PHILIPSBURG:--- Sixteen square miles. That’s all there is. Yet somehow, it’s more than the Government of St. Maarten seems to manage. Across the Dutch side of the island, from Cay Hill to Hope Estate, garbage piles fester in the heat. Rotting bags spill onto sidewalks, rats scurry through school zones, and the stench of mismanagement rises with the tropical sun. What began as isolated complaints has escalated into a full-blown public health and governance crisis—one that the government seems unable, or unwilling, to clean up.

The root of the problem lies in the 2021–2026 waste collection contracts, awarded under the Ministry of VROMI. From the start, the process was murky. Of 24 companies that submitted bids, 15 were tossed out for missing documents. Then, in a stunning reversal, six of those were re-evaluated and allowed back in. Two of the companies that now hold government contracts—Garden Boyz BV and Avyanna Clean Up and Construction—were among the initially disqualified. Even more troubling, four of the seven members of the tender evaluation committee resigned during the process, citing irregularities. What was left behind was a skeleton team making multimillion-guilder decisions.

By law, each contractor was supposed to provide at least two garbage trucks per assigned zone. Subcontracting was explicitly banned. Worker safety standards, including the use of protective gear and proper insurance, were clearly outlined. However, the Ombudsman’s 2022 investigation revealed the truth: those standards were widely disregarded, and the government failed to enforce them. Some contractors had no trucks. Others borrowed vehicles, cut corners, and skipped basic procedures. And yet, month after month, payments rolled out while garbage went uncollected.

Fast forward to 2025, and the island is now choking on the consequences. The budget for this year is stalled, caught in Parliament between amendments and political inertia. Without updated funding, the very agencies responsible for oversight and payment are handcuffed. Garbage collection is now at the mercy of half-equipped contractors, old agreements, and bad faith. The result? A sanitation collapse that touches every corner of the island.

Despite public frustration boiling over, there has been no clear recent press release from Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. addressing the garbage contracts directly. His office has pushed a three-step infrastructure improvement plan involving trench cleaning, wreck removals, and road resurfacing, but critics call it a distraction. “It’s like repainting the house while the plumbing explodes,” one resident said. Another likened it to “raking leaves during a hurricane.”

In Parliament, voices like MP Darryl York have sounded alarms. He called the island a “pigpen” and demanded to know what the government’s plan was. The silence from VROMI has only deepened public skepticism.

The truth is, garbage is only the symptom. The disease is in the system: a tendering process riddled with favoritism, a lack of enforcement, and a government that has yet to reconcile its legal obligations with public service. Sixteen square miles is not a lot of land. But when you bury it in negligence, corruption, and political evasion, it might as well be endless.

Until someone takes real responsibility, the only thing growing faster than the island’s trash is the public’s disgust.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Signaling a bold step forward for St. Maarten’s economic vision, the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina received the 14th edition of The Golden Book of Sint Maarten on Thursday, June 5th. The prestigious handover, conducted by publisher Mr. Emile Cukier, underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing transparency, attracting international investors, and advancing the island’s strategic development agenda.

"This is more than a ceremonial gesture—it is a symbol of where we are heading as a country," declared Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina during the presentation. "The Golden Book of Sint Maarten is a beacon for potential investors, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers who are seeking clarity, opportunity, and direction in a competitive global economy."

Over 200 of the 5,000 printed copies have already been distributed to key government institutions, reflecting the Government’s proactive stance in leveraging the publication to drive confidence among international partners. The book is also accessible digitally at www.goldenbooksxm.sx, and physical copies can be requested directly from Mr. Emile Cukier via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling +1 (721) 527-5111.

Widely recognized as an authoritative resource on St. Maarten’s business and governance landscape, The Golden Book provides vital insights into investment opportunities, tax incentives, public sector contacts, and the mechanics of setting up a business. Its expanded coverage of regional partners such as Saba, St. Eustatius, and Anguilla makes it a one-stop reference point for those with ambitions in the northeastern Caribbean.

"Every informed decision starts with access to the right information," said Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina. "By putting tools like The Golden Book in the hands of investors, we are empowering them to make confident, strategic choices that benefit not only their enterprises but the people of St. Maarten."

