PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government of Sint Maarten, through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), has officially established two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with Saint Mary’s University (SMU) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and the University of Bridgeport (UB) in Connecticut, United States of America. These strategic agreements significantly expand affordable and high-quality tertiary education opportunities for Sint Maarten students who receive government study financing.

Strengthening Access to Affordable Higher Education

The agreements align with the Government’s continued commitment to socio-economic development by investing in human capital and ensuring that Sint Maarten students have access to internationally recognized academic institutions at reduced cost.

Minister Gumbs stated:

“These partnerships are an important step in expanding affordable pathways to tertiary education for our students. By securing significant tuition reductions and scholarship opportunities, we are ensuring that financial barriers do not limit the potential of our young people.”

Saint Mary’s University – Canada

Through the MOU with Saint Mary’s University, Sint Maarten students enrolled in full-time undergraduate degree programs will benefit from approximately 41% in tuition savings.

Saint Mary’s University, founded in 1802, is a public undergraduate-focused institution located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. It offers more than 57 undergraduate programs and 31 graduate programs across disciplines, including Arts, Science, Commerce, Engineering, and Environmental Studies, and is nationally ranked as a leading undergraduate research university in Atlantic Canada.

University of Bridgeport – United States

The MOU with the University of Bridgeport provides Sint Maarten study financing recipients with approximately 56% savings on the total annual cost of attendance.

The University of Bridgeport, located in Connecticut near New York City, offers over 100 academic programs across Engineering, Business, Education, Arts & Sciences, and Health Sciences, and is ranked among the top universities in the region for international student representation.

Coordinated Through Study Financing

All applications under these agreements are coordinated through the Division of Study Financing of the Ministry of ECYS. Students must meet admission requirements set by the respective institutions, maintain good academic standing, and comply with Study Financing regulations to continue benefiting from the agreements.

Both MOUs are valid for a period of five academic years and include provisions ensuring that students already enrolled at the time of any future termination may complete their studies under the agreed conditions.

Looking Ahead

These agreements follow the expiration of previous arrangements with institutions in Florida and reflect the Government’s strategic focus on expanding study opportunities within the Caribbean, North America, Canada, and beyond.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport encourages eligible students to explore these new opportunities and apply through the Study Financing platform

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, wishes to provide the public with an update regarding Sint Maarten patients currently receiving medical care abroad, in light of recent developments in the region, particularly the evolving situation in Venezuela.
From the onset of emerging regional tensions, the Ministry of VSA and SZV Social & Health Insurances have been closely monitoring the situation and assessing any potential impact on patient mobility, medical access, and continuity of care. As a precautionary measure, and prior to the developments over the past weekend, SZV had already begun facilitating the return of patients who were medically cleared and able to travel back to Sint Maarten from Curaçao and Colombia, due to concerns about possible disruptions to air travel in the region.
At this time, there are about 30 patients still receiving care in Curaçao and Colombia who require continued treatment before they are able to return home. SZV and the Ministry are actively coordinating medical oversight, logistics, and travel arrangements to ensure that these patients continue to receive appropriate care and can return safely as soon as their medical condition allows.
In the event of further escalation affecting Venezuela, Colombia, or Curaçao, the public is assured that contingency plans are already in place. SZV has identified alternative treatment destinations within the Caribbean, tailored to specific medical needs, to guarantee uninterrupted access to care for referred patients.
Minister Brug emphasized that these preparations are not solely a response to the current regional situation. “Even prior to recent developments, I instructed SZV to actively explore alternative care options within the Caribbean,” the Minister stated. “This was done both to strengthen our resilience in situations such as this and from a cost-containment perspective, while ensuring that the quality and safety of care remain paramount.”
The Ministry of VSA and SZV remain on top of this situation, working proactively, responsibly, and in close coordination with medical partners to protect the health and well-being of all patients receiving care abroad. The public will be kept informed should there be any changes that impact patient care or travel.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina, Prime Minister of St. Maarten, has expressed his sincere appreciation to airport personnel and key stakeholders for their decisive and coordinated actions following the temporary disruption of flights over the weekend and the beginning of the week, stemming from heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela.

The disruption, which peaked at the start of Saturday, January 3, affected several inbound and outbound flights, leaving passengers stranded and residents facing unexpected delays in returning home.

Thanks to the swift response and collaboration among stakeholders, flight operations were safely resumed, and impacted passengers received critical assistance and support.

“I wish to extend my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the dedicated staff of Princess Juliana International Airport, Air Traffic Controllers, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), airline partners, ground handlers, security personnel, emergency services, and all other relevant stakeholders who acted swiftly and professionally during this challenging situation,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated.

“Their collective efforts ensured that stranded passengers were cared for, that our residents were supported in their return home, and that normal flight operations could resume as quickly and safely as possible.”

The Prime Minister also highlightled the importance of preparedness and cooperation during periods of international uncertainty.

“This incident demonstrates the strength of our institutions and the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation. Despite circumstances beyond our control, the response reflected professionalism, compassion, and a strong commitment to public safety and service,” he added.
Prime Minister Mercelina further reassured the public that the Government of St. Maarten remains in close communication with regional and international partners to monitor developments and mitigate any potential impact on travel, tourism, and national security.

“I commend everyone involved for placing people first. Your actions reinforced confidence in our aviation sector and demonstrated St. Maarten’s readiness to respond calmly and responsibly during unforeseen disruptions,” the Prime Minister concluded.

The Government of St. Maarten thanks the traveling public for their patience and understanding and reiterates its commitment to ensuring safe, secure, and reliable air travel for residents and visitors alike.

 Simpson Bay, St. Maarten:---  The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), in collaboration with the Simpson Bay Fireworks Association, is pleased to announce the return of Crew Year’s Eve, set to take place on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Crew Year’s Eve has become a much-anticipated tradition within St. Maarten’s maritime calendar, bringing together crew, marine professionals, residents, and visitors for an evening that celebrates the island’s vibrant marine community. The event will once again feature a festive atmosphere capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over Simpson Bay.
Following the strong turnout and positive response to previous editions, the SMMTA looks forward to welcoming the community for another memorable celebration. Crew Year’s Eve continues to serve as a moment of appreciation for the hard-working crews and businesses that contribute year-round to St. Maarten’s reputation as a leading yachting and maritime destination.
In addition to the main fireworks celebration scheduled for 10pm, several marinas will host events, welcoming both the maritime community and the wider public.
The SMMTA extends its sincere appreciation to the event partners and sponsors whose continued support makes Crew Year’s Eve possible: IGY Marinas, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, Palapa Marina, Port of St. Maarten, Skyport Marina, Simpson Bay Resort, Pro Serve Marine, Island Water World, Napa, BWA Yachting, Carrefour, Steve Coetzer, PDG Supplies, and Bluwater Construction. Their commitment reflects the strength of collaboration within the marine sector and the shared pride in celebrating the people who power it.