PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis voiced strong reservations regarding government spending during the first parliamentary meeting of 2026, signaling that his support for the upcoming national budget is far from guaranteed. Addressing the House on Thursday, MP Lewis emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility and scrutinized what he termed irresponsible usage of public funds.
The Member of Parliament extended New Year greetings to the Chairlady, the Minister of Finance, his colleagues, and the viewing public before turning his attention to the critical financial debates scheduled for the coming weeks. With the budget presentation and debate looming, Lewis made his position clear: thorough scrutiny will be his priority.
"I will be studying this budget thoroughly because, as per right now, I cannot support a budget when the people's money is being spent irresponsibly," Lewis stated.
To illustrate his concerns regarding fiscal mismanagement, the MP highlighted a specific situation involving the Ministry of Justice. He drew attention to the recently opened police substation located on Union Road in Cole Bay. According to Lewis, despite being a new facility intended to serve the community, he observed the station closed with hurricane shutters down 2:00 PM the previous day.
Lewis raised questions about the cost-benefit of such operations, noting that he understood the facility's rent to be approximately $10,000 or more. He argued that while he does not support cutting the justice budget, funds must be allocated more effectively.
"This money can be used for the betterment of the organization and its workers," Lewis argued, suggesting that high rental costs for a facility that is not consistently accessible to the public represents a misallocation of resources that could otherwise support justice workers directly.
As the Parliament of St. Maarten prepares to debate the 2026 budget, MP Lewis’s comments set a tone of rigorous oversight. His statement suggests that the Ministry of Finance and other government bodies should expect challenging questions regarding operational costs and the efficient use of taxpayer money in the upcoming sessions.
KPSM arrests two suspects in Welfare Road narcotics operation.
PHILIPSBURG:---The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) arrested two male suspects on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026, following a coordinated operation at an apartment on Welfare Road in Cole Bay.
The operation was initiated after KPSM received multiple reports from community members indicating that narcotics were being sold from the residence and that the suspects were allegedly in possession of firearms.
In response to this credible information, KPSM coordinated a plan involving several e-departments to safely address the situation in accordance with Sint Maarten's narcotics and firearms laws.
Upon arrival at the location, officers attempted to enter the apartment. The occupants refused to open the door and attempted to flee through the rear of the residence. Officers successfully breached the main entrance and entered the premises.
During the search, officers discovered a substantial quantity of narcotics and cash inside the apartment. Despite a thorough investigation, no firearms were recovered. Forensic and detective personnel were dispatched to the scene to process evidence and conduct further investigation. The narcotics and cash were confiscated.
Both male suspects were arrested and transported to the police station, where they remain in custody pending further investigation.
KPSM remains committed to conducting operations of this nature when credible information is received from the community. The police force encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious activities.
Contact Information: For tips or information, please contact:
Police station: 1721-54-22222/ 911
- Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
- Tipline: 9300
KPSM Press Release.
MP Lyndon Lewis: Action is needed on Traffic Congestion in Sint Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis is calling on the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Telecommunication and Traffic (TEATT), Grisha Heyligar-Martin, to take immediate and decisive action to address the worsening traffic congestion affecting the island, warning that continued inaction could have serious consequences for residents, businesses, and the country’s vital tourism industry.
According to MP Lewis, traffic congestion has escalated significantly in several key areas, particularly during peak commuting hours and periods of high tourist activity. Daily commuters, emergency services, public transportation users, and visitors are increasingly experiencing delays that impact productivity, safety, and overall quality of life.
“This issue has grown beyond being a simple inconvenience. It is now a national concern that requires urgent attention,” MP Lewis stated. “Persistent traffic congestion places unnecessary strain on our citizens, delays emergency response times, and negatively affects economic activity.”
To address the issue, MP Lewis is urging the Minister responsible for traffic to engage in discussions with her colleague Ministers, as the traffic issue can be remedied on an inter-ministerial level to implement practical and immediate measures. These include deploying police officers with the assistance of the VKS at key congested intersections, enforcing regulations requiring buses to use designated bus stops, and improving road design with clearer signage and lane markings. “In the past, we had the control unit regulating the traffic in key traffic-congested areas. The resurrection of this department is necessary,” MP Lewis stated.
He also emphasized the importance of promoting public transportation to reduce the number of private vehicles on the road, particularly during peak hours. “Many Taxi drivers have reached out to me regarding the traffic congestion, and some stated that when flights land, sometimes there is not enough taxi transportation available at the airport because many drivers are stuck in traffic.”
MP Lewis emphasized that addressing traffic congestion requires urgency, cooperation, and political will. “This is not about placing blame, but about taking responsibility and acting in the best interest of our people and our economy,” he stated.
MP Lewis concluded by calling for decisive government action, noting that failure to act could ultimately harm the country’s reputation and economic stability. “The time to act is now, before the consequences become far more damaging,” he stated.
Continuation Urgent Public Meeting of Parliament for deliberations on issues surrounding the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting on January 8, 2026.
The Public meeting was adjourned on November 5, 2025, and will be reconvened on Thursday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance.
The agenda point is:
Deliberations on the issues surrounding the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten
a. The recent nomination of the Chairman of the CBCS by the Council of Ministers
b. An update on the ENNIA situation
c. Developments concerning Mullet Bay (IS/092/2025-2026 dated September 22, 2025)
This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP D.T.J. York, MP O.E.C. Ottley and MP F.A. Lacroes.
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 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
Return of In-Person Services for Seniors at SZV Starting January 26, 2026.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug, is pleased to confirm that SZV Social & Health Insurances will reopen its doors for in-person services for senior citizens beginning in the week of Monday, January 26, 2026.
Earlier announcements confirmed that SZV had agreed to implement Senior Priority Hours after recognizing that many seniors were encountering difficulties with online support options. Face-to-face assistance is critical to ensuring dignity, respect, and accessible support for older residents — a priority that Minister Brug has emphasized throughout his tenure.
“I am proud to share that SZV has agreed to offer dedicated in-person service for our seniors, without the need for appointments,” said Minister Brug. “As stated before our elderly population deserves direct, respectful, and accessible support, not only digital options. I thank SZV for responding swiftly to my request and for making the necessary adjustments to ensure this is once again possible.”
The in-person senior services will commence on Monday January 26th and begin as a soft opening, allowing SZV to continue finalizing preparations to ensure that the facility is not only operational but also fully senior-proof — with features designed to improve comfort, accessibility, and overall experience for elderly clients.
A centralized service area is being created so seniors no longer have to navigate multiple parts of the building for different services. Minister Brug reaffirmed that this action is part of a broader commitment to strengthen community services and to ensure that older persons in Sint Maarten receive compassionate, accessible support. Further details and service arrangements will be communicated directly by SZV as preparations continue.