The Prime Minister emphasized that promoting the book is part of a larger mission to foster an inclusive and sustainable economic climate for future generations.

"Our government is laser-focused on building a resilient economy—one that is inclusive, transparent, and forward-thinking. Initiatives like this publication show the world that St. Maarten is open for business and ready for smart, responsible growth."

As St. Maarten continues to navigate global economic currents, The Golden Book of Sint Maarten stands as a cornerstone in its effort to inspire confidence, stimulate investment, and illuminate the pathway to shared prosperity.

PHILIPSBURG:---  In response to recent comments made by Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion regarding the government’s hurricane preparedness efforts, the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina issued a strong and clarifying statement reaffirming his administration’s full commitment to public safety, transparency, and responsible governance.

MP Irion accused the government of hypocrisy, alleging that while the Prime Minister has called on the public to prepare for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, the government itself has failed to insure its own buildings. This, the Prime Minister categorically states, is not only misleading—it is false.

“In December 2024, the Council of Ministers approved comprehensive insurance coverage for government buildings, schools, and essential facilities for the full year of 2025,” Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized. “To suggest otherwise is to undermine the hard work of public servants and the multi-layered disaster preparedness measures already in place.”

In addition to the approved insurance coverage, the Government of Sint Maarten has increased its policy with the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF), ensuring even greater protection of public assets in the event of a disaster.

Prime Minister Mercelina outlined the many proactive steps his administration has taken to ensure readiness ahead of the 2025 hurricane season:

• A pre-Emergency Operations Center (EOC) meeting was held on May 20, followed by a full EOC coordination meeting with all Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) on May 21, and a Ministry of General Affairs prep session on May 12.
• Distinctly different from past years, the Prime Minister instructed that all inherited issues be addressed, ensuring that gaps from previous administrations would no longer jeopardize disaster readiness.
• On May 7, 2025, Sint Maarten launched a historic milestone with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for the island’s first Cell Broadcast Emergency Alert System, which will deliver real-time, location-based alerts to all mobile phones—without the need for internet or sign-ups.

“Preparedness is not a photo opportunity—it’s detailed and deliberate,” the Prime Minister asserted. “When I speak to the people of this country about readiness, I do so not with empty words, but with the backing of tangible and implemented actions.”

Further demonstrating this approach, the Government has requested all government-owned companies to provide updates on their respective insurance preparedness as of May 23, 2025, ensuring a complete inventory. Additionally, a district-wide hurricane cleanup schedule has been launched under the Ministry of VROMI, running from July to August 2025.

“I welcome scrutiny—but it must be fact-based,” said Prime Minister Mercelina. “Accountability goes both ways. We have insured our buildings, engaged all disaster response agencies and prioritized transparency at every step. The people deserve nothing less.”

“While others talk, we are preparing. And we will continue to do so—quietly, consistently, and completely—because real leadership is measured by action, not accusations,” concluded the Prime Minister.

Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) is proud to announce the grand opening of a brand-new Wendy’s restaurant in the Meet & Greet area. This exciting new addition follows the earlier launch of the Wendy’s concession in the Departure Hall, which has been catering exclusively to traveling passengers. This new location is open to everyone, including locals, friends, and family members picking up or dropping off passengers.

The addition of Wendy’s to the public side of the airport has been highly anticipated by the community, and PJIAE is excited to finally open the doors to a space where everyone can enjoy fresh, quick-service meals in a convenient location.

“This is more than just another fast-food outlet, it’s a reflection of our commitment to enhancing the non-aeronautical experience for all who use the airport, travelers and locals alike,” said Suraj Ramdas, Manager Non-Aeronautical Revenue at PJIAE. “The response to the first Wendy’s location in the Departure Hall was incredibly positive, but we knew the community was waiting for a more accessible option. We’re proud to deliver that today.”

The new Wendy’s features comfortable indoor seating, quick-service efficiency, and the same beloved menu that has made the brand a global favorite. Its convenient location provides a dining option for airport employees, taxi drivers, and the general public, all without the need to go through security checks.

With this opening, PJIAE continues its mission to provide enhanced services and amenities to travelers and the local community, as part of its broader terminal redevelopment and commercial revitalization efforts.

Everyone is welcome. Come hungry and leave happy!