PHILIPSBURG:--- During the Central Committee meeting of Parliament on May 7th, 2025, MP Franklin Meyers delivered a heartfelt message emphasizing the human side of the justice workers’ placement and compensation process. He sought clarity on timelines while advocating for a more empathetic approach to addressing the needs of these vital public servants.

Questions on Timelines for Completion

MP Meyers began his contributions with a straightforward request for clarity. He asked Minister Nathalie Tackling about the number of batches remaining and sought a timeline for their completion. “How many batches are currently being worked on, and when do you foresee their full resolution?” he asked, underscoring the importance of keeping justice workers informed about progress.

A Call for Humanizing the Process

Meyers went beyond procedural concerns to urge the Ministry to view the placement process through a more personal lens. He described justice workers as individuals with families trying to provide for and thrive despite waiting for long-overdue compensation.

“When we talk about batches, we risk dehumanizing the process,” Meyers warned. “Behind each batch, there’s a family, a mother, a father, trying to provide for their loved ones. We must keep that in mind when handling these cases.”

Meyers encouraged the Ministry to approach each justice worker’s case as more than just a policy issue, framing it instead as a matter of dignity and respect for those who work tirelessly to uphold the law in the community.

Solidarity with Justice Workers

Reinforcing his commitment to those on the frontlines of justice, Meyers expressed unwavering support for their cause. “I want to make it emphatically clear that this government, and my faction in particular, stands with the justice workers,” he declared.

Acknowledging the broader challenges faced by the nation, Meyers affirmed his belief in justice workers’ rights to fair treatment and compensation. He called for continued efforts to ensure their concerns are met, balancing a human-centered approach with the administrative realities of government.

A Message of Optimism

Meyers closed his remarks with an optimistic tone, recognizing that while the justice system still has significant work to do, progress is achievable with unity and focus. “We’re behind on certain fronts as a country, but I believe that with time and effort, we will get there,” he said.

His remarks served as a reminder to Parliament and the Ministry of Justice of the urgency to uphold the rights of those tasked with safeguarding St. Maarten’s laws, while keeping their humanity at the forefront of every decision.

PHILIPSBURG:---—During the Parliament's Central Committee meeting on May 7th, 2025, MP  Sjamira Roseburg raised pressing concerns about the handling of justice workers’ placements, with a particular focus on excluded prison workers, the significance of transparent communication, and the importance of avoiding costly errors in national decrees.

Commending Minister Nathalie Tackling for her honest and straightforward presentation, MP Roseburg called for further clarification on several critical issues, including the delayed inclusion of prison workers in the placement process.

Questions Surrounding Prison Workers

MP Roseburg queried why the Pointe Blanche prison workers were not included in the earlier phases of the function book and placement process. Reflecting on issues flagged in previous discussions, the MP sought to understand whether the exclusion resulted from the absence of a valid function book or an administrative oversight. Highlighting the need for accountability, MP Roseburg urged the Ministry to address the longstanding delay and provide a clear timeline for resolving the placement of the prison’s 90+ employees.

“The exclusion of the prison workers must be explained, whether it stems from a lack of planning or a mistake,” Roseburg stated, stressing the importance of ensuring fair treatment for all justice workers.

Communication and Mediation as Solutions

MP Roseburg also applauded the introduction of an additional communication phase in the placement process, describing it as a vital tool for ensuring that justice workers are informed and empowered. They emphasized that regular communication and mediation could serve as a bridge to understanding, reducing objections and delays.

“When there’s clear communication, misunderstandings can be resolved early, saving time and energy later. Mediation between parties can also help adjust placements to reflect any changes in roles or responsibilities,” MP Roseburg explained.

Roseburg pointed out that a lack of communication in previous processes had led to frustration and prolonged objection processes, as employees were often left in the dark about their placements until receiving the final decree. This gap, they argued, could undermine trust in the system.

Avoiding Mistakes that Lead to Court Cases

Another key point of MP Roseburg’s contribution centered on issuing error-free national decrees (LBAs) to avoid unnecessary court cases. Drawing on past examples of legal disputes caused by administrative errors, they emphasized the costly implications of such mistakes for the country.

“In the past, rushed or flawed decisions have led to court cases that strain the country’s finances. We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes,” she noted.

