PHILIPSBURG: --- The Kingdom of the Netherlands will maintain a position of neutrality regarding the escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Venezuela, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has confirmed. The decision reflects a unified agreement among the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom—St. Maarten, Aruba, and Curaçao—to prioritize peace and stability in the region.
Following recent discussions, Prime Minister Mercelina announced the collective decision to adopt a neutral stance. This policy ensures that the Dutch Caribbean territories will not be involved in any potential actions led by the United States directed at Venezuela.
“We agreed in the Kingdom that we will have a very neutral stance concerning the developments between the United States and Venezuela,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated firmly. He underscored the region's commitment to maintaining its peaceful status.
“We are a peaceful area in the Caribbean, and we want to remain with that peace in our vicinity," Mercelina explained. "We will not participate in any action from the United States toward Venezuela.”
This declaration highlights the Kingdom's strategic focus on safeguarding the interests of its Caribbean partners. By reaffirming its neutrality, the government aims to distance the islands from international conflicts and reinforce its role as a stabilizing presence in the Caribbean. The Prime Minister’s comments make it clear that the primary objective is to preserve the tranquility and security that are vital to the well-being and economic stability of St. Maarten, Aruba, and Curaçao.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing (November 12, 2025), Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina provided updates on his recent meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, focusing on humanitarian aid to Jamaica and the Kingdom’s position on Caribbean regional tensions.
Kingdom Extends Support to Jamaica After Hurricane Devastation
Prime Minister Mercelina shared that, following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Irma’s recent passage over Jamaica, he had requested that the Kingdom of the Netherlands assist Jamaica in its recovery efforts.
“Seeing the aftermath of the destruction, and realizing that we have a great Jamaican diaspora here in St. Martin, I requested the Minister of Foreign Affairs for us as a Kingdom to do our part in assisting Jamaica,” he said.
Mercelina confirmed that the Royal Netherlands Navy ship Pelican arrived in Jamaica on November 4, 2025, carrying humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and other essential supplies.
“The warship Pelican arrived in Jamaica delivering a lot of goods, and after delivering the first batch, it left again for Barbados to refill and return to assist the people of Jamaica,” Mercelina explained.
He praised the collaborative effort, noting that the mission was coordinated with the Prime Ministers of Curaçao and Aruba, who also participated in the virtual meeting with the Dutch Foreign Minister.
“I’m very thankful to the whole Kingdom for their contribution to Jamaica, realizing that the Jamaicans living here in St. Martin form part of our nation,” he added.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister reiterated his belief that immigrant workers are vital to St. Maarten’s social and economic development.
“Immigrants are a great contributor to the society of St. Maarten on all levels,” he said.
“They contribute to the labor sector and also in the economy by living and spending here.”
Mercelina acknowledged challenges in immigration management, citing limited border control capacity and complex administrative systems. He emphasized that better organization and coordination between immigration and labor enforcement are key to ensuring that workers—particularly in construction—are not exploited.
“I am against the fact that there are still groups of workers being misused—working and not being paid,” he stated.
“That is because the system is not well organized. We have to organize immigration and labor regulation properly.”

Possible Future Legalization Program
When asked whether the government would consider a new Brooks Tower Accord-style legalization process for undocumented residents, the Prime Minister said the idea has been discussed in the Council of Ministers.
“I’m not against it,” he said, “but we must first organize our immigration system, so we don’t have to repeat the process every few years.”
He stressed that if such a program is introduced, it must be accompanied by a solid legal and control framework to ensure long-term stability.

Addressing Structural Challenges
Mercelina also acknowledged structural inconsistencies that make it difficult for undocumented workers to become legal, even when they attempt to register and pay taxes.
“That is the challenging framework that I’m talking about,” he said.
“To obey the law, you need people who can execute and enforce it. We do not have enough personnel to give follow-up to the law, and that’s a challenge we must solve.
Despite the complexity, the Prime Minister ended on a note of optimism:
“We have a lot of problems, but we will get there one day with this country—believe me.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs Jr., recently announced several key infrastructure and housing initiatives aimed at sustainable development on St. Maarten. The announcements include major road rehabilitation on Billy Folly Road and a public consultation for the St. Maarten Wastewater Management Project.
Minister Gumbs confirmed that roadworks on Billy Folly Road, commonly known as Pelican Road, will commence on Thursday, November 13th. The project, executed by Wynwood Road's infrastructure, is expected to be completed by Friday, December 5th, pending favorable weather conditions. A partial one-lane road closure will be in effect from Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., for the duration of the works.
This project is a notable example of a public-private partnership, with a coalition of local businesses and stakeholders contributing $496,500 to supplement the government's $94,000 investment. "In the governing program's entry for VROMI, private-public partnerships are regarded as vital for the future development of St. Martin," Gumbs stated, expressing gratitude for the stakeholders' commitment to corporate social responsibility. He noted that similar initiatives for other infrastructure projects are currently being negotiated.
Additionally, the Minister invited all residents to a public consultation for the St. Maarten Wastewater Management Project (SWMP). The event is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10th, at 6 p.m. at the Bel Air Community Centre. This $25 million project, co-funded by the St. Maarten Trust Fund and the government, aims to expand the sewage network, particularly in the Cul-de-Sac area.
The goal is to reduce reliance on septic tanks and enhance the operation of the ATLH Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will "support protecting public health and safeguard St. Maarten's surface water, groundwater and coastal areas from pollution, helping to preserve the island's natural environment and support a sustainable tourism economy," said Minister Gumbs. He emphasized that public feedback is vital to shaping the project's final design.
On the housing front, the Minister confirmed that the government is awaiting the transfer of funds from the Netherlands for the purchase of a parcel of land known as Remainder Belvedere Estate. In anticipation of the funding, the necessary advice for the purchase is being processed for approval. Minister Gumbs also noted that the new housing policy is nearing finalization and regular meetings with the Housing Foundation are ongoing to address inventory and future projects.