PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the general public that road repair works will be carried out tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13th, 2026, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. along Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg, specifically from the intersection of Manzanilla Steeg to Codville Webster Street, including the section on N. Debrot Street in front of the Old Government Building area.
As a result of these works, temporary traffic disruptions can be expected in the abovementioned vicinity. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, follow all traffic signs and directions, and allow for additional travel time when traversing the area.
The works are being conducted as part of ongoing efforts to improve road conditions and enhance safety for all road users.
Key Information Recap
Date: Wednesday, May 13th, 2026
Time: 6:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Cannegieter Street, Philipsburg and N. Debrot Street (infront of the old Government Building area)
Work Area: Manzanilla Steeg intersection to Codville Webster Street intersection
Traffic Impact: Disruptions expected in the abovementioned work areas. No Road Closure in place.
Reminder: Motorists are urged to drive cautiously and follow traffic directions
The Ministry of VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during the execution of these and all ongoing repair works. For more information please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- Orco Bank Sint Maarten today announced the launch of Orco Cares, a new community impact program that formalizes the bank's long-term commitment to the people and places of Sint Maarten through volunteerism and community service.
Unlike a one-time initiative, Orco Cares is designed as a permanent umbrella under which Orco Bank will engage with the Sint Maarten community year-round, starting with participation in SXM Doet on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
"Sint Maarten is not just where we operate, it's our home," said Judy King, of Orco Bank Sint Maarten. "Orco Cares is our way of putting that belief into action. We believe a bank's value is measured not only in financial terms, but in the strength of the community it serves."
For its inaugural initiative, Orco Cares will mobilize 23 Orco Bank employees to participate in two community improvement projects in Sucker Garden. Volunteers will work alongside the No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation to refurbish an agricultural greenhouse used for youth education programs, and assist the Lion Civic Center in installing safety fencing around an outdoor gazebo used daily by children.
Both projects are part of SXM Doet, Sint Maarten's annual national volunteer day, during which organizations and individuals across the island dedicate time and resources to improving the community.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), proudly joins the global community in recognizing International Nurses Day on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, and extends heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated nurses who serve within the department and across Sint Maarten/Saint-Martin.

This year’s theme, set by the International Council of Nurses (ICN), is “Our Nurses. Our Future. The economic power of care.” The theme highlights the vital role nurses play not only in healthcare delivery but also in strengthening communities and supporting sustainable development.

Nurses are widely regarded as the backbone of the healthcare system, playing a critical role in patient care, health promotion, and disease prevention. Their work requires compassion, resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to improving the well-being of others. Whether in clinics, communities, or emergency settings, nurses remain at the forefront of safeguarding public health.

CPS commends its nursing staff for their diligence, professionalism, and dedication to service. Their contributions continue to positively impact the quality of life within the community, reflecting a deep sense of responsibility toward the welfare, safety, and recovery of patients. These qualities not only define the profession but also inspire future generations to pursue careers in nursing.

International Nurses Day is observed annually on May 12, marking the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale, whose legacy laid the foundation for modern nursing practices. The day serves as an opportunity to honor nurses worldwide for their invaluable contributions and sacrifices.

CPS extends sincere gratitude to all nurses across both sides of the island—Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin—for their continued commitment to protecting and strengthening the health of the community. As aptly stated, “To do what nobody else will do, in a way that nobody else can do, in spite of all we go through; that is to be a nurse.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on April 7, 2026.

The Public meeting, which was adjourned on April 7, 2026, will reconvene on Tuesday 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) will be in attendance.

The agenda points are:
2. Deliberations with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor regarding the state of affairs of the St. Maarten General Hospital (IS/775/2025-2026 dated March 4, 2026)
3. Deliberations with the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, addressing the recent integrity-related allegations within the Ministry, including the request for an investigation by the Integrity Chamber (IS/919/2025-2026 dated April 2, 2026)

Agenda point 2 was requested by MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP L.C.J. Lewis, and MP F.A. Lacroes, and agenda point 3 was requested by MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP C.L. Wever and MP V.C. Jansen-Webster

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