PHILIPSBURG:--- (DCOMM) – Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator (NDC) of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), Clive Richardson, is calling on residents and the business community to remain vigilant and monitor local weather reports from the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/ in connection with the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.

The latest July forecast from the Colorado State University (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science indicates that the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season is expected to be well below normal, with nine named storms, four hurricanes, and one major hurricane (Category 3 or higher) with sustained wind speeds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

While this forecast suggests fewer storms than the historical average, it does not eliminate the risk to Sint Maarten.

Seasonal forecasts estimate the overall level of tropical cyclone activity across the Atlantic Basin, but they cannot predict where or when individual storms will develop or make landfall. It only takes one tropical storm or hurricane passing near or directly over the island to cause significant damage, disrupt essential services, and threaten lives.

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) therefore reminds residents and the business community that preparedness should never be based solely on seasonal forecasts. Every hurricane season should be approached with the same level of readiness, regardless of whether it is forecast to be above normal, near normal, or below normal.

Preparedness is a shared responsibility. Taking action today, while weather conditions are favorable, is far easier and more effective than making last-minute preparations when a tropical storm or hurricane is approaching the country.

The remaining 2026 storm names are: Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gonzalo, Hanna, Isaias, Josephine, Kyle, Leah, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paulette, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky, and Wilfred.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, rely on forecasts that can be found at the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.  Remain vigilant and prepared!

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

PHILIPSBURG:--- It is summertime, and the Sint Maarten Library is sharing sunshine through story time sessions with young learners in our community. During a recent session, M. Spencer read to the students of Denise House Daycare from the inspiring children’s book written by Tabitha Brown, Hello There, Sunshine”.

The story introduces children to important life lessons about discovering their own inner light, practicing kindness, and spreading positivity wherever they go. It follows a young Tabitha who begins each day by greeting the sunshine, knowing that its warmth brings happiness and joy to those around her. When the sunshine disappears one day, she sets out on an adventure to find it. Along her journey, she helps members of her community and learns an important lesson: sunshine is not only something we see in the sky, it is something we can create through love, kindness, compassion, and helping others.

Through this inspiring story, students explored the message that everyone has the ability to be a source of light and encouragement for others. The session encouraged children to embrace kindness, share joy, and recognize the positive impact they can have within their families and communities.

Following the reading, students participated in a fun and creative coloring activity that allowed them to express their understanding of the story. The experience continued with a short movie presentation and a lively rhyme time session, creating an interactive learning environment filled with laughter, creativity, and connection.

The Sint Maarten Library continues to promote literacy, imagination, and meaningful learning experiences by bringing stories to life and inspiring young minds through the power of reading.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Dr. Luc Mercelina, held a productive courtesy meeting with the management of Social and Health Insurances SZV on Wednesday, July 15, 2026.

The meeting provided an opportunity for an informative and constructive exchange on matters of shared importance to Government, SZV and the people of Sint Maarten. Participants openly shared information, discussed ongoing challenges and explored practical solutions aimed at strengthening collaboration and improving service delivery.

SZV provided updates on several service-improvement initiatives, including Senior Priority Hours, efforts to reduce waiting times, customer satisfaction monitoring and case management. The organization also presented its digitalization approach, including the MySZV portal and the importance of ensuring that insured persons have easier access to essential services.

The discussions further covered collaboration on the quality of healthcare, financial developments, cost-containment measures and General Health Insurance.

Prime Minister Mercelina thanked the management and staff of SZV for the informative exchange and welcomed the willingness shown by all involved to work together in the public interest.

“The openness and solution-oriented spirit demonstrated during the meeting were encouraging. By continuing to communicate, share information and work together, we can achieve better outcomes for the people of Sint Maarten,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining open communication and advancing cooperation on the matters discussed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Following the many comments and questions received from the public, the Tax Administration wishes to provide clarity on what the law states regarding Room Tax and to whom it applies.

Under Article 1 of the Logeergastenbelastingverordening (A.B. 2016, No. 14), the law establishes who is subject to Room Tax. The article states:

"Onder de naam “logeergastenbelasting” wordt een directe belasting geheven:

a. terzake van het houden van verblijf in hotels, logementen, pensions, appartementen, woningen of andere tot onderkomen geschikte gebouwen tegen vergoeding in welke vorm dan ook door personen die niet in de basisadministratie van Sint Maarten zijn opgenomen."

Based on this, Room Tax applies to persons who are not registered in Sint Maarten’s Civil Registry. Therefore, registered residents of Sint Maarten are exempt from paying Room Tax when staying at local accommodations, such as hotels, lodgings, apartments, and guesthouses, provided that valid proof of residency, such as a Sint Maarten ID card, is presented.

The Tax Administration encourages all to familiarize themselves with the provisions of the law to ensure it is applied correctly.

Through continued public education efforts, the Tax Administration remains committed to ensuring that residents and businesses have access to accurate information regarding their rights and responsibilities under Sint Maarten’s tax laws.