PHILIPSBURG:--- Tropical Storm Erin continues to make its way across the eastern Atlantic Ocean towards the Leeward Islands. At the same time, it’s strengthening and is forecast to become a hurricane on Friday.

According to the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS), due to the uncertainties surrounding both the track and intensity of this system, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Sint Maarten 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 Erin could pass at its closest point approximately 135 miles northeast of Sint Maarten on Saturday, August 16, 2025.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will meet on Friday morning August 15, 2025 where an update will be provided about the forecast track of Erin and what further advice and actions will be taken after the assessment.

Residents and the business community are being called upon to continue to monitor the progress of Tropical Storm Erin and to review their hurricane season preparations and to make sure their property is storm/hurricane ready.

MDS says potential impacts associated with this system are heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, gusty winds and elevated seas.

Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) Clive Richardson is calling on residents and the business community to be prepared to take precautionary measures.

Boat owners/mariners are advised to implement their storm/hurricane season action plans in order to safeguard their vessel. Small vessels should not venture out to sea.

The building sector should review and be prepared to implement their storm-ready plans. Construction activities, trenching and excavation works, are taking place throughout the country, and at building and construction sites, materials and debris laying around could pose a threat in the event of a storm/hurricane. Contractors and builders are requested to make sites storm/hurricane ready.

Food wholesalers and warehouse depots are requested to review and be prepared to implement their storm ready plans for their establishment by

securing their properties, making sure that there are no unsecured pallets on their property.

Persons should not venture out over the weekend on hikes or mountain biking and swimming, as sea conditions are forecast to gradually deteriorate.

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.

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

COLE BAY:---  Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) Foundation is proud to announce a major milestone in sustainable tourism: the first restaurant Green Key certification in Sint Maarten has officially been awarded to Lagoonies Bistro & Bar (Lagoonies). This prestigious certification, which represents excellence in environmental and sustainable operations within the hospitality industry, was formally presented by the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Mr. Patrice Gumbs, to Mrs. Olivia Roudon, owner of Lagoonies, during a celebratory event on Thursday, August 14.

The Green Key certification is recognized globally for its rigorous standards related to energy and water efficiency, waste reduction, environmental education, and staff involvement. Attaining this certification not only affirms Lagoonies’ commitment to sustainability but also sets a strong example for others in the hospitality sector. The certification process reflects over a year of hard work to improve operations and reduce their environmental footprint.

Reflecting on the longer journey, Mrs. Roudon recalled, “It took 11 years to get here. I remember when we first removed the plastic straws almost 10 years ago, followed by phasing out plastic sauce packets, and replacing plastic water bottles with a free-to-use water fountain, until eventually we eliminated all single-use plastics. We faced many challenges along the way, from ‘Monday no meat no fish’ to offering vegan options as good and creative as the other dishes, and managing the financial costs. It truly has been a team effort and a shared journey that we hope will inspire other merchants on the island.”

"The Ministry of VROMI is proud to support EPIC in its role as the National Operator for the Green Key and Blue Flag eco-label programs. These internationally recognized certifications are concrete steps in executing our Nature Policy Plan, helping us safeguard our environment while strengthening sustainable tourism. Lagoonies’ achievement proves that local businesses can lead the way. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition and look forward to many more establishments following their example." Said Mr. Patrice Gumbs, Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure.

“To be able to award the first Green Key certificate to Lagoonies after reinstating the program just last year is truly incredible”, said Mr. de Lain. “Sustainability has been a clear priority for Lagoonies for years, and this global recognition feels both well-deserved and entirely fitting.”

This milestone follows a rigorous certification process during which Lagoonies implemented a range of new initiatives, including reducing waste, using more eco-friendly cleaning products, engaging their broader network in more sustainable practices, and developing new internal policies to improve their environmental footprint. These efforts were formally evaluated through an onsite audit and subsequently reviewed by a National Jury—comprising four experts in hospitality, tourism and environmental sustainability—who unanimously approved their application.

Fleur Hermanides, President of the Board, commented, “It is with great pride to see Green Key relaunched after many years of inactivity, as Sint Maarten was busy rebuilding post-hurricane Irma, whose effects were exacerbated by the onslaught of the pandemic. To relaunch with a totally new site, in a new sector, makes it all the more exciting, and we look forward to many more sites following suit. A huge applause goes out to Lagoonies, Mrs. Roudon, and their amazing team, who have been a true pioneer in the sustainable restaurant business, being a great example on how a local restaurant can lower their environmental footprint and impact.”

Sustainable business practices are increasingly important—not only for environmental protection but also for the long-term viability of tourism, the health of local ecosystems, and the well-being of the island’s residents. These practices also can reduce operational costs, such as water and energy bills. As Sint Maarten faces the realities of climate vulnerability, initiatives like Green Key offer a practical path forward for hotels, restaurants, and other tourism establishments.

