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DATE ISSUED: Thursday, 9 October 2025 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 10 October 2025A TROPICAL STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECTA FLOOD WATCH & HIGH SEAS WARNING WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM 6PM TODAY, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICEWEATHER:This afternoon: Partly cloudy, becoming cloudy with isolated showers possible.Tonight through Friday midday: Cloudy and breezy with scattered showers and isolated thunderstorms.Forecast High: 32C / 90F              
Forecast Low: 24C / 75FSunset Today: 5:54 P.M.                  
Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:05 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon: North-northeasterly with a light to moderate breeze at 6 to 12 mph.Tonight through Friday midday: Northerly to southwesterly with a moderate to strong breeze at 16 to 26 mph, and occasional higher gusts.SYNOPSIS: Limited shower activity will prevail for this afternoon Read more

...TROPICAL STORM WARNING ISSUED FOR BARBUDA...

Tropical Storm Jerry Advisory Number 9

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL102025

1100 AM AST Thu Oct 09 2025

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

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LOCATION...15.9N 59.1W

ABOUT 310 MI...495 KM ESE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS

MAXIMUM SUSTAINED WINDS...65 MPH...100 KM/H

PRESENT MOVEMENT...WNW OR 285 DEGREES AT 18 MPH...30 KM/H

MINIMUM CENTRAL PRESSURE...999 MB...29.50 INCHES

WATCHES AND WARNINGS

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CHANGES WITH THIS ADVISORY:

The government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Barbuda.

SUMMARY OF WATCHES AND WARNINGS IN EFFECT:

A Tropical Storm Warning is in effect for...

* Barbuda

A Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for...

* Antigua, Anguilla, St Read more

Constitution Day On October 13 Marks 15 Years Of Country Status

Government Administration Building adorned in red, white and blue dcor for Constitution Day 2025.

PHILIPSBURG--The Government of St. Maarten will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the countrys constitutional status in the Kingdom of the Netherlands on Monday, October 13, with official Constitution Day activities at Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village starting at 11:30am.

This years theme Fifteen Years of Country Status Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future highlights the nations progress since attaining country status on October 10, 2010 Read more

...Jerry A Little Stronger...

...EXPECTED TO PASS VERY NEAR THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLANDS LATE THURSDAY AND THURSDAY NIGHT...

Tropical Storm Jerry Advisory Number 5

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL102025

1100 AM AST Wed Oct 08 2025

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

Read more

...Tropical Storm Jerry Forms Over The Tropical Central Atlantic...

...THE TENTH NAMED STORM OF THE SEASON...

Tropical Storm Jerry Advisory Number 1...Corrected

NWS National Hurricane Center Miami FL AL102025

1100 AM AST Tue Oct 07 2025

SUMMARY OF 1100 AM AST...1500 UTC...INFORMATION

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LOCATION...11.5N 44.6W

ABOUT 1315 MI...2120 KM ESE OF THE NORTHERN LEEWARD ISLARead more

Public Weather Forecast For St. Maarten

DATE ISSUED: Monday 6th October 2025 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Tuesday midday (12:00 LST) 7th October 2025 A HIGH SURF ADVISORY IS IN EFFECT WEATHER:This afternoon & evening: Cloudy. Isolated showers are likely.Tonight, through Tuesday midday: Variably cloudy with scattered showers. Isolated thunderstorms are likely.Forecast High: 32C / 90F               Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 5:57 P.M.                   Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:04 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Tuesday midday: Northeast to southeast, with a light to moderate breeze, from 5 to 14 mph; higher gusts are possible in showers.SYNOPSIS: A tropical wave brings moist and unstable conditions during this forecast period Read more

Pm Pushes Shift From Renting To Buying Buildings For Govt Depts.

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced on Wednesday that his government will be moving away from renting office space and instead begin acquiring buildings, a shift he described as essential to building long-term assets for the country.

This PM is making a shift from renting buildings to buying buildings. Why? Because I really believe that we need assets, Mercelina said during the live Council of Ministers press briefing Read more

St. Maarten, Suriname Move Toward Stronger Ties At Unga

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina (right) and Jennifer Geerlings-Simons, President of the Republic of Suriname.

NEW YORK--Prime Minister (PM) Dr. Luc Mercelina, recently initiated Read more

Venezuela Hit By 6.3-Magnitude Earthquake

Venezuela hit by 6.3-magnitude earthquakehttps://t.co/1ejWM0ACKx pic.twitter.com/lj68IUq9WS

721News.com (@721News) September 25, 2025

Source: DW.com

The US Geological Survey reported the magnitude of the quake, which was located at a depth of 14 kilometers. No casualties have been reported.

