PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) has taken note of a communique from the Anguilla Ministry of Health, Tourism & Sports with respect to the first locally acquired case of the West Nile Virus that has been identified in Anguilla in a 25-year-old resident.
As mentioned in the communique, there has been evidence of the virus circulating among birds, horses, and mosquitoes across the Caribbean since the early 2000s.
CPS has no reported cases of West Nile Virus and will continue to monitor the situation closely. The department uses this as an opportunity to remind the Sint Maarten community to inspect property for potential mosquito breeding sites, which can transmit other diseases such as Chikungunya, Zika, and Dengue.
The virus is most commonly transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito that has previously fed on infected birds, which serve as the virus's primary carriers in nature.
While many people infected with West Nile virus may not develop symptoms, CPS emphasizes the importance of prevention and awareness to reduce the risk of infection.
In humans, West Nile virus can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Most individuals who become infected may experience no symptoms at all. However, about 1 in 5 people may develop a mild illness known as West Nile fever, which can include symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, nausea, or a skin rash. These symptoms typically appear within a few days to two weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
In rare cases, the virus can lead to more serious neurological illness, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
Severe symptoms may include high fever, neck stiffness, confusion, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, or paralysis. Older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk of developing severe complications.
CPS stresses that preventing mosquito bites is the most effective way to reduce the risk of West Nile virus infection. Residents are encouraged to use insect repellents containing approved active ingredients, wear long-sleeved clothing when outdoors, and ensure that doors and windows are properly screened to keep mosquitoes out of homes.
Another key preventive measure is eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed. Mosquitoes can lay eggs in small amounts of stagnant water found in containers such as buckets, flowerpots, tires, clogged gutters, or water storage containers. Residents are encouraged to check their yards regularly, especially after rainfall, to remove or empty any items that may collect water.
CPS will continue to monitor mosquito activity and provide guidance to the community. Residents who experience symptoms associated with West Nile virus, especially severe headaches, high fever, or neurological symptoms, are advised to seek medical attention promptly.
To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’ vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.
Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Inter-Insular Gun Buyback Program – Starting March 16, 2026.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) announces the start of the Inter-Insular Gun Buyback Program, beginning Monday, March 16, 2026.
Residents are encouraged to safely turn in illegal firearms to help make our community safer.
Program Details:
- Dates: March 16 – March 30, 2026 (2 weeks)
- Time: 08:00 AM – 12:00 PM daily
- Location: Police Station – Opal Building, Cole Bay
Participants may receive an average compensation of up to $500, depending on the type and condition of the firearm surrendered.
Individuals who voluntarily turn in a firearm will not be prosecuted for possession of the weapon when participating in this program.
Together, we can make Sint Maarten safer by reducing the number of illegal guns on our streets
The Committee of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry of Parliament to meet regarding cannabis regulatory framework for Sint Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Agriculture, Fisheries and Animal Husbandry (CAFAH) of Parliament will be meeting on March 13, 2026.
The Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 11.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Representatives of Native Nations SXM will be in attendance.
The agenda point is:
Presentation by Native Nations on the proposed regulatory model for the legalization and regulation of cannabis in Sint Maarten (IS/ 410/2025-2026 dated December 2, 2025)
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.
The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx
Anguilla Confirms First Locally Acquired Case of West Nile Virus.
THE VALLEY ANGUILLA:--- Health authorities have announced the island’s first locally acquired case of West Nile virus after a 25-year-old resident fell ill earlier this month.
The Ministry of Health reported that the individual began showing symptoms on March 7, including fever, headache, vomiting, and right-sided abdominal pain. Laboratory tests conducted on March 10 confirmed the diagnosis via PCR. Officials noted that the patient had no recent travel history, suggesting the patient contracted the virus locally.
The patient is currently hospitalized, receiving supportive care, and is in stable condition.
West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne illness, is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly those of the Culex species. The virus typically circulates between mosquitoes and birds, which act as its primary hosts. Humans can become infected through mosquito bites, but the virus is not spread from person to person, nor can humans transmit it back to mosquitoes.
While this marks Anguilla’s first confirmed human case, the virus has been detected in birds, horses, and mosquitoes across the Caribbean since the early 2000s.
Most individuals infected with West Nile virus experience no symptoms or only mild illness. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Nausea or vomiting
In rare instances, the virus can lead to severe neurological complications, such as brain or nervous system inflammation.
