POINTE BLANCHE:---  Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) is excited to announce that preparations are underway for the spectacular year-end fireworks display over Great Bay, a highlight of the country’s New Year’s celebrations at midnight on Wednesday, December 31.
PSG is thrilled to bring the New Year's Fireworks display once again to the community and stakeholders for a night of fun and celebration while ringing in the new year 2026.
To ensure the safety of all participants and spectators, maritime regulations mandate that a strict safety exclusion zone of 250 meters be established and maintained around the fireworks launch platform (barge) as of Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at 11:00 AM until midnight.
Accordingly, Port St. Maarten management is issuing an advisory to all mariners, boaters, and marinas who currently have vessels anchored or moored in Great Bay to make preparations for the aforementioned.
PSG encourages everyone to enjoy a safe and joyful New Year’s celebration with family and friends at the Great Bay Fireworks display on Wednesday, December 31, the company stated.
PSG Management wishes the entire community a safe, healthy, and prosperous 2026.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Government of Sint Maarten and the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) hosted a public consultation at the Belair Community Center to update the wider community on the upcoming activities of the Sint Maarten Wastewater Management Project (SWMP) and the work underway to improve wastewater services across the island. The session provided a clear overview of the anticipated challenges that will affect neighborhoods, together with mitigation measures. The session also covered the planned upgrades and long-term investments being developed to modernize the wastewater treatment system and protect public health.
Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure (VROMI), Hon. Patrice Gumbs, emphasized why this early engagement is important.
“This project needs to be seen as more than an infrastructure intervention. By addressing sewage, the Sint Maarten Wastewater Management Project should be seen as a tool to mitigate pollution, build healthy environments, support our tourism economy, and most importantly, ensure safe and enjoyable communities for our people. We're very proud to announce that, in tandem with the United Nations Office of Project Services, we will be finalizing private connections for homes in the Dutch Quarter at the same time that we’re doing this project in the Cul-de-Sac. So, there will be a lot of infrastructure projects in the next 18 months, starting in Q4 next year. We're very aware that we need to do extensive mitigation work to minimize the nuisance caused by infrastructure projects in these two densely populated areas of the country. The government has continuing momentum to ensure the product is completed successfully. The goal is one hundred percent safely managed sanitation by the mid-2030s.”
Under SWMP, the Government and NRPB aim to modernize the island’s approach to wastewater treatment methods by upgrading and optimizing the existing wastewater treatment plant, expanding and rehabilitating the sewer network in the Cul de Sac basin, and strengthening the Ministry of VROMI’s long-term capacity to regulate these systems. The project will also support the development of a national wastewater strategy, a financially sustainable management model, and develop a monitoring system to track coastal and inland water quality. Together, these efforts lay the foundation for more reliable, resilient, and healthier wastewater management for the communities within the project area.

NRPB Director Claret Connor noted that this consultation reflects the Trust Fund’s wider shift from emergency recovery toward long-term sector strengthening. “Improving how we manage wastewater is a public health priority. This consultation aims to bring the community into the process early, so their experiences, questions, and concerns can help shape the decisions that must be made before construction begins.”

Attendees then heard from SWMP Project Manager Alvaro Vadillo, who outlined the proposed interventions and explained what the expansion of the sewer network could mean for households in the Cul de Sac basin. This was followed by a presentation from Victoria D’Orey and Susana Baptista of JV ENGIDRO/PROCESL, who walked through the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). They described the current challenges, the expected benefits of the upgrades, and the measures that will be used to reduce dust, noise, traffic delays, and other temporary inconveniences once construction begins.

During the open questions and answer session, residents asked how new household connections would work; they were told that connections will be possible based on the available financial resources and be determined once the bidding process is finalized. Participants also questioned whether lines would cut through private yards; the Ministry noted that designs will prioritize existing access roads and avoid yards wherever possible, with regulations for these areas still being developed. Several questions focused on how the system will be financed and maintained. The Minister outlined that a new financial framework is being prepared, including the possibility of different rates for residents and businesses and potential tourism-based contributions. There were also queries around timelines and contingencies; the Ministry advised that buffers are being built into both the budget and schedule. Questions about extending services into higher elevations and other neighborhoods were addressed by noting that hilltop areas may require different solutions, and that future phases will look toward areas like Cole Bay. Others stressed the importance of involving youth in wastewater education, which the Ministry strongly supported.

