~“Organizations Invited to Register Projects for 2026”~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The SXM DOET website is officially live, marking the start of preparations for the largest volunteer event of 2026. Organizations across Sint Maarten are now invited to register their projects and take part in SXM DOET 2026, taking place on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 2026.
This year’s theme, “From Jump Up to Step Up,” builds on the vibrant energy of Carnival. Coming straight off the excitement of the Carnival season, SXM DOET encourages the community to channel that same passion, unity, and momentum into volunteering by stepping up together for a great cause and strengthening our island community and volunteer network.
SXM DOET is organized by Be the Change Foundation, in collaboration with Oranje Fonds, and highlights the importance of active volunteerism to our island. Each year, thousands of volunteers support social organizations, schools, vulnerable groups, care institutions, and community initiatives across Sint Maarten.
With the website now live, organizations are encouraged to start brainstorming, planning, and registering their projects early. Registration is required to participate and to be eligible for financial support from Oranje Fonds.

The registration and funding application deadline is February 28, 2026. Organizations are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last minute, as early registration improves visibility and attracts more volunteers. Early registration also positions organizations to possibly be one of the 10 Early DOETi recipients. Early DOETis are special trinkets given to the first 10 organizations that register their project(s). These trinkets are to be given to the registrants of that project.
Through the SXM DOET website, www.sxmdoet.com, organizations can: 1. Register their DOET activity, 2. Apply for a financial contribution, 3. Connect with volunteers eager to make a difference.

“SXM DOET is about turning positive energy of like-minded individuals into meaningful action,” the organizers note. “From Jump Up to Step Up is a call for everyone to move together, bringing our community together to create real and lasting impacts.”
Organizations interested in participating can visit the SXM DOET website and begin the registration process immediately.
In the coming days, organizations can expect to be contacted by SXM DOET volunteer coaches and coordinators, who will offer guidance and support to help get projects and applications off to a strong start. For assistance, organizations can contact the coordination team via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Don’t wait until it’s too late, start planning today and be part of SXM DOET 2026.
Stay up to date by following SXM DOET on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/SXMDOET, Instagram (@SXM.DOET), and stay tuned for upcoming announcements and deadlines.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In response to recent public discussion and media inquiries, the President of Parliament has reflected on current parliamentary practices and their impact on the effectiveness and independence of the legislature.

The President noted that situations arising from the customary practice of requesting meetings of Parliament while simultaneously asking for the presence of Ministers have prompted a closer examination of whether this approach best serves Parliament’s role as an independent constitutional institution.

“This practice, in actuality, places Parliament’s schedule at the mercy of the executive branch,” the President stated. “That was never the intention of our parliamentary system, nor does it align with my focus on a more independently functioning Parliament.”

According to the Rules of Order, the convening of meetings of Parliament and requests for the presence of Ministers are governed by distinct procedures. While Members may request that a Minister be questioned in chamber or provide information, such a request requires the explicit approval of Parliament. Convening a meeting, however, is a separate procedural matter.

“The Rules of Order are very clear on this point,” the President emphasized. “Requesting and convening meetings is one matter; requesting the presence of a Minister is another. Going forward, I intend to stress this distinction more clearly.”

The President further highlighted that the Rules of Order already provide mechanisms to address urgent matters, including the option of requesting an urgent debate. These tools, when applied correctly, allow Parliament to function effectively without blurring institutional roles. In addition, I will continue my push to focus on topical committees rather than entire ministries.

In elaborating, the president provided the example of parliamentary committees on climate change, infrastructure, healthcare. These are very focused areas. “The proposal I launched in this regard during the closing of the 2024-2025 parliamentary year for a committee on the country’s electricity supply has received a favorable response from the Committee of Petitions. This “GEBE” committee will now be formally proposed for approval. It should be noted that the rules of order do not limit committees to interaction with government ministers only, but allow for work visits, hearings, interviews, etc. The individual committees can then table proposals for formal decision making. “The parliament as a body stands to benefit from this approach.”

