SXMElections.com

Sarah Tells Brug Motion Against Him Is Political, Not About Performance

PHILIPSBURG--Democratic Party (DP) Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot-Williams said the motion of no confidence against VSA Minister Richinel Brug was political rather than performance-based.

She said the coalition could no longer maintain the status quo Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Brug Sent Home, Motion Of No Confidence Passed With 8 Votes For 7 Against

PHILIPSBURG--Parliament on Friday passed a motion of no confidence against Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richinel Brug in a narrow 8-7 vote during an urgent public meeting marked by emotional speeches, accusations of political infighting and concerns over coalition stability.

The motion, submitted by URSM MP Christopher Wever, stated that Brug no longer enjoyed the confidence of Parliament and requested that he make his position immediately available to the Governor, thereby tendering his resignation.

Eight MPs voted in favour of the motion, while seven voted against it.

Voting in favor were MPs Veronica Jansen-Webster, Viren Kotai, Dimar Labega, Franklin Meyers, Raeyhon Peterson, Ludmila de Weever, Christopher Wever and Sarah Wescot-Williams.

Voting against were MPs Francisco Lacroes, Lyndon Lewis, Omar Ottley, Sjamira Roseburg, Darryl York, Egbert Doran and Ardwell Irion.

The motion argued that the relationship between Brug and the URSM, the party that nominated him, had deteriorated to the point where continued collaboration within the governing coalition is no longer tenable Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Brug: Motion Not Worth Value Of Toilet Paper, Will Leave Head Up, Continue To Serve

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Richinel Brug delivered an emotional defense of his integrity, political record, and service to St. Maarten during a meeting of parliament debating a motion of no confidence against him.

He questioned the authority of party boards to remove elected representatives and insisted that he acted in the countrys best interest.

Speaking during the debate, Brug said he entered politics to serve the people of St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Minister Brug: 'I Refused To Break The Law, And Now They Want To Remove Me'

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, is expected to appear before Parliament today, Tuesday and tomorrow Wednesday during meetings where a motion of no confidence is expected to be presented against him.

---

Candidates in this article:

Government Defends Public Access To Mullet Bay Beach In Court Dispute

(From left to right) Attorney Gerald Simmonsde Jong (De Jong Law Firm), Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs, Head of Domain Affairs Marcia Richardson, and Director of Kadaster Benjamin Ortega.

PHILIPSBURG--The Government of St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

An Island Of Strong Women

By Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Division Director for the Caribbean

During one of my visits to Sint Maarten, I spoke with a woman who works as a taxi driver. She had once held a job in a hotel that was highly seasonal, leaving her with little or no income during the off-season and few opportunities to increase her earnings. Determined to change her situation, she moved into the transport sector, starting out as a taxi driver. She worked long hours during the high season, saved money, and later rented an additional vehicle and hired another driver Read more

Xoey Fitzpatrick Aventurin Captivates Audience With Talent, Culture, Wins Junior Carnival Crown

2026 Junior Carnival Queen Xanisha Xoey Fitzpatrick Aventurin (second left) flanked by second runner up YSheyda Madramootoo (left), MP Sjamira Roseburg (third left), first runner-up Kayla Fontenelle (fourth left) and Kyrie Fleming, who placed third (right).

MADAME ESTATE--The St. Maarten Junior Carnival Pageant 2026 reached a thrilling climax on Saturday, March 28, asXanisha Xoey Fitzpatrick Aventurin was crowned Junior Carnival Queen, earning 845 points and standing out in a field of talented young contestants at the Aleeze Convention Center.

The packed audience witnessed a showcase of creativity, culture, and youthful excellence, as Xoeys performances left a lasting impression on judges and spectators alike.

The competition concluded with Xoey winning the crown as well as Miss Amity, Miss Popularity, Best Speech, Best Talent and Best Carnival Costume Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Fundacin Del Carnaval Insta A La Ministra De Teatt A Tomar Medidas Enrgicas Contra La Especulacin De Precios En Los Supermercados

GREAT BAY, St. Maarten La Fundacin para el Desarrollo del Carnaval de St. Maarten (SCDF) expresa su total apoyo a las declaraciones de la Ministra de TEATT, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, contra la especulacin de precios a raz del conflicto entre Estados Unidos e Irn, al tiempo que advierte que los aumentos injustos de precios se han convertido en la norma cada ao durante el Carnaval Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Local, Surinamese Prison Guards Sworn In To Strengthen Operations

Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling and Prison Director Steven Carty pose with the sworn in correctional officers.

PHILIPSBURG--A group of local correctional officers and fourteen officers from Suriname were officially sworn in on Friday, in a move the Ministry of Justice says will help strengthen operational capacity at Point Blanche Prison.

During the ceremony, Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling acknowledged that the swearing-in of several local officers had been delayed and offered an apology on behalf of the Ministry for the time it took to complete the process Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Up Mp Lacroes Urges Govt To Review Model Law For Marine-Coastal Tourism

MP Francisco Lacroes.

PHILIPSBURG--United Peoples (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Francisco Lacroes on Wednesday urged the government to examine the Model Law on Sustainable Marine-Coastal Community Tourism when preparing zoning and conservation policies.

He said coastal territories remain undervalued and insufficiently protected in many cases Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Dcomm Visits French Side Counterparts

Philipsburg/Marigot On February 26, the Department of Communication of the Government of Sint Maarten paid a working visit to their French counterparts of the Collectivit of Saint-Martin, Communication Department, which includes the protocol section.

