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Vromi Minister Gumbs Faces Scrutiny Over Delayed Publication Of Permits

 PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Patrice Gumbs, representing the Party for Progress (PFP), appeared in Parliament on Wednesday afternoon to answer questions from Members of Read more

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Minister Of Vromi Gumbs Issues Stop Order For West Vue High-Rise

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Patrice Gumbs has issued a stop order for the West Vue development in Cupecoy. On Saturday, March 8, the developers were officially informed via email to halt all civil works pending an evaluation of ongoing excavation at the site.

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Vromi Minister Gumbs Faces Ombudsman Inquiry Over Controversial Cupecoy High-Rise

Taliesin NV, on behalf of NLGY Development, continued rock drilling over the weekend and went beyond the legally permitted boundaries, while throwing debris over a retaining wall onto the neighbour's property.

 PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Patrice Gumbs, representing Party for Progress (PFP), must answer to the Ombudsman of St Read more

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Alleyway Transformation Project Engages Over 100 Volunteers

The group of volunteers on Saturday included VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs (third row, third right) and Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling (third row, second right).

PHILIPSBURG--More than 100 volunteers have participated in the ongoing Alleyway Transformation project, a community initiative led by Be The Change Foundations @ColorMeSXM Read more

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Romi Launches Erosion Project, Announces Temporary Road Closure

In red is the section that is closed off temporarily starting today, Monday, March 10.

 PHILIPSBURG--A section of Ebenezer Road at the intersection of W.R. Plantz Road and Johannes C. Paap Road will be closed temporarily. The closure, effective from today, Monday, March 10, to Wednesday, April 9, is necessary to facilitate the Hillside Stabilization Project, aimed at addressing severe erosion in the area.

The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI announced the project in response to the ongoing deterioration of the Ebenezer Trench, which has led to infrastructure collapse and increased flood risks for residents.

Reports dating back to 2010 highlighted concerns about excavation practices, with further complaints in 2020 and 2021 regarding hillside erosion and falling soil Read more

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Commercial High-Rise Projects Approved Under Misclassified Residential Permits

 PHILIPSBURG--Several new commercial developments, ranging from four to eighteen storeys high, have begun construction in residential areas despite being approved under residential permits, which only allow a maximum of three storeys or 12 metres. Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs acknowledged on Wednesday that the permit classification published in the National Gazette as residential is incorrect.

Speaking at the Council of Ministers press briefing, Gumbs addressed questions posed by The Daily Herald on Wednesday, February 27, regarding a building permit issued for Jordan Road a small road historically used by public buses and residents vehicles until a developer began clearing the area in April 2024 Read more

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78% Of Construction Permits Issued Under Mercelina I-Ii Published Too Late To Object

On January 28, one day before the issuance of a building permit by VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs, Vie LVen Luxury Resort posted a construction update on Facebook using this picture, stating: Were making exciting progress!

 PHILIPSBURG--The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI has published 82 construction permits since the first Mercelina-led cabinet was sworn in on May 3, 2024 Read more

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Mp Peterson Urges Vromi Minister To Clarify Conflict-Of-Interest Protocols

Party for Progress (PFP) Member of Parliament Raeyhon Peterson questions PFP Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Env Read more

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The Ministry Of Vromi Launches Digital Complaint Form With Qr Code Access

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) is pleased to announce the launch of its new Digital Complaint Form, a modern and accessible solution designed to empower the public to voice their concerns with ease and efficiency. This initiative reflects the Ministrys commitment to fostering transparency, improving public service, and addressing issues that matter most to the community.

With the introduction of the QR code system, residents can now instantly access the complaint form by simply scanning the code with their smartphones Read more

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Traffic Lights Up And Running

PHILIPSBURG Nearly 6 months following their damage, the traffic lights at the entrance to Philipsburg have been restored and enhanced.

The Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs was on hand last night to switch on the lights along with the Secretary General Kenson Plaisimond and Chief of Staff Luciano Nicholls.

Gumbs stated that the functioning traffic lights are not a milestone, but that the restoration includes a shift to renewable energy in the shape of an emergency back up system that will make use of solar energy Read more

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Vromi Booth Addresses Backlog, Draws Public Appreciation

PHILIPSBURG The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) reports a positive outcome from its participation in Philipsburg Becomes Magical on December 21st and 22nd at Cyrus Wathey Square.

Over the two-day event, the VROMI Booth attracted a steady flow of visitors who engaged with ministry representatives on a variety of topics. Attendees received updates on key projects, inquired about permit applications and long lease requests, and took advantage of the opportunity to have their questions addressed directly by VROMI staff.

The Permits Department handled 51 inquiries for status updates, 15 general questions, and the Domain Department (long lease) addressed 30 requests Read more

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Minister Gumbs Seeks Unops Support To Address Traffic Congestion On St. Maarten

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs has reached out to the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to develop a comprehensive action plan aimed at alleviating traffic congestion on St. Maarten. He made the announcement on Friday in response to questions from Members of Parliament Chris Wever (Unified Resilient St Read more

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Ministry Of Vromi Secures 1.9Million For StormwaterInfrastructure And Pumps

PHILIPSBURG The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) is pleased to announce that it has successfully secured a 1.9 million subsidy from the Dutch Government. This funding represents a crucial step in addressing key operational and infrastructure challenges within the Ministry and underscores the ongoing partnership between our Government and the Netherlands.

