PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) has commenced a new round of fuel dispenser calibration at service stations across the Dutch side of the island.

This initiative is being carried out in strict adherence to the Ijkverordening (Calibration Ordinance), which mandates regular verification of measuring instruments used in commercial transactions.

Economic Controllers have been visiting fuel stations island-wide to test and verify that all fuel pumps accurately dispense the quantity of fuel indicated to consumers.

Using certified calibration equipment, inspectors ensure that every litre delivered meets the legally required measurement standards.

Accurate measurement at the pump is essential for consumer protection. Precise calibration guarantees that motorists receive the full amount of fuel they pay for, particularly during times of fluctuating global fuel prices.

In addition, inspectors verify that all price indications at fuel stations are clearly displayed, accurate, and compliant with regulations so that consumers can make informed purchasing decisions.

“Consumers must be confident that the price shown is the price paid, and that the quantity dispensed matches the amount charged,” the Inspectorate stated.

“These controls are a core part of maintaining fairness in the marketplace.”

Beyond consumer protection, the calibration exercise plays a crucial role in safeguarding commercial integrity. Ensuring uniform compliance with the Ijkverordening prevents unfair competitive advantages and promotes transparency among all fuel retailers operating on the Dutch side of the island.

“Fair commerce depends on accurate and trustworthy measurement,” the Inspectorate emphasized. “Regular calibration protects honest businesses and strengthens confidence in the sector as a whole.”

The Inspectorate will continue to monitor fuel stations throughout the year, conducting both scheduled and unscheduled inspections.

IETA encourages all businesses using measurement instruments—whether fuel dispensers, retail scales, or other commercial devices—to maintain compliance with the Ijkverordening and ensure instruments are certified, sealed, and functioning correctly.

For more information on calibration requirements or compliance guidelines, businesses and consumers may contact the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 542-3182.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force’s special Team conducted a series of high-impact operations between Monday, December 8, and Sunday, December 14, 2025, focusing on arrests, house searches, preventive frisking, and targeted surveillance in key hot spots across the island.
Key Operations and Results:
December 9, 2025: A drug bust took place in the Middle Region, where a suspect was arrested for violating the opium law. A large quantity of opium was found hidden in the suspect's vehicle, leading to a house search that uncovered:
o USD 12,750, EUR 730
o one handgun with a loaded magazine and bullets
o 2 additional empty magazines with 5 more rounds were also found.
o Handcuffs, a bulletproof vest, and footwear likely used in a robbery
December 10, 2025: Preventive searches in the Middle Region led to the arrest of two male suspects in possession of narcotics. A house search yielded no further findings.
December 11–12, 2025: A traffic control was done on Welfare Road (Cay-bay area), which led to the discovery of a bullet in the vehicle, followed by the seizure of 200 rounds (.22 caliber) during a house search. In a separate traffic check at Cay-bay, significant quantities of n were seized.
General Surveillance and Controls: From December 8 to 14, the Team carried out preventive searches and traffic stops between the times of 5:00 PM and 5:00 AM in several areas, including Hope Estate, Middle Region, Dutch Quarter, St. Peters, Cay-bay, Simpson Bay, Maho, Cole Bay, and Porto Cupe-coy. These operations resulted in:
• 250 individuals searched
• 40 vehicles searched
• 300 vehicles stopped
Summary of Results:
• 5 arrests related to drug possession, opium trafficking, and firearm violations
• Weapons seized: 1 handgun, 7 live rounds, 200 live rounds of ammunition
• Money seized: USD 12,750 and EUR 730
KPSM remains committed to ensuring the safety of the public by proactively addressing criminal activity and conducting targeted operations aimed at reducing crime across Sint Maarten.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Is this another delay tactic by the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs?
The General Audit Chamber's findings are factual and authoritative and confirm serious governance and administrative shortcomings within the Ministry of VROMI. These findings are directly relevant to a resident whose building permit application, submitted in 2023, remains undecided nearly three years later.
A resident’s building permit application has remained unresolved since 2023, despite compliance with procedural requirements. Such a delay is excessive and inconsistent with principles of good administration.

The property is located on Union Road, Cole Bay, adjacent to an apartment building reportedly owned by the father of the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, raising legitimate concerns regarding impartiality and equal treatment.
During the 2024 Parliamentary Budget Debate, Minister Patrice Gumbs was questioned about this specific building permit and stated that it was “being reviewed.” More than one year later, no decision has been issued, calling into question administrative accountability and respect for parliamentary oversight.
The General Audit Chamber has identified systemic weaknesses within the Ministry of VROMI, including prolonged delays, weak internal controls, and governance failures that create conditions for improper influence or the appearance thereof.

Administrative responsibility for coordinating and finalizing building permit approvals rests with the Secretary General of VROMI, Mr. Kenson Plaisimond, who currently serves under a fixed three-year contract. The continued absence of a decision in this case raises serious concerns regarding administrative independence and the impartial execution of statutory duties, particularly in a politically sensitive matter.

Prolonged inaction in such cases undermines equal treatment under the law, erodes public confidence, and may constitute maladministration.
Residents who believe they are experiencing unreasonable delays, unequal treatment, or administrative irregularities are encouraged to submit formal complaints to the Bureau of the Ombudsman, which is mandated to investigate allegations of maladministration independently.
This case underscores the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and the equal application of the law, ensuring that no resident is disadvantaged due to political proximity or influence.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) has reported a substantial rise in public transport enforcement from June to December 2025, resulting in more than ANG 30,200 in fines across the transportation sector.

The increase in enforcement activity coincides with strengthened operational capacity within the Inspectorate, leading to more frequent roadside controls, improved coverage, and enhanced monitoring of public transport operators.

September and November recorded the highest enforcement totals, each exceeding ANG 7,900.

During this period, inspectors identified several recurring violations, including:

Operating passenger transport without the required permit;

Failure to comply with vehicle inspection (Keuring) requirements;

Service standard violations under the National Decree Passenger Transport, such as unsafe vehicle conditions, improper passenger handling, and failure to meet minimum operational obligations;

Unlawful fare practices;

Private vehicles engaging in commercial passenger transport;

Buses and taxis accounted for most of the violations, with several cases involving private vehicles operating illegally as public transport.

Head of the Inspectorate, Lucien Wilson, stated that the enforcement results reflect IETA’s commitment to improving safety, professionalism, and fairness within the public transportation system.

“These outcomes demonstrate the importance of consistent, visible enforcement. Our focus remains on passenger safety and ensuring that compliant operators are protected from unsafe and unfair practices.”

IETA - Section Transport will continue routine and targeted inspections in the coming months, prioritizing safety risks, permit compliance, and service quality standards.