegedly encouraged him to go on the radio to defend his candidacy. Furthermore, reports indicate that Mr. Bloem may have been involved in reviewing or advising on elements of the same process connected to his own appointment, raising serious questions about impartiality and procedural fairness.

 “This is not about silencing oversight,” Irion continued. “It is about ensuring that our people can trust that those in positions of power are appointed lawfully and transparently. The previous government handled this process correctly and in accordance with the law. What happened afterward is where the problems began.”

MP Irion reaffirmed his respect for the Court but stressed that truth, accountability, and transparency cannot be silenced by legal threats or intimidation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance,  Marinka J. Gumbs, wishes to inform the public of the progress made under the approved capital investment (CAPEX) program. The total funds received in 2023 amounted to XCG 60.8 million, allocated to strengthen critical infrastructure, modernize government operations, and support the country’s long-term development goals.

The CAPEX funds have been spent as follows:

• 2023: XCG 517,000 (1%)
• 2024: XCG 35.7 million (59%)
• 2025: XCG 8 million (13%)
• Remaining balance: XCG 16 million (approximately 26%)

The Minister of Finance highlighted that these investments have been distributed across several key ministries and strategic areas. Notable expenditures include:

• Ministry of General Affairs (AZ): Hardware and software upgrades to enhance digital efficiency and improve inter-ministerial connectivity.
• Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS): Investments in digital learning platforms and educational software to strengthen the quality of education and sport facilities.
• Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI): Continued investments in the improvement of public roads and infrastructure.

Minister Gumbs emphasized that these projects represent the Government’s ongoing commitment to modernization, transparency, and sustainable development. “Every guilder invested under the CAPEX program is directed toward strengthening our public institutions and improving the quality of life for the people of Sint Maarten,” the Minister stated.

In addition, for the year 2025, the Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka Gumbs, has secured XCG 30 million in additional CAPEX funding to advance the country’s development agenda further. These funds, while already approved, have not yet been received. Once transferred, they will be directed toward priority projects as approved in the 2025 budget.

As of this quarter, approximately 26% of the total received funds remain available for ongoing and upcoming projects. The Minister, together with the Ministry of Finance, continues to monitor spending closely to make sure that every guilder is used responsibly and for the benefit of the people.

Minister Gumbs reaffirmed her commitment to keeping the public informed, stating, “Transparency in government spending is crucial to building public trust. We will continue to provide regular updates as these investments progress.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of First Instance in Sint Maarten heard on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, the forfeiture claim (ontnemingsvordering) filed by the Prosecutor’s Office OM SXM against A.A., a former Member of Parliament, in connection with the vote-buying case known as “Aconitum”.

The Prosecution is seeking the recovery of XCG 168,189.58, representing salary and transitional allowance (wachtgeld) received by A. since his election in January 2024. According to the OM, these payments are the direct proceeds of criminal acts, namely, election fraud and perjury, which enabled his swearing-in as Member of Parliament on February 10, 2024.

A verdict in the forfeiture case is expected on October 22, 2025, at 8:45am.

In January 2025, A. was convicted in the first instance for vote buying. The court sentenced him to 18 months’ imprisonment and imposed a six-and-a-half-year disqualification from holding public office or participating in elections. A. has appealed this verdict. The Court of Appeal case will be handled on November 3, 2025.

Wednesday’s hearing concerned only the recovery of unlawfully obtained benefits, separate from the criminal case and sentence.

The OM maintains that individuals who benefit financially from criminal conduct should not retain those gains.