PHILIPSBURG:--- The Statia Government welcomes two major and complementary developments that will improve access to financial services on the island: ING’s intention to offer banking services to local businesses and private persons, and De Nederlandsche Bank’s (DNB) plan to install additional ATMs in 2025.

ING announced its intention to serve Statia and Saba

In an official statement issued earlier today, ING declared its intent to offer banking services to companies carrying out economic activity on Statia and Saba. The bank has also expressed the ambition to establish a physical office on each island. This announcement follows extensive discussions between ING, the Ministry of Finance, and De Nederlandsche Bank regarding the structural banking challenges in the Caribbean Netherlands.

“We are the bank for everyone, and we want to be there for all the Dutch,” said Peter Jacobs, CEO of ING Netherlands. “We therefore take our social responsibility to make banking accessible to residents on both these islands. We want to offer the residents a similar service to that to the residents on Texel.”

Although ING has begun preparations, providing banking services in the special municipalities involves complex regulatory and logistical considerations. A final decision is expected in the course of 2026. If positive, ING aims to begin service by the end of that year.

DNB to Improve Access to Cash with New ATMs

In a separate but closely aligned effort, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) has confirmed that additional ATMs will be installed in 2025, the first such installation facilitated directly by the central bank in the Caribbean Netherlands.

These ATMs will be managed by an international independent ATM deployer (IAD) and will support both local and international payment cards. Retailers who partner with the IAD will also gain access to cash deposit solutions.

Statia Government Applauds Progress

Island Governor Alida Francis described the dual announcements as a “transformative moment” for the island.

“Access to reliable financial services is vital, not only for our residents but for the resilience of our economy. We are pleased to see these long-standing issues being addressed at the national level.”

Commissioner of Finance, Reuben Merkman, commented:

“The establishment of a new bank in Statia marks a significant milestone, offering a unique opportunity to drive economic growth, promote financial inclusion, and unlock new economic possibilities for the island. More than just a financial institution, the bank serves as a cornerstone for economic empowerment, fostering community development and paving the way for sustainable growth. By providing accessible financial services, supporting local businesses, and creating avenues for investment, the bank has the potential to transform the island's financial landscape and empower its citizens, big and small. The future is bright! All of Statia is looking forward to the coming of this bank with high hopes. I would like to say, “thank God.”

Commissioner of Tourism, Rechelline Leerdam, added:

“This initiative is the result of decades of lobbying by the executive and legislative bodies of both Saba and Statia, through ongoing engagement with Members of Parliament and by consistently presenting our case to the relevant ministries. I want to thank all the Executive Council members and the Island Council over the last decade for their unwavering persistence in lobbying for additional banking services on the island. We are very happy to welcome this development as we diversify the economy. Especially amidst the strong boom in building requests from young locals, we hope this creates new opportunities to support their aspirations. Improved access to financial services is a necessary foundation for sustainable growth.”

In 2021, the Island council unanimously called for improved banking services. Today’s announcement results from persistent dialogue and collaboration with our partners in the European part of the Netherlands.

The Statia Government will continue to work with DNB and ING to support the successful implementation. In the coming months, further details, including ATM locations and service timelines, will be shared.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, April 11th, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA), the Honorable Richinel Brug, outlined his 2025 signature projects with the ministry's management team.
This strategic session was the second held between the Minister, the Secretary General, and the management team. During this meeting, the management team presented the accomplishments of their respective departments and our executing agencies for the first three months of the year. The departments and executing agencies were also asked to outline their main projects for the second quarter of 2025.
During this strategic session, Minister Brug presented each member of the management team with the VSA governing program. After that, the Minister focused on his signature projects for the year that are directly derived from the 2024-2028 Governing Program.
“In recognizing the limitations due to understaffing, low morale among our civil servants, and the lack of (financial) resources, as Minister, it was important to outline focus areas for the ministry.”
“The Ministry of VSA consists of hardworking civil servants who understand their critical role in serving particularly vulnerable groups within our community. As such, staff continue to put the community's needs before their own. It is therefore important to pause, reflect on what we have accomplished, and refocus on the second term of the year.”
One of the main objectives is finalizing a Multi-annual Strategic Plan to provide the Ministry with a clear roadmap for the next few years. Additionally, stronger emphasis will be placed on bettering the lives of senior citizens and other vulnerable groups, who often face challenges in accessing the services they need. Moreover, addressing the needs of senior citizens and other vulnerable groups is a priority, as is the approval of a comprehensive healthcare reform system to ensure accessible and efficient health services for all. Furthermore, Minister Brug recognizes the need to update outdated laws and draft lower legislation that should have been in place since Sint Maarten became an autonomous country on October 10, 2010.
This strategic day was concluded with a mental health session provided to VSA management and staff of the Minister’s Cabinet and the Staffbureau. The session highlighted the importance of prioritizing self-care and recognizing and addressing burnout symptoms in VSA staff.