A 6.3-magnitudeearthquakeshook west and northVenezuelaon Wednesday, the US Geological Survey said.

What do we know so far?

There were noimmediate reports of any casualties or serious damage.

The epicenter of the earthquake was located at a depth of 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) some 27 kilometersfrom Mene Grande, the USGS said.

A few hours later, the USGS reported on another 5.8-magnitude earthquake, 28 kilometers from Mene Grande.

Some 600 kilometerswest of Caracas,Mene Grande is an oil town in asparsely populated area of the state of Zulia.

Venezuela is the country withthe world’s largest proven crude oil reserves,estimated at approximately 303 billion barrels as of 2023-2024, significantly more than other countries such asSaudi Arabia, Iran, and Canada.

Are strong earthquakes common in Venezuela?

The Colombian Geological Survey measured the tremor at 6.1 and categorized it as a “shallow depth” event in Mene Grande, but the quake was also felt in neighboring Colombia, as well asthe Caribbean islands of Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire.

Strong temblors are not common in Venezuela, but Wednesday’s quakeshookbuildings and caused alarm in cities including Caracas and Maracaibo.

About 80%of Venezuelans live in seismic zones, but the South American country has not had a major quakesince 1997, when 73 people died inCariaco in the eastern state of Sucre.

In 1976, nearly 300 were killed and 2,000 injured when a quakehit Caracas.

As qued uno de los apartamentos en Maracaibo, estado Zulia, luego del sismo ocurrido hace pocos minutos Read more

Smmc Celebrates World Patient Safety Day

CAY HILL —On Wednesday, September 17th, St. Maarten Medical Center joined the global observance of World Patient Safety Day with a series of lectures and interactive workshops held on its main patio for staff. World Patient Safety Day, an initiative of the World Health Organization, is geared towards raising global awareness about patient safety and promoting actions that minimize harm in healthcare.

This years theme, Safe Care for every Newborn and Child, focuses on safety during neonatal and pediatric care – particularly vital for patients who cannot always advocate for themselves.

The program was organized by the Quality and Safety Department and reflects SMMCs ongoing journey to achieve Joint Commission International (JCI) Accreditation at the new St Read more

Public Weather Forecast For St. Maarten

DATE ISSUED: Thursday 18th September 2025 @12:00 LST (10:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Friday midday (12:00 LST) 19th September 2025WEATHER:This afternoon: Variably cloudy with occasional showers. Isolated thunderstorms are likely.Tonight, through Friday midday: Partly cloudy with isolated showers.Forecast High: 32C / 90F           Forecast Low: 27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:12 P.M.               Sunrise Tomorrow: 6:01 A.MSURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Friday midday: East southeasterly to easterly, with a light to gentle, at 5 to 12 mph.SYNOPSIS: Moist and unstable conditions will persist alongside gentle winds Read more

Youth Trauma And Mental Health Study Launched For Caribbean Netherlands

A screen-capture of the promotional video for the Be You youth mental health study for the Caribbean Netherlands, which recently launched in Bonaire.

KRALENDIJK--A large-scale scientific study which looks into trauma experiences and mental health among young people in the Caribbean Netherlands was launched on Thursday, September 11, starting with Bonaire. The study is called Be You, emphasising that it focuses on young people themselves: their experiences, feelings, and voice Read more

WeRe Stopping On The Runway, Westjet Pilot Tells Atc After Landing Gear Collapse

Airport firefighters near the right engine that scraped along the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA).  AIRPORT--Panic and smoke filled the air on Sunday afternoon when a WestJet Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Toronto, Canada, suffered a landing gear collapse at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), sending the airport skidding down the runway and forcing the airport to shut down.   The incident occurred around 1:29pm, right as WestJet flight WS2276 touched down.  The flights landing at PJIA was captured by a livestream hosted by St Read more

Minister BrugS Statements On Pjiae Notice

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten — As Minister of Labor, I have taken note of the communication recently issued by the management of PJIAE to its staff concerning measures to be taken against French nationals employed at PJIAE. Such communication has caused significant unrest in the community, which requires clarification on my part.

I, Richinel Brug, hereby unequivocally distance myself from the content and implications of such correspondence Read more

Gebe Meeting To Continue In Parliament Today, Mps To Honour Late Mp Pantophlet

PHILIPSBURG--The House of Parliament will hold two public meetings today, Wednesday, September 3 - the continuation of a meeting on utility company GEBE and paying tribute to the late former Member of Parliament, Romeo Pantophlet.

