PHILIPSBURG:--- Today marks an exciting milestone for Sint Maarten’s digital economy with the official launch of AnyKey.sx, a locally based tech company offering fully automated.SX domain registration and comprehensive web hosting services. Likened to the “GoDaddy of Sint Maarten,” AnyKey.sx aims to enhance the island’s online visibility and accelerate the growth of e-commerce and digital businesses across the Caribbean.

“Any idea, any vision, AnyKey.”

Founded with a clear mission to make .SX domain names — the digital identity exclusive to Sint Maarten — both accessible and meaningful, AnyKey.sx provides a user-friendly website and dashboard for fully automated domain names registration, transfers, DNS and domain management, WHOIS privacy, and reliable human-centered support.

Empowering Local Businesses & Entrepreneurs

Based right here in Sint Maarten, AnyKey.sx understands local businesses' needs—from solo entrepreneurs to established enterprises. With modern, secure infrastructure and transparent pricing, AnyKey.sx is committed to helping its clients establish, manage, and expand their digital identities online effectively and affordably.

“Our goal is simple yet ambitious,” says the AnyKey.sx founding team. “We want to put Sint Maarten’s .SX top-level domain (TLD) firmly on the digital world map—and support a thriving local economy by making domain ownership and hosting effortless.”

A Year in the Making: Overcoming Technical Hurdles

AnyKey.sx’s launch follows over a year of diligent planning and development. The team worked closely with international technology partners to fully automate the domain registration process—from availability searches and purchases to DNS configuration—all while ensuring robust reliability and user-friendly experience online.

The result is an end-to-end digital service that allows customers to:

1. Search for available .SX domain names via a powerful, easy-to-use search tool;
2. Register or transfer domains swiftly;
3. Select from a range of hosting options (Shared, WordPress, VPS, Cloud, Ecommerce);
4. Connect and launch their online presence securely with features like SSL, DDoS protection, CDN, backups, and developer tools.

Quick, seamless, and secure — the full process rolls out in just a few clicks.

Driving E-Commerce and Digital Identity on the Island

AnyKey.sx’s vision extends beyond registrations and hosting: it is a catalyst for local digital entrepreneurship. By fostering a preference for .SX domains, AnyKey.sx reinforces brand trust, island identity, and visibility in global searches.

Blog content such as “How .SX Domains Empower St. Maarten Entrepreneurs” and “10 Reasons Online Businesses Should Use a .SX Domain” showcase how the TLD can enhance credibility and market reach.

Community-Centric Support & Vision

Unlike faceless global registrars, AnyKey.sx offers real human support—right here in the Caribbean. Whether via sales, tech assistance, or billing inquiries, the team is ready and local.

In line with its broader vision, AnyKey.sx aspires to become the Caribbean’s go-to platform for domain services that honor local identity and inspire digital progress.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As Minister of Labor, I have taken note of the communication recently issued by the management of PJIAE to its staff concerning measures to be taken against French nationals employed at PJIAE. Such communication has caused significant unrest in the community, which requires clarification on my part.

I, Richinel Brug, hereby unequivocally distance myself from the content and implications of such correspondence. At no time was the content of such correspondence discussed with me, nor have I ever held a conversation with the CEO of PJIAE, Mr. Michael Cleaver on this matter. I also never proposed or suggested that management issue such a communication to staff.

Moreover, I emphasize that, in my capacity as Minister of VSA, I do not hold the authority to instruct PJIAE on its internal operations. Any suggestion to the contrary is incorrect and misleading.

I also consider it highly inappropriate that, instead of acknowledging his own misunderstanding of the discussions held between representatives of PJIAE and myself, Mr. Cleaver chose to misrepresent the matter. In both an official letter to staff and a press statement, he claimed to have spoken with two Ministers who were “unaware of my decision and surprised at my behavior.” This attempt to deflect responsibility by placing blame on government officials is unacceptable.

It is extremely dangerous for the CEO of a government-owned company to make public statements about government officials in such a manner, without accountability or repercussion. Such conduct not only undermines public trust but also sets a troubling precedent.

I must also address the false narrative that my person has taken a “decision” without approval of the Council of Ministers or discussing such with coalition partners. This assertion is both inaccurate and misleading, as no new decision has been taken - unilaterally or otherwise.

To clarify, this recent chain of events stems from a public appeal I made a few months ago, calling on all employers to ensure that their staff are properly registered in accordance with the laws of Sint Maarten.

Since then, a number of employers have approached my person and the Cabinet to arrange meetings, submit the necessary documentation, and regulate the status of their employees at the Division of Labor Affairs.

