PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee Parlatino Matters (CPM) of Parliament will be meeting on March 4, 2026.

The Committee meeting, which was scheduled for Tuesday, March 3, 2026, could not take place due to lack of quorum and has been rescheduled for Wednesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents

2. Advice regarding the number of members of Parliament representation in Parlatino committees (IS/394/2025-2026 dated November 28, 2025)

3. Letter from Parlatino regarding First Vice Chairmanship of the Committee on Economic Affairs, Social Debt, and Regional Development Parlatino Committee (IS/393/2025-2026 dated November 26, 2025)

4. Updates and presentations by Members of Parliament who have attended or participated in Parlatino committee meetings and engagements in the second semester of 2025 (IS/699/2025-2026 dated February 13, 2026 and IS/394/2025-2026 dated November 28, 2025)

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.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Social Development, within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, successfully hosted the Senior Connect initiative on Friday, February 27th, at the Government Administration Building. Despite overcast skies and intermittent rainfall, the event drew an impressive turnout of senior citizens from across the community.
Upon arrival, attendees were welcomed by the warm and melodious sounds of the steel pan, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. The program opened with the Sint Maarten Song performed by Sweet Pan, followed by opening prayers delivered by Mrs. Elencia Baptiste-Boasman. Opening remarks were provided by the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, who emphasized the invaluable contributions of the nation’s elders. He highlighted the pivotal role seniors have played in shaping the country and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting their wellbeing.
Senior Connect focused on creating meaningful engagement by linking seniors with essential services tailored to their needs, strengthening social connections, and empowering them through valuable information and resources. A visually striking fruit cart at the entrance underscored the importance of healthy eating, complemented by an energetic exercise session that impressed many with the vitality and enthusiasm displayed by the seniors.
The event also featured a presentation by the Social Insurance Bank (SZV) delivered by Mr. Reginald Willemberg. Representatives from the Tax Department Mr. Marlon Kwidama & Kelron Bellot, were available to address inquiries, and the Community Police Officers provided important safety tips. Exhibits were organized into four color coded zones:
• Health & Wellness Zone (Green)
• Home Care & Support Services Zone (Blue)
• Independent Living Zone (Yellow)
• Finance & Community Zone (Purple)

A total of 27 service providers participated, offering a wide range of support and information. More than 200 visitors were in attendance, taking the opportunity to engage meaningfully with service providers and connect with their peers.
The Department of Social Development extends its sincere appreciation to all service providers, volunteers, seniors, family members, caregivers, and everyone who contributed to making Senior Connect a success.

POINTE BLANCHE:---  Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) advise motorists that in connection with the 46th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, scheduled for March 5–8, an adjusted Simpson Bay Bridge opening schedule will be in effect in addition to the regular daily openings.
The temporary schedule is intended to facilitate the safe and efficient movement of regatta participants and marine traffic during the event period.
From Thursday, March 5, through Sunday, March 8, the following morning bridge openings will apply: 9:00 AM — Outbound Extra Opening for Regatta participants.
During the afternoon hours, the schedule will be as follows: 15:00 PM — Inbound Extra Opening Regatta Participants.
Motorists are strongly urged to pay close attention to the bridge stop lights and booms and to fully respect all signals once activated, as these indicate that the bridge will be opening.
Compliance is essential in the interest of public safety and the smooth flow of vehicular and marine traffic.
The Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC) further advises tour operators to take the additional bridge openings into account when planning tour routes during the regatta period to avoid unnecessary delays.
The regular scheduled daily Simpson Bay bridge openings remain in effect: 8:30 AM Outbound; 9:30 AM Inbound; 10:30 AM Outbound; 11:30 AM Inbound; 14:00 Inbound; 16:00 Outbound; and 17:00 Inbound.
The Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) family extends best wishes to all participants, residents, and visitors for a safe and serious fun 46th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Youth has spearheaded another youth-led research initiative aimed at strengthening youth participation and advancing Sint Maarten’s commitment to becoming a more child-friendly and youth-responsive community.

As part of the initiative, ten young people between the ages of 16 and 19 from several secondary schools on the Dutch side of the island were selected and trained in data collection and research methods. The training sessions, facilitated in February, equipped the participants with foundational skills in developing clear research questions, recognizing bias, and collecting representative information in a respectful and responsible manner.

Following the workshop phase, the youth researchers are now actively gathering responses from their peers at elementary and secondary schools across the island. The team is using the Child Friendly City Checklist, a UNICEF-based measurement tool adapted by the young participants to reflect the Sint Maarten context.

The initiative places young people at the center of exploring how youth experience participation within their communities—specifically, whether they feel heard and how they are engaged in decisions that affect their lives. The data collected will support evidence-based discussions and help inform future policies, programs, and actions focused on youth development and participation.

The Department of Youth expresses sincere appreciation to the participating schools, students, and partners for their continued cooperation and support.
Further updates will be shared as the project progresses into the analysis and the reporting phase.