The President of Parliament further noted that this position is consistent with earlier statements made since assuming office, in which she has repeatedly emphasized the importance of a more independently functioning Parliament grounded in constructive collaboration, sharper focus on agenda topics, stronger committee work, and ongoing training for Members. “Independence does not mean isolation,” the President stated. “It means a Parliament that is confident in its role, disciplined in its procedures, and capable of working collaboratively -internally and with the executive -while maintaining clear institutional boundaries.”

“Just as earlier procedural refinements, such as the introduction of interruptions were aimed at improving parliamentary debate, my current focus is on reinforcing Parliament’s independence within the framework of our existing Rules of Order,” the President said.

Acknowledging public and parliamentary concern about effectiveness, the President underscored that meaningful improvements can be achieved through greater procedural discipline.

“I hear the frustration expressed by Members of Parliament and by the general public,” the President noted. “I am convinced that some tightening up within our present Rules of Order would already go a long way.”

At the same time, the President stressed that effective governance requires cooperation between both the legislative and executive branches.

“Parliamentary effectiveness is not a one-sided responsibility,” the President stated. “It also depends on cooperation by the executive branch, for example by answering written questions in a timely manner, appearing during Question Hour, and responding to matters arising from meetings of Parliament.”

The President concluded by reiterating that the objective is not confrontation, but institutional balance.

“Strengthening Parliament is about ensuring that each institution functions as intended, with mutual respect for roles, responsibilities, and democratic accountability,” the President said.

Curaçao / St. Maarten:--- Dutch Caribbean Real Estate Fund (DCRF) has completed the acquisition of The Martin, an exclusive apartment building comprising 28 luxury suites located within the prestigious The Setai St. Maarten resort at Indigo Bay. The total purchase price amounts to approximately USD 22.5 million. The investment is held within a DCRF-structured closed-end real estate fund, capitalised primarily by Dutch and Caribbean investors and family offices.

The Setai St. Maarten represents the latest phase in the redevelopment of the project formerly known as Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences. With its repositioning under the globally renowned The Setai brand, the resort gains a strong luxury identity and international positioning. The resort is operated by Luxury Hotel Advisors and is affiliated with The Leading Hotels of the World. Guests and owners benefit from a high-end hospitality offering, including a beach club, spa facilities, and fine dining concepts under the guidance of legendary Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse.

Hans Leverman, Partner at DCRF: “After concluding my 32-year career as a tax advisor and partner at Deloitte in 2024, I joined Dutch Caribbean Real Estate Fund as a partner in 2025. With the acquisition of The Martin at The Setai St. Maarten, we achieve an important milestone in our growth strategy. By entering a project of this international standing at a strategically attractive moment, we are able to offer our investors a unique combination of immediate income and substantial upside potential. The transition to the global Setai brand underlines the quality of St. Maarten as one of the most promising destinations for luxury real estate in the region.”

Future Projects
With this acquisition, DCRF continues to expand its presence in the Caribbean region. Driven by the scarcity of high-quality beachfront locations and the favourable fiscal environment on St. Maarten, interest from family offices and high-net-worth individuals remains strong. DCRF expects to announce further details in the near future regarding new funds and investment opportunities across other islands within the Dutch Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Judicial Four-Party Consultation (JVO), a semi-annual meeting hosted by the Ministry of Justice of Sint Maarten, concluded yesterday following three days of intensive dialogue and cooperation among the Minister of Justice and Security of the Netherlands, Mr. Foort van Oosten, the Minister of Justice of Aruba, Mr. Arthur Dowers, the Acting Minister of Justice of Curaçao, Mr. Charles Cooper, and the Minister of Justice of Sint Maarten, Ms. Nathalie Tackling.

The consultation was conducted in a newly revised format, with the deliberate introduction of a strategic session, a full day dedicated to reflection, forward-planning, and open dialogue on shared priorities across the Kingdom.

