Recent Headlines

Mercelina presents 15% increase in General Affairs budget for 2027

Government

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced that the Ministry of General Affairs' budget will increase from approximately Cg 82 million in 2026 to Cg 95 million in 2027, representing an increase of roughly 15 percent. The additional allocation is intended to address longstanding operational weaknesses, strengthen government departments, improve public services and ensure that essential operating expenses are more accurately reflected in the national budget.

Tribune Editorial Staff
November 3, 2026
Government

Mercelina Secures additional capacity for Legal Affairs and Personnel Department

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has announced additional professional capacity for the government's Legal Affairs and Personnel and Organization (P&O) departments, including the engagement of legislative lawyers, the establishment of an external legal support pool and expanded recruitment support to address longstanding staffing shortages and administrative delays.
Government

Fire Department Gets 16% budget boost, critical equipment expected in early 2027

GREAT BAY--The Fire Department will receive a budget increase of approximately 16 percent in 2027 as government moves to address longstanding challenges involving equipment, staffing, training and operational readiness. Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced the increase during his presentation of the Ministry of General Affairs' draft 2027 budget to Parliament on Tuesday.
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Justice
Justice Ministry's Cg 113.8 Million budget remains unchanged
GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Justice will operate with a virtually unchanged budget of Cg 113.8 million in 2027, despite continuing staff shortages across law enforcement, detention, immigration and other critical services. With only 54 percent of its authorized positions filled, the Ministry faces significant challenges in maintaining operations, implementing reforms and expanding its capacity to deliver justice and public safety services.
Tribune Editorial Staff
November 3, 2026
Community
Bridge Builders to Host Meatless Day Walkathon Saturday in Support of Animal Defenders
GREAT BAY--Bridge Builders will host its annual Meatless Day Walkathon on Saturday, November 7, with proceeds going toward supporting Animal Defenders and its ongoing efforts to care for stray and abandoned animals on St. Maarten. The fundraising event, which begins at 6:00 a.m. at the Belair Community Centre, aims to raise awareness about animal welfare while encouraging residents to participate in a community activity that promotes compassion and healthy living.
Tribune Editorial Staff
November 3, 2026
Community
Six J&IS Youth Home Residents attend "The Healing Man" book launch, sponsored by MP Roseburg
GREAT BAY--Staff of Judicial and Institutional Services (J&IS) accompanied six young male residents of the J&IS Youth Residential Home to the launch of Castel Abraham's book, The Healing Man, on Sunday, November 1, at the Belair Community Center in Cay Hill. Their attendance was sponsored by Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg, allowing the young men to participate in an evening dedicated to emotional healing, personal responsibility, healthy masculinity and the importance of breaking harmful generational patterns.
Tribune Editorial Staff
November 3, 2026
Government
Gumbs Sets Four Finance Ministry Priorities for 2027
GREAT BAY--Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs has identified four major policy priorities for the Ministry of Finance in 2027, while warning Parliament that staff shortages, weaknesses in tax collection, hidden financial obligations, delayed structural reforms and insufficient oversight of government-owned companies remain significant risks to St. Maarten's public finances.
Tribune Editorial Staff
November 3, 2026
Government
Minister Gumbs outlines Cg 94 million borrowing plan for 2027 as debt set to rise
GREAT BAY--Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs has outlined adjustments to the 2027 capital budget, including a revised borrowing requirement of approximately Cg 94 million to finance government investments, some of which were originally scheduled to be funded through a loan anticipated in 2026.
Tribune Editorial Staff
November 3, 2026
Government
Revenue measures: Govt pursues Tourist Tax, Revised Fees and Gaming Tax
GREAT BAY--The Government of St. Maarten is advancing several revenue-generating measures, including the introduction of a tourist tax, revisions to government fees, improved tax collection and the exploration of a gaming tax framework, as part of its efforts to broaden the country's revenue base and strengthen public finances.
Tribune Editorial Staff
November 3, 2026
Opinion
The making of gods, from wo/man
November 1, 2026
The joy and rhythm of strategic visionary leadership
November 1, 2026
Are Local Professionals Not Good Enough for St. Maarten’s Top Jobs?
October 29, 2026
Weekend Read

The People, personalities and legacy Behind 33 Years of Philipsburg Broadcasting

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From Belvedere to a new luxury skyline: The residential development boom is one-sided

October 31, 2026

Frustrated and ready for change: The global youth movement shaking Govts

October 31, 2026

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