PHILIPSBURG:--- The introduction and development of a supplementary pension policy in St. Maarten is a critical step toward strengthening long-term financial security for workers. However, the success and credibility of such a policy depend entirely on strong supervision, proper governance, and legal safeguards. Without adequate regulatory oversight, a supplementary pension system can expose participants to significant financial risks, uncertainty, and a potential loss of trust.
This is a commendable initiative by the Minister; however, several key factors must be established from the outset. The St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) believes it is essential to implement fraud prevention measures from the outset, given that this is a financial program involving employees’ retirement savings. Safeguards, transparency, and accountability should be integral parts of the policy to ensure the security and integrity of the supplementary pension system. A poorly supervised pension framework can lead to mismanagement of funds, lack of transparency, inconsistent policy enforcement, and vulnerability to political or financial pressures. Participants must have confidence that their contributions are protected, responsibly managed, and preserved for their future. If adequate controls are not established from the outset, the consequences could include weakened retirement protection, reduced participation, and long-term instability in the system.

Furthermore, the experiences of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the 2020 pandemic must serve as clear lessons. During these crises, many employees faced serious financial hardship and uncertainty. It is therefore critical that no future pandemic, natural disaster, or national emergency ever be allowed to influence, weaken, interrupt, or alter the supplementary pension policy. Retirement protection must remain stable and secure, even in times of crisis.

It is essential that any supplementary pension structure for St. Maarten be built on strong, independent supervision, clear rules, and full transparency. Participants must be assured that their premiums are secure, their rights are protected, and that the system is managed with accountability and integrity at all times.
Additionally, any future pension reform must not adversely affect the supplementary pension policy once it is established. Workers must be guaranteed stability and continuity. Changes in government, economic challenges, or shifts in national policy should never place participants’ retirement security at risk. A supplementary pension must remain protected from political influence, financial restructuring, and short-term decision-making that could compromise its long-term sustainability.
The protection of retirement income is not only a financial matter, but a social responsibility. Strong governance, independent oversight, and long-term policy stability are essential to ensure that this system serves the people of St. Maarten both now and in the future.

President of the St. Maarten Communication Union

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) calls on the population after every rainfall event, it is important to inspect your property for potential mosquito breeding spots.

Mosquitoes can lay eggs in even the smallest amounts of standing water, and these eggs can develop into biting adults in as little as a week.

By removing standing water after each rain, you can significantly reduce mosquito populations around your home and help protect your family and community from mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.

By identifying and removing sources of stagnant water—ranging from discarded containers to clogged gutters—communities can drastically reduce the population of Aedes aegypti at their source.

Ultimately, maintaining a "clean and dry" environment is not merely a household chore; it is a vital civic responsibility that safeguards the most vulnerable members of the population and ensures a healthier, more resilient community.
Mosquitoes breed in small amounts of standing water, especially in containers around homes and businesses (e.g., buckets, plant saucers, discarded items, tires, clogged gutters).
Mosquitoes are often active during the daytime, with biting frequently occurring outdoors in shaded areas and it can spread through transport and trade when eggs/larvae are moved in water-holding items.
Eliminating breeding sites is the most effective way to reduce mosquito populations. We urge everyone to take the following actions at least once per week: Tip it, toss it, cover it.
Empty and scrub containers that hold water: buckets, coolers, flowerpot saucers, pet bowls, vases, toys, tarps. Properly dispose of unused items that collect rainwater.
Cover water storage. Ensure cisterns, drums, and barrels are securely covered with tight lids or fine mesh. Clean drains and gutters. Remove leaves and debris to prevent water from pooling.
Manage tires and bulky items. Store tires under cover or disposing of them properly—tires are a high-risk breeding site. Businesses and property managers, construction sites, tire shops, marinas, and rental properties are asked to intensify weekly checks and maintain premises free of standing water.
Mosquito control cannot be achieved by government services alone. It requires sustained action by households, communities, and businesses across the entire island.
By working together, we can reduce breeding sites, lower mosquito populations, and protect residents and visitors.
To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’ vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.
Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of VSA has officially launched the Healthcare Professional Registrar Project, funded through the Temporary Working Organization (TWO), as a key step toward strengthening patient safety, transparency, and trust within the national healthcare system.
For the first time, Sint Maarten will establish a local, publicly accessible register to ensure that healthcare professionals practicing on the island are properly qualified, meet national standards, and maintain the required professional competencies. This register will provide the public with a reliable mechanism to verify healthcare professionals, while also strengthening oversight and supporting regulatory compliance across the sector.
“This register is an essential instrument for safeguarding patient safety and reinforcing trust in our healthcare system. It ensures that professional standards are clear, verifiable, and consistently upheld,” stated the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor.

The introduction of the Healthcare Professional Registrar aligns Sint Maarten with best practices within the Kingdom and the wider region. It supports a more structured and accountable healthcare framework, contributing to improved quality assurance and patient protection.
Consultants were selected following a formal vetting process based on the publication of Terms of Reference for key project roles, including a Project Manager and a Legislative Draftsman. Mr. Javier Asin and Ms. Joanne Dekker were selected as Project Manager and Legislative Draftsman, respectively, and officially commenced their duties in early February.

The selection of the two consultants and the drafting of the necessary legislation represents the first step in a broader, phased process. While the legal framework is foundational, the development and implementation of a robust digital platform will be the most critical component of the project. The digital system will serve as the operational backbone of the register, ensuring accessibility, reliability, data integrity, and long-term sustainability.

In accordance with the approved Plan of Approach, the consultants will use the initial months of the project to engage with relevant stakeholders in the public health sector and review comparable legislation in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This review will also include the draft framework submitted by the Prime Minister, as well as other relevant legislative frameworks within the Caribbean that may be suitable for Sint Maarten.
The position of IT Systems Specialist will be revised and republished later in 2026 to ensure that the technical requirements for the digital platform are clearly defined and fit for purpose.
The Healthcare Professional Registrar is a cornerstone in safeguarding the integrity, safety, and efficiency of Sint Maarten’s healthcare system. By promoting transparency, accountability, and professional standards, this initiative represents a significant investment in improved patient care and public confidence. The Ministry looks forward to keeping the public informed as this important project progresses.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling addressed concerns regarding law enforcement compensation during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, providing crucial updates on back payments and overtime provisions for the upcoming festival season.

Responding to inquiries about outstanding payments for the police force, Minister Tackling confirmed that significant progress has been made. She clarified that officers who have already received their formal decrees (LBs) have, for the most part, been compensated.

“As soon as you get that LBs, typically the retroactive pay from January 1st, 2023, until the date that you receive the LBs, is paid out on the next payroll by wages and salaries,” Tackling explained. This process ensures that once the administrative paperwork is finalized, the financial settlement follows swiftly.

The Minister noted that the ministry is awaiting the final two batches of decrees from the Governor. “I’m not even sure if there are really many officers left in those,” she stated, adding that she intended to follow up immediately on the status of these final groups.

Carnival Overtime Secured

As Carnival season approaches, concerns were raised about overtime pay for officers required to work extended hours. Minister Tackling assured the public and the force that these costs are already accounted for.

“That is budgeted for every year within our budget,” she confirmed. “We typically don’t have any issues when it comes to paying out the overtime for the festival season.”

She recalled that in previous years, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) had assisted by providing additional budget for extra events, ensuring that security needs were met without financial strain on the officers.

While the current systems are functioning, Minister Tackling acknowledged the desire for increased financial resources for the Justice Ministry. “We would love to have more budgets as a Ministry of Justice,” she remarked, emphasizing her continued advocacy for ensuring the justice chain is adequately funded to meet its operational demands.