PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Fire Department is calling on the community to be safe this Easter holiday weekend that kicks off from Friday, April 3rd until and including Monday, April 6th.

Many people will be heading to the beach for various watersports activities and having a funday with family and friends. Safety should always be a concern.

Keep a watchful eye on young children whether they can or cannot swim; make sure that their flotation devices are in proper working condition. Tragic water events can happen quickly.  

Pay attention to senior family members who are swimming.  The beach can be fun and an enjoyable experience, so it’s up to you to stay safe.

Watch out for strong water currents. Stay in shallow water.

Exercise safe cooking practices in the kitchen to prevent kitchen fires and burn injuries.  While at the beach barbecuing, pay keen attention that young children are not close by.

After a successful BBQ, don’t forget to clean up all utensils, bottles, cans, paper plates, napkins and plastic cups from your family/friend Easter holiday beach experience and properly dispose of them in a garbage bin. Once coals have been completely extinguished, remove them so the beach environment is returned to its original state. 

Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children this Easter holiday weekend.

The Fire Department wishes all a safe and happy Easter holiday weekend.

The Fire Department falls under the Ministry of General Affairs.

In the event of a fire emergency, call 919.

Simpson Bay:---  Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) hosted its very first Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt on Saturday evening, bringing together airport employees for a unique and festive Easter celebration on the runway.

 With Easter right around the corner, Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) is embracing the festive spirit with activities for both the community and its employees. In celebration of the season, a large Easter Bunny has been placed outside the terminal, inviting the community to stop by and capture memorable photos. In the evenings, the installation lights up, creating an even more vibrant and picture-perfect moment for visitors.

As part of the internal celebrations, PJIAE hosted its very first “Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt” on Saturday evening, held outdoors on the airport’s runway. Organized by the internal event committee, the event brought together employees in a fun and unique setting, encouraging team bonding and a shared sense of community.

The evening was filled with excitement, laughter, and friendly competition, as colleagues enjoyed a creative twist on a classic Easter tradition.

“Creating moments like these allows us to connect beyond the workplace and celebrate together as one team,” said Bermyle Davis, HR People Operations Officer and organizer of the event. “It was truly rewarding to see everyone come together and enjoy such a special experience.”

PJIAE remains committed to fostering a positive and engaging work environment, while also creating moments that connect with the wider community. We would like to wish everyone a joyful Easter filled with happiness, quality time, and meaningful moments with family and loved ones, just as we celebrated with our airport family.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tensions ran high in Parliament on Wednesday as Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis formally tabled a Motion of No Confidence against the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs, citing widespread failures in leadership, governance, and the execution of critical national responsibilities.

The motion, presented during a parliamentary meeting, paints a grim picture of a ministry plagued by inaction, weak enforcement, and deteriorating public conditions nationwide.

“Beautiful Presentation, But a Failing Reality”

In a strongly worded address, the MP Lewis criticized the Minister Patrice Gumbs Jr.'s performance, stating that while the Ministry demonstrated awareness of its shortcomings, it had failed to take meaningful action.

“The only thing I gather is that the Minister knows what is going wrong, yet the laws are not being enforced, and even the bare minimum is not being executed,” the MP declared.

The speech highlighted the stark contrast between polished presentations delivered in Parliament and the conditions faced daily by citizens—unsafe roads, uncollected garbage, and neglected neighborhoods.

Public Funds Under Scrutiny

A particularly contentious issue raised was the continued payment of two senior civil servants who remain at home while still receiving full salaries. According to the MP, these individuals hold pivotal roles within the Ministry of VROMI, raising serious concerns about accountability and misuse of public funds.

“This is at the expense of the people,” the MP emphasized, calling the situation “unacceptable.”

Infrastructure and Environmental Concerns

The motion underscores longstanding complaints about deteriorating infrastructure, including:

• Poor road conditions across the island
• Abandoned and wrecked vehicles along major routes such as Zagersgut Road, Bush Road, and Pond Island
• Ineffective waste management leads to overflowing garbage in residential areas

These issues, the MP argued, not only pose safety hazards but also tarnish the island’s image and impact tourism and economic activity.

Economic Impact and Policy Failures

According to the motion, delays in building permit approvals and lack of clear policy frameworks have significantly hindered economic growth. The construction sector—considered a key driver of Sint Maarten’s economy—has been particularly affected, resulting in reduced employment opportunities and strain on small businesses.

The Minister is also accused of failing to provide a clear strategic vision for addressing critical issues such as drainage systems, road development, and landfill management.

A Reluctant but Decisive Move

In closing remarks that resonated across the chamber, MP Lewis made it clear that the decision to bring forward the motion was not taken lightly.

“I asked to speak last because I wanted to see if anything would change my mind,” the MP stated. “I do not do this with joy. I do this for the country I was born and raised in.”

What Happens Next

If the motion is adopted, the Constitution of Sint Maarten requires the Minister to immediately place his position at the disposal of the Governor, effectively resigning from office.

Additionally, the motion seeks to restrict the Minister, in a caretaker capacity, from entering into long-term agreements or making decisions that could bind the country financially or administratively.

Nation Watches Closely

As Parliament prepares to debate and vote, the outcome could have significant implications for governance, economic recovery, and public trust.

