Recent Headlines

Building permit backlog grows as applications continue to outpace VROMI man-power capacity

Government

GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs has provided a fuller explanation of building permit figures presented during the 2026 Budget Debate, stressing that the reference to only five permits being “delivered” in 2026 did not mean that only five applications had been processed or approved.

Tribune Editorial Staff
August 25, 2026
Government

Mercelina: “Until I receive that information, I do not want to speculate” on cannabis policy

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has emphasized that Government, and by extension himself, must first receive and review the necessary information before drawing conclusions or taking final decisions regarding cannabis legislation in St. Maarten.
Education

RISE Foundation Supports 100 Students Through 2026 Back-to-School Drive

GREAT BAY--RISE Foundation has completed the core phase of its 2026 Back-to-School Support Project, providing critical school assistance to students across St. Maarten while expanding its reach beyond its original target through additional donations and community partnerships.
More News
Health
Healthcare reform push continues as Minister Connor warns reserves are not a permanent fix
GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Claret Connor has acknowledged that the financial sustainability of St. Maarten’s healthcare funds remains a major concern, warning that the current situation cannot continue to be managed by allowing reserves to absorb ongoing structural deficits.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 25, 2026
Sports
SMBBFA President Shamire Connor to represent St. Maarten at International Bodybuilding Championships
GREAT BAY-- President of the Sint Maarten Bodybuilding and Fitness Association (SMBBFA), Shamire R. Connor, has decided to put himself to the test by returning to the competitive stage and representing Sint Maarten at two major international bodybuilding and fitness championships.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 25, 2026
Government
MP Doran questions how government can report surplus while vendors remain unpaid
GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran is questioning how government can report a positive financial result while businesses that have provided goods and services remain unpaid and civil servants continue waiting on outstanding payments and benefits.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 25, 2026
Education
Minister Gumbs: “I am hopeful about where we can go, but I am not complacent about where we are”
GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs acknowledged that while progress is being made within government, she remains concerned about the structural challenges facing Sint Maarten and believes the country must be willing to confront difficult issues in order to move forward.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 25, 2026
Education
Churches Remain Partners, but Gumbs says youth must be heard directly
GREAT BAY-- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs has clarified her recent comments regarding churches and youth issues, stating that her remarks were not intended as criticism of churches or their role in society, but rather a call for youth discussions to be grounded in the experiences and voices of young people themselves.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 25, 2026
Education
ECYS acknowledges public schools still operating under reactive maintenance system
GREAT BAY--Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport Melissa Gumbs has acknowledged that public schools are currently operating under a reactive maintenance system, where repairs are generally addressed after problems are reported or identified rather than through a structured preventive maintenance program.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 25, 2026
Opinion
The Spirit & Rhythm of Critical Thinking
August 25, 2026
Is St. Martin’s Parliament a “Rubber Stamp”?
August 24, 2026
The Million-Dollar Question: How Many More Master Plans Does Bonaire Need?
August 24, 2026
Weekend Read

Ongoing budget debate isn’t really about the budget, govt has an execution problem

August 22, 2026

Where are the babies? St. Maarten is growing, but not in the way you think

August 22, 2026

Tourists aren’t running from visitor taxes, so why are some people so scared?

August 22, 2026

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