PHILIPBSBURG:--- In a move for animal welfare on the island, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Hon. Richinel Brug, and Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes once again have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives aimed at improving the lives of St. Maarten’s most vulnerable its stray animal population. Following a motion presented by MP Lacroes during the 2025 Budget Debate in June, and a request from the Animal Welfare Foundation in August, the Ministry has agreed to allocate XCG20.000 toward a comprehensive sterilization and public education program designed to humanely control the growing number of stray animals on the island. The motion, which did not received broad support in Parliament, outlines funding from the Ministries of TEATT and VSA to cover spaying and neutering procedures, post-operative care, and awareness campaigns promoting responsible pet ownership. MP Lacroes emphasized the urgency of the issue, citing health risks such as leptospirosis and ringworm, which disproportionately affect children and vulnerable populations. “This is not only about animal welfare, it’s about public health and community safety,” Lacroes stated. “We must act now to prevent further suffering and ensure a cleaner, safer environment for all.” Minister Brug echoed this sentiment, praising the initiative and the organization and all volunteers and has confirmed the Ministry’s support. The program will be executed in collaboration with local veterinary professionals and non-profit organizations, including SXM PAWS and international partners such as 4 Leaf Rover, whom have also reached out to Minister Brug for support. A report on the campaign’s progress will be submitted to the Ministry and Parliament within six months of its implementation. MP Lacroes also proposed a legislative amendment to include a fee on animal import permits, creating a sustainable funding mechanism for future animal welfare programs, hoping that this also is taken up by the ministry responsible. This initiative marks a significant step forward in addressing long-standing concerns about stray animals on the island and reflects the government’s and parliaments growing commitment to holistic community care.

PHILIPSBURG(DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is calling on households and businesses to take immediate measures to eliminate mosquito breeding sites that would minimize mosquito-borne diseases, such as dengue. 

The recent rain shower activity dictates that mosquitoes have the opportunity to breed in as little as a half-inch of water.  Source reduction is the key to decreasing the mosquito population. Due to the tropical nature of our climate, breeding habitats are in abundance, and many of them are unfortunately man-made.

Breeding sites include tin cans, old tires, empty paint cans, buckets, old saucers, flowerpots, cemetery urns/vase, old pet dishes, unused plastic swimming pools, boats on dry dock, used food containers, plastic drinking cups, plastic shopping bags, or other containers or plants that collect and hold water.

Source reduction starts by covering, removing, or turning over containers, artificial artifacts, and unused boats, which can be potential breeding sites, and properly maintaining the yard and surrounding area by trimming overgrown vegetation. Every resident on the island should comply with the source reduction to have an impact on mosquitoes in the community.

A few tips and reminders: Dispose of any unused pots or bins or turn them upside down, so that they don’t collect water; Keep trash bins covered. If you can, try drilling drain holes into the bottom of unused containers; conduct a weekly assessment in and around your home and workplace; keep a fine-mesh screen over rain barrels, water tanks, and cistern outlets.; clean your rain spouts regularly so water can flow and not become stagnant; and properly remove old, unused tires.

In addition to eliminating mosquito breeding sites, use mosquito repellent to prevent the mosquitoes from feeding. Follow the instructions on the product label. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are attracted to dark spaces and clothing at dusk and dawn. It is recommended to wear light coloured clothing during those times.

To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’s vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.

Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, October 17, the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum officially launched its Tours of Culture project under the Let’s ACT Program. The launch was hosted at the Museum in Philipsburg. It featured a lively and interactive drum performance by Samy Alexis & Mr. Snow and guided historical tours through the museum by historian Jean-Marc Augusty.

Over the coming months in 2025 and 2026, the Tours of Culture project will host a series of interactive activities across the island. “With a focus on education and community engagement, Tours of Culture aims to connect seniors, youth, and children to the heritage, environment, and culture of Sint Maarten through interactive tours, traditional workshops, scavenger hunts, and storytelling activities,” explained project coordinator Shanica Romney.

Tours of Culture is part of the Let’s ACT Program, a collaborative initiative of CEDE Aruba, the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), and Foresee Foundation, funded by the Fonds voor Cultuurparticipatie. Let’s ACT aims to expand access to the arts, support local creatives, and strengthen the cultural and artistic landscape of St. Maarten and Aruba through funding, training, and community engagement.

“This project allows us to take heritage beyond the museum walls and into the community,” said the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation. “It’s about learning from each other and keeping our heritage alive.”

The next planned activities are Cultural Storytelling for Children in November and a Historical Train Trolley Tour for seniors in December. For more information or to stay updated on upcoming Tours of Culture activities, follow the Sint Maarten National Heritage Foundation & Museum on Facebook, or www.sintmaartenmuseum.org. Enquiries can be sent via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

World Statistics Day 2025 – “Connecting the World with Data We Can Trust”

Since October 10, 2010, when Sint Maarten adopted its new constitutional status and embarked on its path as a country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, one guiding force has remained constant - data. Behind every policy, national plan, and measure of progress lies a story told through numbers. On this World Statistics Day 2025, celebrated under the theme “Connecting the World with Data We Can Trust,” the Department of Statistics (STAT) highlights key developments in population, economy, tourism, and employment, offering a data-driven view of Sint Maarten’s growth and resilience over the past fifteen years.

