PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) is reminding the public that illegal dumping is strictly prohibited, following an incident that occurred on the evening of Sunday, October 5, 2025, at approximately 7:30 PM.

A large 20-foot container was illegally dumped in front of the entrance to the Sanitary Landfill, positioned dangerously off the sidewalk and onto several boulders, partially hanging into the road. This placement created a safety hazard for motorists and pedestrians.

VROMI, in collaboration with the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM), swiftly coordinated efforts to remove the container from the roadway. The container has since been safely relocated to the side of the road.

The Ministry reiterates that the area in front of the Sanitary Landfill is not a designated dumping site, especially after the facility’s closing hours. Boulders were previously placed along the roadside to deter illegal dumping and unauthorized parking; however, these are sometimes removed by individuals attempting to dump waste or park vehicles illegally.

VROMI strongly urges all residents and businesses to adhere to the island’s waste disposal rules and regulations.

In order to proceed correctly, individuals are encouraged to visit the metal scrap yard directly to inquire about the proper procedure and any associated costs for accepting containers, large metal objects, or vehicles to be crushed.

The Ministry reminds the public that all refuse must be disposed of responsibly at the designated facilities and not abandoned along roadways or public areas, as such actions contribute to environmental hazards and obstruct public safety. Illegal dumping not only undermines community cleanliness and safety but also carries legal consequences.

The Ministry thanks the public for their cooperation and continued efforts to keep St. Maarten clean and safe.

PHILIPSBURG:--- SHOWME Caribbean, the Caribbean's premier provider of high-definition destination live streams, has partnered with WMVision International, a global leader in Location-Based Content for Broadcasters. This collaboration establishes SHOWME Caribbean as WMVision's primary Caribbean content partner, significantly boosting the exposure of St. Maarten and other Caribbean live hotspots to a vast international audience.

SHOWME Caribbean has built a strong following on YouTube by streaming high-quality webcam footage from popular island spots like St. Maarten’s Maho Beach. The content has drawn millions of viewers, capturing the beauty and vibrant life of the islands for a global audience.

WMVision International, in turn, operates a massive media hub marketplace with over 100,000 webcams worldwide, used by major global news, weather, and travel networks. Through this new partnership, SHOWME Caribbean's captivating live footage will be featured on WMVision's MediaHub, offering the island's massive visibility and promoting tourism awareness on a global, professional scale.

"This deal with WMVision creates an enormous platform for the islands," said Sabine Berger. "Our mission has always been to share the Caribbean's magic with the world. This collaboration allows us to reach a professional audience of media companies and millions of viewers, offering real-time exposure that will be invaluable for the region's tourism sectors."

This is a significant step for both companies, combining SHOWME Caribbean's beautiful live streams with WMVision's expansive distribution network. It provides a continuous, live window into the Caribbean, bringing the islands closer to millions of potential visitors around the world.

For Caribbean locations and hotels seeking to gain exposure, SHOWME Caribbean is actively looking for new partners. To showcase your location to a global audience with a live webcam, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team at showmecaribbean.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Insurances is excited to announce the official launch of our NAGICARE SME Smart Health Insurance, a comprehensive and affordable medical plan, tailored to provide coverage for Small Business Owners and Entrepreneurs who no longer have medical coverage under SZV following the recent changes.
According to Tamisha Wigley, NAGICO’s Operations Manager for St Maarten, Saba & Statia, “The NAGICARE SME Smart Health product was created specifically for this target group, which no longer qualifies for SZV,” she said. “This plan is a complete all-in-one coverage which will ensure that the insured has access to quality medical coverage at an affordable rate. So, whether it’s a simple routine checkup or for an emergency, NAGICARE Smart Health will ensure you are covered, not only here locally, but also when you travel abroad. Our goal is to make healthcare more accessible for everyone.”
Under the NAGICARE SME Smart Health, the insured will have coverage for: Vision Care, Dental Services, Annual Checkups, Lab Testing, Preventative Care, Emergency Overseas Treatment, and much more.