The working visit was to get a deeper understanding of how the French side Department of Communication functions within the Collectivit, to exchange mutual operational information and ideas, and to continue fostering the working relationship.

In their Marigot offices, the head/director of the French side Department of Communication Nathalie Longato gave a short presentation and shared an overview of the work and responsibilities Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Only 11% In Group 5 Master Problem-Solving And 2% At Public Schools, Assessment Shows

Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs.

~0% mastery at 4 schools~

PHILIPSBURG--Findings from the National Assessment Report: Early Literacy and Numeracy for the Group 5 cohort 2024/2025 revealed that a majority of pupils are struggling to achieve proficiency in mathematics problem-solving.

---

Candidates in this article:

Trinidad Puts On A Show Of All Shows To Welcome WinairS Inaugural Flight

Trinidads Minister of Transport & Civil Aviation, Eli Zakour (left) presents a painting of seven iconic buildings in Trinidad & Tobago, to WINAIR CEO Hans van de Velde. (Robert Luckock photo)

AIRPORT--Cultural dancers, Soca music, Trinidadian delicacies and hospitality, water cannon salutes at both destinations; all the ingredients for the warmest of welcomes greeted nationa Read more

Oranje School Celebrates 175 Years With Bell Ringing Ceremony

Education Minister Melissa Gumbs rings the bel

PHILIPSBURG--Oranje School marked its 175th Anniversary on January 21, 2026, with a historic celebration that included a commemorative bell ringing ceremony symbolizing each year of the schools service and educational excellence.

---

Candidates in this article:

Vromi Continues Demolition On Pond Island

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten — Minister Patrice Gumbs of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has issued a statement that demolition has commenced and will continue on Soualiga Drive, Pond Island. Occupants of the land were informed in September 2025 that they needed to vacate by December 2025 Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Babysitter Convicted In Child Abuse Case

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten (OM) The Court of First Instance has sentenced a family friend to 50 months in prison for serious offences committed against an eight-year-old girl. The suspect was acting as a babysitter at the time of the incident and was found guilty of acts that severely violated the childs personal and physical integrity.

A key element in the case was forensic evidence. DNA material belonging to the suspect was found on the victims clothing, which played a decisive role in corroborating the childs statement and establishing the suspects involvement.

A central legal issue in the proceedings was whether the proven acts qualified as sexual penetration under criminal law Read more

Pm: Govt. Focused On Stabilising Power Supply, Not Lng Transition At This Time

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.

PHILIPSBURG--Governments immediate priority is stabilizing the electricity grid and ensuring the consistent provision of power to residents and businesses, rather than pursuing a transition to liquefied natural gas (LNG) at this time, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina told Parliament on Monday.

He made the statement during Question Hour in Parliament in response to a series of questions from United Peoples party (UP) Member of Parliament (MP) Francisco Lacroes on national strategy for fuel diversification, LNG transition, public utilities, and the implementation of community benefits

Mercelina said government has not requested a comprehensive fuel diversification plan from NV GEBE or the Port St Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Dna Relationship Testing Procedures

Genetic testing is a useful tool for verifying a stated biological relationship when no other form of credible evidence is available in conjunction with an immigrant visa (IV) application. Commonly tested relationships that utilize DNA testing include paternity, maternity, full-siblingship, or half-siblingship Read more

Govt Extends Condolences On Passing Of Eileen Healy

The late Eileen Healy.

PHILIPSBURG--The Government of St Maarten, led by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, has expressed its deepest condolences on the passing of Eileen Healy, describing her as a dedicated advocate, leader, and long-standing pillar of the community.

Healy played a central role in developing and strengthening the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), where she served with unwavering commitment Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Vsa Minister Lauds Breaking The Chokehold Initiative For Successful Community Screenings

Cu4b

VSA Minister Richinel Brug (right) with representatives of the initiative.

PHILIPSBURG--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Richinel Brug has la Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Curacao Holds On For Nervy Draw To Qualify For Its First Ever World Cup

KINGSTON--Haiti defied the odds to book a place at next year's World Cup on Tuesday and they will be joined by both Panama and Curacao, who became the smallest country to ever win a berth at the finals.

Fire Dept. Staff: No More Back And Forth, Want Signed Commitment Letter And Neutral Mediator

PHILIPSBURG--Members of the Fire Department are no longer willing to engage in back-and-forth discussions regarding the signing of a commitment letter aimed at resolving their concerns about placement and retroactive payments linked to their function book.

In a letter sent on Wednesday by Windward Islands Civil Servants Union-Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) President Sharon Cangieter to Prime Minister Dr. Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

GrishaS Recent Changes To District 721S Permit Unsubstantiated And Unreasonable, Court Rules

PHILIPSBURG--An administrative judge has suspended the recent changes to District 721s operating permit, ruling that last months amendments by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten were unsubstantiated and unreasonable. Court of First Instances verdict on Monday is the latest in a series of legal battles between the government and the open-air nightclub in Cole Bay involving decisions made by Heyliger-Marten Read more

---

Candidates in this article:

Melissa Kills 25 In Haiti, Nearly 30 Total As Hurricane Batters Caribbean

Deborah Fearon stands at her restaurant as she cleans up debris, after Hurricane Melissa made landfall, in Goshen in St. Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica.

PORT-AU-PRINCE/KINGSTON/HAVANA--Hurricane Melissa barreled through the northern Caribbean on Wednesday after thrashing Cuba's Read more