PHILIPSBURG: --- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has successfully completed demolition operations on a parcel of government land on Pond Island. Minister Patrice Gumbs Jr. confirmed the removal of unauthorized structures, including multiple shacks, containers, abandoned vehicles, and fencing. This action underscores the government's commitment to enforcing proper land management and addressing illegal construction.
The operation was conducted after an extended period of communication with occupants and stakeholders. The process began in September, providing months of advance notice. A final notification was issued on January 12th, specifying the demolition start date. Minister Gumbs noted that the government deliberately scheduled the work after the Christmas holidays to consider the residents involved.
Before the demolition began, ministry inspectors conducted thorough site assessments and documented all structures. The execution was coordinated with all relevant stakeholders, including utility providers, to ensure a safe and organized process.

Clarifying Land Ownership and Future Actions

Minister Gumbs used the opportunity to send a critical message regarding land ownership. He stated clearly that merely occupying land, even for an extended period, does not confer legal ownership or long-term lease rights. The only way to secure such rights is through a deed passed at a notary.
With the Palm Island parcel now clear, the government intends to review other parcels of government land where unauthorized construction has occurred. The Minister also clarified that the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) is not involved in this demolition and that there will be no relocation compensation from that entity. He urged individuals in similar situations not to wait for a payout but to take action.
Acknowledging Deeper Societal Issues
While enforcing regulations, Minister Gumbs also recognized that the situation on Palm Island is a symptom of deeper societal challenges. He cited a critical shortage of housing, complex immigration issues, and broader socioeconomic problems as contributing factors.
The government acknowledges that enforcement alone is not the entire solution. These underlying issues will be addressed collectively through comprehensive government action and will be a focus within the forthcoming housing policy.
The Minister expressed sincere appreciation to the VROMI team, the police force, and all cooperating agencies for their professionalism, which enabled the safe execution of the operations. The government remains committed to effective land management to prevent unsanitary conditions that often result from unauthorized occupation.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) is taking significant steps to reform waste management in St. Maarten. On Wednesday, Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. provided an update on the tender for new garbage collection services, noting strong interest from the private sector and underscoring the government's commitment to a more sustainable and efficient future.
The tender, strategically divided into six distinct parcels to ensure comprehensive coverage across the island, has attracted competitive responses. A total of 17 companies submitted bids, demonstrating a robust interest in partnering with the government to improve this essential public service. This approach aims to enhance delivery service for all residents and businesses.
Minister Gumbs emphasized that the current waste collection system is both underfunded and inefficient. The new initiatives are designed to transition St. Maarten towards a more sustainable waste sector. The government has also received a letter from current haulers regarding their challenges, and a response is being finalized. The Minister expressed his appreciation for the open dialogue and looks forward to a continued working relationship with them.
A Transparent Evaluation Process
With the bidding process now closed, the Ministry's Evaluation Committee will begin a thorough assessment of each proposal. Minister Gumbs assured the public that this evaluation will be transparent and fair, taking into account the recommendations from the Ombudsman's report on the previous tendering process.
Each bid will be carefully reviewed against several key criteria, including:
• Technical specifications
• Quality standards
• Environmental considerations
• Value for money
The ultimate goal is to secure reliable, efficient, and sustainable garbage collection services that meet the community's needs while upholding the island's environmental standards.
Breakdown of Bids Per Parcel
The competitive nature of the tender was evident in the number of bids and the wide range of proposal values for each parcel:
• Parcel 1: 16 bids submitted, with proposals ranging from $684,000 to $3,339,158.
• Parcel 2: 10 bids submitted, with proposals ranging from $1,084,104 to $5,860,706.
• Parcel 3: 9 bids submitted, with proposals ranging from $826,974 to $3,267,583.
• Parcel 4: 10 bids submitted, with proposals ranging from $1,041,000 to $3,814,668.
• Parcel 5: 9 bids submitted, with proposals ranging from $772,350 to $3,581,649.
• Parcel 6: 10 bids submitted, with proposals ranging from $1,071,822 to $5,044,173.
The evaluation process is expected to be completed shortly. A further announcement will be made once the tender awards have been finalized. The Ministry thanked all companies that submitted proposals for their interest in contributing to the improvement of St. Martin's waste management services.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting today, February 4, 2026.

