POINTE a PITRE:---:--- The Caribbean aviation landscape faces a critical turning point as Air Antilles, a key regional carrier, enters a decisive phase in its fight for survival. Following months of operational paralysis and mounting financial pressure, the airline's future now rests in the hands of the Commercial Court of Pointe-à-Pitre.

With operations grounded and 114 employees facing uncertainty, the stakes could not be higher.

A Timeline of Turbulence

The trouble began in earnest on December 8, 2025. Following an audit by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) that highlighted safety management dysfunctions, the airline’s Air Transport Certificate was suspended. This regulatory grounding halted all flights and imposed an immediate ban on ticket sales.

For an airline, being grounded is catastrophic. Without revenue flowing in, fixed costs quickly erode cash reserves. By late January 2026, the financial strain had become insurmountable.

The Decision to File for Insolvency

Faced with the inability to meet financial obligations, Louis Mussington, President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin and representative of the public shareholder, made the difficult decision to file for insolvency (cessation of payments).

In a solemn internal letter addressed to the staff, Mussington expressed "deep regret" over the move. He was careful to separate the company's financial failure from the efforts of its workforce.

"I fully measure the anxiety and questions that this announcement will arouse," Mussington wrote to the employees. "I want to assure you that this decision does not in any way call into question the value of your work, your involvement, or your attachment to Air Antilles. You have carried this company with seriousness and dignity to the end."

The Legal Process: Reorganization vs. Liquidation

On January 22, 2026, the airline's management and employee representatives appeared before the Commercial Court of Pointe-à-Pitre. The court has taken the matter under advisement and is scheduled to deliver its verdict on February 2, 2026.

The court essentially has two paths forward:

1. Judicial Reorganization (Redressement Judiciaire): This is the preferred outcome for the shareholders. It would allow the company to restructure its debts and operations under court supervision, potentially saving jobs and preserving the airline.

2. Liquidation: If the court deems the business unviable, it could order the liquidation of assets, effectively ending the airline's existence.

Adding pressure to this timeline is the expiration of the company's provisional operating license on January 31, 2026. Failure to renew this license would likely lead to a shutdown, regardless of the court's financial ruling.

The Human and Economic Toll

Beyond the legal proceedings, the human impact is significant. The 114 employees of Air Antilles have been living in limbo since the grounding in December. The psychological toll was acknowledged by union representatives, including Brieuc Hardy of the National Union of Airline Pilots, who attended the court hearing.

Public Investment at Risk

The crisis also poses a significant risk of public funds being lost. The Collectivity of Saint-Martin has invested heavily in the carrier since its previous takeover in late 2023.

• Total Investment: Approximately €19-€20 million in public money has been injected into the airline.

• Strategic Importance: Air Antilles is not just a business; it is a vital connectivity tool for the region, serving Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.

Despite the recent struggles, the airline demonstrated its market demand in 2025. Before the grounding, it transported over 121,000 passengers and generated roughly €18 million in revenue. These figures suggest that the business model has potential if the regulatory and management issues can be resolved.

A Glimmer of Hope?

While the situation is dire, there remains a path to survival. Reports indicate that a consortium of investors is finalizing a takeover offer. This proposal is expected to be presented to the Commercial Court as part of the argument for judicial reorganization rather than liquidation.

For the shareholders, particularly the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, reorganization is the only way to safeguard the millions already invested. Louis Mussington remains hopeful that the court will see the viability of a restructured airline.

Conclusion

The fate of Air Antilles will be decided on February 2. The decision will determine whether a vital regional link can be restored or if the Caribbean will lose a major player in its aviation network. For the employees, passengers, and public investors, the coming days will be filled with anxious anticipation.

GALISBAY, SANDY GROUND – A minor suspected of committing an armed robbery was taken into custody by gendarmes on the morning of Thursday, January 22. The arrest followed a dedicated judicial operation in the Galis Bay and Sandy Ground area.
The individual is accused of involvement in an armed robbery where a weapon was used. This morning's operation was the culmination of an investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the person responsible for the crime.
Legal proceedings concerning this case are now underway. The Basse-Terre prosecutor's office is directing the judicial process to ensure all legal protocols are followed.
This arrest highlights the gendarmerie's ongoing commitment to public safety. Officials have reiterated their full mobilization in the fight against the proliferation of illegal weapons on the island. These efforts are a core part of their mission to ensure the security of all residents and visitors. Further details on the case will be released as the legal process continues.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The wheels of democracy in Sint Maarten appear to be grinding to a halt, with a growing backlog of unheld meetings leaving Parliament—and by extension the public—in the dark on critical issues ranging from national security to tax reform.
​According to the latest "Pending Meeting Requests" list dated January 7, 2026, obtained by SMN-News, dozens of crucial discussions requested by Members of Parliament remain outstanding. The document paints a concerning picture of a legislature waiting on the executive branch, with some requests dating back to 2023.
​The "Top 3" Accountability Gaps
An analysis of the document reveals that the Ministries of Finance, VROMI, and Justice account for the bulk of the delays, effectively creating a bottleneck on progress.

