PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina used Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing to commend the country’s firefighters and police force, announce expanded Civil Registry services, and provide details regarding the upcoming visit of Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
Opening the briefing, Mercelina congratulated the firefighters of St. Maarten on International Firefighters Day, observed on May 4.
“I want to make use of this opportunity to still congratulate the firefighters and acknowledge once more their commitment and their services that they are guaranteeing 24 hours a day to the community of St. Maarten,” the Prime Minister said.
Mercelina also praised the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM) for its handling of the recent Carnival season, commending officers for maintaining public order throughout the festivities.
“We have to admit that the police force of St. Maarten did a wonderful job actually guiding the whole period of our national Carnival festivities,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also recognized police officers for their response to the recent armed robbery on Front Street, specifically highlighting the professionalism displayed during the operation.
“Their efforts, particularly in the apprehension of those involved, demonstrate commitment to maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law,” Mercelina said.
He also offered special praise to the officer directly involved in the incident.
“An extra thank you for this heroic moment that took place with this police officer for what he actually did to protect our community,” he added.
The Prime Minister further announced that the Civil Registry Department will introduce additional Saturday opening hours throughout May to help residents renew important documents.
The expanded service will focus on identification cards, driver’s licenses, and passports.
Mercelina revealed that the first passport walk-in service is scheduled for Saturday, May 9, and will specifically accommodate passports that expired or will expire between January 2026 and October 2026.
According to government estimates, approximately 1,500 passports are due for expiration.
“It is a gigantic amount of passports,” Mercelina noted while explaining the need for the additional service days.
Residents will be able to access the walk-in passport service between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., provided they arrive with all required documents.
The government is also encouraging the public to monitor official social media platforms for additional updates regarding future service dates and available services.
The Prime Minister additionally confirmed that Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten is scheduled to arrive in St. Maarten on Friday night for a brief official working visit.
According to Mercelina, Jetten’s visit will include meetings with the Prime Minister, the Council of Ministers, Members of Parliament, and representatives of the justice chain.
The Dutch Prime Minister is also expected to tour several Trust Fund projects during his stay before departing the island on Sunday morning.