In parallel, I have been working closely with SZV to ensure that even employees without valid residency papers are nonetheless registered with SZV, in accordance with the law. This ensures they remain insured and do not become an undue medical burden on the people of Sint Maarten who are paying into the system. The business community has responded positively to this initiative, and many employers are diligently working to legalize their workforce. I commend these businesses and encourage others to do the same.

It is important for me to stress that the goal of enhanced enforcement, as announced a few months ago, is not to obstruct any employee from carrying out their work or earning a decent living. On the contrary, our sole objective is to ensure that all workers are properly registered with the Division of Labor Affairs, have valid medical insurance, fulfill their tax obligations, and contribute through social premiums. These measures are essential to guaranteeing that every worker can rightfully enjoy their Old Age Pension upon reaching pensionable age.

Therefore, there is absolutely no need for any employer to discontinue—or even temporarily suspend—employment relationships with their staff. The purpose of this process is to safeguard continuity of work while ensuring that all employees are legally registered and contributing to the system in compliance with the laws of Sint Maarten.

Since taking up the position of Minister of VSA, I have encountered too many cases of retired individuals, including French nationals, who, after many years of service, discovered that they were never registered and therefore could not receive social benefits. This injustice must be rectified. In this same manner, let us not forget all the Mullet Bay workers holding French Nationaities, who were employed for years prior to Huricane Lewis, who did not qualify for their Old Age Pension because their employer had never register them.

Plans are already underway to address this and other challenges. An Inter-Ministerial Conference, initiated by the Ministry of VSA, is scheduled for September 17th to establish a coordinated way forward.

In closing, I extend my gratitude to the businesses that are already working to comply with the law. I also want to reassure the general public—and particularly the workers at PJIAE—that the Ministry of VSA’s comprehensive labor approach has one clear goal: to uphold the laws of Sint Maarten, ensure that all employees are properly registered and insured, and guarantee that every worker can rightfully enjoy their Old Age Pension upon reaching retirement age.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  In the week of August 25th, stakeholders across government and key agencies took part in specialized training on the Early Warning Systems (EWS) Cell Broadcast technology.

The training is part of the government’s drive to strengthen disaster preparedness and public safety in Sint Maarten.

Certificates were presented by the Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, on Monday, September 1, 2025, to those who participated in the training.

The training included Common Alerting Protocol (CAP), Cell Broadcast System (CBS), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), and Public Warning Portal (PWP).

The training also included live testing of the system, development of roles and responsibilities for users, and the introduction of color-coding, scaling, and standardized messages.

This training marks the first group to be officially trained in the new technology, which allows rapid alerts to be sent directly to mobile phones.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes is taking an emphatic stand for the people of Sint Maarten, demanding that government and NV GEBE address persistent failures in governance, transparency, and service delivery at the nation’s electricity and water provider.

"Residents and businesses have endured enough delayed reforms, unclear board appointments, political interference, and mounting service challenges," MP Lacroes stated. "NV GEBE is fundamental to the well-being and future of our country, but too many recommendations from the Integrity Chamber and independent auditors remain ignored. The time for empty promises is over."

MP Lacroes notes that critical reforms, such as the adoption of a Code of Conduct, appointment of a Compliance Officer and Confidential Advisor, and clear reporting frameworks, remain outstanding. Employees and customers are left in confusion, organizational trust is low, and government continues to withhold vital information about investments and board appointments from Parliament and the public.

The MP further highlights recent developments:

The legal disputes and delays in appointing a permanent board and C-level management have compromised the company’s stability and ability to invest in infrastructure.

While multimillion-dollar investments have begun including underground cable installations, upgraded water tanks, and essential capital projects, there remains a lack of transparency about oversight, execution, and community impact.

Over 50,000 guilders per month have been earmarked for social relief, but much-needed government partnerships and broader concession waivers have yet to materialize.

NV GEBE's proposals to provide direct relief are hindered by unclear fuel clause calculations and regulatory issues, with financial risks looming if government priorities supersede sound management.

"Millions have been spent on advisory reports, audits, and customer retreats," Lacroes added. "But until the government releases a concrete plan with published criteria, deadlines, and clearly assigned responsibility, the public will continue to suffer from uncertainty, disruptions, and rising costs."

MP Lacroes is calling on government and management to take the following urgent steps:

Publicly commit to implementing all outstanding recommendations, with clear milestones and accountability;

Ensure all board members are selected transparently based on merit, not political affiliation;

Publish regular, accessible progress reports on NV GEBE’s governance, performance, and integrity actions;

Share all investment plans and audit findings openly with Parliament and the wider community.

"If meaningful improvements are not forthcoming, I am prepared to invoke every measure at Parliament’s disposal to hold decision-makers accountable," Lacroes vowed. "As MP, my responsibility is to the people. We must restore trust, protect public interests, and secure a reliable future for NV GEBE and all of Sint Maarten."