Recent Headlines

St. Maarten’s Top Incomes Law (LNT) reaches three-year evaluation point

Government

GREAT BAY--The clock has run down on the built-in review period for St. Maarten’s Landsverordening Normering Topinkomens (LNT), the law that caps salaries for top officials in the public and semi-public sector. Enacted in late 2022, the ordinance included a three-year evaluation clause requiring government to assess whether the legislation is functioning as intended and to report on its effectiveness.

Tribune Editorial Staff
February 17, 2026
Government

Firefighters say they believe PM willing, but is poorly influenced

GREAT BAY--Firefighters said Tuesday that while they believe Prime Minister Luc Mercelina is personally willing to resolve their ongoing dispute, they are convinced he is being influenced and poorly advised, resulting in continued delays and the absence of a signed commitment to address their concerns. When asked to whom they were referring, a fireman declined to identify the person.
Sports

St. Maarten set to host 2026 Latin America and Caribbean Little League Junior Baseball Tournament

GREAT BAY--St. Maarten will welcome the region’s top youth baseball talent this summer as the Latin America and Caribbean Little League Junior Baseball Tournament (ages 12–14) takes place from July 11 to July 19, 2026, bringing together delegations from across the region for a week of high-level competition, sportsmanship, and cultural exchange.
More News
Justice
First group of 14 Surinamese prison officers to deploy to St. Maarten starting March 1
GREAT BAY--A team of 14 Surinamese penitentiary officers is scheduled to arrive in St. Maarten on March 1, 2026, following a cooperation agreement signed yesterday between Suriname and St. Maarten to reinforce detention operations, with immediate focus on the Point Blanche Prison complex.
Tribune Editorial Staff
February 17, 2026
Government
UN report on St. Maarten: Weak in meeting economic, social, cultural rights obligations
GREAT BAY--Concluding observations issued by the UN Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights on the Kingdom of the Netherlands identify several deficiencies that directly affect St. Maarten, including uneven implementation of rights across the Kingdom, limited disaggregated data, and the absence of a national human rights institution in St. Maarten.
Tribune Editorial Staff
February 17, 2026
Economy
Chamber, partners convene crime prevention meeting
GREAT BAY--The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of St. Maarten (COCI) convened a working meeting with the Strategic Alliance for Crime Prevention and key private-sector stakeholders to develop practical, collaborative measures aimed at improving safety for businesses, employees, and the wider community.
Tribune Editorial Staff
February 16, 2026
Health
New SZV board chair Erno Labega meets with Brug, discuss priorities
GREAT BAY--Erno Labega has been appointed as the new Chair of the Board of the Social & Health Insurances SZV (SZV) and has already held an introductory meeting with Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Richinel Brug to discuss key priorities and the strategic direction of the organization.
Tribune Editorial Staff
February 16, 2026
Tourism
St. Maarten & St. Martin keeps winning “Best for Foodies” attention
GREAT BAY-MARIGOT--St. Maarten & St. Martin is continuing to land on international “best of” travel roundups that highlight the destination’s culinary depth, from beachside dining and barbecue culture to French-Caribbean fine dining and a year-round calendar of food-focused experiences.
Tribune Editorial Staff
February 16, 2026
Government
Telem calls for evidence-based claims following SMCU “rumor” statements
GREAT BAY--Telem on Monday says an independent operational audit commissioned by the sitting government and conducted by SOAB previously found no justification for a full forensic investigation. The company notes that the audit’s findings were clear and independently established.
Tribune Editorial Staff
February 16, 2026
Opinion
i accuse! Open Letter to the World from the Island of Cuba
February 16, 2026
Enforcement while safeguarding taxpayers’ rights
February 15, 2026
Thank You Jay. Masha danki, Emanuel. Gracias Benito.
February 14, 2026
Weekend Read

The Christopher Emmanuel Case: Grafted Mango interpretation and weak burden of proof?

February 13, 2026

Four countries, one health agenda, what the November 2025 Four-Country Consultation decided in St. Maarten

February 13, 2026

A closer, legal look: The Bonaire Climate Case

February 13, 2026

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