~Links Kingdom Responsibility and UN Right to Development Amid EU Budget Concerns.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament,  Sarah Wescot-Williams, has renewed her call for a “reset” of St. Maarten’s development path, emphasizing the island’s right to development as recognized by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 41/128.

Her remarks follow the address she delivered on October 13th in the J. Arndell Festival Village, marking the 15th anniversary of 10/10/10. In that speech -distinct from her earlier Constitution Day address in Parliament- Wescot-Williams urged that St. Maarten critically assess its progress since the constitutional change and refocus on development as a right, not a privilege.

“Fifteen years on, the promise that autonomy would bring about a new era of progress and empowerment remains incomplete,” Wescot-Williams said. “True development means ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to live with dignity, participate meaningfully in the decisions that affect their lives, and benefit equitably from the resources of this country.”

Her call has gained renewed urgency following reports that the Netherlands has rejected the European Commission’s proposed EU budget for 2028–2034, calling the €2 trillion plan “too expansive” and “dead on arrival.” The proposal includes a significant increase in funding for the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), raising their collective allocation to approximately €999 million, with about €425 million earmarked for the Dutch and French Caribbean OCTs, including St. Maarten.

According to regional reports, the Dutch government has expressed reservations about the OCT funding, seeking further clarity on loan conditions, allocation criteria, and governance arrangements before endorsing the package. Wescot-Williams warned that such hesitation could delay or dilute vital resources intended to strengthen small island economies’ resilience and equity.

“The Kingdom cannot speak of partnership while withholding the means of development,” she asserted. “Development is not charity; it is a right. And that right extends to every part of the Kingdom.”

She reminded that Article 43 of the Charter of the Kingdom of the Netherlands must be understood not merely as a supervisory clause but as a responsibility clause, obligating the Kingdom to promote and safeguard conditions for equitable development.

“Article 43 should not be feared as a whip,” she said, “but embraced as a tool to demand the right to development for the people of St. Martin, at our pace and on our terms.”

Wescot-Williams called on the government to engage both The Hague and Brussels to ensure that St. Maarten can fully access EU development resources. She concluded:

“As we mark this 10/10/10 anniversary, let us move from commemoration to commitment to claim, as a matter of right, the development of St. Maarten not merely to survive, but to thrive.”

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – The Traffic Department is reporting two separate traffic incidents that occurred on Saturday, October 18, 2025, resulting in serious injuries to victims.

Early Morning Incident on Welfare Road

At approximately 4:05 a.m., a multi-vehicle accident occurred near the intersection of Welfare Road. The incident involved an unknown vehicle, a black Nissan, a pedestrian, and a parked white vehicle near a café.

According to preliminary investigations, the unknown vehicle and the black Nissan were traveling along Welfare Road in the direction from Billy Folly Road toward Cay Bay Road. A white vehicle was parked in front of a café at the time, with the pedestrian standing near the café entrance.

The driver of the unknown vehicle initiated a left turn toward a nearby parking area. Simultaneously, the black Nissan began switching lanes but lost control, skidding sideways. The vehicle struck the pedestrian, causing them to fall, before spinning and colliding with the rear of the parked white vehicle.

The pedestrian sustained serious injuries, including fractures to the leg and hip, and was transported by ambulance to the hospital. Both the driver of the Nissan and the driver of the unknown vehicle fled the scene before police arrival.

Afternoon Collision on A.J.C. Brouwers Road

At approximately 3:45 p.m., a collision occurred on A.J.C. Brouwers Road near a commercial entrance, involving a brown Toyota Rav4  and an unlicensed scooter.

The scooter rider was traveling along A.J.C. Brouwers Road from the direction of Sarsparilla Road toward Welfare Road. The Toyota Rav4 was exiting a commercial parking area, turning left onto A.J.C. Brouwers Road, when the scooter collided with the left side of the vehicle.

The impact caused the scooter operator's right leg to become trapped. The Fire Department responded to free the victim from under the vehicle. The victim was treated at the scene and was later transported by ambulance to the SMMC with a fractured right leg.

The Traffic Department is actively investigating both incidents. KPSM urges the public to exercise caution and remain alert, particularly in high-traffic pedestrian areas such as the Simpson Bay Strip. Motorists are reminded that road safety is a shared responsibility.

Anyone with information regarding either incident is encouraged to contact the Traffic Department at 54-22222.

 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has arrested one individual in connection with the theft of a vehicle following a brief pursuit on Sunday morning.

At approximately 7:30 AM, the KPSM Central Dispatch received information about a stolen white pickup truck passing behind the police station in Philipsburg. Several police patrols were immediately dispatched to intercept the vehicle.

Patrol officers spotted the vehicle traveling on Nisbeth Road without license plates and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver accelerated and proceeded toward the Prins Bernard Bridge. Upon reaching the bridge, both the driver and passenger abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into the bushes behind the Immigration Office on A.Th. Illidge Road.

Officers quickly secured the area and started a search for the two suspects. After an extensive search, officers located one of the suspects who had jumped into a nearby pond. The individual was apprehended and transported to the police station, where he is currently being held for questioning. The stolen vehicle has been confiscated and brought to the police station as evidence.

The second suspect remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing.

