St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

PJIAE Appoints New Corporate Communications Officer.

cleavercassiepjiae04112025 Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Cassie Schoutens as the new Corporate Communications Officer.
Ms. Schoutens, who has been an integral part of the Commercial Department as Marketing and Communications Specialist, will now take on a broader role overseeing all internal and external communications on behalf of PJIAE. Ms. Schoutens has been one of the key colleagues behind PJIAE’s community initiatives and events, such as the recent Kids Movie Night and other outreach activities that connect the airport with the people of St. Maarten.

“The Management Board views this appointment as an encouraging step forward in strengthening our communication strategy and deepening engagement with our stakeholders,” said PJIAE Management. “Cassie has consistently demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and a clear understanding of PJIAE’s vision. We are confident that our communications will continue to highlight the values, progress, and spirit of the airport.”

PJIAE remains committed to open dialogue and transparency with the community. “We will continue our outreach efforts to ensure that our community feels informed, included, and connected to the growth and developments at PJIAE,” the statement continued.
“Working for Princess Juliana International Airport has been an advantageous experience. Every day, I am inspired by the people who make this airport operate seamlessly, from those working behind the scenes to those representing us on the front line. I’m excited to continue sharing these stories, both big and small, that reflect the heart and spirit of PJIAE. I will do my absolute best to fulfill this role with passion and dedication. Our community has always been at the center of what we do, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to engage and include them in every step of our journey.”

Those wishing to extend event invitations to Princess Juliana International Airport may forward them to Ms. Schoutens, who will serve as the official representative of PJIAE at public and community events. All public relations matters, including media and press inquiries, will be coordinated through Ms. Schoutens and can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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 November 5, 2025.

The Public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 14.00 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

Continuation Public meeting of Parliament handling the draft National Ordinance containing rules regarding a basic payment account for consumers.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on November 5, 2025.

This Public meeting was adjourned on October 30, 2025, and will be reconvened on Wednesday at 16.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The Minister of Finance will return to Parliament to provide answers to the questions posed by the Members of Parliament in the second round of deliberations on the draft National Ordinance containing rules regarding a basic payment account for consumers.

The agenda point is:
2. Ontwerplandsverordening houdende regels met betrekking tot een basisbetaalrekening voor consumenten (Landsverordening basisbetaalrekening) (Zittingsjaar 2023-2024-174) (IS/292/2023-2024 d.d. 20 december 2023)

Draft National Ordinance containing rules regarding a basic payment account for consumers (National Ordinance basic payment account) (Parliamentary year 2023-2024-174) (IS/292/2023-2024 dated 20 December 2023)

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.

Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell highlights innovation, education and cultural protection at 43rd UNESCO General Conference.

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):--- For the first time since 1985, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)’s General Conference is being held outside Paris, with Uzbekistan hosting the 43rd session in the historic city of Samarkand.
The biennial conference gathers representatives from all UNESCO Member States, observers, and intergovernmental organizations to set the agenda for the organization’s global priorities in education, culture, science, and communication.
UNESCO is a specialized agency dedicated to strengthening our shared humanity through the promotion of education, science, culture, and communication. The organization sets standards, produces tools, and develops knowledge to create solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time, and fosters a world of greater equality and peace.
Protecting biodiversity, responding to artificial intelligence, advancing quality education, safeguarding heritage, and ensuring access to reliable information are some examples of the work that UNESCO does with its 194 Member States across the globe.
This year, Her Excellency Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, addressed the General Conference on behalf of the Honourable Melissa D. Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport.
In her remarks, Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell highlighted Sint Maarten’s progress in education reform, digital innovation, and cultural protection, emphasizing that “AI must amplify Caribbean creativity, not appropriate it.”
She underlined Sint Maarten’s new Higher Education and Research Ordinance, which sets national standards for quality assurance and international accreditation. The law, she said, “ensures that education remains a public trust, strengthens accountability, and affirms that learning is the foundation of national resilience.”
The Minister also spoke of Sint Maarten’s integration of Artificial Intelligence and STEAM education in schools through new partnerships with the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, the St. Kitts & Nevis Robotics Association, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Robotics Association, aimed at creating a Robotics Unit and hosting an annual STEAM camp.
Building on the message from MONDIACULT 2022 and 2025, she reaffirmed Sint Maarten’s cultural vision: “Culturize before you digitize. We do not reject technology; we seek to humanize it. AI must serve inclusion and integrity, not imitation.”
Minister Arrindell also noted Sint Maarten’s leadership in heritage protection, referencing the establishment of the first Caribbean Cultural Emergency Response (CER) Sub-Hub, and ongoing work toward a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, underscoring the island’s belief that “human progress and environmental stewardship must evolve together.”
Youth empowerment was another key theme. Through the National Youth Mainstreaming Strategy, Sint Maarten is embedding youth participation and evidence-based planning across all government sectors. In 2025, three local high schools joined the UNESCO Associated Schools Network, connecting students to global education initiatives.
The Minister concluded by expressing gratitude for UNESCO’s continued support and for giving small island nations a global platform: “Together, may we build a world where knowledge inspires peace, and culture lights the path forward.”
During her introduction of her speech, Minister Arrindell also extended solidarity to the people of Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba, and the other countries that were affected by Hurricane Melissa.
The 43rd UNESCO General Conference will be marked by the official appointment of UNESCO’s next Director-General and the anticipated adoption of the first global Recommendation on the Ethics of Neurotechnology.
The Conference will also feature thematic debates, exhibitions, and side events exploring the future of education, science, culture, and information.
The 43rd UNESCO General Conference runs from 30 October to 13 November 2025, with additional events in Tashkent, Bukhara, Khiva, and Shahrisabz.

MP Lacroes Demands Accountability from Government.

franciscolacroes14012025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The call for accountability at the highest levels of Sint Maarten’s government has been brought to light, as Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes today demanded the immediate resignation of Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten. This comes in response to grave allegations and the reaffirmed $92 million liability for her husband while in office.

The mission of the Social Economic Council (SER) to foster social and economic development through diversification, labor market advancement, healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability serves as a benchmark for transparent and ethical governance in Sint Maarten. Lacroes asserts that this mission and the people’s trust, are now threatened by the ongoing legal crisis at the heart of government. The SER gives solicited and unsolicited advice, as we have not received any unsolicited advice. MP Lacroes is now formally requesting a solicited advice on whether this a sound healthy investment for both foreigners and locals alike?

The Court of First Instance recently reaffirmed that the former minister exploited his political power to disrupt a major port development, seeking personal financial benefit and causing substantial reputational and economic harm to the country. “These are not trivial accusations,” stated MP Lacroes. “They strike at the heart of public trust and the rule of law.”
Minister Heyliger-Marten, as Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication, is responsible for sectors directly affected by the current scandal. Her continued presence in office while these grave allegations remain unresolved constitutes a direct conflict of interest and erodes confidence in government and, in extension, Parliament.

“This is not a personal attack. This is an unwavering stand for principled leadership and true accountability,” said Lacroes. He emphasized that Sint Maarten’s government must demonstrate its commitment to justice, transparency, and impartiality, urging Minister Heyliger-Marten to step aside until the matter is fully resolved.
MP Lacroes concluded: “Let us show the people of Sint Maarten and the world that our nation values good governance above all else. Only by acting now can we restore the people’s trust and move our country forward with integrity and unity.”

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