St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Two Serious Traffic Accidents Under Investigation — One Fatal.

roadaccident28042025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is investigating two serious traffic incidents that occurred within a few hours between late Sunday night and early Monday morning.

The first incident took place just after 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, on Union Road. Central Police Dispatch received reports of a collision involving two scooter riders. Upon arrival, officers found both riders severely injured. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, both victims were rushed to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) in critical condition. The Traffic Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding this collision.

The second and more tragic incident occurred at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, near the Billy Folly Crossing on Welfare Road, Cole Bay. Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting that a male pedestrian, believed to be in his late sixties, had been struck by a scooter while walking along the sidewalk near the crossing.

Upon arriving at the scene, KPSM patrol officers encountered ambulance personnel providing medical assistance to the victim, assisted by several bystanders. Preliminary investigation indicates that the victim was walking on the sidewalk when he was violently struck by a scooter rider, who fled the scene heading toward the Welfare Road roundabout.

Despite immediate medical intervention, KPSM received confirmation shortly after 8:00 a.m. that the victim had succumbed to his injuries at the Sint Maarten Medical Center.

The Traffic Department of KPSM is investigating both incidents. Police urgently appeal to witnesses or anyone with information regarding either accident, particularly concerning the scooter rider who fled

the scene in Cole Bay, to come forward. Persons with information are urged to contact the KPSM Traffic Department at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased and wishes a full recovery to the injured victims of the Union Road collision.

KPSM reminds all road users that reckless driving, failure to respect traffic rules, and fleeing the scene of an accident are serious offenses.

KPSM Press Release.

Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten Addresses Casino License Questions in Parliament.

Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger Marten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, on Monday responded to questions from Members of Parliament regarding the issuance of a casino license to Port de Plaisance. Her comprehensive replies highlighted the regulatory framework, legal basis for the license approval, compliance with policy requirements, and the ministry’s commitment to upholding transparency in the gaming sector.

Legal Basis for the Casino License Approval

Minister Heyliger-Marten explained that the decision to issue a casino license to Port de Plaisance complied fully with the “Game of Chance Policy” and relevant legal requirements. The issuance was based on a positive recommendation following thorough due diligence by the departments responsible.

The minister emphasized the importance of the “principle of trust” in governance, noting that promises or commitments made by government officials carry significant weight when supported by policy and law. While there are cases where this principle may supersede strict legal conditions, Heyliger-Marten clarified that all applicable requirements were met in this instance, removing the need to rely on any exceptional governance principles.

Room Count and Compliance with Casino Policy

Questions from Members of Parliament also addressed room count requirements in the context of the Port de Plaisance license. Minister Heyliger-Marten confirmed that the property’s room inventory, which combines accommodation across multiple buildings, met compliance thresholds outlined in the casino policy.

Further, the minister reiterated that license holders are given a two-year window to meet additional requirements, such as expanding their room inventory to the mandated 200 rooms. While fairness in enforcing regulations remains a priority, Heyliger-Marten emphasized that failure to meet these conditions without substantiated justification could lead to revocation of the license, in line with the policy.

Clarifying Policy Definitions

Addressing questions on the definition of “hotel units,” Minister Heyliger-Marten clarified that existing casino policies refer to “rooms” as a broad category. This includes hotel rooms, owner-occupied apartments, and time-share units. The interpretation aligns with prior jurisprudence, which ruled that all types of accommodations could collectively contribute to room count requirements under the policy.

Policy Updates and Strategic Oversight

Minister Heyliger-Marten also spoke about ongoing efforts to formalize revisions to the casino policy, specifically increasing the allowable number of standalone casino licenses from 10 to 11. This update reflects the issuance of an additional license in previous years, which had yet to be officially incorporated into the policy framework.

When questioned about further developments such as the potential establishment of a casino at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), the minister stated that she had not yet received formal advice on the matter and would await the completion of relevant evaluations before making any decisions.

Transparency and Independent Oversight

Parliamentary discussions included calls for independently verifying room counts and other compliance aspects. Minister Heyliger-Marten expressed openness to constructive dialogue but defended the expertise and credibility of internal bodies like the Inspection, Economic, and Traffic Affairs (IETA) department. She emphasized that undermining existing structures could negatively impact the integrity of the governance process.

Nonetheless, Heyliger-Marten affirmed her commitment to improving transparency across the gaming sector by building public confidence in the system and strengthening institutional accountability.