Read more

Ottley Petition Seeks Relief By Dec. 1, Higher Supervision For Gebe, 193 Signatures So Far

MP Omar Ottley (right) addresses attendees during the town hall in Sucker Garden on Tuesday evening.

~ Goal set at 1,000 signatures ~

SUCKER GARDEN--United Peoples party (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Read more

Justice, Smmta Partner To Improve Marine Industry Standards, Security

From left: SMMTA President Jesse Peterson, SMMTA representative Andy Caballero, Section Head Border and Mobile Unit Ryan Peterson, SMMTA representative Monica Monroy, Policy Advisor Erling Hoeve, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, Board Member Lela Simmonds, IBPS Department Head Livingstone White, and Chief of Staff Cecil Nicholas.

Read more

Empowering Parents: New Training Series Equips Families Navigating Special Needs

The training was designed to help families better understand their children's unique needs while also addressing their own mental and emotional well-being.

PHILIPSBURG--To enhance support for families raising children with special needs, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA, Richinel Brug has partnered with The Spectrum Support Box to launch a four-week parent training series titled Inclusive Solutions for Diverse Needs.

Led by facilitators Alisha Brookes and Lucien York, the training series provided parents with practical strategies, emotional support and a safe, welcoming space to learn and share Read more

Prime Minister Mercelina Receives Delegation Highlighting High-Tech Community Fund In Drc

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina (third from right) received a courtesy visit from (from left to right) Christopher Kiangala, Secretary to the FSRDC National Coordinator; SMITCO CEO and Director Perry Geerlings; FSRDC National Coordinator Philippe Ngwala Malemba; Three Eagles Sunergy Founder and Chair Karine Shufford; and Phoenix Capital President Alain Lemieux.

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Dr Read more

Dutch, French Unite For Symbolic Launch Of The Clean-Up Campaign

Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs (left) and Collectivit Vice President Bernadette Davis (right) shake hands at the border following the campaign launch. (Robert Luckock phot

.

BELLE PLAINE--In a follow-up to a series of meetings on the subject, the symbolic launch of the joint annual clean-up campaign took place Wednesday morning, at the border monument in Belle Plaine in the presence of the Collectivit Second Vice President Bernadette Davis from the delegation Cadre de Vie (Living Environment) and St Read more

DATE ISSUED: Friday 27th June 2025 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 28th June 2025WEATHER:This afternoon & evening: Variably cloudy. Isolated showers are likely.Tonight, until Saturday midday: Variably cloudy and slightly hazy with isolated showers.Forecast High: 31C / 88F              Forecast Low:  27C / 81FSunset Today: 6:52 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:39 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: Today through Saturday midday: Northeasterly with a gentle to moderate breeze at 8 to 18 mphSYNOPSIS: Relatively stable weather conditions will persist, alongside a gentle to moderate breeze Read more

DATE ISSUED: Friday 13th June 2025 @ 12:00 LST (16:00 UTC) VALID UNTIL: Saturday midday (12:00 LST) 14th June 2025WEATHER:This afternoon through Saturday midday: Fair to partly cloudy and slightly hazy. Brief isolated showers are possible.Forecast High: 31C / 88F              Forecast Low:  26C / 79FSunset Today: 6:49 P.M.                  Sunrise Tomorrow: 5:37 A.M.SURFACE WINDS: This afternoon through Saturday midday: Northeast to Easterly, with a light to moderate breeze, at 6 to 15 mph.SYNOPSIS: Generally stable, and relatively dry conditions will persist alongside a gentle to moderate breeze, during this forecast period Read more

Pm Appeals To Gebe To Cut Fuel Tariff To 6-7 Cents, Slashing Bills By 19% From July 2025 Billing Cycle

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina addresses Parliament.

~ Outlines 13 recommendations from RAC/BTP ~

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has appealed to the Supervisory Board of Directors (SBOD) of NV GEBE to instruct its Managing Board to correct identified irregularities in the electricity fuel clause.

This correction, he said, should bring the electricity fuel tariff down to 6-7 cents per kilowatt hour, which would result in an estimated 19% reduction in customers electricity bills Read more

Minister Gumbs Announces 2025 Tax Tables Publication

Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs.

PHILIPSBURG--The Ministry of Finance has officially published the 2025 tax tables, providing taxpayers, employers and employees with essential guidance for accurate tax calculations, withholdings and filings.

Read more