THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):--- Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell recently attended a networking meeting in Brussels, Belgium at the Permanent Representation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the European Union (EU).
Arrindell attended a presentation by the Special Envoy for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba to the EU, United Nations (UN), and economic development with Latin America and the Caribbean about the “Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba in International Networks: Strategic partnerships for Sustainable Development,” based on the report which was prepared by The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS).
According to the report, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba (BES Islands) – special municipalities of the Netherlands situated in the Caribbean – have distinct geographic and economic characteristics that make them interesting players for the Netherlands, the EU, and other international actors to engage with. With an ever-evolving geo-economic landscape, understanding the value of the islands in global affairs and international value chains is vital. It’s worth mentioning that the conditions of the BES Islands are almost the same as those of the CAS (Curacao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten) Islands.
The HCSS report focuses on the strategic positioning of the islands in international frameworks and explores avenues for sustainable development on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba through cooperation with key international partners. It does so by providing insights into their unique geographic and economic characteristics as well as evaluating ongoing international cooperation in key areas.
The HCSS report outlines three key recommendations for strengthening the islands’ position and resilience in international networks.
First, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba should streamline national and international processes of cooperation together with the Dutch government. The islands should create a clear strategy to boost their position in international networks, while the Dutch government could act as a facilitator for international outreach and resource allocation for sustainable development in areas like infrastructure, health, education, and the environment.
Second, the islands should optimize access to EU funding. The local administration on the islands should develop capacity-building programmes with partners to strengthen local expertise and ensure eligibility for EU programs. This can significantly boost local economies and enhance resilience.
Third, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba should increase participation in regional and international platforms. This will allow for easier knowledge exchange and could lead in the future to obtain observer status or membership in these platforms.
The meeting was opened by Bianca Peters. Roald Lapperre, Director General of Kingdom Relations at the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, gave an introductory speech, which was then followed by the introduction of the report by Edison Rijna, Special Envoy for Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba to the EU, United Nations (UN), and economic development with Latin America and the Caribbean.
Thereafter, there was a panel discussion given by Anna Burylo – Head of Unit at the European Commission, Directorate-General (DG) All Overseas Countries and Territories (INTPA.Unit B.3), Wessel Geursen – Academic researcher EU-law with special focus on the overseas territories and countries, and Nathalie Maduro – President of the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Alliance (DCALFA).
Minister Arrindell said it was a good networking event with the different stakeholders who were present. The Sint Maarten Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary will organize a follow-up meeting with colleague ministers from Aruba and Curacao based on the presentation to pave the way forward for the three countries.
Minister Arrindell also exchanged ideas with Nathalie Maduro, President of the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Alliance (DCALFA), to elevate Sint Maarten's agriculture sector further. This discussion will be continued after consultation with the respective stakeholders on Sint Maarten.
FREE Breast Exam and Health Screening for Women.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), Collective Prevention Services (CPS), and the Positive Foundation are thrilled to announce free breast exams and health screenings for women. These events aim to educate and empower women about the risk factors and presentation of breast cancer while collecting data for a research project, the breast abnormalities survey.
Event Details:
- Dates: March 15th and April 5th
- Location: Vineyard Building #3, Vineyard Offices, Phillipsburg
- Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or +1-334-655-3502 (WhatsApp) – Please make an appointment at least 3 days before the event.
Free Screenings Include:
- The breast exam is performed by an oncologist, breast abnormalities expert, Dr. Chobanyan.
- Health screenings for:
- Blood Sugar
- Total Cholesterol
- Waist Circumference
- Blood Pressure
- Height
- Weight
- BMI
- Vision
“We are committed to educating the women on St. Maarten about being breast aware and the importance of early detection,” says Shelly Alphonso, President of the Positive Foundation. “By partnering with AUC and CPS for these free screenings, we hope to reach women who might not otherwise have access to these vital health services. Our goal is to educate and empower women to take charge of their breast health.”
We encourage
- Night shift workers, police officers, civil workers, store workers, and nurses who are 18 years and older to participate.
- First-time participants are especially welcome to join this year's AUC breast screenings.
This initiative has already collected data from over 660 women, with a target of reaching 1,000 women. By participating, you contribute to a significant community health project and help us achieve our goal. Reserve at least 2 hours in your schedule and register to be part of an opportunity to receive health information and a free clinical breast exam.
Join us in promoting health and wellness in our community. Together, we can make a difference!
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact:
VROMI Infrastructure Department to Proceed with Removal of Illegally Placed Billboards.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Infrastructure Department at the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby announces that the Infrastructure Department will be taking down illegally placed billboards across the island. This action is part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety, maintain the island’s aesthetic appeal, and uphold regulatory compliance.
The public is reminded that the placement of billboards requires an approved billboard permit. The permit process involves a joint advisory from the VROMI Infrastructure Management Department and the KPSM Traffic Department, followed by a permit issued by the Ministry of Justice. Billboard installations must not proceed without these approvals.
Illegally placed billboards pose safety risks, particularly to traffic and pedestrians, and can detract from the island’s natural and urban landscapes. The VROMI Infrastructure Department urges all businesses, advertisers, and individuals to adhere to the proper procedures for billboard placement.
To apply for a billboard permit or for more information on the process, please contact the VROMI Infrastructure Management Department via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 542-4292 ext 2390.
The VROMI Infrastructure Department appreciates the public’s cooperation in maintaining a safe and orderly environment. Unpermitted billboards will be removed without further notice, and responsible parties may be subject to fines or other penalties.
Reminder: U.S. Consular Services Visit set for February 21 by Appointment Only.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The United States Consulate General in Curacao will be sending a consular officer to Sint Maarten to provide services to American Citizens.
The consular officer will be providing services on Friday, February 21 from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.
Services are by appointment only. After requesting an appointment, the person will receive instructions on how to prepare for your requested service.
U.S. citizens who need any of the following services: U.S. passport applications; Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applications; and Document notarizations, need to make an appointment by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
People are asked to read the instructions carefully in order to avoid delays.
On Friday, February 21, the U.S. consular officer will be providing the services by appointment out of the following venue: Government Administration Building, Soualiga Road #1, Conference Room #1 (on the ground floor).
Those who have secured an appointment, once they reach the entrance of the Government Administration Building, they should inform security that they have come for U.S. consular services and will then be instructed where to go.
The Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs of Parliament to meet regarding the State of Education Report 2020-2022.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports Affairs (CECYSA) of Parliament will be meeting on February 13, 2025.
The committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs, will be present.
The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents
2. State of Education Report 2020-2022 (IS/886/2023-2024 dated June 28, 2024)
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