PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, continues to advance the strengthening of the Ministry of VSA in line with the Governing Program 2024–2028, guided by the Ministry’s 2025 State of Affairs assessment. The 2025 State of Affairs assessment document and 2026 management team kick off sessions, confirmed that clear direction is essential to moving the Ministry forward.
The State of Affairs assessment confirmed that while VSA is a dedicated and resilient organization, it has been operating in a fragmented and reactive manner, with departments often working in silos, processes inconsistently applied, and limited alignment across the Ministry. It further highlighted that without clear structure, coordination, and strategic coherence, even strong individual efforts do not always translate into collective results.
“In an environment where capacity is limited and demands are high, you cannot afford to move without clarity,” Minister Brug stated. “The assessment made it clear: before we accelerate, we must align.”
Over the past months, that clarity has been established. A shared, ministry-wide strategy for the period 2026–2029 has been developed in close collaboration with management across all departments. This strategy builds directly on the findings of the assessment and provides a unified direction for the Ministry moving forward. The focus has now shifted toward strengthening the Ministry from within—addressing the structural and operational gaps identified in the assessment and moving deliberately toward a more integrated and coordinated organization. This transformation is not a single project, but a structured, multi-year effort.
As part of this effort, several initiatives are currently underway:
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Investing in becoming more data-driven, recognizing the need for stronger data systems and evidence-based policymaking as highlighted in the assessment
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Providing hands-on operational support to key executing organizations such as the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), strengthening the link between policy and execution
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Optimizing internal processes and introducing light digitization to address inefficiencies caused by manual and inconsistent workflows
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Strengthening internal coordination by introducing shared dashboards and a more structured management cadence, improving visibility and alignment across departments
The ultimate goal remains clear: a stronger VSA Ministry—better organized, better coordinated, and better equipped to serve its staff, its partner institutions, our people. This project is a two-year plan that started January 2026. Quarterly updates will be provided to management, staff, and the community.

HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG:---  This year on King's Day, the Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency Mr. Ajamu G. Baly, will not confer any royal decorations. Due to the time required to complete the nomination and assessment process, nominations could not be finalized in time for this year’s celebrations.

The nomination process for a royal decoration is thorough and involves several stages of review at both the local and Kingdom levels. As part of this process, nominations are assessed and advised upon locally before being forwarded for further evaluation within the Kingdom. Persons eligible for nomination are those who have made a long-standing and meaningful contribution to society and remain actively involved.

Nominations must be submitted using the standard nomination form and must be supported by relevant documentation and letters of support. Documented proof of community work such as press releases and photos are encouraged. Nomination forms must detail the contributions of the nominee and highlight their deservedness. Together, these are essential in substantiating the merits of the candidate. Given the extent of the assessment process, timely submission is important. To be considered for King’s Day 2027, complete nomination packages needs to be submitted no later than August 1, 2026.

Do you know someone who consistently goes above and beyond for the community and deserves recognition? You are encouraged to nominate this individual. For more information on the requirements and the nomination process, you may contact the Royal Decoration Advisory Committee (RODAC) via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. See also the Facebook site: www.facebook.com/rodacsxm.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc F. E. Mercelina, has formally addressed the Supervisory Board of NV GEBE regarding ongoing public concerns surrounding the utility company’s billing system, emphasizing the need for urgent action, transparency, and restored public trust.

In a letter issued on April 20, 2026, the Prime Minister emphasized that the matter remains a significant national concern, citing persistent unease among citizens about the accuracy and reliability of their utility bills.

“The issue of the billing system remains a significant point of unease among the people of Sint Maarten,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated. “Despite prior discussions and assurances, public confidence in the accuracy, reliability, and transparency of the system continues to be questioned.”

The Prime Minister highlighted that the issue extends beyond administrative or technical challenges, stressing its broader implications for public trust in one of the country’s most essential utilities.

“This lingering uncertainty is not merely a technical or administrative matter—it directly impacts public trust,” he said. “It is imperative that this issue be addressed with urgency, clarity, and accountability.”

To address these concerns, Prime Minister Mercelina has called on the Supervisory Board to take immediate and decisive steps, including a thorough review of the billing system, ensuring accuracy and transparency in billing processes, identifying and correcting discrepancies, and improving public communication.

“At this juncture, the people of Sint Maarten deserve unequivocal assurance that the bills they receive are fair, accurate, and reflective of their actual consumption,” the Prime Minister emphasized. “Restoring and strengthening this confidence must be treated as a priority.”

The Prime Minister also expressed confidence in the Supervisory Board’s role and responsibility to safeguard the public interest.

“I trust that the Supervisory Board will exercise its oversight role diligently and take the appropriate actions to uphold the standards expected of NV GEBE,” he stated.

Prime Minister Mercelina concluded by urging prompt action and requesting updates on measures being implemented to resolve the issue, reaffirming the Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the well-being of the people of Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- 

The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on April 22, 2026.
The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 13.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:
1. Report from the Committee of Parlatino Matters regarding the First Vice Chairmanship of a Parlatino Committee (IS/962/2025-2026 dated April 15, 2026)

2. Approval of composition delegation and provisions for Members of Parliament to participate in the 22nd ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and the 10th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network, in Ottawa, Canada, from May 19- 22, 2026 (IS/936/2025-2026 dated April 7, 2026)

3. Approval of composition delegation and provisions for Members of Parliament to participate in IPKO and Tripartite meetings in the The Hague, the Netherlands from June 4-8, 2026 (IS/724/2025-2026 dated February 23, 2026)

4. Debriefing on ParlAmericas workshop on care systems for Caribbean Parliamentarians from April 16-17, 2026, in St. George’s, Grenada

5. Discussion regarding the proposal of Kingdom Law amending the Netherlands-Sint Maarten Tax Arrangement in connection with the implementation of the outcomes of the Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, as well as other amendments (IS/256/2025-2026 dated October 30, 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