PHILIPSBURG:---  The Windward Islands Bank is enhancing its free replacement process for damaged personal and business debit and credit cards. We recognize that the quality of the recently issued cards unfortunately does not meet the standard our customers expect, and discussions about this are being held with the manufacturer.
The replacement process applies to all customers with a personal or business credit or debit card showing signs of wear, tear or damage. We apologize for the inconvenience this has caused some customers and hope that the accelerated replacement of the damaged cards will help eliminate that inconvenience.

In the coming months, clients who wish to replace their damaged card can do so in one of the following three simple ways:
• WIB Mobile Banking App: Open the app and tap the special campaign banner to submit your request.
• Email: Write to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject “Request to replace defective card.” Please include your full name as it appears on the card and a contact number.
• In person: Visit your nearest WIB branch for assistance.
During the application process, customers will be able to select their preferred branch for card pickup. Once the card is ready for pickup, customers will receive an email with the pickup date. The full replacement process takes a maximum of 8 business days.

During this process, the current card remains active and usable. Once the new card is activated, we ask our customers to destroy and discard the damaged card.

Customers can have their damaged cards replaced until February 28, 2026. After this period, WIB will evaluate whether an extension is necessary.

For more information about replacing your card, you can contact us by phone at 546-2942, by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or through the chat function on our website www.wib-bank.net .

With this action, WIB reaffirms its continued commitment to offering safe and accessible banking services. We appreciate the trust of our customers and will continue working to improve our products and services.
The Windward Islands Bank, your partner in progress.

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):---  Her Excellency Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell attended an Extraordinary Joint Session of the States General on Thursday, 20 November 2025.
The commemorative session, held in the historic Grote Kerk in The Hague, marked exactly eighty years since the First and Second Chambers of Parliament convened together again after being suspended during the Second World War.
On 20 November 1945, the Dutch parliamentary system took its first steps toward recovery following years of war and occupation. With both Chambers having been rendered inoperative during the conflict, the post-war reconstruction of the Kingdom required not only physical rebuilding but also the restoration of democratic governance.
By attending this special session, Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell reaffirmed Sint Maarten’s active engagement within the constitutional and democratic traditions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Her presence emphasized not only recognition of the past but also Sint Maarten’s commitment to shared values, inter-island cooperation, and the safeguarding of democratic principles for future generations.
Extraordinary Joint Sessions are held only on exceptional occasions. The most recent prior session took place in 2015, marking the 200th anniversary of the States General. The symbolic date of 20 November 2025 was chosen to reflect on the end of the war, the meaning of freedom, and the importance of protecting democratic institutions in a time marked by conflict, polarization, and societal pressures.
The ceremony began at 10:30 AM on Thursday and lasted one hour. His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Princess Amalia attended as honored guests.
Speeches were delivered by the Presidents of both Chambers, outgoing Prime Minister, Minister of General Affairs Dick Schoof, and General (ret.) Peter van Uhm, who reflected on the resilience of the Dutch democracy and the necessity of safeguarding its foundations.

PHILIPSBURG(DCOMM):--- Thursday, November 20th, is World Children’s Day. The 2025 theme is, “Listen to children, stand up for the rights of every child, every day.”

Around the world, children are standing up and talking about their lives, their hopes, and their rights.

World Children’s Day was first established in 1954 as Universal Children's Day and is celebrated on 20 November each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improve children's welfare.

November 20th is an important date as it is the date in 1959 when the United Nations (UN) General Assembly adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. It is also the date in 1989 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Since 1990, World Children's Day also marks the anniversary of the date that the UN General Assembly adopted both the Declaration and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

World Children's Day offers each of us an inspirational entry-point to advocate, promote and celebrate children's rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will build a better world for children.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) says health is an area that every child has a right too, to survive and thrive.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that my day my rights, “from the moment the sun rises, children wake up to a world shaped by choices they didn't make. But every child, everywhere, also wakes with rights. Including the right to be protected, to learn, and to have their voice heard.

“It’s time to listen to children. To understand what their lives are like and how their rights are present, missing, or pursued every day.”

UNICEF says children and young people are powerful agents of change, bringing new ideas and perspectives that can help shape a better world for all of us.

World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s Global Day of Action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Child rights are human rights. They are non-negotiable and universal. Upholding children’s rights is the compass to a better world – today, tomorrow and into the future.

By listening to children, we can fulfil their right to self-expression, understand their ideas for a better world and include their priorities in our actions today.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, thanks the public for their enthusiastic participation in Financial Literacy Month. The sessions held so far have been well attended, highlighting the community’s strong interest in gaining financial knowledge.
The Ministry invites residents to register for the remaining sessions:
Nov 19 – Understanding Your Pension | APS
Nov 20 – Understanding Your Income Tax Assessment | Emauro Schoop
Nov 25 – Taxation on Real Estate Income | Stephan van Riemen
Nov 26 – Financially Strong St. Maarten | Rachel Lo-Fo-Wong
Nov 30 – Banking on St. Maarten | Bankers Association
These sessions give residents the chance to learn from experts, ask questions, and improve personal finance skills.
Residents can register online at www.finlitsxm.com.
The Minister emphasizes: knowledge is power, and the Ministry remains committed to empowering all residents of St. Maarten through financial literacy.