HARBOUR VIEW:---  The former and first Governor of Sint Maarten, Drs. Eugene B. Holiday will deliver the keynote address at this year’s Governor’s Symposium, scheduled for Friday, October 10, 2025, at the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine in Cupecoy.

This year’s Symposium, themed “15 Years of Constitutional Autonomy: Achievements, Lessons, and Prospects,” will bring together a distinguished group of experts from diverse fields including law, governance, economics, and social development—among them Drs. Eugene B. Holiday—as announced by His Excellency Governor Ajamu G. Baly.

Drs Holiday—an economist, author, and founder and president of the Holiday Institute for Governance and Economics—brings decades of experience in central banking, aviation, and constitutional reform. An advocate for good governance, education, and economic development, Drs. Holiday served as a member and chairman of the Workgroup of Constitutional Affairs (2000–2010) and played a key role in Sint Maarten’s constitutional reform process that led to the island’s attainment of country status.

As Sint Maarten’s first Governor (2010–2022), he established the Governor’s Symposium in 2012 to promote excellence in governance and nation-building. This momentous edition is a continuation of this tradition and marks the 12th annual Governor's Symposium.

Attendance at the Symposium is by invitation only. However, the public is invited to join the conversation virtually via livestream on the Governor’s Facebook page and YouTube channel beginning at 8:30 a.m. Registration for in-person guests will start at 8:00 a.m., and the program will commence promptly at 8:45 a.m.

PHILIPSBURG:---  On Friday, October 3, 2025, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS), in collaboration with the Strategic Education Alliance (SEA) project team and TWO (Temporary Work Organization) organized a Round Table Conference focused on bridging the gap between the education sector and the labour market.

The conference aimed to facilitate structured dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders, such as representatives from educational institutions, employers, unions, and government. Its primary goal was to explore the challenges currently experienced and identify tangible strategies to strengthen the connection between the education sector and the labour market. This will ensure that students (future employees) are better equipped for the current and future job market.

The SEA Round Table Conference was previously held in Aruba and Curaçao in May 2025, making Sint Maarten the third island within the Kingdom to host this important consultation.

Presentations were delivered by Secretary General of MECYS, Mrs. Shermina Powell-Richardson,  who provided an update on the establishment of the ‘Raad Onderwijs en Arbeidsmarkt (ROA)’ or Education and Labour Market Council; Secretary General of the Ministry of TEATT, Mr. Miguel de Weever, who shared insights on the island’s economic developments; and Consultant, Ms. Carla Vlaun, who presented the Labour Market Analysis Report prepared in collaboration with the USM under the SEA program. Additionally, Adjunct Director of the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA), Ms. Damali Bryson, gave a presentation highlighting the institute’s developments in vocational education.

During the conference, stakeholders were invited to validate the findings of the Labour Market Analysis Report and to identify practical steps for stronger, long-term collaboration among the education sector, the labour market, and government through the proposed council. They also shared best practices and innovative initiatives designed to make education more responsive to the island’s needs.

The outcomes and feedback from the Round Table Conference will be compiled and presented during the upcoming Ministerial Four-Country Consultation in November 2025, where the Ministers of Education from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the Netherlands will review the recommendations and determine the next steps forward.

ST. MAARTEN:---  The Meteorological Department of St. Maarten has issued a Tropical Storm Watch for the island as Tropical Storm Jerry continues its path across the Atlantic. As of 5:00 PM on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, the storm was located approximately 600 miles east-southeast of St. Maarten.

According to Special Weather Bulletin #5, Tropical Storm Jerry is moving west-northwest at nearly 23 mph. The storm's center is forecast to pass near or to the northeast of St. Maarten on Thursday night. Its closest point to the island is expected to be about 140 miles northeast on Friday.

Currently, Jerry has maximum sustained winds of 60 mph, with stronger gusts. Forecasters anticipate the system will strengthen and could potentially become a hurricane by the weekend. Tropical-storm-force winds extend up to 175 miles from its center.

Potential Impacts on St. Maarten

Residents should prepare for hazardous weather conditions beginning late Thursday.

• Wind: The island is likely to experience tropical storm-force winds.

• Rainfall: The system is expected to bring significant rainfall, with accumulations of 2 to 4 inches possible. This may lead to flash flooding and rock falls in vulnerable areas. The Meteorological Department will issue Flood Advisories or Warnings if necessary.

• Seas: Marine conditions are expected to deteriorate, and small craft advisories will be issued as the storm nears.

• Safety Recommendations
• Officials are urging the public to take the threat seriously and prepare accordingly. A Tropical Storm Watch means that tropical storm conditions are possible within the next 48 hours.
• Residents, especially those in low-lying areas or near the coast, are advised to take necessary precautions to protect their life and property. The public should stay alert, continue their preparations, and monitor official updates from the Meteorological Department and Disaster Management.
• The next update from the Meteorological Department is scheduled for 11:00 PM on Wednesday.

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.