For many citizens, the motion reflects growing frustration over longstanding issues that continue to affect daily life on the island.

The Parliament of Sint Maarten

                                                                             Motion

The parliament of Sint Maarten in its meeting of today , April 1, 2026,

 Considering:

1. The Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs has failed to establish clear and effective policy frameworks and take the necessary actions to support economic activity, particularly at a time when government revenue generation is critical.
2. The Minister of VROMI, has failed to implement a clear, efficient, and timely mechanism for the processing and approval of building permits, resulting in significant delays that continue to hinder development of Sint Maarten.
3. The Minister of VROMI’s inaction has negatively impacted the construction sector, a key driver of the economy, thereby reducing economic activity, limiting employment opportunities, and placing increased strain on local small businesses that depend on consistent development. The absence of a clear, actionable plan from the Minister’s office to address drainage systems and the road network. Despite references to ongoing multi-year studies, there have been no defined project timelines, no transparency regarding deliverables, and no indication of when infrastructure works will commence or be completed.
4. The deteriorating condition of roads across Sint Maarten, including the significant number of damaged and abandoned vehicles along public roads, which pose safety hazards and create a widespread eyesore that negatively affects the country’s image.
5. The Minister of VROMI, has shown lack of a clear vision and strategic approach to address the condition and management of the landfill (dump), which continues to present environmental, public health, and aesthetic concerns for residents and visitors alike.
6. The Minister of VROMI, Patrice Gumbs has shown lack of strategic initiatives to attract foreign investment, thereby limiting economic growth and reducing opportunities for national development.
7. The Minister of VROMI, has failed to implement policies and initiatives that would position Sint Maarten as an attractive and competitive destination for investors, resulting in stagnation to the economic expansion.

Establishes:

That the Minister of Vromi, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, has failed to adequately lead the Ministry

Vromi In the best interest of Sint Maarten

Resolves:

The Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, no longer has the confidence of the Parliament  of Sint Maarten.

That, in accordance with Article 33, paragraph 2, of the Constitution of Sint Maarten, any Minister who receives a vote of no confidence from Parliament is required with immediate effect to place his or her position at the disposal of the Governor of Sint Maarten, thereby tendering his or her resignation without delay.

That, effective immediately upon the adoption of this motion of no confidence by Parliament, the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, shall:

1. Prohibited to sign off on any agreements, and or contracts, or any long-term policies, or financial commitments that may obstruct or encumber the new incoming Minister of VROMI from functioning adequately and that may commit and or effect and or bind the Country for a long time/ term in whatever way.
2. Requested as a caretaker Minister after the motion of no confidence has been endorsed to instruct management and boards to refrain from entering long-term financial commitments, hiring new personnel in management functions, and entering into long-term agreements.
3. Instructed not to take any decision as caretaker Minister of VROMI that will bind Sint Maarten entities.
4. Being held personally responsible for any decision taken following this motion of no confidence against him, that may have serious financial and administrative consequences for County Sint Maarten and or Government-owned companies.

Conclusion:

Be it therefore resolved that this motion of no confidence reflects the serious concerns of Parliament regarding the leadership, performance, and accountability of the Minister of VROMI, and underscores the urgent need for responsible governance, transparency, and effective decision-making within the Ministry.

This motion shall take effect immediately upon its adoption.

Copies of this motion to be sent to:

• The governor of Sint Maarten
• The Government of Sint Maarten/ Council of Ministers of Sint Maarten/ The Prime Minister of General Affairs of Sint Maarten
• The Kingdom of Council of Ministers
• The Government of Curacao
• The Government of Aruba
• The Parliament of Curacao
• The Parliament of Aruba
• First and Second Chamber of the Netherlands
• General Audit Chamber of Sint Maarten
• Council of Advice of Sint Maarten

Sint  Maarten, April 1, 2026

Submitted by:                                                                    Supported by the following MP’s:

MP. Lyndon C.J. Lewis

MP Egbert Jurendy Doran

MP Omar Ottley

PHILIPSBURG — Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richinel Brug did not attend the scheduled public meeting of Parliament on Wednesday, informing the Chairlady that he was unable to be present due to illness. The request resulted in the postponement of the meeting.

The Minister’s absence comes at a time of heightened political tension surrounding his position, as calls for his resignation continue to mount. While speculation has been circulating in recent days regarding his political future, Brug made no reference to any such developments in his communication to Parliament, stating only that his absence was due to health-related reasons.

The situation follows recent public statements by the leadership of the URSM party, which has openly called for Brug to step down. In a report published by SMN News, party officials outlined a series of concerns and allegations against the Minister, arguing that his continued tenure could undermine public trust in governance. Brug, however, has firmly rejected these allegations, maintaining that he has acted within the bounds of his responsibilities and in the best interest of the country.

More details on the URSM party’s position and the Minister’s response can be found here: https://www.smn-news.com/index.php/st-maarten-st-martin-news/50324-ursm-party-leadership-calls-for-minister-s-resignation-minister-rejects-allegations.html

Despite his absence from Wednesday’s meeting, it remains unclear when Parliament will reconvene to address the agenda items that were scheduled for discussion. Observers note that the unfolding political developments could have significant implications for the stability of the governing coalition.

As the situation develops, all eyes remain on Parliament and the actions of both the coalition and opposition in the days ahead.