St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

CBCS Statement on Video on Cg 100.

PHILIPSBURG:--- T

Following our previous communication regarding the video circulating on social media, we would like to provide the following update:

The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has been able to examine a Cg 100 banknote with a deviated color shade, similar to the one shown in the video.

The CBCS can confirm that the banknote we received is authentic, despite the slight variation in color.

As a general guideline, members of the public can be confident in the authenticity of a banknote when the security strip displays the moving elements and the other security features are present and functioning as intended.

Check the Caribbean guilder banknote security features on the caribbean‑guilder.com website or in the My Caribbean Guilder app, available for both Android and iOS.

We thank the community for its vigilance and continue to encourage anyone who encounters a banknote with unusual characteristics to contact the CBCS in Curaçao at (599 9) 434 5510 or in Sint Maarten via (721) 542-3520.

PAPIAMENTU

Siguiendo nos komunikashon anterior tokante e video ku ta sirkulá riba medio sosial, nos ke duna e siguiente update:

Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) a logra eksaminá un biyete di Cg 100 ku un variashon chikí den koló, similar na esun ku ta mustrá den e video.

CBCS por konfirmá ku e biyete ku nos a risibí ta outéntiko, apesar di e variashon chikí den koló.

Komo un guia general, públiko por tin konfiansa den e outentisidat di un biyete ora e di strepi 3D ta mustra moveshon i e otro karakterístikanan di seguridat ta presente i ta funshoná manera mester.

Verifiká e karakterístikanan di seguridat di e biyetenan di florin karibense riba e wèpsait caribbean-guilder.com òf den e èp My Caribbean Guilder, disponibel tantu pa Android komo pa iOS.

Nos ta gradisí e komunidat pa su vigilansia i nos ta sigui enkurashá tur persona ku topa ku un biyete ku karakterístika inusual pa tuma kontakto ku CBCS na Kòrsou na (599 9) 434 5510 òf na Sint Maarten na (721) 542-3520.

Senior Tax Assistance Begins March 9.

seniorstax04032026 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Tax Administration, in collaboration with Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA), is pleased to announce the launch of the annual Senior Tax Assistance Program for the 2025 tax filing period, beginning March 9, 2026. The program offers seniors and pensioners free assistance with completing and submitting their Income Tax Forms and is open to those earning a maximum annual income of Cg. 18,000.

The program will be available at Community Helpdesks across the island from March 9 through April 30, 2026. Seniors who are unable to attend during this period may still receive assistance at the Tax Office by appointment only throughout May.

Appointments can be scheduled by visiting the nearest Community Helpdesk Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., or by calling St. Peters: 520-3418, Cole Bay: 520-4315, Dutch Quarter: 520-7651, and Hope Estate: 559-0819.

To qualify, seniors must bring the required documents, including their wage tax card, interest letter, and any other relevant documentation. This program ensures that seniors can file their 2025 Income Tax Form easily and on time, well before the June 1, 2026, deadline.

The Tax Administration and CDFHA remain committed to supporting seniors by making essential services accessible, simple, and stress-free. Seniors are encouraged to schedule their appointments early and take full advantage of this important annual service.

Commitee Parlatino Matters of the Parliament of Sint Maarten to meet regarding Parlatino related matters.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee Parlatino Matters (CPM) of Parliament will be meeting on March 4, 2026.

The Committee meeting, which was scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, could not take place due to lack of quorum and has been rescheduled for Wednesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents

2. Advice regarding the number of members of Parliament representation in Parlatino committees (IS/394/2025-2026 dated November 28, 2025)

3. Letter from Parlatino regarding First Vice Chairmanship of the Committee on Economic Affairs, Social Debt, and Regional Development Parlatino Committee (IS/393/2025-2026 dated November 26, 2025)

4. Updates and presentations by Members of Parliament who have attended or participated in Parlatino committee meetings and engagements in the second semester of 2025 (IS/699/2025-2026 dated February 13, 2026 and IS/394/2025-2026 dated November 28, 2025)

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.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament

Government Successfully Hosts Senior Connect Event.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Social Development, within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, successfully hosted the Senior Connect initiative on Friday, February 27th, at the Government Administration Building. Despite overcast skies and intermittent rainfall, the event drew an impressive turnout of senior citizens from across the community.
Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed by the warm and melodious sounds of the steel pan, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The program opened with the Sint Maarten Song performed by Sweet Pan, followed by opening prayers delivered by Mrs. Elencia Baptiste-Boasman. Opening remarks were provided by the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, who emphasized the invaluable contributions of the nation’s elders. He highlighted the pivotal role seniors have played in shaping the country and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting their wellbeing.
Senior Connect focused on creating meaningful engagement by linking seniors with essential services tailored to their needs, strengthening social connections, and empowering them through valuable information and resources. A visually striking fruit cart at the entrance underscored the importance of healthy eating, complemented by an energetic exercise session that impressed many with the vitality and enthusiasm displayed by the seniors.
The event also featured a presentation by the Social Insurance Bank (SZV) delivered by Mr. Reginald Willemberg. Representatives from the Tax Department Mr. Marlon Kwidama & Kelron Bellot, were available to address inquiries, and the Community Police Officers provided important safety tips. Exhibits were organized into four color coded zones:
• Health & Wellness Zone (Green)
• Home Care & Support Services Zone (Blue)
• Independent Living Zone (Yellow)
• Finance & Community Zone (Purple)

A total of 27 service providers participated, offering a wide range of support and information. More than 200 visitors were in attendance, taking the opportunity to engage meaningfully with service providers and connect with their peers.
The Department of Social Development extends its sincere appreciation to all service providers, volunteers, seniors, family members, caregivers, and everyone who contributed to making Senior Connect a success.

Additional Bridge Openings for the 46th Edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

simpsonbaybridge03032026 POINTE BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) advise motorists that in connection with the 46th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, scheduled for March 5–8, an adjusted Simpson Bay Bridge opening schedule will be in effect in addition to the regular daily openings.
The temporary schedule is intended to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of regatta participants and marine traffic during the event period.
From Thursday, March 5, through Sunday, March 8, the following morning bridge openings will apply: 9:00 AM — Outbound Extra Opening for Regatta participants.
During the afternoon hours, the schedule will be as follows: 15:00 PM — Inbound Extra Opening Regatta Participants.
Motorists are strongly urged to pay close attention to the bridge stop lights and booms and to fully respect all signals once activated, as these indicate that the bridge will be opening.
Compliance is essential in the interest of public safety and the smooth flow of vehicular and marine traffic.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) further advises tour operators to take the additional bridge openings into account when planning tour routes during the regatta period to avoid unnecessary delays.
The regular scheduled daily Simpson Bay bridge openings remain in effect: 8:30 AM Outbound; 9:30 AM Inbound; 10:30 AM Outbound; 11:30 AM Inbound; 14:00 Inbound; 16:00 Outbound; and 17:00 Inbound.
The Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) family extends best wishes to all participants, residents, and visitors for a safe and serious fun 46th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.