“I remain committed to the well-being of my dedicated staff, in understanding that we can only take care of others if we are in a balanced and healthy frame of mind.”
“In the coming months, I will roll out a number of projects in line with our Governance program, which is specifically geared towards our vulnerable groups within our community. We will also give increased attention to the well-being of our youth.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In preparation for the highly anticipated Jouvert Jump-Up taking place in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), in collaboration with the Carnival Committee and emergency services, has finalized a comprehensive safety and monitoring plan to ensure a smooth and secure event for all.

Multiple coordination meetings were held to assess and safeguard the full parade route, with special attention given to the narrow section of Arch Road, between Vine Cactus Drive and the intersection near the former Zoo. To minimize the risk of congestion and facilitate emergency access, all bands and DJs are required to pause the music through this stretch of the route.

Police Monitoring Schedule

KPSM will actively monitor the progression of the Jump-Up and has established the following estimated time checkpoints for public awareness and logistical coordination:

• Sucker Garden to Arch Road: ~05:00 AM
• Arch Road / Sualiga Road crossing: ~05:45 AM
• Former Zoo area: ~06:10 AM
• Arch Road / A. Th. Illidge Road crossing: ~06:55 AM
• Cottage (former Eddy’s Auto Supply) Roundabout: ~08:00 AM
• Prins Bernard Bridge: ~08:20 AM
• Salt Pickers Roundabout: ~09:50 AM
• Arrival at Festival Village: ~10:00 AM

Please note that these are estimated times and may vary slightly based on the parade's pace.

General Safety Tips

KPSM urges all participants and residents to observe the following safety measures:

• Secure your homes and businesses before leaving. Lock all windows and doors and activate security systems.
• Park responsibly. Avoid blocking roadways, emergency access points, and driveways. Vehicles parked illegally may be removed.
• Keep personal belongings secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables.
• Stay hydrated and look out for one another.
• Assign a designated driver or arrange safe transport if consuming alcohol.
• Report any suspicious activity or emergencies to the police immediately.

Motorists heading towards the airport should plan their journey in advance, depart early, and consider alternative routes due to expected road closures and congestion.

KPSM counts on the public's cooperation and responsible behavior to help ensure that this year’s Jouvert Jump-Up is safe and enjoyable for all.

Stay safe. Celebrate responsibly.

For more information, follow KPSM’s official social media pages or contact the Public Relations Department.

KPSM Press Release.

PORT ST. MAARTEN:---  In a significant development for St. Maarten’s cruise tourism sector, senior executives from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) recently met with Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alexander Gumbs and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten.
The meeting focused on deepening the collaboration between NCL and Port St. Maarten, aiming to increase passenger arrivals and services.
Representing NCL were Juan Kuryla, Senior Vice President of Port Development and Construction Management, and Matthew Weintraub, Director Port Development, who expressed the company’s interest in increasing cruise calls to St. Maarten.
NCL shared insights into their upcoming fleet expansion plans, including the debut of NCL Aqua just this month, and highlighted a new class of vessels set to debut soon. This initiative aligns with Port St. Maarten’s goals to diversify its cruise offerings and enhance passenger experiences.
Minister Heyliger-Marten expressed enthusiasm about the growth prospective, stating that Port St. Maarten’s role as a testing ground for NCL’s new initiatives presents a significant opportunity to boost the island’s cruise tourism sector.
Gumbs noted that discussions commenced during the FCCA conference hosted in St. Maarten in October 2024 and thereafter follow-up ongoing engagements with NCL have paved the way for this potential collaboration.
Gumbs emphasized the potential economic benefits, citing current average passenger expenditures of $161 and crew expenditures of $117.
Strategically, this also fits within the framework of improving the off-season months between May and October while improving berth occupancy during the high season, particularly on Fridays through Monday.
Typically, Tuesdays through Thursdays are the busiest days during the high season.