PHILIPSBURG: ---  A legislative proposal introduced by MP Ardwell Irion aims to drastically reshape the landscape of basic banking services, mandating stricter compliance from financial institutions to ensure universal access to payment accounts. The "Amendment Basisbetaalrekening," tabled in January 2026, aims to remove barriers that currently prevent marginalized groups from participating in the financial system.

The amendment focuses on the basisbetaalrekening (basic payment account), a statutory instrument designed to guarantee essential banking functions to all legal residents. MP Irion’s proposal argues that current regulations are insufficient, allowing banks too much leeway to deny applications based on ambiguous risk assessments.

Tightening the Rules on Refusals

A central component of the amendment is a revision of the criteria banks use to reject applicants. Under current frameworks, institutions can refuse a basic account if an applicant poses a perceived risk to the bank’s integrity or has a history of financial misconduct.

The new legislation seeks to significantly narrow these definitions. It introduces a higher burden of proof for financial institutions, requiring them to provide concrete evidence of specific risks—such as proven fraud or money laundering—before denying an account. Vague justifications regarding "legitimate interest" or general risk profiles would no longer be sufficient grounds for refusal.

"The ability to receive a salary, pay rent, and purchase groceries is not a luxury, but a necessity for survival," the explanatory memorandum of the amendment states. "Financial exclusion is a direct path to social exclusion."

Capping Fees and Enforcing Transparency

Beyond accessibility, the amendment addresses the affordability of banking services. It proposes a statutory cap on the monthly fees banks can charge for a basic payment account. This measure responds to concerns that rising administrative fees are effectively pricing low-income individuals out of the banking system.

Additionally, the proposal mandates a standardized "Fee Information Document." This requirement compels banks to present all costs associated with the basic account in a uniform format, allowing consumers to easily compare services across different institutions without navigating complex fine print.

Addressing the Digital Divide

A significant portion of the amendment is dedicated to protecting consumers who cannot rely solely on digital banking. With the rapid closure of physical bank branches and the digitization of customer service, the elderly and those with limited digital literacy are increasingly facing difficulties.

The amendment stipulates that providers of basic payment accounts must maintain reasonable access to non-digital channels—such as telephone support or paper statements—without imposing prohibitive extra costs. This "digital inclusion" clause aims to ensure that modern banking reforms do not disenfranchise vulnerable populations.

Industry Implications and Challenges

For the banking sector, the amendment presents significant operational challenges. Compliance departments will need to overhaul their Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols to align with the stricter refusal criteria. There is concern within the industry that limiting the ability to refuse accounts could increase the administrative burden of monitoring high-risk clients.

Furthermore, the requirement to maintain affordable non-digital services runs counter to the current industry trend of cost-cutting through digitization. Banks may face squeezed margins on these accounts as they balance mandated fee caps with the costs of maintaining physical or telephonic support infrastructure.

The amendment is currently under review, with debates expected to focus on finding a balance between financial inclusion and the risk-management needs of the banking sector. If passed, the changes would likely come into effect later this year, signaling a major shift in how essential financial services are regulated.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During the parliamentary session on Friday, Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis voiced strong concerns regarding the current state of leadership within the Immigration Department and the Admittance Department, citing reports of incompetence and employee mistreatment.
Addressing the Chairman, the Minister of Finance, and fellow colleagues, MP Lewis opened with a critical observation of the current political climate, stating that the government is "looking terrible in the sight of our citizens" and describing recent public displays as a "shame and disgrace."
The core of the MP’s address focused on specific allegations within the civil service. Lewis reported receiving information pointing to "incompetent leadership" at the helm of the Immigration Department. Furthermore, the MP highlighted serious issues within the Admittance Department, alleging "gross neglect for the Department" alongside "bullying and disrespect to the employees."
Drawing from personal experience, Lewis directed comments to the Minister of Justice, revealing a history of victimization while working within departments under that specific ministry. "To the Minister of Justice, Mr. Chairman, just know I was greatly victimized by departments I have worked in in the Ministry of Justice," Lewis stated.
In response to these findings, the MP announced plans to formally submit a letter detailing these concerns to the Minister of Justice. Lewis pledged to take decisive action, promising to do "every single thing in my power" to ensure accountability.
The MP called for the permanent removal of those found responsible for victimizing subordinates and those displaying a lack of leadership capability within the Justice Ministry’s departments.

