THE NETHERLANDS:  On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Francio Guadeloupe officially accepted the position of KNAW Professor in the Public Anthropology of Kingdom Relations at the University of Amsterdam. In his powerful inaugural lecture, titled "Reweaving Dutch Caribbean Studies," Guadeloupe challenged traditional views of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. He urged a fresh look at how citizens actually live across the Atlantic, dedicating his address to his late friend and teacher, Rafael Sanchez.

Guadeloupe centers his research on the daily, lived realities of the Kingdom. He argues that the European Netherlands and the Caribbean islands are not separate worlds. Instead, they interweave constantly through culture, technology, and travel. Words from Papiamento, Caribbean snacks, and music mix naturally with the Dutch language and culture across both sides of the ocean.

A major theme of his speech was circular migration. Many people move back and forth between the islands and the Netherlands for work, family, or a change of pace. Guadeloupe highlighted the dual psychological connection these citizens share. He pointed out that rigid official census categories, which often label people simply as "Caribische Nederlander," fail to capture this rich, complex reality.

He also addressed the environmental and social realities of this interconnectedness. While commercial flights and tourism bring families together, they also rely on fossil fuels and a heavily exploited labor force. He drew attention to the workers who keep the island tourist economies running, calling for an economically just and ecologically sustainable approach to Kingdom relations.

To explore these dynamics, Guadeloupe outlined four clear research lines for his professorship:

• The study of trans-Atlantic cultural and intellectual creators.

• The study of kinship and romantic relationships that span the ocean.

• The impact of Dutch tourism on both the Netherlands and the islands.

• The study of the workers and owners driving the means of production in these economies.

By focusing on what people actually do rather than the structures imposed upon them, Guadeloupe hopes to rethink the constitutional arrangement of the Kingdom. His ultimate goal, he explained, is to unweave and reweave the Kingdom of the Netherlands to help build a fairer, more equal world.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) has taken note of a communique from the Anguilla Ministry of Health, Tourism & Sports with respect to the first locally acquired case of the West Nile Virus that has been identified in Anguilla in a 25-year-old resident.
As mentioned in the communique, there has been evidence of the virus circulating among birds, horses, and mosquitoes across the Caribbean since the early 2000s.
CPS has no reported cases of West Nile Virus and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The department uses this as an opportunity to remind the Sint Maarten community to inspect property for potential mosquito breeding sites, which can transmit other diseases such as Chikungunya, Zika, and Dengue.
The virus is most commonly transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito that has previously fed on infected birds, which serve as the virus's primary carriers in nature.
While many people infected with West Nile virus may not develop symptoms, CPS emphasizes the importance of prevention and awareness to reduce the risk of infection.
In humans, West Nile virus can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Most individuals who become infected may experience no symptoms at all. However, about 1 in 5 people may develop a mild illness known as West Nile fever, which can include symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms typically appear within a few days to two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
In rare cases, the virus can lead to more serious neurological illness, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
Severe symptoms may include high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, or paralysis. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe complications.
CPS stresses that preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection. Residents are encouraged to use insect repellents containing approved active ingredients, wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors, and ensure that doors and windows are properly screened to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
Another key preventive measure is eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small amounts of stagnant water found in containers such as buckets, flowerpots, tires, clogged gutters, or water storage containers. Residents are encouraged to check their yards regularly, especially after rainfall, to remove or empty any items that may collect water.
CPS will continue to monitor mosquito activity and provide guidance to the community. Residents who experience symptoms associated with West Nile virus, especially severe headaches, high fever, or neurological symptoms, are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’ vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.
Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) announces the start of the Inter-Insular Gun Buyback Program, beginning Monday, March 16, 2026.

Residents are encouraged to safely turn in illegal firearms to help make our community safer.

Program Details:

• Dates: March 16 – March 30, 2026 (2 weeks)
• Time: 08:00 AM – 12:00 PM daily
• Location: Police Station – Opal Building, Cole Bay

Participants may receive an average compensation of up to $500, depending on the type and condition of the firearm surrendered.

Individuals who voluntarily turn in a firearm will not be prosecuted for possession of the weapon when participating in this program.

Together, we can make Sint Maarten safer by reducing the number of illegal guns on our streets

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry (CAFAH) of Parliament will be meeting on March 13, 2026.

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Representatives of Native Nations SXM will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Presentation by Native Nations on the proposed regulatory model for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Sint Maarten (IS/ 410/2025-2026 dated December 2, 2025)

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