While SWMP will not resolve every wastewater concern across the island, it represents a meaningful and necessary step for the communities in the Cul de Sac basin, where wastewater exposure has been a persistent challenge. The improvements, once completed, are expected to reduce pressure on aging septic systems and support better health and environmental outcomes.
As the consultation concluded, Minister Gumbs reminded participants that this is just the beginning of the conversation. More information will be shared as designs are finalized, and additional sessions will be held to keep residents informed. Together, the Government, the NRPB, and the community are laying the groundwork for a wastewater system that is safer, stronger, and more resilient for generations to come.
The Sint Maarten Wastewater Management Project (SWMP) is implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is co-funded by the Government of Sint Maarten and the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The atmosphere was electric as the St. Maarten Academy celebrated its Class of 2025, a cohort that has proven that "Today's Dreams, Tomorrow's Reality" is more than just a theme—it is a lived experience. In a ceremony marked by soaring academic statistics and deeply moving personal testimonies, two voices stood out to define the evening: Principal Kim Lucas Felix and keynote speaker Ramzan Juman.

Together, their speeches painted a picture of an institution that is not merely a school, but a "proving ground" that forges character, resilience, and world-class scholars.

A Legacy of Academic Domination

Principal Kim Lucas Felix took to the podium with a report that would be the envy of any educator in the Caribbean. Addressing parents, faculty, and graduates, she revealed that the Academy had once again secured a 100% school pass rate.

The numbers were staggering. Among the 54 CSEC and 31 CAPE candidates, the school produced results that placed them firmly on the regional map. Principal Felix proudly announced that 10 students had made the Regional Merit List, meaning they ranked within the top 10 students across the entire Caribbean in their respective subjects.

"When we say that we are the number one school on this island, we have our figures to back it up," Felix declared.

The evening highlighted individual brilliance, including CSEC valedictorian Hadil El Aswad, who returned 12 Grade 1s with all A profiles, and CAPE valedictorian Kisherno Webster, who swept through units of Computer Science, Information Technology, and Pure Mathematics with top grades. Perhaps most notably, student Furley Feliz Valerio earned the number one spot on the regional merit list for the second consecutive year, securing first place in Digital Media Unit 1.

From Survival to Success

While Principal Felix highlighted the transcript's triumphs, Keynote Speaker Ramzan Juman highlighted the triumphs of the spirit. A member of the Class of 2007 and now a successful cloud and infrastructure engineer, Juman offered a raw and honest counter-narrative to the night's perfection.

Juman admitted he wasn't the "greatest student" during his time at the Academy. His high school years were marked by a battle for survival, fighting bone cancer in fourth form, suffering a broken leg, and battling lung cancer in fifth form. Yet, he stood before the Class of 2025 as living proof that current struggles do not dictate future success.

"Being average in one chapter doesn't mean you can't be exceptional in the next," Juman told the graduates. "Progress matters more than perfection. Setbacks don't define you, but how you respond to them does."

His journey from a struggling student to a top college graduate and successful engineer underscored the school's ability to provide a foundation that works for everyone, not just those on the merit list.

A Foundation Built on Resilience

Both speakers acknowledged that the Class of 2025 has faced unique challenges. Juman reminded the audience that these graduates navigated their education through the COVID-19 pandemic, multiple hurricane seasons, local elections, and a major ransomware attack on the island's utility provider.

"You're living proof that courage and progress can turn storms into strength," Juman noted. He emphasized that in the real world, Academy graduates stand apart because they have learned to think under pressure and defend their ideas—skills forged in an environment where "showing up" was never enough.

Principal Felix echoed this sentiment, urging her students to leave the Academy's "protective wings" with dignity. She credited the tireless dedication of the staff, including the "ladies of the DSC" and the supportive Board of the Foundation for Academic and Vocational Education (FAVE), for ensuring students had the resources to succeed despite external struggles.

Tomorrow is Only a Night Away

As the ceremony concluded, the message was clear: whether through achieving regional academic dominance or overcoming life-threatening personal hurdles, the foundation laid at St. Maarten Academy is solid.

Principal Felix left the graduates with a final charge to carry themselves with confidence and keep their faith central to their lives. "Despite what is thrown at you, know that you can conquer it all," she said. "Tomorrow is only a night away."

