PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance,  Marinka J. Gumbs, met with APS Director Mr. Oscar Williams and Board Member Mr. Robert Jan-James.

During the meeting, the representatives provided a general update on APS’s ongoing operations, investment activities, and plans for the upcoming year. The discussion also touched on the fund’s new location and corporate governance.

Minister Gumbs expressed appreciation for the open dialogue, stating, “Maintaining close collaboration with APS is essential to ensuring the long-term stability of our pension system and safeguarding the interests of our pensioners.”

The Minister looks forward to continued updates and cooperation with APS as part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to sound financial management and oversight.

PHILIPSBURG:---   Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural event, Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS) is proud to announce the 2nd edition of the APS Walkathon: “Walking Towards a Healthy Future”, taking place on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The walk starts and ends at the APS Parking lot at the Government Administration Building.

Last year’s walkathon saw over 100 enthusiastic participants come together for a morning of movement, community, and wellness. This year, APS is excited to build on that momentum and welcome even more walkers to join the cause of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle across Sint Maarten.

“We were truly inspired by the turnout and energy of our first walkathon,” said APS Managing Director Oscar Williams. “It showed us that our community is ready to embrace wellness and togetherness. That’s why we are thrilled to bring it back for a second year and make this a yearly event in November.”

The 6K walk will once again feature:

• A dynamic warm-up session
• A fun cooldown Zumba experience
• Healthy breakfast options
• Goodie bags for all participants

The walkathon is open to all ages and fitness levels, and APS encourages families, friends, and colleagues to walk together in support of a healthier future.

“This initiative is more than just a walk,” Williams added. “It’s a movement, one that strengthens community bonds and encourages lifelong healthy habits. We are excited to see familiar faces and welcome new ones this November.”

Participation is free, but registration is required. Registered participants can collect their walkathon t-shirt at the APS office starting Wednesday November 26, 2025.

Let’s keep walking towards that healthy future - together!

For more information on the route and/or to register, visit our Facebook: Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten – APS or Instagram: apsxmorg-Algemeen Pensioenfonds SXM or scan the following QR code:

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, officially launched the 2nd Call for Proposals for Window 1 of the Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme on Friday, October 17, 2025, during a virtual event attended by entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners.

This launch follows the successful completion of the first call, which saw 28 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Grenada, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines receive grant funding to strengthen their operations and drive growth within the region’s Blue Economy.

The Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme (MGP) serves as a financing mechanism designed to support MSMEs in the Fisheries, Marine Tourism, and Waste Management sectors. It provides funding to help enterprises expand production, enhance sustainability, adopt new technologies, and build resilience to climate and market challenges.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify, MSMEs must:
​1️. Be legally registered and operating in Grenada, Saint Lucia, or Saint Vincent & the Grenadines.
​2️. Provide proof of registration (Articles of Incorporation or Business Name Certificate).
​3️. Have been in operation for at least two (2) years.
​4️. Employ fewer than 50 people and generate less than USD $1,000,000 annually.

Successful applicants can access grants ranging from USD $5,000 to $25,000 under Window 1.

Important Deadlines

📅 Deadline to Submit Applications: November 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM
​📅 Deadline to Request Clarifications: November 13, 2025, at 5:00 PM

Upcoming Virtual Information Sessions

Two Virtual Information Sessions will be hosted by the MGP Unit to provide MSMEs with detailed guidance on the application process, eligibility, and required documentation.

🗓️ Session 1: Thursday, October 30, 2025, at 10:00 AM
​🔗 https://bit.ly/3JcroKW

🗓️ Session 2: Monday, November 10, 2025, at 10:00 AM
​

These sessions are open to all eligible MSMEs interested in applying for funding under the 2nd Call for Proposals.

Senior Grants Advisor, Kyle Garnes emphasised the wide-ranging benefits of the Matching Grants Programme,

“We see the Matching Grants Programme as a financing mechanism with a plethora of opportunities. There is scope for entrepreneurs to increase employment and job opportunities, scope for us to increase productivity, promote innovation, build resilience, and of course stimulate economic recovery post-COVID-19.”

UBEC Project Manager, Farzana Yusuf-Leon, explained that the programme’s core objective is to create sustainable growth while safeguarding the marine environment.

“The goal is straightforward. To promote economic growth, enhance livelihoods, and generate sustainable jobs, all while preserving the health of our ocean eco-systems. As a key financing mechanism under Component 2 of UBEC, it is designed to fuel private sector-led growth and investment in innovative, climate resilient blue economy activities.”

Head of the Environmental Sustainability Division at the OECS Commission, Chamberlain Emmanuel, stated,

“The OECS Commission remains steadfast in its vision towards a model blue economy region. With a mission to ensure that every entrepreneur with an interest in a bluer, more resilient Caribbean has the opportunity to make it a reality.”

Senior Environmental Specialist at the World Bank, Natalia Magradze, recognised the strength of the OECS Commission’s leadership in the project’s execution,

“Our shared vision, is to unlock the potential of marine coastal resources, drive sustainable growth and create new opportunities for communities and entrepreneurs. The shared vision is being realized through the OECS Commission’s strong leadership and deep collaboration with member states.”

The Importance of MSMEs in the Blue Economy

MSMEs are the backbone of the Eastern Caribbean economy, accounting for over 80% of all businesses, generating more than 50% of GDP, and providing over 70% of employment across the region. The Matching Grants Programme recognises its vital role and provides the financial and technical support needed to help these enterprises thrive.

Already, the Programme is transforming lives and reshaping the Blue Economy, empowering local entrepreneurs, boosting employment, and promoting sustainable growth in ocean-based industries.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will hold a Public meeting on October 24, 2025. 

The Public meeting, which was adjourned on September 17, 2025, will be reconvened on Friday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The Minister of Finance will return to Parliament to answer the questions posed by Members of Parliament during the first round of deliberations on the draft National Ordinance containing rules for a basic payment account for consumers.

The agenda point is:

2. Ontwerplandsverordening houdende regels met betrekking tot een basisbetaalrekening voor consumenten (Landsverordening basisbetaalrekening) (Zittingsjaar 2023-2024-174) (IS/292/2023-2024 d.d. 20 december 2023)

Draft National Ordinance containing rules regarding a basic payment account for consumers (National Ordinance basic payment account) (Parliamentary year 2023-2024-174) (IS/292/2023-2024 dated 20 December 2023)

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 courthouse in Philipsburg. 

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx