Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, wishes to provide the public with an update regarding Sint Maarten patients currently receiving medical care abroad, in light of recent developments in the region, particularly the evolving situation in Venezuela. From the onset of emerging regional tensions, the Ministry of VSA and SZV Social & Health Insurances have been closely monitoring the situation and assessing any potential impact on patient mobility, medical access, and continuity of care.

PHILIPSBURG  — The Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina, Prime Minister of St. Maarten has expressed his sincere appreciation to airport personnel and key stakeholders for their decisive and coordinated actions following the temporary disruption of flights over the weekend and the beginning the week, stemming from heightened tensions between the United States and Venezuela. The disruption, which reached its peak at the start of Saturday, January 3, affected several inbound and outbound flights, resulting in passengers being stranded and residents facing unexpected delays in returning home.

DIVI LITTLE BAY -- Member of Parliament for NOW Lyndon Lewis is urging the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, and Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, Patrice Gumbs, to ensure that Fort Amsterdam, one of Sint Maarten’s most important historical monuments, is included in any upgrading and beautification initiatives undertaken by their ministries.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten (KPSM) -- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) would like to take this opportunity to inform the general public that over the past weeks, a large number of scooters have been impounded during ongoing traffic controls/actions  conducted in the interest of general road safety across the island. These scooters were impounded due to non-technical and documentary non-compliance, including missing, invalid, or incomplete required documentation.

THE HAGUE – Caretaker Minister of Foreign Affairs David van Weel has held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the American operation in Venezuela that led to the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro. The discussion also focused on the consequences for the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. According to Van Weel, particular attention was given to the proximity of 

Sint Eustatius -- While St. Eustatius is geographically further removed from the current tensions in the region, the Office of the Island Governor recognizes that such developments may raise concerns and could have implications for our island. The Office of the Island Governor, responsible for public order and safety, therefore advises that developments in and around Venezuela are being closely monitored in coordination with the National Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

PHILIPSBURG--- On Friday, December 19, 2025, on behalf of the Chairman of the Social Economic Council (SER), Mr. Harlec Doran, Policy Advisor, Jamie Mourillon, accompanied by the Secretary-General, Gerard Richardson, submitted the Council’s advice on the draft national ordinance on the amendments to Book 7, title 10 of the Civil Code to the Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Mr.

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - KLM said winter weather has forced it to cancel 124 flights that were scheduled for Monday to and from Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. The Dutch arm of Air France-KLM (AIRF.PA), has already cancelled hundreds of flights since Friday as cold conditions disrupt operations at Schiphol. The airport has warned passengers to expect delays and cancellations as staff work to de-ice aircraft. Up to 5 centimetres of fresh snow is expected in some parts of the Netherlands in coming days, forecasters say.

Philipsburg -- The Honorable Prime Minister of St. Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, has expressed deep concern for St. Maarteners and visitors currently abroad, particularly those in the United States and Europe, as regional aviation disruptions continue to affect travel to and from the island. Special attention is being given to students expected to return home ahead of the resumption of school on Monday, as well as families and visitors impacted by widespread flight cancellations.

By Jennifer Jacobs, Joe Walsh, James LaPorta, Tucker Reals Source CBS News What to know about the U.S. military strikes on Venezuela President Trump said Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife were "captured and flown out of the Country" early Saturday morning, confirming a "large scale strike" had been carried out by U.S. forces, as explosions were reported in Caracas and elsewhere.

Sint Maarten – After a quarter-century of defending some of the most fragile ecosystems on Earth, a small Caribbean nonprofit is marking its 25th anniversary with a celebration of the region’s natural beauty and a renewed call to protect it. Founded in 2000, Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) has grown from a small grassroots initiative into a trusted regional organization working across over 20+ islands to protect wetlands, reduce pollution, restore habitats, support sustainable tourism, and empower local communities.

Fundraising efforts are under way to help rebuild the Vondelkerk in Amsterdam after a major fire during New Year celebrations largely destroyed the landmark building. Donation drives have been launched by residents and supporters, with bank details and online fundraising links circulating on social media and professional networks, the Parool reported on Friday. The money is intended to support restoration of the church, whose tower collapsed and roof was largely lost in the blaze.

PORT ST. MAARTEN – Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) is proud to announce a historic start to the New Year as it welcomes two magnificent vessels for their maiden calls to the "Friendly Island."  On January 1, 2026, the Port will host Princess Cruises' next-generation masterpiece, the Sun Princess, alongside Oceania Cruises’ elegant new addition, the Allura.  This double inaugural visit underscores St.

SINT EUSTAIUS -- On the evening of Tuesday, the 30th December, a police patrol on Theodore Pandt Road on St. Eustatius saw a car driving with defective taillights. When the driver saw the police vehicle approaching, he increased his speed and then refused a signal to stop. At around 8:45 PM, the 18-year-old man with the initials L.P. was arrested on Leonard E. Sadler Road for failing to comply with the police's request. Upon inspection, it appeared that the driver did not have a driver's license.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten -- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is informing the community about the results of intensive enforcement operations carried out by officers of KPSM between December 22 and December 28, 2025. These actions are part of KPSM’s ongoing efforts to reduce violent crime, remove illegal firearms from the streets, and improve public safety across the island.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten -- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) would like to take the opportunity to inform the public about a second arrest.  in the armed scooter robbery that occurred on December 28, 2025, in the Kimsha Beach area. On Monday morning, December 29, 2025, the second suspect involved in the robbery voluntarily surrendered himself at the Philipsburg Police Station.

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Just before the start of the Christmas holiday season, Hubert Nijgh, Chairman of the Stichting Koopvaardijpersoneel 1940–1945, paid a courtesy visit to Her Excellency Drs. Gracita Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten in The Hague.  Before the outbreak of World War II, the Netherlands had one of the largest and most modern merchant fleets in the world with over 1100 hundred seagoing vessels.

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary Her Excellency Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell attended the 36th InterExpo Kingdom Relations Congress in The Hague, held under the theme “Fifteen Years After 10/10/10.”  The three-day congress brought together political leaders, academics, policymakers, and experts from across the Kingdom to reflect fifteen years of constitutional development and to engage in dialogue on the future of Kingdom relations.

Philipsburg – The Secretaries General of the various Ministries, together with the Secretary General to the Council of Ministers, recently completed a compact and intensive interactive workshop facilitated by the Holiday Institute for Governance and Economics (HI). The training, titled “Public Governance Concepts and Practices: The Role of Senior Civil Servants,” commenced on November 26 and concluded on December 1, 2025.

WILLEMSTAD — Transnational organized crime remains a major concern for maritime authorities, with drug and weapons trafficking continuing at high levels in the Caribbean, the Coast Guard reports in its 2026 annual plan. Curaçao and neighboring islands remain strategically positioned along trafficking routes connecting South America with markets in North America and Europe. The Coast Guard warns that criminal networks are adapting rapidly, requiring stronger intelligence-led operations and closer international cooperation.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten -- At approximately 3:00 PM today December 28th 2025 officers of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) responded to an armed robbery incident in the Kimsha Beach area. According to  the information   gathered at the location ,two suspects in a white vehicle, bearing a specific license plate, threatened the victim at gunpoint and violently stole his scooter.

Willemstad/Philipsburg - The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten has received  subscriptions with respect to the Curaçao Government Bond issued at 3.6% per December 18,  2025- 2055 for a total nominal amount of Cg 115,700,000 at an issue price of 100.00.  The subscription has been accepted at a price of 100.00 and at a yield of 3.6%. The nominal amount  of the loan accepted is Cg 115,700,000.  Settlement took place on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Centrale Bank van Curaçao and  Sint Maarten.

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary Her Excellency Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell recently attended the holiday reception, hosted by U.S. Ambassador Joseph Popolo and Mrs. Popolo.  Popolo was nominated by President Donald Trump on March 24, 2025, to serve as the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of the Netherlands.   He was confirmed by the Senate on October 7, sworn in on October 8, and presented his credentials to His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at Paleis Noordeinde on October 29, 2025.  

GREAT BAY, Sint Maarten (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), as families come together during the holiday season, CPS advises to take preventative measures against respiratory illnesses causing flu like symptoms. CPS advises that preventive measures should be applied at all times in and during the celebrations that will bring families and friends together for the season.