PHILIPSBURG:---  A handful of local fishermen on Sint Maarten are starting the new year in 2026 with new boat equipment and fishing gear. The non-profit Nature Foundation Sint Maarten is pleased to announce that four fishermen recently completed a workshop series designed to support efforts towards sustainable local fishing. As thanks for their time and commitment, each graduate received a one-time purchase order for equipment or services of their choice.

The compensation program began in August 2025 with a welcome dinner, followed by three workshops, gear training, and ongoing collaboration throughout the year. Developed jointly by the Nature Foundation and local fishers, the sessions focused on practical tools and knowledge exchange. Topics included sustainable fishing practices, responsible use of Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs), and creating a cultural archive of Sint Maarten’s fishing heritage. A special emphasis was placed on the importance of sharks and rays to the marine ecosystem, and ways to help prevent negative interactions with them. Regional fisheries experts from Anguilla and Statia also joined the workshop as guest speakers.

“Marine conservation and fisheries are often pitted against one another, but you can’t have one without the other. Healthy oceans support fish stocks and fishers’ livelihoods, and their knowledge and involvement are essential to caring for our marine resources,” said Nadya de Wolf, Marine Policy and Outreach Fellow. “We’re grateful to the fishers who allowed us to show our support and respect for the fishing community and have been working with us. This program is just a first step, and we hope it opens new doors.”

After completing the program, participants could request up to USD 1,500 in pre-approved equipment. Items included fishfinders, marine machinery, and wire rolls for fish pots. Each fisherman also received a custom 3D-printed gauge to measure legal and recommended sizes for queen conch and Caribbean spiny lobster to help ensure sustainable harvests.

The Nature Foundation is planning a second round of workshops and funding opportunities in 2026. Small bonuses will reward innovative practices, such as adding “escape slots” to fish traps. Recruitment will again take place through flyers, word-of-mouth, and visits to the Simpson Bay Fish Market and Great Bay harbor. Interested individuals should reach out to the Project Manager at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send a WhatsApp message to +1 (721) 581-6365 to determine their eligibility.

The initiative is part of the MENAA (Marine Elasmobranch Nursery Area Advocacy) project at the Nature Foundation. MENAA seeks to form a foundation for the success of Sint Maarten’s marine and coastal area, particularly for sharks and rays. Research shows local waters serve as a nursery for species like tiger sharks, Caribbean reef sharks, and spotted eagle rays. These animals are crucial for reef health and fishery stability but remain threatened by poaching and ghost nets, despite local protections.

MENAA is funded by BESTLIFE2030 (Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Territories of European Overseas), a granting mechanism focusing on preserving and restoring biodiversity in the EU’s outermost regions (ORs) and Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), which host rich biodiversity but also face significant climate change threats.

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a landmark move for banking reform and consumer protection, Parliament today unanimously adopted a motion by MP Francisco A. Lacroes to overhaul the basic payment account framework. This decisive vote follows through on an initiative first tabled during the 2025–2026 parliamentary year and signals a new era of financial inclusion for Sint Maarten.
From Advocacy to Action On October 30, 2025, MP Lacroes introduced the motion after intense debate with the responsible minister, highlighting the urgent need to modernize outdated deposit caps that no longer reflect real-life financial needs. The proposal underscored a shared commitment: the basic payment account must be more than a token gesture; it must work for workers, families, and small businesses. At the time, MP Lacroes framed the initiative as part of his broader campaign for fairness in the banking sector, calling out restrictive thresholds that penalized low and middle-income earners. “Financial inclusion isn’t optional, it’s a right,” Lacroes stated in public remarks last year.
Today’s vote is a clear mandate with unanimous support. Parliament has now instructed the government and regulators to raise the deposit limit and revamp the implementation guidelines. This is not just a technical adjustment; it is a game-changer for thousands of residents who rely on basic accounts for salaries, bill payments, and savings.
The official voting record will be published shortly, but today’s outcome already sends a clear message: affordability and access to banking services are now recognized as core policy priorities.
What’s next, the government must now act. Regulators are tasked with consulting the banking sector, drafting new regulations, and reporting back to Parliament on timelines and any necessary legislative adjustments. Once implemented, the changes will allow account holders to manage their finances without running into unrealistic caps, reducing fees, and strengthening the financial resilience of households and small businesses. Bigger picture: This victory aligns with MP Lacroes’ 2025 agenda on economic fairness, which has also addressed cost-of-living pressures, the energy transition, and budget policy. Today’s motion is more than a banking reform; it is a clear statement that Sint Maarten is serious about protecting consumers and strengthening its economy.