Historical Overview and Focus on Modernization

Responding to concerns about the historical issuance of casino licenses, Minister Heyliger-Marten outlined the evolution of governance in this sector. Before the constitutional reform of 2010, licenses were issued by the Executive Council of St. Maarten’s Island Territory. After 2010, the ministerial structure shifted this responsibility to the Minister of TEATT, guided by the “Game of Chance Policy” and the National Ordinance on Games of Chance.

Heyliger-Marten stressed, however, that her focus lies on forward-looking reforms, including the establishment of a modern regulatory framework and a dedicated Gaming Control Board.

Ensuring Procedural Integrity

The minister reassured MPs that there was no need to seek external legal advice for the Port de Plaisance license since the process adhered strictly to policy. All conditions were verified internally through established procedures, ensuring the decision was both fair and transparent.

Commitment to Transparent Governance

Minister Heyliger-Marten’s exchanges in Parliament reflect the government’s broader initiative to regulate the gaming sector effectively. Efforts under the “Country Package H2” framework include the establishment of the Sint Maarten Gaming Authority, a national gambling addiction survey, and ongoing consultations to strengthen industry standards.

Conclusion

Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten’s responses to Members of Parliament emphasized compliance, transparency, and governance integrity in the issuance of casino licenses. By addressing both past practices and future initiatives, the minister underscored her commitment to building a regulatory framework that supports St. Maarten’s development while safeguarding public trust. These steps aim at modernizing the gaming industry and ensure lasting benefits for the island and its people.

Government of St. Maarten Announces Fuel Price Reduction.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Residents of St. Maarten can expect some relief at the pumps as the Government of St. Maarten has announced new, reduced prices for petroleum products. The updated prices follow the restocking of Unleaded Gasoline (ULG) and Diesel at lower costs due to favorable international market trends. This adjustment is effective as of April 28, 2023, at 6:00 AM.

Price Changes at a Glance

The new maximum consumer prices for petroleum products are as follows:

ULG (Gasoline):
- Previous price per liter: Naf 2.320
- New price per liter: Naf 2.147
Gasoil (Diesel):
- Previous price per liter: Naf 1.882
- New price per liter: Naf 1.766

This reduction reflects a decrease of Naf 0.173 for gasoline and Naf 0.116 for diesel, providing tangible savings for consumers.

Breakdown of Fuel Pricing

To promote transparency, the Government has shared a detailed breakdown of the factors influencing the price adjustments. The components considered in the final cost include:

Petrotrin Posted Price: The cost of fuel internationally dropped to 1.103 Naf per liter for gasoline and 1.065 Naf per liter for diesel.
Freight Costs: These remain fixed at 0.107 Naf per liter.
Taxes and Margins:
- Turnover tax for retailers is set at 5%, while margins for wholesalers and retailers are 0.230 Naf per liter and 0.145 Naf per liter for gasoline, respectively.

The maximum wholesale and consumer prices, inclusive of taxes, reflect the lowered base costs.

Reason for the Adjustment

The price reduction stems from ongoing developments in the international energy market, leading to a more favorable environment for fuel imports. The Government aims to ensure that these savings are directly passed on to consumers by regulating maximum retail and wholesale prices.

Impact on Consumers and Businesses

This adjustment is expected to provide much-needed financial relief to both residents and businesses on the island. With lower operational costs driven by reduced fuel prices, sectors such as transportation, logistics, and tourism will likely benefit from this change. Individual consumers will also feel the impact through reduced expenses for personal commuting and household energy needs.

The Government reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring global market trends and ensuring that any further changes in petroleum costs are reflected appropriately. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of the new prices, knowing that the pricing system is designed to be fair and responsive to international cost fluctuations.

For more information or inquiries, the public can contact the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Telecommunication through their official channels.

CBA Welcomes Ms. Silveria Jacobs, Former PM, As New Executive Director.

