Willemstad, Curaçao:---  Orco Bank N.V. reported a strong financial performance in 2025, reflecting sustained economic growth in Curaçao, Bonaire, and Sint Maarten, alongside strategic investments in digital banking and customer accessibility. Total assets increased by 18.3% to XCG 2.5 billion, while customer deposits grew by 18.7% to XCG 2.3 billion, underscoring continued confidence in the bank. Loans and advances expanded by 34.3% to XCG 1,485 million, supporting both retail and corporate clients, and the bank recorded a net result of XCG 29.1 million. Key milestones during the year included the successful transition of the CIBC FirstCaribbean portfolio in Sint Maarten, the bank’s first AutoXperience car Loan campaign in Curaçao, and the expansion of ATM and self-service locations across Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Looking ahead, Orco Bank remains focused on strengthening client relationships, expanding digital services, and supporting sustainable economic development throughout the region. Attached image: Managing Director & CEO of Orco Bank: Mr. Edward Pietersz

Sint Maarten is at a crossroads.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As a country, we have demonstrated resilience in the face of global shocks and uncertainty. However, resilience alone is no longer sufficient. The challenges we face today, economic sustainability, diversification, labor pressures, governance reform, safety, and long-term competitiveness, are interconnected and require a more deliberate, coordinated approach.
In response, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) will host the Strategic Economic Stakeholders Consultation Workshop from February 2 to 6, 2026, under the theme:
“Addressing Sint Maarten’s Crossroads; Charting a New Way Forward.”
The workshop will take place at the Belair Community Center and is designed to move beyond traditional consultation formats. This initiative reflects months of preparation, research, and engagement, informed by what stakeholders have consistently expressed as missing in previous processes, depth, structure, follow-through, and relevance.
This consultation recognizes that while individuals often experience the economy through a single lens, whether as residents, business owners, professionals, or sector representatives, the economy itself functions as a system with many moving parts. TEATT’s role is to view the economy holistically and to lead the strategic coordination necessary to create balance across sectors.
As Minister of TEATT, Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, stated:
“The economy cannot be viewed through a single lens. To move Sint Maarten forward, we must look at the entire system, tourism, labor, investment, innovation, and safety, and create the right balance. But this only works if stakeholders engage differently. Help us understand what you are facing, so we can help you, and together help Sint Maarten move forward with solutions that can actually be implemented.”
The five-day workshop is structured around key themes that reflect both local realities and global developments. Each day will focus on a core theme that together forms the foundation of Sint Maarten’s economic future:
• Setting the Stage: Where Sint Maarten stands today and the realities shaping our choices
• Tourism Development: Strengthening the core pillar while addressing vulnerability and sustainability
• Safety & Security: As a prerequisite for economic confidence and investment
• Blue Economy: With specific attention to Maritime and Yachting opportunities
• Orange Economy & Diversification: Including arts, culture, culinary, film, festivals, and creative industries
• Policy Challenges and Institutional Alignment: Addressing gaps, overlaps, and implementation barriers, incentives and structural reforms.
To enrich these discussions, the consultation will feature valuable keynote speakers and experts from abroad, professionals in their respective fields who have firsthand experience guiding economies through similar stages of development. Their perspectives will provide practical insight into how other jurisdictions have navigated challenges comparable to those Sint Maarten now faces, offering lessons learned and approaches that can be adapted to the local context.
Importantly, discussions will not be limited strictly to matters within TEATT’s immediate mandate. Issues raised that fall outside the Ministry’s direct responsibility but are critical to economic progress will be documented and explored further through coordinated follow-up. This approach underscores the importance of stakeholders not only attending but engaging constructively and substantively.
Participation includes a broad cross-section of society:
• The private sector
• Labor unions
• Government-owned entities such as the Port, Airport, and GEBE
• Independent institutions including the SER, Integrity Chamber, Ombudsman, and High Councils of State
• All Ministries : TEATT, ECYS, JUS, FIN, VROMI, VSA, AZ
The consultation also aligns with ongoing reforms under the E6 Country Package, with support from TWO and RVO, whose involvement has helped make this initiative possible and reinforces the commitment to sustainable, long-term economic development.
Input gathered during the week will directly inform the development of a Strategic Economic Development Plan, supported by an Expert Group and followed by additional targeted consultations where necessary. The objective is clear: a plan that is realistic, actionable, and supported by those who will help implement it.
Stakeholders who have received invitations are encouraged to register. Those who believe their expertise aligns with the themes and who wish to contribute meaningfully are also invited to participate. Registration remains open until this Friday, January 30th, 2026. A detailed agenda will be shared thereinafter with registrants to guide participation.
Further information may be obtained via:
• Mr. Miguel de Weever, Secretary General – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Mr. Shervin Frederick, Head of ETT – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This consultation represents a deliberate shift—from fragmented discussions to coordinated planning, and from reacting to challenges to governing Forward by Design. Meaningful progress now depends on meaningful participation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is investigating a second fatal traffic incident that occurred within a 24-hour period. On Thursday, January 29, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Central Dispatch received a report of a traffic accident on Nisbeth Road involving a garbage truck and a pedestrian.
Traffic officers, patrol units, and ambulance personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male victim who had been struck by the garbage truck. The victim received medical assistance at the scene and was subsequently transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment. Tragically, police later confirmed that the victim succumbed to his injuries.
This incident follows another fatal traffic accident that occurred on Welfare Road in Cole Bay, underscoring a concerning trend in road safety over the past day. The Traffic Department of KPSM is actively investigating both incidents to determine the exact circumstances surrounding these tragedies.
KPSM extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. The police also urge all road users to exercise caution and remain vigilant while using public roads to prevent further loss of life.
For more details, visit SMN News.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is investigating a serious traffic incident that occurred in the early morning hours of Thursday, January 29th, 2026, which resulted in a fatality.
At approximately 3:30 a.m., Central Police Dispatch received a report of a male individual lying on the roadway at a residence along the Welfare Road, near KFC in Cole Bay. The report indicated that the victim may have been struck by an unknown vehicle, which left the scene following the incident.
Police patrols and ambulance personnel were immediately dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, officers encountered a male victim lying on the road and suffering from very serious injuries. The victim was provided with emergency medical assistance at the scene by ambulance personnel and was subsequently transported in critical condition to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC).
Later in the morning, police were officially notified by SMMC that the victim had succumbed to his injuries.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten is requesting the cooperation of the public in this investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident, has information, dashcam footage, or any details that may assist the investigation is asked to come forward.
Additionally, police are calling on the driver or rider who may have been involved in this incident to take responsibility and contact the authorities.
Information can be shared by contacting:
• Police Station: +1 (721) 542-2222
• Emergency: 911
• Anonymous Tip Line: 9300
KPSM extends its condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.