PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee meeting no. 02, which was to be held today,y Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 14.00 hrs. with as agenda points:
1. Incoming documents
2. Update by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication regarding agriculture on Sint Maarten
has been postponed until further notice upon the request of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The University of St. Martin (USM) is strengthening its commitment to college readiness with its Caribbean Academic Foundation Year (CAFY) Program, designed to equip post-secondary students from St. Maarten, Saba, and St. Eustatius with the academic, social, and life skills necessary to excel in tertiary education.

CAFY is an initiative of the kingdom-wide program of the Strategic Education Alliance (SEA). The program is also a collaborative effort by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports in St. Maarten, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in the Netherlands, Instituto Pedagogico Arubano (IPA), University of Curacao, and the University of Aruba. Students desirous of attending the CAFY will receive full sponsorship funding from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports of the Government of St. Maarten.

The CAFY program connects secondary school and university, providing students with a structured environment to develop academic proficiency, time management skills, and career readiness. Participants will gain exposure to university-level education while receiving guidance and mentorship.

Students from Saba and St. Eustatius who meet the eligibility requirements will receive the same level of support as those in St. Maarten, ensuring access to this new transformative program.

Starting August 2025, the program will last for a duration of ten (10) months, which reflects two (2) semesters. If you are between the ages of 16 to 23 years old or have graduated within the last two years you are eligible for the CAFY program. Another requirement includes the completion of secondary education with a HAVO, CXC, or CSEC diploma. The CAFY Program is a testament to USM’s 35 years of dedication to nurturing future leaders and professionals in our community and the region.

As part of an ongoing public outreach campaign, the USM team will be visiting the neighboring islands of Saba and St. Eustatius over the next two weeks to promote the CAFY program. The delegation includes Mrs. Marva Sam of the University of St. Martin and Deputy Program Manager of Strategic Education Alliance (SEA) who will interact with students (and parents), to provide key information about the benefits of enrolling.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament (MP) and Leader of the United People’s Faction (UPF), Honorable Omar E.C. Ottley, is questioning the recent announcement of Minister of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (VROMI), Hon. Patrice Gumbs, to introduce an entrance fee at the Landfill. While MP Ottley acknowledges the importance of sustainable waste management practices, he is questioning the legal basis of this decision without the involvement of Parliament. He argues that this proposal's timing, manner, and lack of added value will likely have negative consequences.
"I am fully in favor of sustainable waste management practices and supporting measures that promote environmental responsibility. However, I strongly believe that introducing an entrance fee at the Landfill without any accompanying programs or incentives, such as recycling initiatives, will only deter people from using the official channels for waste disposal," said MP Ottley. "Instead of encouraging proper waste management, it will likely push individuals to dump their waste illegally in other areas, worsening the problem."
MP Ottley also questioned the proposed fee's legal foundation. According to his research, the National Ordinance, which governs the collection and disposal of household waste, bulky waste, liquid waste, commercial waste, and other waste categories, does not grant the Minister of VROMI the authority to establish such a fee without amending the ordinance through Parliament. The MP raised concerns over the lack of transparency and the manner in which this matter has been handled.
"I have sent a formal letter to Minister Gumbs requesting clarification on the legal basis for this proposed fee. It is essential that any such measures are in line with the laws of Sint Maarten and that they are introduced through the proper channels in Parliament. As it stands, it appears the Minister is stepping outside of his authority in this matter," MP Ottley emphasized. The MP is committed to ensuring that any policy aimed at improving waste management is both legally sound and effective in promoting sustainable practices without unintended negative consequences.

SIMPSON BAY:---  Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Cleaver as its new Chief Executive Officer and President. Cleaver will succeed Mr. Brian Mingo, who has successfully led the airport for the past six years, overseeing its historic reconstruction and the recent grand reopening of its state-of-the-art terminal. With extensive experience in the aviation industry, Michael Cleaver previously served as the CEO of Winair from 2021-2023, the St. Maarten-based regional airline. His leadership at Winair and a career spanning over two decades at American Airlines provides him with in-depth knowledge of the aviation sector. Having resided on the island of Sint Maarten for over 50 years gives him a deep understanding of the Caribbean region and its unique challenges and opportunities. His expertise in airline operations, regional connectivity, and strategic development makes him well-positioned to lead Princess Juliana International Airport into the next chapter.
Under Brian Mingo’s leadership, PJIAE embarked on a major reconstruction journey following Hurricane Irma's devastation. Beginning in 2021 and completed in 2024, the airport's transformation reflects the resilience, collaboration, and vision that define St. Maarten. Brian Mingo and his team worked tirelessly with partners to rebuild an airport that is now stronger, more modern, and prepared to meet future demands.
"Princess Juliana International Airport now shines brighter than ever and is ready for its next chapter," said Brian Mingo. "The journey to this moment was filled with challenges, hard work, and unforgettable moments with an incredible team. Being part of this transformation has been an honor and a pleasure, but my job here is done. Now, I step aside with full confidence that Michael will lead the airport into a new era of growth and excellence.”
With the foundation firmly in place, Cleaver takes over as CEO, setting a new strategic direction for PJIAE through 2030. His leadership will focus on innovation, sustainability, operational excellence, and further enhancing passenger experience at the region’s premier aviation hub.
“We are incredibly grateful for Brian Mingo’s leadership during one of the most challenging and transformative periods in our airport’s history,” said Mr. Perry Wilson, Director of PJIA’s Holding company. “Now, as we look to the future, we are confident that Mr. Cleaver will guide Princess Juliana International Airport into a new era of growth, ensuring that we continue to serve as a world-class gateway for St. Maarten and the Caribbean.”
With his extensive aviation experience and a strong connection to the region, Michael Cleaver is well-positioned to build upon the success of the newly inaugurated terminal and propel the airport toward its 2030 vision.