For the Class of 2025, tomorrow looks incredibly bright.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten has delivered a decisive ruling in a summary judgment regarding a property dispute between two Simpson Bay Beach establishments. In a verdict handed down on December 19, 2025, the court ruled in favor of Karakter N.V. ("Karakter"), confirming their exclusive right to use the parking lot situated adjacent to their premises and behind the neighboring establishment, Marcelle and Co B.V., trading as Babacool ("Babacool").

The dispute centered on a plot of land used as a parking facility. Both businesses claimed entitlement to allow their guests to park there, leading to tensions and legal action.

Background of the Case

Karakter, which has operated a bar and restaurant at the location since 2008, initiated the proceedings. Their claim was based on a long-standing lease agreement with White Sands N.V., the entity holding the long lease (erfpacht) for several plots in the area. Karakter argued that this agreement granted them exclusive usage rights to the parking area (cadastral plot SB 095/1981).

Babacool, a newer beach restaurant that opened in August 2025, argued that they were also entitled to use the lot. They relied on their own lease agreement with a different entity, Patula N.V., and contested Karakter's exclusive claim. Tensions escalated when Babacool staff allegedly began directing their guests to use the lot and removing Karakter’s signage.

Karakter sought an immediate ban on Babacool's use of the lot, citing a need for parking for their upcoming reopening following a fire in October 2025.

The Court's Findings

The judge, Mr. L.J. Saarloos, examined the lease agreements and land registry documents presented by both sides. The ruling highlighted several key points that led to the decision in favor of Karakter:

• Valid Lease Agreement: The court confirmed that Karakter holds a valid lease agreement with White Sands N.V. that includes the specific plot used for parking. Although the government ended the long lease with White Sands in March 2025, the court ruled that the Land of Sint Maarten, as the land owner, is legally obligated to honor the existing tenant lease with Karakter.

• Babacool’s Lease Limitation: The court analyzed Babacool’s lease with Patula N.V. and noted that it covered four specific plots adjacent to the parking lot, but not the parking lot itself. While Babacool’s lease mentioned a "designated parking area," the judge determined this could not refer to the disputed plot (SB 095/1981) because Patula N.V. did not own rights to it.

• Exclusive Rights: Consequently, the court found that Karakter is

• Exclusive Rights: Consequently, the court found that Karakter is the sole tenant with usage rights to the specific parking facility in question. Therefore, they have the right to determine who uses it.

The Ruling

The court granted most of Karakter's demands in the convention (main claim) and rejected Babacool's counterclaims (reconvention). The judgment includes the following orders:

1. Immediate Prohibition: Babacool is effectively banned from using the parking facility or allowing their guests/staff to use it.

2. No Instructions to Third Parties: Babacool is forbidden from giving parking instructions to third parties regarding the lot.

3. Removal of Property: Babacool must remove all property from the parking lot.

4. Social Media Rectification: Within 48 hours, Babacool is ordered to post a specific statement on all their social media pages. The statement must clarify that the parking facilities fall under the exclusive right of Karakter N.V. and that Babacool guests must park outside the gate. This notice must be repeated weekly on Mondays for two months.

5. Penalty Payments: Failure to comply with these orders will result in penalty payments of USD 2,000 per violation, plus USD 1,000 per day the violation continues, up to a maximum of USD 50,000.

Counterclaims Dismissed

Babacool had filed a counterclaim demanding that Karakter withdraw a formal complaint lodged with the Ministry of TEATT regarding the parking dispute. Babacool argued this complaint damaged their reputation. The court dismissed this claim, stating that Babacool failed to prove the complaint was unlawful. The request for Karakter to stop blocking Babacool's access was also denied, based on the court’s finding that Karakter holds the exclusive rights.

Conclusion

The judge declared the verdict immediately enforceable, meaning the orders take effect right away, regardless of any potential appeal. Babacool was also ordered to pay the legal costs for both the main proceedings and the counterclaims.

While the ruling is strict, the judge noted in the closing remarks that the parties remain neighbors. The court suggested that, practically speaking, the parties could still choose to negotiate a temporary usage agreement—possibly involving compensation—especially during periods where one business might be closed, though the legal right to decide rests firmly with Karakter.