Health officials are urging residents to seek immediate medical attention if they experience serious symptoms, including:
• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Tremors or seizures
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems
• Numbness or loss of consciousness
To prevent further infections, authorities are reminding the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and take protective measures against mosquito bites.
Scrutinizing the TEATT Ministry: Minister Heyliger-Marten Faces Backlash Over Soul Beach Funding and SER Report.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) sits at the center of a growing financial controversy. Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten faces intense scrutiny regarding her handling of the Soul Beach Music Festival and the highly contested Social Economic Council (SER) report used to justify its costs.
Responding to criticism, Minister Heyliger-Marten defended her ministry’s actions: “The Soul Beach Music Festival was a calculated investment intended to boost our island’s economy and tourism,” she stated in parliament on Wednesday. “All actions taken were in the best interest of the people of St. Maarten and designed to bring tangible benefits to our community.”
On the SER report’s methodology, she further clarified, “While the report relied on data from the festival organizers, we believed it offered a realistic projection of the event’s potential. The economic impact of such activities must not be underestimated, and our goal was to provide Parliament and the public with as much information as possible.”
Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged the concerns about transparency and process, adding, “I am committed to working closely with Parliament to address these procedural questions, and I welcome any audit or additional oversight. Transparency is a cornerstone of this Ministry, and I stand by our intent to act with integrity and accountability.”
At the heart of the dispute is a $500,000 commitment to public funds. The government disbursed this massive subsidy without proper budgetary allocation or prior parliamentary approval. While we all want to see vibrant economic activity and booming tourism on the island, bypassing established financial laws has drawn fierce backlash from lawmakers and the public alike.
A Disputed Economic Impact
To defend the half-million-dollar expenditure, Minister Heyliger-Marten and the government presented an SER report. She asserted, “We believe the Soul Beach Music Festival generated substantial value for St. Maarten, with the SER report indicating an upper bound estimate of $7.2 million in economic impact.” Addressing concerns about the figures, she added, “Our intention was to provide a comprehensive overview of potential benefits. Events like Soul Beach can be transformative for the local economy—not just in direct revenue but in long-term visibility and job creation.” However, the methodology behind this report quickly collapsed under parliamentary review.
Critics pointed out a glaring conflict of interest: the report relied entirely on attendance figures and financial data provided by the festival organizers themselves. The Ministry of TEATT did not conduct an independent audit, nor did they hire a third party to verify the visitor numbers. Presenting organizer-supplied data as an impartial analysis has fueled accusations of administrative manipulation and lack of transparency.
Financial Mismanagement Claims
The controversy places heavy pressure on Minister Heyliger-Marten's leadership. Addressing concerns about the legal process, she remarked, “I acknowledge the need to follow legal and budgetary procedures closely. The decision to allocate funds for Soul Beach was made with the view that it would yield both immediate and long-term benefits for St. Maarten.” She continued, “We are committed to upholding fiscal responsibility, and if there were oversights, I welcome any constructive feedback and investigation. It was never the intention to circumvent protocol, but to act decisively in the best interest of our people.” Parliamentarians, however, argue that releasing $500,000 without a formal budget amendment represents a severe breach of financial protocol.
The SER report itself noted irregular financial practices and a failure to adhere to the standard subsidy ordinance. This raises immediate questions for the Minister. Did the organizers submit the required financial and activity reports as mandated by law? Why did the Ministry fail to bring a budget amendment to Parliament before signing the checks?
Lawmakers contrast this rapid, unauthorized payout with the struggles of other government sectors, noting that essential services often fight for basic funding while this festival received immediate financial backing.
Demanding Accountability
The debate over the Soul Beach Music Festival highlights a broader issue of governance and public trust. The continuous disregard for budgetary rules damages the credibility of the TEATT Ministry. In response to increasing calls for transparency, Minister Heyliger-Marten said, “I understand and respect Parliament’s right to demand full disclosure and scrutiny of every step taken. I have no objection to making all relevant documents available and remain open to ongoing dialogue with lawmakers and the public.” Reiterating her stance on public accountability, she added, “Our community deserves straightforward answers, and I am fully committed to ensuring that the process remains transparent from start to finish.”
Parliament now demands that Minister Heyliger-Marten provide full transparency. Lawmakers are calling for the immediate submission of all documents, including original agreements, financial reports, post-event evaluations, and all correspondence related to the festival subsidy.
As the pressure mounts, the public watches closely. We need a government that balances aggressive tourism development with strict fiscal responsibility. Minister Heyliger-Marten must now answer these critical questions and prove that her Ministry can manage public funds with the integrity the people of St. Maarten expect.