PHILIPSBURG:--- Residents across the island are losing sleep and gasping for clean air. From Simpson Bay to Dutch Quarter, a relentless blanket of toxic smoke is poisoning built-up neighborhoods. For people living in these communities, breathing has become hazardous, and their frustration is reaching a boiling point.

In Dutch Quarter, along Christiansted Drive—a street formerly known as Nick Spring Drive to honor a beloved local matriarch—the air is thick with hazardous fumes. Families report drowning in toxic smoke up to three times a day. The constant exposure forces people to keep their windows bolted shut, turning homes into suffocating traps. Nights offer no relief, with residents in both Dutch Quarter and Simpson Bay reporting endless sleepless nights as the smoke settles heavily over their roofs.

The health risks of inhaling these toxic fumes are severe. Children, the elderly, and anyone with respiratory issues face immediate danger. Yet, despite the obvious threat to public health, pleas for help have hit a brick wall.

Residents have repeatedly sounded the alarm. They have filed complaints with their local community officer. They have directly notified leaders, including Chief Commissioner of Police Carl John and Minister of VSA Richinel Brug. The response? Absolute silence. No investigations, no citations, and no effort to trace or stop the burning. The very people tasked with protecting the community are leaving citizens to fend for themselves.

"We are tired," shared one exhausted local. The sentiment echoes across the island. Families watch their neighborhoods turn into hazardous zones while the authorities look the other way.

This crisis demands immediate intervention. Leaders must step up, enforce environmental protections, and hold those responsible for the burning accountable. The people of Simpson Bay and Dutch Quarter deserve to sleep through the night without fearing for their health.

It is time to clear the air. The community refuses to be ignored any longer.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has formally submitted a legal advisory on the constitutional role of the Governor of Sint Maarten to the Council of Ministers. In the interest of transparency, the advisory has also been shared with His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Members of Parliament.

The advisory, prepared by constitutional expert Prof. Dr. Arjen van Rijn, was commissioned following developments in January 2026 related to the handling of an administrative matter and the associated decision-making processes within Government.

The report provides a detailed legal analysis of the Governor’s dual role as both the constitutional head of the Government of Sint Maarten and as the representative of the Kingdom Government. It further examines the limits of the Governor’s authority within that framework and the principle of ministerial responsibility.

Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional boundaries, “This advisory provides critical guidance on the proper functioning of our constitutional system. It reinforces a fundamental principle: that the elected Council of Ministers carries the political mandate and responsibility to govern, and that this mandate must be respected at all times.”

The advisory concludes that certain actions taken during the January 2026 events exceeded established constitutional boundaries and risked undermining the political primacy of the Council of Ministers.
Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed that the matter is about protecting institutions, “This is not about individuals; it is about safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions. Sint Maarten is a constitutional democracy, and we must ensure that the separation of roles and responsibilities remains clear, respected, and upheld.”

The Prime Minister further stressed the importance of learning from the situation and preventing future ambiguity, “We have a responsibility to address this matter with maturity and resolve. Clear constitutional boundaries are essential to good governance. Where those boundaries are tested, it is our duty to reaffirm them decisively and constructively.”

Prime Minister Mercelina indicated that the Council of Ministers will deliberate on the advisory.

“Our focus now is on strengthening governance, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring that our constitutional framework continues to serve the people of Sint Maarten effectively and without ambiguity.”

The Government of Sint Maarten remains committed to transparency, the rule of law, safeguarding the constitution and the continued strengthening of its democratic institutions.

THE VALLEY ANGUILLA:--- The government of Anguilla is intensifying its efforts to address the issue of unauthorized charter boats from St. Martin/St. Maarten is operating in its waters. Economic Development Minister Kyle Hodge has announced that enforcement measures will soon be implemented to tackle this long-standing problem.
Hodge’s statement comes in response to growing concerns raised by local boat operators and a viral social media post highlighting the unregulated activities of foreign vessels. The post, shared over 90 times, called for stricter enforcement to protect Anguilla’s maritime borders and ensure fair competition for local businesses.
Government Action and Violations
A letter from Permanent Secretary Larry Franklin, dated February 16, outlined the government’s awareness of the issue and detailed the violations committed by these unauthorized vessels. These include:
• Operating without proper customs clearance or commercial permissions.
• Failing to comply with Anguilla’s tax, business licensing, and social security regulations.
• Avoiding contributions to the local economy through provisioning or fuel purchases.
Franklin emphasized that these vessels often transport guests to Anguilla’s beaches and marine attractions without adhering to the island’s regulatory framework. This non-compliance not only undermines local operators but also poses risks to passenger safety, environmental integrity, and Anguilla’s reputation as a high-end tourism destination.
Impact on Local Businesses and Tourism
The letter also highlighted the role of some hotels and booking agencies in Anguilla that facilitate bookings for these unauthorized vessels. Franklin urged these entities to exercise due diligence and avoid engaging with operators who violate Anguilla’s laws.
Concerns were also raised about the environmental and operational practices of foreign vessels, including prolonged anchoring, excessive noise, and unregulated marine activities. These actions, Franklin noted, could harm Anguilla’s tourism product and natural environment.
Strengthening Enforcement
To address these challenges, the government is evaluating additional measures, including enhanced enforcement and compliance monitoring. Franklin stressed the importance of safeguarding Anguilla’s legal framework to ensure the island remains a responsibly governed and attractive destination for tourists.
Minister Hodge reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving this issue, stating that it has been a significant concern for years and will now be dealt with decisively.
Anguilla Focus has reached out to Minister Hodge for further details on the planned enforcement actions and is awaiting a response.

CREDITS: ANGUILLA FOCUS.

French Quarter, St. Martin:---  A new book by Roland Richardson launches at Amuseum Naturalis in French Quarter this Saturday. The book is titled The Last Frontier: Sir Roland Richardson’s French Quarter. It features artwork of people and places in French Quarter, and Richardson’s memories of the time he lived there. It is bilingual in English and French. The public is invited to the free, launch event. It will be held at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in French Quarter from 9 am to noon this Saturday, March 28th. The book was produced by the Les Fruits de Mer association.

“We are so excited to share this with St. Martin,” said Amuseum co-founder Mark Yokoyama, who developed the book with Richardson. “It is a book about art, about French Quarter, and about St. Martin’s past.”

The Last Frontier features 26 paintings and etchings by Roland Richardson. Subjects include an etching of the house where Richardson lived in the French Quarter, and The Old House, the historic building where Amuseum Naturalis is located. The text, taken from oral history interviews with Richardson, reveals a French Quarter where traditions still survived on a rapidly changing island. He also shares insights into his artistic process.

Roland Richardson remembers his time in the French Quarter fondly, “

felt that was part of my real privilege, that opportunity to sleep with my doors open. I didn't have any worries, and I felt totally at home, but I felt really privileged to have, out of every door or window where I looked, the natural landscape. I did a huge, huge body of work during those years.”

Amuseum Naturalis is located at The Old House in the French Quarter. It is always free to visit, and all displays are outdoors. Guests are welcome to make a self-guided visit any day of the week during daylight hours. 

This book was produced with the support of the Fonds pour le développement de la vie associative (FDVA). The project was a collaboration between the Les Fruits de Mer association and the Roland Richardson Heritage Association. The funding includes providing copies of the book to all schools on the French side of the island. Teachers and youth group leaders interested in copies are encouraged to contact Les Fruits de Mer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Companies, organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring copies for schools are also encouraged to contact the association.