PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina will be travelling to the Netherlands from December 6–13, 2025, as part of a previously scheduled working visit that remains a priority for Sint Maarten. The importance of this mission has increased following a meeting held this afternoon with the Prime Ministers of Curaçao, Mr. Gilmar Pisas, and the Prime Minister of Aruba, Mr. Mike Eman. During that consultation, Prime Minister Mercelina was mandated by his colleagues to represent all three Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, ensuring that he would be on the ground to receive first-hand information on ongoing developments between the United States and Venezuela.

“Given the evolving landscape in our region, Sint Maarten must remain actively engaged at the highest diplomatic levels. My presence in the Netherlands is essential to ensure that our country’s security, safety, perspectives, and priorities are clearly represented,” stated Prime Minister Mercelina; hence my scheduled meeting with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Dick Schoof, coming Monday, December 8, 2025.

The working visit also follows earlier bilateral discussions in New York with Kingdom partners, where cooperation, preparedness, and international developments were among the main topics. Reflecting on the broader regional dynamic, the Prime Minister added, “Considering Aruba and Curaçao’s geographical proximity to areas of heightened concern, it is understandable that my colleagues may face constraints in attending certain sessions in person. Their continued participation through official representatives allows our shared work to continue effectively and cohesively.”

During the visit, Prime Minister Mercelina will take part in a full program of strategic engagements, including consultations with the Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague discussions with the VNG, and other high-level multilateral meetings. He also intends to meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Mr. van Weel, to address international matters and developments relevant to the Kingdom, as well as the ongoing tension in the Caribbean.

In addition to these governmental engagements, the Prime Minister will participate in the Inter-Expo conference in The Hague, which will focus on the future prospects of the Kingdom of the Netherlands 15 years after 10/10/10. During this three-day conference, he will contribute to panel discussions alongside regional leaders and experts, including former Dutch Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende en Mr. Ernst Hirsch Ballin. He will also deliver a keynote address focusing on the constitutional autonomy.
The Government of Sint Maarten will continue to provide updates as the Prime Minister’s working visit progresses.

HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, December 4, 2025, His Excellency Governor Ajamu Baly of Sint Maarten welcomed His Excellency Governor Alfonso Boekhoudt of Aruba and His Excellency Governor Mauritsz de Kort of Curaçao to Sint Maarten.
The Governors’ visit is in connection with the scheduled activities commemorating the historic milestone of the 50th Anniversary celebration of Saba Day, taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025. The official Saba Day ceremony will be held in The Bottom, Saba, beginning with an Ecumenical Service, followed by the Hoisting of the Saba Flag, a Cultural Parade, and the Official Ceremony, concluding with a grand toast.
Following the day’s formal program, the delegation will partake in a separate private program on the island of Saba before returning to Sint Maarten. Their joint presence underscores the close ties among the islands and highlights the spirit of unity within the Dutch Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has written to the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, requesting an update on the current status of road repairs, ongoing projects, and the use of funds that were previously secured for the improvement of the country’s infrastructure. The MP highlighted that approximately 2 million guilders from the CAPEX 2023 allocation, secured during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, should still be available for both the hard-surfacing of side roads and the general upgrade and upkeep of the national road network. He stated that the public deserves clarity on how far these works have progressed and what remains outstanding.
MP Doran explained that the hard-surfacing project initiated during his time in office, which he developed together with the dedicated team at VROMI, is especially close to his heart because it focused on finally addressing long-neglected side roads in several neighborhoods across the island. These were roads that had not seen proper attention in decades. He noted that the funding secured in CAPEX 2023 was specifically intended to allow the current administration to continue this work without interruption.
Additionally, the MP has asked Minister Patrice Gumbs for information on the annual bidding process for road repair and maintenance, specifically whether the tender for the 2026 cycle has already been executed, and if not, when it will be published.
MP Doran’s inquiries further include the status of the bidding process for stormwater pumps, which are essential for managing heavy rainfall and reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas. He has asked Minister Gumbs whether this tendering process has been completed, which companies participated, and what the next steps will be.
The MP also asked the Minister to provide the list of completed roads, the number of pending roads, and whether any roads had been removed from the original project plan. He further requested updated timelines for commencement and completion of each location, especially in cases where projected dates had already elapsed.
MP Doran pointed out that during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, while larger projects were being prepared, workmen were still dispatched to patch potholes in the interim. This approach helped keep certain areas safe and reasonably passable until more complete solutions could be put in place. He observed that this form of temporary maintenance appears to have slowed down since he left office, and he has asked Minister Gumbs whether there is a particular reason for the change.
Toward the end of his statement, MP Doran noted that while every ministry faces challenges, the country cannot afford extended slowdowns in basic infrastructure work without explanation. He stressed that residents are increasingly frustrated with deteriorating road conditions and should get clear answers on when improvements will be delivered. “People are tired of guessing. They want straightforward information and visible progress. As an MP, it is my responsibility to follow up and ensure that the commitments made and the funds allocated are translated into real action,” he said.
Lastly, he expressed hope that the information provided by Minister Gumbs will give residents a clearer understanding of the work already completed and what they can expect in the period ahead.

PHILIPSBURG:--- An unsettling incident at the Simpson Bay detention center has brought serious ethical questions to the forefront of the Ministry of Justice. A Chinese immigrant, detained at the facility, is reportedly the victim of theft, with $450 missing from the personal funds he surrendered upon his arrest. This case raises significant concerns about accountability and integrity within the justice system.
According to sources, senior officials at the Ministry of Justice, including the Minister, were made aware of the theft approximately two weeks ago. Despite this knowledge, no apparent action has been taken to replace the stolen money or hold anyone accountable for the missing funds. This lack of response is particularly troubling as the detainee is scheduled for departure from the island next week, leaving little time for a resolution.
The incident highlights a potential breakdown in the protocols designed to protect the property of individuals in custody. When people are detained, their personal belongings are cataloged and stored for safekeeping. The disappearance of funds under these circumstances points to a breach of trust and a failure of duty by those responsible for the facility's management.
This specific case may also be indicative of broader, systemic problems. Sources suggest that this is not an isolated event and that other unethical matters within the Justice Ministry are being kept from public view. This alleged pattern of concealing issues rather than addressing them undermines public confidence and suggests a culture that lacks transparency.
The theft of a detainee's money, while a seemingly small amount, carries significant weight. It speaks to the vulnerability of those within the justice system and the absolute necessity for officials to act with unwavering integrity. For the system to be perceived as fair and just, it must protect the rights and property of everyone, regardless of their status.
The Ministry of Justice now faces a critical test. Swiftly replacing the stolen funds and launching a transparent investigation to identify the responsible party would be a crucial first step toward restoring faith. Anything less sends a message that such misconduct is tolerated, further eroding the principles of justice and accountability that the community expects and deserves.