Heads up, residents and visitors of Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy. The Guadeloupe Meteorological Center has issued a Yellow Alert for heavy rains and thunderstorms. This bulletin is a call for increased awareness and caution as unstable weather conditions are expected to impact the region.

Overview of the Yellow Alert

Météo France has placed Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélemy under a Yellow Alert, which signifies a need to "Be Attentive." This is the first bulletin issued for this specific weather event, labeled as Episode n°17-IN.

The alert specifically warns of strong rains and thunderstorms. It was officially issued on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at 11:35 AM local time. The weather event is expected to begin around 12:00 PM today and may last until Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 6:00 AM.

A Yellow Alert is a signal to be vigilant, especially if you are involved in outdoor activities that could be affected by the weather. It is not a call to halt all activity, but rather to be mindful of the developing situation and potential risks.

Current Weather Situation

The source of this instability is the tail end of Tropical Wave N°30. This system is generating an unstable southeasterly flow across the islands, bringing with it increased moisture and a higher potential for significant weather events. At the time the bulletin was issued, the primary conditions were set for the development of heavy showers and thunderstorms throughout the afternoon.

Forecast and Expected Impacts

The forecast points to a period of wet and unsettled weather. Here’s what you can expect:

Heavy Rainfall

The main concern is the potential for intense downpours. The meteorological center warns that rainfall accumulations could reach 30 to 50 mm (approximately 1.2 to 2 inches) in three hours or less. This rate of rainfall can quickly lead to localized flooding, particularly in low-lying or poorly drained areas.

Thunderstorms

Alongside the heavy rain, there is a risk of thunderstorms. These storms can bring not only downpours but also lightning and potentially gusty winds. The combination of these elements increases the danger associated with being outdoors.

Timeline of Events

• Tuesday Afternoon: The risk of moderate to strong, sometimes stormy, showers is highest.

• Tuesday Evening: A temporary improvement in conditions is expected.

• Tuesday Night: New showers are likely to develop overnight.

• Wednesday: The risk of showers will continue throughout the day.

The persistence of this weather pattern means that even during breaks in the rain, the ground will be saturated, increasing the risk of flash flooding if another heavy shower moves through.

Safety Recommendations from the Prefecture

When a Yellow Alert is in effect, it's vital to follow official safety advice. The prefecture has provided a list of recommended behaviors to minimize risk during this period of heavy rain and thunderstorms.

VIGILANCE JAUNE - FORTES PLUIES/ORAGES: SOYEZ ATTENTIFS! (Yellow Alert - Heavy Rains/Thunderstorms: Be Attentive!)

Here are the key precautions you should take:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest weather forecasts. Monitor information from Météo France and local authorities.

• Be Cautious with Outdoor Activities:

• • If you plan on practicing any high-risk outdoor sports, reconsider your plans.
  • Pay close attention if your outdoor activities are in an exposed area, whether on land or at sea.
• Avoid Flood-Prone Areas:
• • Be extremely careful if you need to travel through areas known to flood.
  • This includes crossing fords (gués), ravines, or low-lying passages at the bottom of hills (mornes). These areas can become impassable very quickly.

• Take Precautions During a Thunderstorm:

• Avoid using landline telephones and electrical appliances.

• Do not take shelter near pylons, posts, or under a solitary tree, as these can attract lightning.

Stay Safe and Informed

This Yellow Alert is a reminder that weather conditions can change rapidly. The primary message is one of heightened awareness. By staying informed through official channels and making sensible decisions, you can significantly reduce your risk of being affected by the heavy rain and thunderstorms.

Remember to check on neighbors, especially the elderly or those who may need assistance. Secure loose objects around your property that could be affected by wind or heavy rain. Most importantly, do not take unnecessary risks. A cautious approach is the best way to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you until this weather system passes.