PHILIPSBURG:--- A new scientific paper published in Estuaries and Coasts, titled “Estimating Dutch Caribbean Salt Marsh Extent for Inclusion of Island Territories in Ecosystem Mapping,” draws attention to coastal wetlands across the Dutch Caribbean and the extent to which they are being overlooked in planning and policy. 

The paper was authored by Tadzio Bervoets of Sint Maarten, Monica M. Moritsch (Beneath The Waves), Anthony Campbell (NASA Biospheric Sciences Laboratory and University of Maryland), Austin J. Gallagher (Beneath The Waves), and Carlos M. Duarte (King Abdullah University of Science and Technology). 

The study looked at Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire and identified more than 4,500 hectares of salt marsh across the three islands. What stands out is that most of these wetlands are small and scattered, often less than one hectare in size. These are exactly the kinds of areas that tend to be left out of global maps and, as a result, left out of decision-making. 

Although the research focused on Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, the issue applies across the Dutch Caribbean, including Sint Maarten. The paper shows that when small wetlands are not counted properly, they are easy to ignore.

These areas still play a role in how coastal systems function. They hold water, filter runoff, and support surrounding ecosystems. Losing them piece by piece adds up, even if each individual area seems small.

In Sint Maarten, wetlands have been reduced and altered over time through reclamation, drainage, pollution, and development. Many of these areas have been treated as if they were available land, rather than part of the island’s natural systems.

“We’ve been treating wetlands in Sint Maarten as if they don’t matter, and that has consequences,” said Tadzio Bervoets. “We keep filling them in, cutting them off, or ignoring them altogether, and then we deal with flooding, water quality issues, and loss of habitat. These areas are not empty land. They are part of how the island protects itself, and we are steadily removing that protection.”

One of the key points from the study is that size is not a reason to dismiss these systems. The majority of wetlands identified in the research are small, but they still contribute to the overall function of the coastline. 

The paper also highlights a practical issue. If wetlands are not properly mapped, they are unlikely to be considered in planning decisions. That makes it easier for them to be lost over time.

For Sint Maarten, this is not a future concern. It is already happening. Wetlands that once helped manage water and supported coastal ecosystems have been reduced, and what remains continues to face pressure.

“There is still time to change how we approach this,” Bervoets added. “But that starts with recognizing what is still there and treating it as something worth keeping, not something to be filled in later.”

The study provides a method that can be applied across the Dutch Caribbean, including Sint Maarten, to better understand where wetlands are located and how much remains. That information is necessary if these areas are to be managed properly.

The paper, “Estimating Dutch Caribbean Salt Marsh Extent for Inclusion of Island Territories in Ecosystem Mapping,” is published in Estuaries and Coasts and can be accessed through following: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Tadzio-Bervoets

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richinel Brug has, for now, avoided facing a motion of no confidence after Parliament voted to postpone a highly anticipated meeting where the matter was expected to be addressed. The Parliament of St. Maarten had scheduled an agenda point to discuss two letters the Minister sent to parliament. Those letters were from the URSM party President and his reply to their letter.

The parliamentary session, which included agenda point three widely believed to be linked to the no-confidence motion, became the subject of intense procedural debate. Members of Parliament were divided on whether to proceed immediately with the discussion or delay it due to scheduling complications and logistical concerns.

The chair of Parliament indicated that the postponement was necessary to ensure the minister could deliver a full presentation and that deliberations could proceed without interruption. Travel plans for several MPs were also cited as a contributing factor in the decision to defer the meeting.

However, not all members agreed with the delay. MP Ardwell Irion argued that postponing the meeting would only prolong political uncertainty and allow ongoing tensions between government officials to continue playing out in the public sphere. The MP urged Parliament to proceed, emphasizing the importance of addressing the matter without further delay.

A proposal was subsequently put forward to continue the agenda item in the same session. This led to a formal vote among MPs on whether to proceed with the discussion immediately.

In a narrow decision, the proposal was rejected, with seven members voting against continuation and six in favor.

As a result, the meeting was adjourned, and the agenda item—along with the expected debate on the motion of no confidence—was postponed until further notice.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion delivered a pointed critique in Parliament regarding what he described as inadequate government support for local athletes representing St. Maarten internationally.

Irion congratulated local athletes, including gold medalist Mr. Nahjah Wyatt and swimmer Isaiah Douzan, for their recent achievements.

Irion highlighted the strong sense of national pride that spread across the island as residents followed and celebrated the athletes’ performances, noting that such unity has been rare in recent times.

However, he expressed disappointment that the government did not provide support in advance of the competitions. Instead, he pointed out that funding was largely secured through the efforts of the community and private sector.

“I’m proud of the people of St. Maarten and the business community for coming together,” Irion stated, emphasizing that without their contributions, the athletes would not have reached the podium.

The MP also referenced a previous situation in which the Prime Minister issued endorsement letters to support Christmas lighting initiatives. He argued that a similar approach could have been taken to assist student-athletes in obtaining funding more efficiently and with stronger backing.

Irion further questioned government priorities, stating that while funds have been found for other events, greater effort should be made to support students and athletes who represent the country abroad.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The triumph of St. Maarten’s young athletes at the CARIFTA Games should have been a moment defined purely by pride, unity, and celebration. Instead, it has become a glaring reminder of governmental neglect—an uncomfortable truth that cannot, and should not, be ignored.

While the nation erupted in joy as Nahjah Wyatte powered across the finish line to secure gold, bringing honor and recognition to St. Maarten, Members of Parliament could not help but reflect on the shameful circumstances that preceded this victory. These athletes did not arrive at the CARIFTA Games backed by strong institutional support or seamless preparation. They arrived in spite of it.

Members of Parliament, particularly from the Opposition benches, were right to sound the alarm.

The issue is simple, yet deeply troubling: the Government of St. Maarten, specifically the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), failed to provide the necessary funding in a timely and adequate manner to ensure these athletes could participate without uncertainty or struggle. This is not a minor administrative oversight—it is a fundamental failure in responsibility.

As echoed passionately in Parliament on Tuesday, our athletes “should never, ever, ever have to go through again what they went through to try to make this possible.”

That statement alone captures the gravity of the situation.

St. Maarten consistently finds funding for a wide array of initiatives—many far less impactful than the development and representation of our youth on regional and international stages. Yet when it comes to investing in young athletes—individuals who carry the flag, embody national pride, and inspire an entire generation—the support suddenly becomes uncertain, delayed, or insufficient.

This contradiction is unacceptable.

The image of supporters cheering at the airport, celebrating the team’s departure, now rings hollow when placed against the reality that those same athletes had to endure stress, last-minute arrangements, and uncertainty just to get there. National pride should not begin at the departure gate—it should begin with structured, reliable support from the very institutions tasked with fostering it.

And yet, despite these obstacles, they delivered.

Nahjah Wyatte’s gold medal is not just a victory; it is a statement. It is proof of what our young people are capable of, even when the system fails them. But it is also an indictment of that system. Imagine what more could be achieved if these athletes were properly supported from the outset.

The government must be held accountable—not out of spite, but out of necessity.

This cannot be allowed to happen again. Not next year. Not to another team. Not under any circumstances.

If St. Maarten is serious about youth development, national representation, and excellence in sport, then funding for athletes must be prioritized—not treated as an afterthought or a last-minute scramble. Policies must be strengthened, budgets must reflect real commitments, and leadership must act with urgency and foresight.

Celebrating victory is easy. Supporting the journey is where true leadership is tested.

This time, it failed.

The athletes succeeded anyway.

And that contrast should trouble every single person in government.