Following a formal request submitted by the Ministry between June and August this year, the funds were transferred to the Government’s accounts Read more

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Close To 200 New Potholes Emerge After Heavy Rainfall

Potholes on L.B. Scott Road. (John Halley photo)

PHILIPSBURG--Heavy rains over the course of two nights have caused nearly 200 new potholes to emerge on St. Maartens roads, highlighting the islands long-standing infrastructure challenges. Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure VROMI Patrice GumbsRead more

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Rain Impact Signals Urgent Need For Infrastructure Reform, Gumbs Warns

Flooding of the roundabout and roads near the St. Maarten Medical Center in Belair on Sunday.

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Patrice Gumbs addressed on Sunday the impact of ongoing rain showers and flooding on St. Maartens infrastructure.

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Beatrix Spots Birds, Visits Mullet Pond And Little Key

Princess Beatrix witnesses the signing of a letter of intent by VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs and Nature Foundation Director Leslie Hickerson to establish legislation that would designate Little Key Island as a protected area. Afterwards, attendees raised their glasses to commemorate the occasion.

~ Letter of intent for terrestrial protection signed ~

PHILIPSBURG--On the second day of her official visit, Princess Beatrix visited the Great Salt Pond Birding Platform and explored Simpson Bay, Mullet Pond and Little Key on a boat, highlighting the importance of environmental awareness and coastal protection.

The princess kicked off the second day of her official visit as patroness of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) at the Great Salt Pond Birding Platform, where she spotted birds with Cornelis Binkie van Es, avid birding guide and Chairman of St Read more

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BeatrixS First Day Dedicated To Nature Conservation, Education

Princess Beatrix planted a native sea grape tree at Emilio Wilson Park on Wednesday morning as a symbol of the importance of nature conservation, during her work visit to St. Maarten as patroness of Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA). From left: DCNA Director Arno Verhoeven, Nature Foundation Director Leslie Hickerson, Princess Beatrix and Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI Patrice Gumbs.

PHILIPSBURG--The first full day of Princess Beatrixs work visit to St Read more

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Ministry Of Vromi To Close On Friday For The Funeral Of Michael A. Browne

Michael Browne's condolences book was placed at the entrance of the Government Administration Building on Pond Island.

PHILIPSBURG--The offices of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI will be closed on Friday, October 25. VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs took this decision to allow staff Read more

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Vromi To Sell M/V Island Scout (Imo Number: 9215220)

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) announced during Wednesdays press briefing its intention to sell the Island Scout (IMO number 9215220). Under Article 13, Section 1 of the Landsverordening houdende maatregelen tot opruiming van schepen en wrakken in zee en op het zeestrand (National Ordinance containing measures for the removal of ships and wrecks at sea and on the sea beach)

The Island Scout is a 69-meter-long tug/supply ship that was beached and successfully salvaged, with efforts from both the Ministry of VROMI and TEATT following the passing of Tropical Storm, later Hurricane, Ernesto Read more

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Minister Gumbs Oversees Major Trench Cleaning And Infrastructure Upgrades

From left: Limitless Construction managing director Jordan Halley, Policy Advisor Luciano Nicholls, and VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs observing ongoing trench works.

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Operation Starts To Relocate Beached Vessel Island Scout

VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs and TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten overseeing the relocation of the vessel on Wednesday.

PHILIPSBURG--Authorities on Wednesday began the major operation to relocate beached vessel Island Scout from the waters near the site of the former Great Bay Beach Hotel, where it got stuck during the passing of tropical storm Ernesto.

The vessel is being moved to Port St Maarten and eventually out of St Maartens waters.

Government had issued a Ministerial Decree on Thursday last in which a 48-hour notice was issued to the owner of Island Scout Read more

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Mp Gumbs Submits Draft Financial Legislation To Minister Finance

Manifesto Dealbreaker Point Met

PHILISPBURG Party for Progress member of Parliament Melissa Gumbs submitted draft legislation to the Honorable Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, on Thursday, 15 August 2024 Read more

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VROMI Cabinet Policy Advisor Luciano Nicholls inspecting the landslide from the roof of a home in Ebenezer.

PHILIPSBURG--The Cabinet of the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI on Sunday inspected two areas in South Reward and Ebenezer where a road and a retaining wall collapsed following heavy rainfall over the weekend.

Cassava Road in South Reward was one of several roads that were recently paved in the governments hard-surfacing programme, but this road and parts of the area have partially collapsed, according to a press release issued by the VROMI Cabinet on Sunday night.

The press release cited pooling water on the road surface, lack of a retaining wall and proper drainage, and a large amount of rainfall within a short period of time as reasons for the collapse Read more

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St. Maarten Now Under Ts Watch, Parties Asked To Remove Billboards

Potential rainfall

PHILIPSBURG--A Tropical Storm Watch was issued for St. Maarten late Sunday afternoon as Potential Tropical Cyclone Five races toward the Leeward Islands as a developing storm.

As of 11:00pm Sunday, the centre of Potential Tropical Cyclone Five was located near latitude 14.1 North, longitude 50.1 West, or approximately 910 miles east-southeast of St. Maarten.

The system, which is expected to become Tropical Storm Ernesto by late Monday, is moving toward the west-northwest at a brisk 23 miles per hour (mph) and this motion is expected to continue during the next couple of days.

Based on the current forecast track, its closest point of approach will be approximately 30 miles south of St Read more

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