Consumer Relief Recommendations for Electricity and Water Tariffs in Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Utilities are fundamental to everyday life, and affordable access to electricity and water is critical for households and businesses alike. A recent evaluation of electricity and potable water tariffs in Sint Maarten highlights a set of recommendations designed to relieve consumers of unnecessary costs, introduce greater transparency, and ensure fairness.

Reducing Utility Costs Through Adjusted Fuel Clause Mechanisms

One of the core issues affecting electricity and water tariffs in Sint Maarten is the fuel clause—a fluctuating cos...

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Exposing the Flaws: How Opaque Fuel Clause and TOT Practices Unfairly Burden Sint Maarten’s Energy Consumers.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Utility costs directly impact every household and business, making transparency and fair practices essential. A recent evaluation casts light on the way electricity tariffs are structured in Sint Maarten, specifically focusing on the fuel clause and the Turnover Tax (TOT) exemption for fuels used in electricity generation. This article dives into the report’s findings, highlighting the purpose and calculation of the fuel clause, the nuances of the TOT exemption, and the regulatory challenges standing in the way of a more efficie...

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SZV Joins CPS at Mom’s Health Fair to Support Maternal Wellness and Community Education.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, August 9, SZV Social & Health Insurances proudly participated in the annual Mom’s Health Fair, hosted by Collective Prevention Services (CPS), at the Belair Community Center. The event brought together organizations and community members to focus on maternal health, childcare, and essential support services for parents and families.

As a key stakeholder in supporting individuals during important life events such as pregnancy and childbirth, SZV delivered a presentation covering insured benefits and responsib...

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Minister Richinel Brug’s Leadership Under Fire: A System in Crisis.

PHILIPSBURG: --- On Wednesday, Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, laid bare the financial instability plaguing Saint Maarten’s healthcare system. While the Minister’s statements highlighted ongoing efforts to address the crisis, they also exposed glaring failures in governance, enforcement, and accountability—failures that have left the Social Insurance Bank (SZV) and the people of St Maarten footing an ever-growing bill for systemic neglect.

A Healthcare System on the Brink

Minister Brug confirmed that...

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