PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on January 16, 2025.

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Nature Policy Plan Sint Maarten 2025-2029 (IS/365/2025-2026 dated November 18, 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 Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), in collaboration with the Simpson Bay Fireworks Association, is pleased to reflect on the successful execution of Crew Year’s Eve 2026, held on Friday, January 9, in Simpson Bay.
Crew Year’s Eve once again proved to be a highlight on St. Maarten’s maritime calendar, bringing together yacht crew, marine professionals, residents, and visitors for an evening celebrating the island’s vibrant marine community. The festivities culminated in a spectacular fireworks display at 10:00 PM, lighting up the Simpson Bay skyline and creating a memorable moment for attendees both on land and on the water.
Beyond the celebration itself, Crew Year’s Eve generated a noticeable positive ripple effect across the island’s economy. Restaurants and bars experienced increased activity throughout the evening, while visitors and tourists actively sought information about the event, reinforcing St. Maarten’s reputation as a lively and welcoming destination. The timing of Crew Year’s Eve also encouraged many visitors to extend their holiday stays, allowing for greater flexibility in travel plans and contributing to sustained economic activity beyond the traditional holiday period. This extended engagement highlights the value of the event not only to the maritime sector, but to the wider tourism and hospitality industries on the island.
Following the strong turnout and enthusiastic response, the SMMTA is proud to see Crew Year’s Eve continue to grow as a meaningful moment of appreciation for the hard-working crews and marine businesses that contribute year-round to St. Maarten’s reputation as a leading yachting and maritime destination.
In addition to the main fireworks celebration, several marinas hosted events open to the maritime community and the wider public, further enhancing the island-wide atmosphere. Palapa Marina welcomed guests with a vibrant Gatsby-themed celebration, while Isle de Sol Marina and Yacht Club port de Plaisance also hosted themed events, reinforcing the inclusive and collaborative spirit that defines Crew Year’s Eve.
The SMMTA extends its sincere appreciation to the event partners and sponsors whose support made Crew Year’s Eve 2026 possible: IGY Marinas, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, Palapa Marina, Port of St. Maarten, Skyport Marina, Simpson Bay Resort, Nowhere Special, ProServ 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 a shared pride in celebrating the people who power it.
The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association thanks all partners, marinas, sponsors, and attendees for contributing to a safe, festive, and successful Crew Year’s Eve 2026 and looks forward to continuing this tradition in the years to come.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, has released the third video in an ongoing awareness series focused on youth mental health, this time addressing the serious issue of bullying and online exploitation. The video was produced in collaboration with local artist King James.
This third installment follows two earlier videos launched by the Ministry: the first centered on emotional well-being and the message “You good? Are you okay?”, encouraging young people to reach out to trusted individuals and not suffer in silence; the second highlighted the negative impact of vaping on youth health and development.
The latest video focuses on bullying, particularly in the digital space, and tells the story of a young girl who shared a private image with someone she trusted, only to have that image later shared widely without her consent. The video sheds light on the emotional harm, shame, and long-lasting mental health consequences that can result from such actions, while also emphasizing responsibility, empathy, and the importance of speaking up.
Minister Brug emphasized that the goal of the series is not to shame or frighten young people, but to create open conversations, promote awareness, and encourage safer choices, both online and offline. Bullying, including the sharing of private images without consent, is never acceptable and that young people who experience such situations should know they are not alone and that help is available.
Through this video series, the Ministry of VSA continues its commitment to supporting youth mental health by addressing difficult but relevant topics in a way that is relatable and locally grounded. Minister Brug emphasized the importance of respect, empathy, and accountability, calling on parents, educators, community leaders, and young people to work together to create safe and supportive environments. The Minister highlighted that addressing bullying requires early intervention, education, and consistent support for those affected.
The project reflects government’s priorities for 2024–2028, which focus on strengthening social well-being, empowering young people, and fostering safe, inclusive communities. These priorities emphasize protecting vulnerable groups, promoting positive social behavior, and encouraging collaboration among public institutions, schools, families, and community organizations.
Further information on support services and youth assistance programs will continue to be shared through the Ministry’s official communication channels.

PHILIPSBURG:---Terence Jandroep, Certified Risk Analyst (C.R.A.) and leading forensic consultant, is formally calling for a strategic overhaul of Sint Maarten’s postnatal healthcare coverage. The proposal outlines a critical requirement for Social & Health Insurances (SZV) to include DNA Paternity Testing as a standard, covered expense in postnatal laboratory packages.

As a specialist in risk assessment, Mr. Jandroep identifies the current lack of mandatory or accessible biological verification as a significant social and financial risk to the male population of Sint Maarten.

A Risk-Based Approach to Family Law
From a Risk Analysis perspective, "Presumed Paternity" without biological confirmation constitutes a "Blind Liability." Mr. Jandroep’s article highlights that:

• Financial Exposure: Men are often entered into life-long financial contracts (child support) based on unverified claims. Forensic litigation is the only "audit" available to rectify these liabilities.
• Mitigation of Legal Fraud: By including DNA testing in the SZV postnatal costs, the government can proactively mitigate the risk of "Tort of Deceit" and subsequent lawsuits that clog the Court of First Instance.
• Asset Protection: For many men, an erroneous paternity claim represents a 25% to 50% risk to their lifetime net earnings. Forensic verification at birth serves as a "due diligence" measure for their estate and legacy.

Forensic Strategy: The "Audit of Truth"
Mr. Jandroep advocates for the use of Forensic Matrices to evaluate these cases. This includes comparing biological data (DNA) against financial expenditures and digital timelines to identify "Red Flags" of deception early in the postnatal process.

"In my capacity as a Certified Risk Analyst, I view the current system as a failure of due diligence," says Mr. Jandroep. "We insure our cars, our homes, and our health based on verified data. It is time we apply that same forensic rigor to paternity to protect the financial and legal integrity of men in our community."

Proposal Objectives for SZV & VSA:

1. Standardized Coverage: Full coverage for "Chain of Custody" DNA testing for all SZV-insured newborns.
2. Risk Disclosure: Ensuring men are informed of their right to biological verification within the first year to meet the Civil Registry’s legal deadlines.
3. Restitution Framework: Utilizing forensic audits to recover loss of earnings in confirmed cases of paternity fraud.

Forensic Audit: Why SZV Must Include DNA Testing

As a Certified Risk Analyst, Terence Jandroep argues that the current "Maternity Package" is incomplete because it ignores Biological Due Diligence.

1. The Insurance Logic: SZV covers a "Wound Treatment Plan" for a mother to prevent the risk of infection. Logically, it should cover a "DNA Verification Plan" for a father to prevent the risk of Financial Fraud.
2. Labor & Loss of Earnings: SZV covers "loss of wages" for ill employees. However, a man who is a victim of paternity deception suffers a permanent "loss of earnings" through decades of erroneous child support. Forensic DNA testing is the only preventive measure against this loss.
3. The Gender Gap in Prevention: Women are given diagnostic tools (Thyroid, Blood Sugar) to prevent future illness. Men are denied the diagnostic tool (DNA) to prevent future legal and financial ruin.

Proposal: The "Full-Spectrum" Postnatal Package

Mr. Jandroep proposes that the VSA Ministry update the Sickness Insurance Ordinance to include a "Verification Clause." This would allow any man listed on a birth certificate to request a DNA test as part of the standard SZV lab referral within the first 30 days of birth.

"A risk analyst's job is to close the gap between assumption and reality," says Jandroep. "If SZV pays for the blood tests to check a mother's iron, it must pay for the blood tests to check a father's DNA. Both are essential for the stability of the Sint Maarten family unit."