VENEZUELA/ PHILIPSBURG:--- In a dramatic turn of events, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and First Lady Cilia Flores were captured by US forces during a large-scale military operation early Saturday morning. The operation, announced by US President Donald Trump, involved airstrikes across Caracas and surrounding regions, leaving the Venezuelan capital reeling from explosions and widespread power outages.

The Operation

The strikes, which began around 2 a.m. local time, targeted key military installations, including Fuerte Tiuna, Venezuela's largest military complex. Eyewitnesses reported hearing low-flying aircraft and multiple explosions that shook the ground. Plumes of smoke and fire were seen rising from several locations, including La Carlota airport.

President Trump hailed the mission as a "brilliant operation," emphasizing the precision and planning involved. Maduro and Flores were reportedly flown to the United States, where Maduro is expected to face charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. The US Department of Justice had previously placed a $50 million bounty on Maduro, accusing him of leading a criminal organization involved in cocaine smuggling.

Venezuelan Response

Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodríguez, who is constitutionally next in line for leadership, stated that the government is unaware of Maduro's whereabouts and demanded proof of life. Rodríguez condemned the US operation, calling it an act of aggression and a violation of Venezuela's sovereignty. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López vowed to resist what he described as an "invasion," while the government declared a state of emergency and urged citizens to defend the nation.

Regional and Global Reactions

The operation has drawn mixed reactions globally. Colombian President Gustavo Petro called for an emergency meeting of the United Nations and the Organization of American States, describing the strikes as an attack on Venezuela's sovereignty. Meanwhile, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel denounced the operation as "state terrorism."

European leaders, including those from the European Union, have expressed concern over the escalation, calling for de-escalation and adherence to international law. Russia and China, key allies of Venezuela, have condemned the strikes, with Russia demanding immediate clarification and labeling the operation a violation of international norms.

Impact on the Region

The strikes have disrupted air travel across the Caribbean, with Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten reporting delays and cancellations due to the active NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) affecting the region. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for updates.

What’s Next?

The future of Venezuela remains uncertain. While the opposition sees this as an opportunity for democratic transition, the government insists on its resilience. The US has stated that no further military action is planned, but the situation on the ground remains tense.

As the world watches, the capture of Nicolás Maduro marks a pivotal moment in Venezuela's history, with potential implications for regional stability and international relations.

Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is closely monitoring the evolving regional airspace situation in coordination with relevant authorities and airline partners.
While airport operations continue, flight activity is currently impacted, and some flights may be delayed or canceled, particularly those involving U.S.-registered aircraft, due to an active NOTAM affecting Caribbean airspace.
Passengers are strongly advised to contact their airline directly before coming to the airport for the latest information regarding their flight and rebooking options.
Further updates will be shared as appropriate through our official social media channels.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a country plagued by rolling blackouts and skyrocketing energy costs, the promise of relief through new generators for NV GEBE has become a cruel joke. Despite securing a €42 million loan from the Dutch government—complete with favorable terms—St. Maarten’s leadership has failed to deliver on its commitments, leaving residents in the dark, both literally and figuratively.

A Loan Secured, But Where Are the Generators?

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina proudly announced the acquisition of a low-interest loan to purchase three much-needed generators. Yet, months later, the generators remain a distant dream. The Dutch government, in its wisdom, attached conditions to the loan, including the installation of a management board at NV GEBE. However, the government has dragged its feet, relying on temporary management and a consultant CFO instead of appointing a permanent team.

Adding insult to injury, the shareholder—St. Maarten’s government has decided they want to put the generator purchase out to tender, a move NV GEBE strongly advised against. This bureaucratic quagmire has further delayed the process, with negotiations reportedly still ongoing with Wartsila. Meanwhile, the people of St. Maarten continue to suffer from unreliable electricity and inflated bills.

Leadership Paralysis and Misplaced Priorities

The government’s inability to act decisively is emblematic of a broader pattern of mismanagement. While Prime Minister Mercelina touts his efforts to stabilize the grid and secure funding, his administration has failed to address the root causes of NV GEBE’s dysfunction. The company has been without a proper management team for over four years, and the government’s promises to appoint a CEO, CFO, and COO remain unfulfilled.

Instead of taking swift action, the government has chosen to engage in endless discussions and legal gymnastics. The Prime Minister’s insistence on balancing transparency with continuity has become a convenient excuse for inaction. As a result, the people of St. Maarten are left to wonder: who is this government really serving?

The Cost of Inaction

The consequences of this leadership vacuum are dire. Families and businesses are grappling with exorbitant energy costs, exacerbated by billing inaccuracies stemming from a 2022 cyberattack on NV GEBE’s systems. While the government claims to be working on relief measures, these efforts have been piecemeal at best. A NAf 600,000 assistance program for vulnerable households is a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the crisis.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has taken matters into his own hands, submitting a draft regulation to place electricity costs and fuel pricing under government control. His proposal includes measures to curb unchecked cost pass-throughs and enforce efficiency standards at NV GEBE. Yet, even this initiative highlights the government’s failure to act proactively, forcing MPs to step in where the administration has faltered.

A Nation Deserves Better

The people of St. Maarten deserve more than empty promises and political distractions. They deserve leaders who prioritize their well-being over bureaucratic red tape. The ongoing generator saga is a stark reminder of what happens when leadership fails to rise to the occasion.

As the government continues to fumble, the question remains: how much longer will the people of St. Maarten have to wait for the relief they were promised? Until decisive action is taken, the island’s energy crisis will remain a glaring symbol of its leadership’s shortcomings.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The halls of government are trembling as proposed 2026 budget cuts threaten to shatter the fragile coalition. Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs’s intention to slash funding for key ministries has ignited a political firestorm, with sources revealing that the very stability of the ruling government hangs in the balance.

At the heart of the crisis are proposed cuts to the Ministries of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), and Justice. The move has drawn a firm line in the sand from Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, who, according to insiders, has issued an ultimatum to the Council of Ministers. She has made it clear that if her ministry's budget is reduced, she will resign—a move that would almost certainly trigger the collapse of the coalition.

The contentious budget discussions, which are still preliminary, have exposed deep rifts within the Council of Ministers. Several ministers are pointing fingers back at the source, urging Minister Gumbs to look inward. They argue that her own Ministry of Finance is drowning in wasteful spending, particularly on a legion of consultants who reportedly do little to benefit the country. "Look within your own ministry," one minister suggested, pointing to the "huge budget she allocated to consultants that actually does nothing."

This internal strife is compounded by widespread criticism of lavish government spending. Another suggestion from within the council is to cut the "extensive travel" budgets enjoyed by certain ministers and their cabinet staff. This sentiment extends to Parliament itself, with calls for Gumbs to reduce its funding. Members of Parliament are accused of benefiting from endless "Parlatino meetings" that fatten politicians' pockets but deliver zero value to the people of Sint Maarten.

The current financial predicament was not unforeseen. Former Minister of Finance and current Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion warned Gumbs last year that without a strategy to generate new revenue, painful cuts to the 2026 budget would be inevitable. That warning, it seems, was ignored.

While the final budget will not be presented to parliament until May, the battle lines are already drawn. The government is facing a crisis of its own making, torn between fiscal austerity and political survival. As ministers trade accusations and the threat of resignations looms, the people of Sint Maarten are left to wonder if their government is more focused on serving the public or on self-preservation. The impending budget cuts are no longer just about numbers; they are a direct challenge to the leadership and stability of the entire nation.