PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has formally submitted a legal advisory on the constitutional role of the Governor of Sint Maarten to the Council of Ministers. In the interest of transparency, the advisory has also been shared with His Excellency the Governor and the Honorable Members of Parliament.

The advisory, prepared by constitutional expert Prof. Dr. Arjen van Rijn, was commissioned following developments in January 2026 related to the handling of an administrative matter and the associated decision-making processes within Government.

The report provides a detailed legal analysis of the Governor’s dual role as both the constitutional head of the Government of Sint Maarten and as the representative of the Kingdom Government. It further examines the limits of the Governor’s authority within that framework and the principle of ministerial responsibility.

Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized the importance of upholding constitutional boundaries, “This advisory provides critical guidance on the proper functioning of our constitutional system. It reinforces a fundamental principle: that the elected Council of Ministers carries the political mandate and responsibility to govern, and that this mandate must be respected at all times.”

The advisory concludes that certain actions taken during the January 2026 events exceeded established constitutional boundaries and risked undermining the political primacy of the Council of Ministers.
Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed that the matter is about protecting institutions, “This is not about individuals; it is about safeguarding the integrity of our democratic institutions. Sint Maarten is a constitutional democracy, and we must ensure that the separation of roles and responsibilities remains clear, respected, and upheld.”

The Prime Minister further stressed the importance of learning from the situation and preventing future ambiguity, “We have a responsibility to address this matter with maturity and resolve. Clear constitutional boundaries are essential to good governance. Where those boundaries are tested, it is our duty to reaffirm them decisively and constructively.”

Prime Minister Mercelina indicated that the Council of Ministers will deliberate on the advisory.

“Our focus now is on strengthening governance, reinforcing accountability, and ensuring that our constitutional framework continues to serve the people of Sint Maarten effectively and without ambiguity.”

The Government of Sint Maarten remains committed to transparency, the rule of law, safeguarding the constitution and the continued strengthening of its democratic institutions.

THE VALLEY ANGUILLA:--- The government of Anguilla is intensifying its efforts to address the issue of unauthorized charter boats from St. Martin/St. Maarten is operating in its waters. Economic Development Minister Kyle Hodge has announced that enforcement measures will soon be implemented to tackle this long-standing problem.
Hodge’s statement comes in response to growing concerns raised by local boat operators and a viral social media post highlighting the unregulated activities of foreign vessels. The post, shared over 90 times, called for stricter enforcement to protect Anguilla’s maritime borders and ensure fair competition for local businesses.
Government Action and Violations
A letter from Permanent Secretary Larry Franklin, dated February 16, outlined the government’s awareness of the issue and detailed the violations committed by these unauthorized vessels. These include:
• Operating without proper customs clearance or commercial permissions.
• Failing to comply with Anguilla’s tax, business licensing, and social security regulations.
• Avoiding contributions to the local economy through provisioning or fuel purchases.
Franklin emphasized that these vessels often transport guests to Anguilla’s beaches and marine attractions without adhering to the island’s regulatory framework. This non-compliance not only undermines local operators but also poses risks to passenger safety, environmental integrity, and Anguilla’s reputation as a high-end tourism destination.
Impact on Local Businesses and Tourism
The letter also highlighted the role of some hotels and booking agencies in Anguilla that facilitate bookings for these unauthorized vessels. Franklin urged these entities to exercise due diligence and avoid engaging with operators who violate Anguilla’s laws.
Concerns were also raised about the environmental and operational practices of foreign vessels, including prolonged anchoring, excessive noise, and unregulated marine activities. These actions, Franklin noted, could harm Anguilla’s tourism product and natural environment.
Strengthening Enforcement
To address these challenges, the government is evaluating additional measures, including enhanced enforcement and compliance monitoring. Franklin stressed the importance of safeguarding Anguilla’s legal framework to ensure the island remains a responsibly governed and attractive destination for tourists.
Minister Hodge reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving this issue, stating that it has been a significant concern for years and will now be dealt with decisively.
Anguilla Focus has reached out to Minister Hodge for further details on the planned enforcement actions and is awaiting a response.

CREDITS: ANGUILLA FOCUS.

French Quarter, St. Martin:---  A new book by Roland Richardson launches at Amuseum Naturalis in French Quarter this Saturday. The book is titled The Last Frontier: Sir Roland Richardson’s French Quarter. It features artwork of people and places in French Quarter, and Richardson’s memories of the time he lived there. It is bilingual in English and French. The public is invited to the free, launch event. It will be held at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in French Quarter from 9 am to noon this Saturday, March 28th. The book was produced by the Les Fruits de Mer association.

“We are so excited to share this with St. Martin,” said Amuseum co-founder Mark Yokoyama, who developed the book with Richardson. “It is a book about art, about French Quarter, and about St. Martin’s past.”

The Last Frontier features 26 paintings and etchings by Roland Richardson. Subjects include an etching of the house where Richardson lived in the French Quarter, and The Old House, the historic building where Amuseum Naturalis is located. The text, taken from oral history interviews with Richardson, reveals a French Quarter where traditions still survived on a rapidly changing island. He also shares insights into his artistic process.

Roland Richardson remembers his time in the French Quarter fondly, “

felt that was part of my real privilege, that opportunity to sleep with my doors open. I didn't have any worries, and I felt totally at home, but I felt really privileged to have, out of every door or window where I looked, the natural landscape. I did a huge, huge body of work during those years.”

Amuseum Naturalis is located at The Old House in the French Quarter. It is always free to visit, and all displays are outdoors. Guests are welcome to make a self-guided visit any day of the week during daylight hours. 

This book was produced with the support of the Fonds pour le développement de la vie associative (FDVA). The project was a collaboration between the Les Fruits de Mer association and the Roland Richardson Heritage Association. The funding includes providing copies of the book to all schools on the French side of the island. Teachers and youth group leaders interested in copies are encouraged to contact Les Fruits de Mer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Companies, organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring copies for schools are also encouraged to contact the association.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), joined the international community in observing World Oral Health Day (WOHD) on Friday, March 20, under the theme “A Happy Mouth is… A Happy Life” with students at the St. Joseph Primary School with second graders.

The students were given vital information on what is necessary for good oral hygiene. They were taught the brushing

and flossing technique.

Each child got the opportunity to brush their teeth for two (2) minutes using their individual timer. The book "Melvin the Magnificent Molar," written by Julia Cook & Laura Jana, MD, was presented to the school, along with an enlarged tooth mouth model.

Parents and guardians are reminded of the importance of teaching children good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Encouraging children to brush properly and consistently helps lay the foundation for lifelong dental health.

Good oral care practices established in childhood can prevent many common dental problems later in life.

The annual observance highlights the importance of good oral hygiene and reminds the public that maintaining healthy teeth and gums is an essential part of overall health and well-being.

Oral health plays a major role in everyday life. Healthy teeth and gums help people eat properly, speak clearly, smile with confidence, and avoid unnecessary pain and discomfort.

Poor oral hygiene can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, bad breath, and other health complications that may affect a person’s quality of life. CPS is encouraging residents of all ages to make oral care a daily priority and to understand that prevention begins at home.

Brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste is one of the most important steps in protecting oral health.

Regular brushing helps remove plaque, prevent cavities, and reduce the risk of gum disease. CPS also encourages the public to floss daily, reduce sugary foods and drinks, drink plenty of water, and visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings. These simple habits can make a significant difference in keeping the mouth healthy.