Economy and Tourism: From Shocks to Recovery

In the years leading up to 2017, Sint Maarten saw solid expansion in both air and cruise arrivals. Rising airlift capacity, new accommodation options, and regional demand fueled income growth, employment, and GDP growth.

Passenger Arrivals, 2010–2025 (Selected Years)

While tourism continues to drive growth, it also exposes the economy to external shocks. The impact of Hurricane Irma (2017) inflicted large-scale damage, leading to contractions of around –9% in 2017 and –7% in 2018.

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed a strong rebound of +10.6% in 2019 as reconstruction accelerated. The COVID-19 pandemic then struck in 2020, causing a severe –20.4% contraction as global travel came to a standstill. By 2021, GDP recovered by +7.1% showing the island’s remarkable capacity for renewal.

These fluctuations highlight both Sint Maarten’s economic vulnerability and its capacity for recovery, underscoring the importance of diversity and sustainability in long-term development planning.

Inflation Developments

Over the past fifteen years, inflation in Sint Maarten has remained relatively low and stable, averaging between 1% and 3%. However, 2022 marked the highest level in the period, a little less than 4%, reflecting global supply disruptions and rising import costs.

According to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for 2025, overall inflation for the first half of the year remains subdued at 0.7% compared to the same period of 2024. The most notable increases occurred in:

• Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (+4.03%), mainly from higher prices for milk, cheese, eggs, oils, and fats;
• Transport (+2.99%), due to rising fuel and air travel costs;
• Miscellaneous Goods and Services (+2.54%), driven by personal care and insurance expenses.

These movements reflect the impact of imported inflation, particularly in food and fuel, consistent with regional and global price trends. The current moderation indicates that inflationary pressures are easing, offering some relief to consumers and businesses alike.

Caution due to uncertain and ongoing tariff and trade wars may cause inflation in the short term.

Employment: Developments in Labor Market

Labour market performance has generally improved over time, with fluctuations linked to natural disasters and global crises. Unemployment fell from 11.5% in 2011 to 6.2% in 2017, the lowest level in fifteen years, before rising to 9.9% in 2018 following Hurricane Irma. Due to COVID-19, Unemployment once again increased in 2021 to 10.8% but has since reduced to 6.5% in 2022.

Recent data gathered from the 2022 Population Census show Youth Unemployment (ages 15–24) at approximately 15%, slightly below the Caribbean average of 18% and close to the global average of 13%. This improvement is encouraging but highlights the ongoing need to create more opportunities for young people through education, training, and targeted job-placement initiatives.

The upcoming 2025 Labour Force Survey will provide updated figures to help policymakers better understand the island’s employment landscape and guide future interventions.

Population: Growth and Demographic Change

Sint Maarten’s population has grown steadily over the past fifteen years. The 2011 census recorded 33,609 residents, while by 2022 that number had reached 41,902, an increase of roughly 25%. This consistent growth has made Sint Maarten one of the most densely populated and urbanized islands in the Dutch Caribbean.

Demographically, the island has undergone a marked shift toward an older population. In 2011, only 5.3% of residents were aged 65 and over; by 2022, that share had more than doubled to 13.6%. Meanwhile, the proportion of children under 15 declined from 22.1% in 2011 to 15.5% in 2022. This trend mirrors global aging patterns, but for a small island economy, it carries major implications, from a shrinking labor force to higher healthcare demand and greater pension pressures.

Conclusion

Fifteen years of data reveal a country that has faced significant adversity — from hurricanes to a pandemic — yet continues to demonstrate strength, adaptability, and growth.

• Population growth and urbanization have expanded demand for jobs, housing, and infrastructure.
• Tourism recovery and stable inflation point to economic resilience and improving consumer conditions.
• Declining unemployment and lower youth joblessness signal gradual labour-market progress, even as challenges persist.
• An aging population and dependence on tourism remain key areas for forward-thinking policy and planning, especially in areas of healthcare and pension demands.

To sustain progress, Sint Maarten must diversify its economy, expand training and employment pathways, and strengthen data-driven policymaking. By investing in people, innovation, and resilience, the island can build a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Looking Ahead: Building on Trusted Data

As Sint Maarten reflects on fifteen years of progress, one message stands clear: data is the foundation of development.

The Department of Statistics (STAT) remains committed to providing reliable and timely information that strengthens decision-making, enhances transparency, and supports inclusive growth.

Over the coming months, STAT field interviewers will be in communities across Sint Maarten conducting the 2025 Labour Force Survey. Your participation is vital. By sharing accurate information, you help build a clearer picture of our society and contribute directly to improving public policy and service delivery.

On World Statistics Day 2025, Sint Maarten proudly joins the global community in celebrating the power of trusted data to connect people, inform progress, and build a resilient future.

For more information, visit https://stats.sintmaartengov.org/.