​1. Ministry of Finance: The Legislative Logjam
The Minister of Finance currently holds the highest volume of critical pending matters. Most alarming is the delay in discussing the complete overhaul of the tax system.

Additionally, the Minister faces a stack of new legislative drafts from January 2026 regarding the supervision of virtual assets (crypto), payment services, and investment firms. Without these meetings, Sint Maarten’s financial compliance framework hangs in the balance.

2. Ministry of VROMI: Infrastructure & Safety on Hold
While the country faces housing shortages and climate risks, the Minister of VROMI has a significant list of outstanding updates.
Housing Crisis: Two separate meetings on social housing and the state of national housing (requested in January and May 2025) have yet to take place.
Flood Readiness: A request from November 2025 to discuss "national flood management and drainage readiness" remains pending. With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, the lack of parliamentary scrutiny on our drainage infrastructure is a gamble with public safety.

3. Ministry of Justice: Security Risks Unaddressed
The Ministry of Justice is trailing on matters of immediate national security and human rights.
Prison Crisis: A roundtable on the capacity and situation at Point Blanche Prison was requested back in November 2024. The document notes the Minister was "ready in April," yet the meeting is still listed as pending in January 2026.
Regional Instability: An urgent request from January 5, 2026, to discuss national security concerns following the "capture of Venezuela's Head of State" is listed, with a closed-door meeting held, but an urgent public meeting still to be called.

The "Stalling" Tactics?
The document reveals a pattern of deferrals that hampers Parliament's ability to supervise.

"More Time Needed": The standard response for the tax reform meeting.
Budget Deflections: A request to discuss the U.S.-China trade war and the delay of the vendor marketplace (MinTEATT) saw the Minister invite MPs to handle the matter "after Budget 2025".

Silence: A request regarding the 2024 General Audit Chamber report is simply listed as "Normally in October," yet remains on the January 2026 list.
Impact on the People
The consequences of these delays are not just administrative; they are felt on the ground.
Economic Stagnation: A presentation on a regulatory model for cannabis legalization, requested in December 2025, is stalled.
Uncertainty for TelEm: A critical discussion on TelEm's financial performance, requested in October 2025, is still pending, leaving the job security of employees and the company's viability in question.
As the list of "outstanding" meetings grows, so does the deficit of accountability. With Parliament unable to question Ministers on these vital topics, the question must be asked: Is the government avoiding scrutiny, or has the machinery of government simply seized up?

Click here for the updated list of pending meetings.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tzu Chi volunteers joined forces to provide a full home clean-up and basic living support for a 71-year-old senior living alone in Cole Bay.
The effort was initiated after a single mother of four, facing her own challenges, reached out to Tzu Chi for help. Her actions, volunteers say, reflect the teaching of Tzu Chi Founder Master Cheng Yen that “Giving is not the privilege of the wealthy, but the privilege of a sincere heart.”
An initial visit in late December 2025 found the senior’s apartment in extremely poor, unsanitary conditions. The mattress was infested with bugs, there was no clean area, and the home lacked food and drinking water.

The senior faces high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic back pain, and knee problems, which affect her mobility. Family support is minimal, with only an 84-year-old sister and an absent son. Following the assessment, the senior was
approved to receive monthly food assistance from Tzu Chi.
On January 16, volunteers arrived with food, cleaning supplies, and a new bed. With the senior’s consent, all movable items were temporarily removed to allow a thorough cleaning of the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. Within four hours, the home was transformed into a safe, livable space.
When the senior returned, he became deeply emotional and expressed heartfelt gratitude. Volunteers reassured him that all belongings had been carefully cleaned and organised.
Volunteers also reflected on the experience. Sister Carolina said, “This was my first time participating in a house clean-up project. I felt happy and grateful and deeply experienced the power of teamwork in making things happen.” Brother Cavin added, “I felt joy working with a harmonious team where everyone shared the same mindset and gave back to the community.”