Roseburg underscored the value of thorough validation and communication within the justice workers’ placement process to prevent future litigation. The MP called on the Ministry to ensure that all placements are fully accurate and reflective of each worker’s position and responsibilities.

Payment Schedule Concerns

MP Roseburg also sought clarification on the payment structure for justice workers, referencing an agreement from the previous administration outlining installment plans for retroactive payments based on the amount's size. Given the long-standing delays, they requested an update on whether this system was still in place and expressed concern about ensuring timely and fair payments to workers.

Moving Forward

Roseburg’s contributions reflected a commitment to justice, fairness, and transparency within the placement process. By seeking clarity and pushing for accountability, they underscored the need to balance careful decision-making with the urgency of resolving justice workers’ grievances.

In concluding their remarks, MP Roseburg reiterated the importance of respecting the time and patience of justice workers while ensuring the government upholds its responsibilities. "It’s vital we do this right. Mistakes cost more in the long run, not just financially but in trust lost among our dedicated justice workers."

MP Roseburg’s pointed questions and suggestions set the tone for continuing discussions to improve the placement and treatment of justice workers across St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- This week marks Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week which is from May 06 -12. The theme for the week is: Small Bite Big Threat! “Stop Disease Transmission, Start Source Reduction.”

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is committed to keeping the public informed and making frequent ‘calls to action’ to the community to take action and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

CPS is appealing once again to continue to take action after every rainfall event to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and in doing so protects our community from mosquito borne diseases.

At the 17th Special Session of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government on public health threats held in November 2014, the Heads approved a proposal for the establishment of an annual Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week.

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) says the burden of vector borne diseases in the Caribbean remains a significant challenge, and Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week (CAMAW) is vital to addressing this issue by ensuring that you, the public, are informed and empowered to make a difference.

CARPHA adds that the theme, "Small bite, big threat," alongside this year’s slogan, ‘Stop disease transmission, start source reduction,’ serves as a powerful reminder of the critical need for proactive measures against these arboviral vectors. By destroying mosquito breeding sites, we prevent them from multiplying and potentially limit the spread of these terrible diseases.

The objective of such a week is to strengthen existing initiatives and mobilize the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites from public and private places.

CPS supports the CARPHA campaign this week and appeals to the community to always be on alert to act right after a rainfall event to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.

Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a half inch of water.  This is not a lot of water, and plant saucers are one of those unassuming places that can gather a small amount and still be a huge breeding site for your backyard mosquito.

Source reduction is the key to decreasing the mosquito population. Due to the tropical nature of our climate, breeding habitats are in abundance, and many of them are unfortunately man-made.

For issues surrounding mosquito breeding sites, contact CPS’ vector control team by calling 542-1222/1570 or 914. Ask to be contacted by the vector control team.

You can also email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with supporting pictures and contact information to report a mosquito nuisance or request assistance.

Eradicating mosquito breeding sites should become a habitual lifestyle of each citizen, let us minimize the mosquito population at its source!

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is once again urging all drivers to comply with parking regulations on N. Debrot Street (opposite the Police Station) and Codville Webster Street (after the Central Bank). Despite numerous warnings, fines, and previous vehicle tows, illegal parking continues to escalate to a point that now seriously endangers public order and road safety. Four vehicles were towed during this operation.

N. Debrot Street has effectively become a one-lane road due to illegally parked vehicles, resulting in daily confrontations between motorists approaching from opposite directions. What should be a functional two-way road has become a bottleneck of traffic tensions, confusion, and aggressive behavior, posing risks to pedestrians, drivers, and emergency response services.

On Wednesday, May 7th, KPSM officers resumed active enforcement operations, including towing multiple vehicles parked in violation of traffic laws on N. Debrot Street. This action follows a long-standing series of public warnings and citations issued to offenders.

KPSM emphasizes that vehicles found parked in violation on either N. Debrot Street or Codville Webster Street will be towed without further warning. Vehicle owners will bear all associated towing and administrative costs.

This situation is no longer merely a convenience issue—it is now a public safety concern. The Police Force of Sint Maarten is committed to maintaining order and ensuring the safety of all road users. 

KPSM urges the public to adhere to posted parking signs and always exercise responsible driving behavior. Continued disregard for the law will result in strict enforcement measures.

KPSM Press Release.