CBA Director Silveria Jacobs.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts is proud to announce the appointment of Ms. Silveria Jacobs, former Prime Minister of St. Maarten, as its new Executive Director. With a lifelong dedication to leadership, education, and the arts, Ms. Jacobs brings a wealth of experience, skills, and passion to guide CBA into a new chapter. Effective July 1, 2025, she steps into the new position, bringing an exciting opportunity to advance CBA’s mission while building on the foundation laid by her predecessors. In her capacity as Prime Minister, Ms. Jacobs led St. Maarten through impactful events such as dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Irma and the global pandemic. Her two terms were characterized by dedication, resilience, and resolve, ensuring St. Maarten’s stability and progress. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts, President Mrs. May-ling Derby-Chun states, “Ms. Jacobs’ recruitment and appointment mark a transformative moment for CBA. Her unparalleled experience in governance, education, and the arts is exactly what we need to propel our institution to new heights.” “I am deeply honored to join CBA as its Executive Director,” says Ms. Jacobs. “Education is the foundation and building block to acquire knowledge, which has the power to change people’s circumstances.” She describes herself as being passionate about our youth and education, experienced in leading, and committed to delivering impactful results. Ms. Jacobs’ contributions extend beyond her role as Prime Minister, as she also served as Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, and held several terms as Member of Parliament. Before this, Ms. Jacobs spent years in the classroom as a teacher, student care coordinator, and later as School Manager. She was also actively involved in the arts as a professional dancer. Her commitment to people, education, and nurturing talent and creativity mirrors the mission of CBA- to inspire and empower the next generation of citizens and artists. 1 of 3 With the transition from active politics back to education, Ms. Jacobs confidently notes, “Along with my experience, knowledge, and skills, I am equipped for this position.” She sees this new role as an exciting opportunity to continue contributing to our society and the world while growing in a field she loves. “This is more than a leadership transition; it’s the beginning of an exciting new chapter where CBA expands its regional footprint, deepens its impact, and becomes a true hub for artistic innovation,” Mrs. Derby-Chun adds. Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts, with Ms. Jacobs at the helm, aims to expand its outreach programs, elevate its reputation in the arts, and continue providing excellence in education to aspiring artists from all backgrounds. She indicates that she will seek ways to increase access to the arts, such as signing service-level agreements with artists, creatives, and businesses. With this approach, students will have access to knowledge relating to the educational, creative, and business sides of the arts. A school is a family, another home for the students, teachers, and staff, and Jacobs strives to collaborate with them all to create opportunities for their success and well-being. “We can achieve more if we work together,” Ms. Jacobs states. This statement, however, is more than words; it is part of her leadership style. The new CBA Executive Director indicates that participatory leadership, which centers on collaboration, is what she is all about. She adds that she will be easing into her new role, firstly observing and gauging the strengths and weaknesses of staff, looking at the limitations of CBA, and then focusing on strengthening the organization. This would include aligning staff, engaging students, and meeting with entities such as the building committee to secure future plans. Ms. Jacobs also adds that she will be looking at the school’s subsidy requests and lobbying for more funds. This will be coupled with engaging the business community and looking at possibilities for funding through international agencies. “We need to be innovative and cannot sit back and rely solely on government funding,” she notes. Additionally, she says that she will also be looking into the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) system to see if more subjects are possible for students at CBA. The type of students that Ms. Jacobs envisions CBA producing are those “Artists at heart, striving for excellence across the board and who see themselves as an important cog in the wheel of St. Maarten’s development and as impactful citizens of the world.” She also foresees students being more involved in oratory activities and classes. “CBA is the perfect platform to promote the Orange Economy,” the newly appointed Executive Director states, adding that, “It is important for ensuring that our students know our culture, heritage and also the business end of the arts because for many of them, their passion in the arts is the dream for their future.” 2 of 3 She also envisions a CBA with its own space (campus), a creative learning environment - a place to put on productions (stage/auditorium), a school where students from other schools can take classes in the arts, where collaborations with dance schools, music and creative institutions or professionals take precedence and ultimately with CBA being known in the region as a platform for the performing and creative arts where artists can hone their talent, enhance their creativity and share it with the world. The Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts is a 7th to 12th grade secondary school established in 2012. It offers academic and performance classes (music, theater arts, visual arts, physical education, and dance. The school is currently located at Cannegieter Street #10 in Philipsburg, St. Maarten. The contact number is Tel. (721) 542-1929 or Email: charlottebrooksonacademy@gmail.com.

Public meeting of Parliament for a question hour with the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication related to the public transportation system.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on April 28, 2025.

The Public meeting is scheduled for Monday at 13.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Question hour: Questions from MP F.A. Lacroes directed to the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication related to the public transportation system (IS/810/2024-2025 dated April 1, 2025)

The intention of a question hour is to create the possibility for Members of Parliament to exercise their supervisory activities by posing questions and interacting with Ministers on current
matters. During the question hour, only questions and answers will be given on the topic at hand. The procedure of the question hour is regulated in article 69 and further of the Rule of Order.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

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