“This strategic component is something we have consciously introduced into the JVO,” explained Minister Tackling. “It created space for open dialogue on shared priorities and long-term direction. By making room for strategic reflection alongside operational matters, we strengthen coordination, anticipate emerging risks, and ensure that our decisions are not only practical but forward-looking. I am pleased that we have once again committed to developing this strategic component in future JVOs.”

JVO Outcomes

The JVO, held from January 14–16, 2026, which included a series of technical and strategic sessions focused on strengthening Kingdom-wide cooperation in key areas such as detention reform, law enforcement, border management, youth crime prevention, data sharing, and the fight against organized and undermining crime.

Throughout the week, the Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to building a stronger, more coordinated, and robust justice system across the Kingdom. Discussions and decisions centered on practical steps to enhance collaboration and ensure that the justice chain remains resilient and responsive.

Key agreements included the approval of the Judicial Policy Plan for the Caribbean Coast Guard (2026–2029), the renewal of the Taskforce on Detention with an updated mandate and work program, and the adoption of the 2026 Joint Investigation Cooperation Plan and RST Budget Framework (2027–2030) to strengthen investigative coordination. The Ministers also endorsed a regional framework to combat organized and undermining crime, introduced the Judicial Balance Monitor to assess capacity within justice services, and supported a six-pillar plan for youth crime prevention focusing on both early intervention and rehabilitation.

Further progress was made on the modernization of detention and forensic care systems, where countries acknowledged existing capacity limitations but reaffirmed their commitment to continued collaboration. Additional progress was achieved on the harmonization of data protection and information exchange. Together, these outcomes reflect the Kingdom’s shared commitment to translate dialogue into concrete action and sustainable reform.

The Ministers also endorsed the continuation of the newly introduced strategic session, recognizing that the traditional two-day JVO format, with its extensive agenda, limited opportunities for deeper dialogue. The revised structure introduced a third day dedicated to strategic discussion enabling  the Ministers to focus on selected priority themes, engage in more comprehensive exchanges, and identify practical ways to continue to strengthen cooperation. Curaçao announced that it will host the next JVO from September 1–3, 2026, which will again include space for strategic discussion among the Ministers.

Site Visits and Bilateral Engagements

During JVO week, Minister Foort van Oosten and his delegation joined Minister Tackling for a tour of the Point Blanche Prison, where they met with the Prison Director to discuss challenges. United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS),head of program, William Squier presented an update on the new prison construction, outlining how the project will address long-standing challenges and set new standards for humane and secure detention.

The Dutch Minister also visited the Sint Maarten Coast Guard Station, where both Ministers discussed strengthening maritime enforcement and regional coordination.

In addition, all four Ministers participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new prison facility, a milestone within the broader Detention Sector Reform Program. While not part of the formal JVO agenda, their presence served as a powerful symbol of the Kingdom partners’ shared commitment to strengthening and modernizing the justice system, reflecting the very spirit of cooperation that defined this year’s consultation.

“The challenges we face in the justice sector are often similar, even if they emerge at different moments in time,” said Minister Tackling. “This project serves as a blueprint for what can be achieved when we work together, learn from one another, and invest collectively in long-term solutions.”

A Week of Exchange

Beyond the formal discussions, the week included a Welcome Reception and Cultural Night, providing delegates the opportunity to experience Sint Maarten’s warmth and vibrant culture, while also allowing for informal exchanges in a relaxed setting.

Reflecting on the week’s outcomes, the Ministers of Aruba, Curaçao and the Netherlands noted that the meetings had been particularly productive and highly constructive, and thanked Minister Tackling for the way she chaired the meetings, and also for the smooth and thoughtful organisation of the JVO.

Minister Tackling expressed her gratitude to her Kingdom counterparts and their delegations for their openness and constructive engagement.

“JVO 2026 has been a meaningful exchange that reaffirms the strength of our Kingdom partnership,” Minister Tackling stated. “The decisions taken this week will directly shape our justice systems from capacity building and youth prevention to data security and regional coordination. Most importantly, they reflect our shared dedication to fairness, safety, and justice for all citizens across the Kingdom.”