PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at approximately 10:50 a.m., N.V. GEBE experienced an oil spill at the Power Plant, regrettably leading to oil release onto parts of the shoreline. The oil spill was an unfortunate event that originated from an overflowing settling tank within the fuel farm, the central point at the Power Plant for the primary fuel oil holdings. The excess oil cascaded into the surrounding area and eventually reached select shoreline parts via storm drains.

N.V. GEBE's dedicated team promptly mobilized an emergency response team and successfully contained the spill internally. Additionally, the team swiftly activated the Oil Spill Response Protocol. During this process, the relevant authorities, including The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) and the environmental agency, i.e., The Nature Foundation St. Maarten, were immediately alerted to ensure the situation was handled safely and efficiently.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, N.V. GEBE promptly sought assistance from Sol Antilles N.V. Their invaluable support, combined with the efforts of the teams from the Nature Foundation and N.V. GEBE, significantly bolstered the containment measures, effectively curbing the spread of oil and mitigating its impact on vulnerable ecosystems.

With all hands on deck, the teams worked effectively together to clean up and contain the oil spill in a well-coordinated, collaborative response effort.

N.V. GEBE extends its sincere gratitude to the Nature Foundation St. Maarten, Sol Antilles N.V., and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard for their swift collaboration and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Their partnership has been instrumental in minimizing the ecological impact of this incident.

 The Nature Foundation St. Maarten states that they are very thankful for GEBE's quick call to report the oil spill and clear communication regarding the situation. Today's incident was quickly mitigated and contained thanks to the bilateral communication between GEBE and Nature Foundation. We look forward to further collaboration to build higher capacity for future responses. Only through better contingency planning and capacity building can we address similar incidents and protect the coastal environment of Sint Maarten. The quick response of the Nature Foundation team was instrumental in lessening the spill's impacts to ensure the situation was managed correctly.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Postal Services of Sint Maarten (PSS N.V.) completes the acquisition of Cpost International’s N.V.’s (Cpost) operations, to include PuntoMio, EuroMio, and MoneyGram services effective 25 March 2024. This strategic move represents a significant milestone for PSS N.V., solidifying its position as a leading provider of postal and financial services in the region.

The integration of Cpost operations into PSS N.V. represents a significant advancement in international shipping solutions, offering customers in Sint Maarten improved convenience, efficiency, and affordability for their cross-border shipments.

Marinka Gumbs, Director of PSS N.V., expressed her enthusiasm with the acquisition, remarking, “I am thrilled to witness the realization of our efforts to finally reintegrate MoneyGram services at the post office. MoneyGram services provide a vital means of access for residents who may not have access to traditional banks or other financial institutions.”

Ms. Gumbs extended her gratitude to Mr. Jervhes Josephia, CEO of Cpost International N.V., for his collaborative approach and vision in initiating this partnership, recognizing the importance of exploring new initiatives in the postal and non-postal industry.
“We are also grateful to the people of Sint Maarten for their years of trust and support in Cpost,” commented Mr. Jervhes Josephia. “Our decision to collaborate with PSS N.V. reflects our commitment to serving our communities in the most efficient and customer-friendly manner possible. Through this strategic move, we are enhancing our services and ensuring continued excellence in postal and financial solutions.”

Ms. Gumbs concluded by reaffirming PSS’s commitment to excellence in service delivery, stating, “Postal Services Sint Maarten remains dedicated to providing top-notch service, and the launch of these new services underscores our commitment, meeting the evolving needs of our valued customers. We express gratitude for the continued support and loyalty of our customers and look forward to delivering excellent services.”

 PHILIPSBURG:---  On April 23, 2024, His Excellency, the Governor of Sint Maarten, received the updated final report from formateur L. Mercelina.
The formateur has accepted the commission to form a new government with the support of a majority in Parliament comprised of the fractions of URSM, PFP, DP and NOW. The new government consists of Ministers who are committed to the promotion of the well-being of Sint Maarten, who will, amongst others, give priority to new mental health laws, the Code of Criminal Conduct, the strengthening of regional cooperation on e.g., food security and climate change, a thorough review of the existing Landsverordening Inrichting en Organisatie Landsoverheid, including a decision on the feasibility of junior ministers, the improvement of public awareness on critical national issues such as general and mental health, financial literacy and education, and the realization of a Kingdom-wide Conference on subjects such as the democratic deficit, the debt burden of Sint Maarten and the right to sustainable development and self-government.

Candidates for the various portfolios have been vetted based on the pertinent regulations regulating the pre-screening of candidates before nomination and the faithful application of these norms, as has been the standing and official practice since the achievement of country status by Sint Maarten in 2010. The formateur has nominated the following persons who, based on the results of these screenings, are to be appointed by H.E., the Governor of Sint Maarten:
1. Mr. Luc F. E. Mercelina, Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs;
2. Mrs. Veronica C. Jansen-Webster, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labour and Acting Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure;
3. Mr. Lyndon C.J. Lewis, Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports;
4. Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs, Minister of Finance;
5. Mrs. Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication;
6. Mr. Patrice T. Gumbs, Minister Plenipotentiary;
7. Ms. Gracita R. Arrindell, Acting Minister Plenipotentiary.
The Governor has scheduled the appointment and swearing-in of the Ministers on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 10.00 a.m., at the Governor’s Office.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable demissionaire Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Omar Ottley, along with the Council of Ministers, has decided to revert to the legally established calculation method for persons aged 60 and older. This decision came after concerns from the executing agency were raised about the negative impact of the new calculation method, implemented in 2013 as a pilot, on seniors.

Under the new calculation method, seniors who previously received the full amount of aid, FLS. 505, saw their benefits reduced to either FLS. 267 or FLS. 400, depending on their circumstances. Minister Ottley responded swiftly to these concerns, taking action ahead of the approval and implementation of the draft of the lbham financial aid ordinance, which is currently undergoing legal processes.

The decision aims to ensure that seniors qualifying for financial aid receive an amount that increases their spending capacity, aligning with the government's objective. While the revised calculation method will not take effect immediately, it will be implemented within the coming months. This delay will allow the executing agency to adjust internal procedures accordingly.

Minister Ottley emphasized the urgency of this decision, stating, "We must ensure our seniors receive the support they need to maintain their quality of life. The increase in financial aid is a step in the right direction toward achieving this goal. The public should also be aware that an increase for all vulnerable groups is also in the works."