The Public meeting, which was adjourned on January 29, 2026, in the second round, was scheduled to reconvene on February 3, 2026, but did not take place due to a lack of quorum. The meeting is scheduled to be reconvened today at 16.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of General Affairs, and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor will be in attendance.

The Ministers will return to Parliament to provide answers to the questions posed by Members of Parliament in the second round.

The agenda point is:
Deliberations with the Minister of General Affairs and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor to address the escalating situation involving the nation’s fire and ambulance personnel (IS/320/2025-2026 dated November 10, 2025)

This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York, MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP L.CJ. Lewis and MP F.A. Lacroes

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.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten has reached a major milestone in strengthening its healthcare system with the completion of the draft National Ordinance on the Healthcare Professionals Registry (HCPR). Once approved by all stakeholders and ultimately ratified by Parliament, this ordinance will establish—for the first time in the country’s history—a legally anchored and integrated national registration framework for medical professionals.

This achievement is the result of a multi-year preparatory process that began in 2019 and was driven by the urgent need to bring clarity, structure, and legal certainty to the regulation of medical practice in Sint Maarten.

“This ordinance represents a decisive step toward safeguarding patient safety and strengthening trust in our healthcare system,” said Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina. “For too long, our system relied on fragmented and temporary measures. With this draft framework, we are putting in place a solid, future-proof structure that ensures only qualified and competent professionals to practice medicine in Sint Maarten.”

The initiative was prompted by practical challenges in the admission, assessment, and supervision of medical professionals. In the absence of a uniform national registration system, there was uncertainty about who was authorized to provide care, how professional competence was evaluated, and which medical acts could be performed. These challenges were compounded by the small and vulnerable nature of Sint Maarten’s healthcare sector and its strong dependence on professionals trained abroad.

“As a small island with an international labor market, we must be especially vigilant about quality and accountability,” the Prime Minister emphasized. “This law ensures that every doctor, nurse, and healthcare professional working here meets clear and transparent standards—standards our people deserve.”

The preparatory work began in 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina, in close collaboration with healthcare professionals. International models, including those of Aruba and the Dutch BIG register, were reviewed and adapted to Sint Maarten's scale and administrative capacity. Over the years, the process involved extensive consultations with stakeholders in the healthcare sector. In the past year, legislative lawyer Ms. Aarti Baran further developed the initiative and translated the outcomes into a coherent legal framework, incorporating, as far as possible, the insights and concerns raised during consultations into the draft legislation.

“This was never about copying foreign models,” said the Prime Minister. “It was about designing a system that works for Sint Maarten—our size, our realities, and our future."

The new framework is built on the principle that only recognized and demonstrably competent professionals may provide medical care. Registration and periodic re-registration form the backbone of the system, supported by continuing professional development and periodic assessment. This approach prevents individuals without up-to-date expertise or proven competence from practicing medicine and provides structural protection for patients.
“Patient safety is not optional—it is fundamental,” the Prime Minister stated. “This registry places quality, competence, and professionalism at the heart of healthcare delivery.”

Recognizing Sint Maarten’s position within an international labor market, the draft ordinance allows for the designation of foreign medical registers as equivalent and for the recognition of accrediting bodies responsible for assessing foreign diplomas and educational programs. It also introduces an admission program for professionals who require additional assessment. This program evaluates knowledge, skills, and professional competence and ensures familiarity with the local healthcare context.

“We are opening the door to qualified international professionals, while at the same time protecting our standards,” the Prime Minister added. “This balance is essential for a resilient healthcare system.”
The National Ordinance on the Healthcare Professionals Registry marks the end of a transitional phase and the beginning of a sustainable and structured regulatory framework for medical professions in Sint Maarten. It strengthens legal certainty for healthcare providers, enhances protection for patients, and increases public confidence in the healthcare system.

“This is not just a legal reform—it is a public health reform,” Prime Minister Mercelina concluded. “It sends a clear message: Sint Maarten is serious about quality healthcare and serious about protecting its people.”

Following the groundwork laid under the Prime Minister’s leadership, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Mr. Brug will continue the process. The draft national ordinance is currently held in the VSA Minister’s portfolio and will undergo the necessary administrative and legal procedures before being submitted to Parliament for consideration and implementation.