EPIC encourages all hospitality sectors, including marinas and tour boat operators, to consider joining the Green Key and Blue Flag programs. Interested parties can contact EPIC at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for guidance on how to get started. The implementation of the Green Key and Blue Flag programs has been made possible through the support of the Ministry of VROMI.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Department of Statistics (STAT) reports a modest shift in consumer prices over the first half of 2025. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the first quarter (Q1) of 2025 stood at 115.02, marking a 0.21% increase from Q4 2024 (CPI: 114.79), and a 1.50% year-on-year increase compared to Q1 2024 (CPI: 113.31).

In the second quarter (Q2) of 2025, the CPI fell slightly to 114.23, a 0.69% quarterly decline. However, when compared to Q2 2024, this still reflects a marginal annual increase of 0.20%.

Taken together, the average CPI for the first half (H1) of 2025 is 114.63, representing a year-to-date inflation rate of 0.70%. This indicates overall price stability in the economy despite category-specific fluctuations.

Quarter 1 Overview (Q1 2025)

In Q1 2025, the CPI increased by 0.21% compared to the previous quarter. Key category movements were as follows:

• Housing, Water and Energy increased by 0.13%, primarily driven by slight increases across its key components including water tariffs and electricity rates that collectively contributed to the modest rise in this category.
• Transport rose by 0.94%, driven by increases in fuel prices and peak travel season demand.
• Miscellaneous Goods and Services recorded a modest 0.30% increase, reflecting small upward shifts in personal care and financial service costs,
• Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased by 0.30%, with price pressures observed in fresh produce and dairy.

These Q1 increases contributed to the slight upward trend in the overall CPI to start the year.

Quarter 2 Overview (Q2 2025)

In Q2 2025, overall prices declined by 0.69%, offsetting some of the earlier increases:

• Housing, Water and Energy declined by 1.17%, largely driven by decreases across its main components such as lower electricity rates and reduced water tariffs which together contributed to the overall decline in this category.
• Transport experienced the most notable drop (-1.91%), mainly influenced by a decline in fuel prices after the Q1 peak travel period.
• Miscellaneous Goods and Services fell 0.54%, driven by price reductions in personal care and financial services, slightly offset by increases in other service-related items.
• Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages also declined by 0.54%, due to widespread discounts on essential grocery items, typical of low-season promotions.

Annual Trends – Q2 2025 vs Q2 2024

While the overall CPI remained relatively unchanged, several individual categories recorded notable year-on-year shifts.

• Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages increased 4.03%, mainly due to rising prices in milk, cheese, eggs, oils, and fats.
• Transport rose 2.99%, reflecting ongoing increases in road and air travel costs.
• Miscellaneous Goods and Services saw a 2.54% increase, influenced by social protection (life and death Insurance) and personal care costs.
• Housing, Water and Energy recorded a slight 0.39% decline, reflecting a decrease across its main components.

For further information or clarification, please contact the Department of Statistics at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis is calling on the Government of St. Maarten to take immediate action in addressing growing concerns about the presence of Sargassum seaweed is found along certain coastal areas of the island, which has recently been the subject of widespread discussion and misinformation on popular social media platforms.

With platforms such as SXM or Bust (34,000 members) and Jeff Berger’s Everything St. Maarten (44,000+ members) actively sharing content related to St. Maarten, there has been an increase in the circulation of negative images showing beaches affected by Sargassum. While these platforms serve as valuable tools for information exchange among visitors and residents, the incomplete or misleading portrayal of the situation could negatively impact the island’s tourism sector.

“While we acknowledge that Sargassum is a global environmental issue affecting coastal nations across the Caribbean and beyond, it is important to clarify that not all of St. Maarten’s beaches are impacted, and many of our most popular and pristine beaches remain untouched and fully accessible to the public,” stated MP Lewis.

Sargassum influxes have been largely limited to beaches along the southern coast, while major tourist destinations such as Mullet Bay, Great Bay, and Little Bay continue to offer the beautiful, clean beach experiences that St. Maarten is known for.

MP Lewis emphasized that official communication from the government is essential to counter misinformation and reassure current and potential visitors.

“We must not allow a partial narrative to dominate online conversations. The government must respond with clear, factual updates and ensure the public—especially our tourists—understand the true extent of the situation.”

To this end, MP Lewis strongly recommends that the Ministry of Tourism appoint a dedicated representative or communications officer tasked specifically with:

• Monitoring online discussions and tourism forums;
• Responding to misinformation or false accusations;
• Issuing timely updates about beach conditions and mitigation efforts.

Such proactive communication will help preserve the island’s image, especially as tourism remains a cornerstone of St. Maarten’s economy.

“Every effort must be made to protect and promote the reputation of our destination. We have a responsibility to ensure that our visitors receive accurate, timely, and transparent information,” Lewis concluded.