PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  On Monday, May 4, 2026, the Government of Sint Maarten will observe National Remembrance Day (“Dodenherdenking”) like the other countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
During this National Commemoration Day, all Dutch victims – civilians and soldiers – who have been killed in the Kingdom of the Netherlands or anywhere else in the world in war situations or during peace-keeping operations since the outbreak of the Second World War (WWII) are commemorated.
This year’s theme is “Learning to Understand History”, and the year 2026 marks 81 years since the end of WWII.
The regular commemoration ceremony, taking place at the Captain Hodge Wharf in Philipsburg, will feature several key elements, including an opening prayer by Archdeacon Terrence Rawlins and the official wreath laying ceremony by His Excellency the Governor Ajamu Baly, the Honorable President of Parliament Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, and the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.
Following the wreath laying, the “Last Post” will be played, succeeded by two minutes of silence after the tolling of the bells. This segment will conclude with the Dutch Anthem and the Sint Maarten Song.
Additionally, the top management of various uniformed troops – Police, Marines, Sint Maarten Voluntary Corps (VKS), and the Marechaussee – will jointly lay a wreath in honor of the fallen.
As has become tradition, two distinguished guests, Mrs. Elsje Bosch and Mrs. Bernadine van Veen, wife of the late Mr. Gerard van Veen, have been invited. Both Bosch and Gerard van Veen experienced World War II during their childhoods. The two ladies will lay a wreath on behalf of all the children affected by the fight for freedom over the years.
This year, Pathfinder Mr. Shodemar Levenstone will present a poem written by Drs. Mrs. Egstorf-Pantophlet from her book “A Different Stick o’ Fire, World War Two in the Caribbean, Fragments of a Forgotten Legacy”. Pathfinder Ms. Mo’Riah Stewart will read an excerpt written by Mrs. Elsje Bosch, describing her personal emotions and experiences during World War II. Trumpetist Wilfred Phelipa will accompany the ceremony with his musical performances.
Furthermore, all invited guests will have the opportunity to lay a single flower at the War Memorial Monument, which bears the names of World War II victims primarily from Sint Maarten.
The public is encouraged to attend the ceremony, which will commence with a march by uniformed law enforcement and military groups beginning at the front of the Courthouse and proceeding to Captain Hodge Wharf.
The event will also be rebroadcast on social media. Special thanks go out to the Port Sint Maarten Group of Companies (PSG) for annually facilitating this event.
Business owners are reminded to fly their flags at half-mast, and each citizen is encouraged to honor a period of two minutes of silence, which is observed throughout the Dutch Caribbean at around 6:00 p.m. The general public who wishes to attend can do so by 5:30 p.m., before the official start of the ceremony at 6:00 p.m.

The public is hereby notified that the roads leading to and the access to the Captain Hodge Wharf will be closed off for vehicles in the late afternoon of Monday, May 4, 2026.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Telecommunication (TEATT) urgently reminds all public transportation permit holders that the extended deadline for the submission of confirmation letters is May 8, 2026.
Permit holders are strongly urged to complete their confirmation process without delay. The online registration portal will remain accessible only until 11:59 PM on the deadline date. All previously communicated requirements and conditions remain fully in force and must be fully complied with.
This represents the final extension, and no further general extension is anticipated beyond this date. Permit holders who have not yet submitted their confirmation letters are strongly encouraged to act immediately to avoid any disruption to their operational status.
Following the deadline, any late submissions will be processed under the new permit review framework and referred to the forthcoming Public Transportation Committee (PTC) once operational. These applications will no longer be handled directly by the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) and may be subject to additional administrative steps and longer processing timelines.
Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe may also result in administrative enforcement measures, including a review of permit status, particularly in cases where outstanding road tax obligations remain unresolved.
At present, 48 confirmation letters and stickers remain pending for collection, comprising:
• 24 taxis
• 6 buses
• 3 car rental operators
• 12 touring car companies
• 3 unregulated transport operators
Permit holders who have not yet collected their confirmation letters are strongly urged to do so between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM at the Section Transport office without delay, in order to avoid last-minute congestion and potential processing delays
For technical assistance related to the online application process, permit holders may contact the Transport Control Unit via:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
WhatsApp: +1 (721) 559-7685
Application Links:
• Individual Buses and Taxis: https://proprofssurvey.com/app/t/?title=ufmjv
• Bus Companies, T-Plates and G-Plates: https://www.proprofs.com/survey/t/?title=nzxl6
All submissions must be completed online via the designated portal. Applicants will be contacted if any issues need to be rectified with their submission.
The Ministry of TEATT remains committed to strengthening governance, ensuring compliance, and advancing a structured and efficient public transportation sector.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Persons seeking a unique and exciting way to experience Carnival 2026 were given the opportunity to do just that through a dynamic collaboration among SXM Doet, Luv Lux Mas, and the Volunteer.sx platform.
The initiative brought together 7 dedicated volunteers who supported the Luv Lux Carnival Mas Camp 2026, gaining a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most vibrant and anticipated on-the-road experiences of the Carnival season.
Volunteers played an essential role during the parade days on April 30 and May 1, assisting revelers on the road and helping to ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for all participants. This hands-on involvement placed volunteers at the heart of the action, allowing them to fully experience the energy, culture, and excitement that define St. Maarten’s Carnival.
“This collaboration reflects what SXM Doet is all about, connecting persons to meaningful volunteer opportunities while strengthening community partnerships,” the SXM Doet Project Coordinators shared. “By teaming up with Luv Lux Mas and utilizing the volunteers.sx platform, we were able to create a fun and impactful experience for all involved.”
The opportunity attracted enthusiastic, high-energy, and team-oriented individuals who contributed to the success of the initiative while enjoying a truly memorable Carnival experience.
SXM Doet extends its sincere thanks to all volunteers who participated, as well as to Luv Lux Mas for their collaboration in making this initiative a success.
Together, they helped bring the road to life, showcasing the power of volunteerism within the spirit of Carnival.
For more volunteer opportunities throughout the year, persons can visit the volunteer.sx platform. Individuals are also encouraged to sign up for SXM Doet 2026, taking place on May 15 and 16, and continue making a positive impact within the community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A proud moment is being celebrated as Trystine Gibs Peterson has earned her Master’s degree in Psychology from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee.

Born on February 4th, 2000, and raised in Sint Maarten, Caribbean, Trystine's journey has been one of determination, focus, and quiet strength. Leaving home to pursue her dreams, she remained committed to her goal of becoming a psychologist, dedicating herself fully to her studies and personal growth.

Known for her ambition and drive, Trystine has worked tirelessly to reach this milestone. Her passion for understanding people and helping others has guided her every step of the way, and this achievement reflects years of discipline and perseverance.

Her journey, however, has not been without challenges. Even after the heartbreaking loss of her nephew, Justice Peterson, Trystine found the strength to push forward, carrying his memory with her and using it as motivation to keep going. This accomplishment stands not only as a personal victory, but also as a tribute to him. He would have been incredibly proud.

Looking ahead, Trystine plans to continue her education by pursuing a PhD in Psychology, further building on the strong foundation she has created. With her determination and heart, there is no doubt she will continue to make a meaningful impact in this world.

Her success is a proud moment for her family, friends, and the entire Sint Maarten community.

Congratulations, Trystine Gibs Peterson. Wishing you continued success on the journey ahead.