The KPSM is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone with information regarding this incident or the whereabouts of the second suspect is urged to contact the police immediately at:

• Emergency Line: 911
• Non-Emergency Line: +1 (721) 542-2222
• Anonymous Tip Line: 9300

KPSM Press Release

By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

We all want a stronger, safer, more prosperous Caribbean. Innovation isn’t a luxury — it’s how we get there. We should not just talk about change but rather lead it. A problem may be that outdated models have boxed us in. Out-of-the-box thinking isn’t rebellion — it’s renewal. The path of innovation is less traveled but is bold and transformative. That’s the route we must take and build the Caribbean’s next economy. It requires fresh thinking and proactive leadership that embraces bold, transformative ideas. Embracing innovation will empower our youth and help secure future-proof jobs.

Innovation is the practical application of novel ideas to create economic, social, or functional value. It involves turning creativity into improvements in products, services, processes, or business models that boost efficiency and competitiveness. Effective innovation requires implementation that delivers measurable benefits. Great ideas die in the gap between concept and execution. Innovative ideas often emerge at the intersection of disciplines. Silos between departments, sectors, or islands prevent synergy.

The mindset for innovation isn’t about blind rebellion or constant skepticism; it’s about strategic curiosity and purposeful disruption. One will never become an eagle by thinking like a chicken. And being innovative is not like doing the funky rhinoceros in the disco. Innovators are people who don’t follow what is ordinary. Innovators are uncontaminated by the world around them. They are striving for knowledge, not noise. They have the courage to be afraid and do it anyway. No guts, no glory. They are not afraid of being received with skepticism or ridicule when presenting their innovation. Newborn eyes always cry with pain at the first look at the morning sun. So, what is the right mindset for innovation?

Intentionally question existing assumptions. Every answer is a doorway, not a dead end.

Challenge the status quo but not just for the thrill of it. If we wonder often, the gift of knowledge will come. A persuasive “why” is essential in the innovation process.  Ask: “Why is this done this way?” and “What if we tried something else?” If it’s never been done, it’s probably worth exploring. “We’ve always done it this way” is innovation’s nemesis. Focus on uncovering hidden constraints or outdated standards that hinder progress.

Innovation can respect tradition and then reimagine it. Deep-rooted traditions or legacy mindsets can reject new approaches. Traditions hold cultural wisdom and emotional resonance. Instead of discarding them, reinterpret them to serve modern needs. Tradition is a compass, not a cage. This isn’t about rejecting tradition—it’s about reframing it as a launchpad for bold ideas. Tradition can be elevated by adapting innovation to today’s challenges.

A key factor enabling innovation is fostering a culture of openness, curiosity, and risk-taking. Stay open to learning, even in areas where you think to be an expert. Idea generation encourages creativity and brainstorming across diverse teams. Collaborate with partners, youth, and communities. Also invite fresh perspectives from outsiders or unlikely collaborators. Create knowledge networks like a think-tank for brainstorming.

Artificial Intelligence, AI, can be a powerful catalyst for innovation, like having a rapid and tireless brainstorming partner who never runs out of ideas. AI can generate hundreds of ideas in seconds based on prompts, trends, or gaps in the market. It can combine concepts from different domains (e.g., biotech + fashion) to spark novel hybrids. AI can model a “what-if” scenario simulation to explore futuristic or unconventional possibilities. It can refine raw ideas into actionable concepts and evaluate feasibility, desirability, and viability. AI can be your expert consultant who does not charge any fees.

You will be amazed at how AI can assist. Basically, what is needed to use AI for your purpose is internet access. Use ChatGPT and ask realistic questions, and one will get realistic answers and suggestions.  It can provide competitor insights, summarize what others are already doing, and suggest ways to differentiate. It can identify emerging trends and unmet needs. It can highlight areas where innovation is lacking or ripe for disruption. It can simulate market responses to refine innovative ideas. AI can help design solutions for underserved communities by analyzing local needs and constraints. But regardless of the amazement, one may still have to think twice now and then or give it the benefit of the doubt.

Thomas Alva Edison was a prolific inventor whose groundbreaking creations include the phonograph, incandescent light bulb, and motion picture camera. He greatly influenced modern technology. He pioneered collaborative scientific research and was one of the first inventors to apply the principles of organized teamwork to the process of invention. Did he get everything right with the first try? “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work” - Thomas Alva Edison.

What common culprits stand in the way of innovation and cause delays or even stop the process? Innovation often stumbles not because of a lack of ideas, but because of systemic friction — barriers that slow momentum, dilute vision, or block execution. They may vary from a fear of failure or reputational loss to rigid structures like bureaucracy and overly hierarchical systems that slow decision-making; red tape kills momentum. Misalignment between leadership and execution teams is not desired.

Innovation thrives on bold moves, but they must be grounded in insight. Risk aversion leads to safe, incremental changes instead of bold breakthroughs. Yet, one can be bold without being reckless. Test it, don’t just debate it. Prototype and don’t wait for perfection. Build, test, learn, and iterate. Without prototyping, testing, and iteration, innovation remains theoretical. Create a culture where trying something new is respected, not ridiculed.

We would accomplish many more things if we did not think of them as impossible. Wouldn’t it be great if the media could report that backed by a coalition of creatives, technologists, and island governments in the Caribbean, the innovation initiative aims to establish 15 innovation hubs across the region and train 10,000 youth? So….., do we have an idea yet or are we still waiting for the lightning to strike?