Don’t Drink & Drive during the Carnival Season. Act responsibly and make safe choices.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), in collaboration with the Department of Communication (DCOMM), is urging all motorists to drive sober and avoid drinking and driving during the upcoming Carnival 55 festivities.

With a wide range of events, food, and beverages expected throughout the Carnival season, authorities are reminding the public that impaired driving poses a serious risk to lives on the road.

Motorists who plan to consume alcohol are strongly encouraged to arrange for a designated driver or utilize taxi services to ensure a safe journey home.

The primary goal of this appeal is to protect all road users and prevent avoidable tragedies during this festive period.

CPS is encouraging members of the community to look out for one another by ensuring that friends and family do not get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol.

Responsible decisions can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Carnival festivities officially begin on Friday, April 10, 2026, with the opening of the Carnival Village, marking the start of several weeks of celebrations.

While the season is one of enjoyment and cultural expression, authorities stress that safety must remain a top priority.

Driving under the influence can result in serious injury, loss of life, and long-term consequences for individuals and families.

Motorists are also reminded to avoid speeding, always wear seat belts, and remain alert while driving. These simple but critical actions serve as a strong defense against road accidents, especially in situations where impaired drivers may be present.

CPS and DCOMM call on the community to act responsibly and make safe choices throughout the Carnival period. Don’t drink and drive—always drive sober.

By working together, the public can help ensure a safe and enjoyable festive season for everyone.


Ministry of VROMI Announces Temporary Partial Road Closure on Arch Road, Philipsburg.

 roadclosures09042026Madame Estate:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the public and residents of the affected area that road works started today, Thursday, April 9th, 2026, on Arch Road, Philipsburg, and will continue tomorrow, Friday, April 10th, 2026. The works will require a road closure between the intersection of A. TH. Illidge Road and Guadeloupe Road during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Alternative Route: Motorists are advised to access the area via Grenada Road and the connecting internal roads within Lower Prince’s Quarter to reach destinations beyond the affected section.

Access from the A.Th. Illidge Road intersection of Arch Road will be restricted during the closure.

The project will be executed by Windward Roads Infrastructure, and the Ministry urges all motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and be mindful of the workers on-site.

Temporary Partial Road Closure Details:

Date: Thursday, April 9th, 2026 and Friday, April 10th, 2026, 2 days road closure

Time: 7:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Arch Road, Philipsburg

Alternative Routes: Access through Grenada Road and through to the available side roads to Arch Road.

Type of Closure: Temporary Partial Road Closure

The Ministry of VROMI appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve the road infrastructure on Arch Road. Further updates will be provided as necessary. For more information, please contact the Department of Infrastructure at +1(721) 542-2363 ext 2412.

 

Continuation of the Committee of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry of Parliament meeting regarding cannabis regulatory framework for Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry (CAFAH) of Parliament will be meeting on April 9, 2026.  

The Committee meeting, which was adjourned on March 13, 2026, will be reconvened on Thursday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Representatives of the Native Nations will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Presentation by Native Nations on the proposed regulatory model for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Sint Maarten (IS/ 410/2025-2026 dated December 2, 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.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

Continuation Urgent Public meeting of Parliament regarding the current state of operational and sanitary conditions in Public Schools.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on April 8, 2026.  

The Public meeting, which was adjourned on March 9, 2026, will reconvene on Wednesday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Deliberations on the current state of operational and sanitary conditions in Public Schools, including supply shortages and instructional resource constraints (IS/739/2025-2026 dated February 26, 2026)

This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York, MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP L.C.J. Lewis and MP F.A. Lacroes

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 

The Committee of Justice of Parliament to meet to discuss youth crime, intervention strategies, and prevention efforts.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Committee of Justice of Parliament will meet on April 8, 2026.   

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.  

The Prime Minister & Minister of Justice will be in attendance.  

The agenda points are: 

1. Update on the current crime situation affecting youth and communities

2. Discussion on youth intervention options, including the re-introduction of military training in Curacao

3.Update on Justice Ministry efforts to strengthen prevention and community support (IS/350/2025-2026 dated November 17, 2025)

This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran. 

Members of the public are also 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.orgwww.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament.  


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