GREAT BAY--On the occasion of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons, observed on October 1, President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams called on Government to view the growing longevity of St. Maarten’s population not as a burden, but as an opportunity, particularly in addressing persistent staffing shortages in the public sector.

GREAT BAY--Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling sharply challenged Member of Parliament Egbert Doran in Parliament on Wednesday over his continued advocacy for military-style training or service for St. Maarten’s youth, saying the proposal continues to return without sufficient clarity about what exactly is being proposed or how it would work in practice.

GREAT BAY--As modern slang goes: Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling woke up on Thursday and chose violence. The Minister delivered a pointed response to Member of Parliament Egbert Doran in Parliament on Wednesday over calls to arm the proposed tourist police, accusing the MP of misrepresenting the purpose of the new unit and suggesting that criticism of the initiative has become opposition for the sake of opposition.

GREAT BAY--With the Caribbean’s winter tourism season approaching, St. Maarten is beginning to see the familiar buildup in airlift that accompanies the busiest travel months of the year. This season, however, the increase is coming from several directions at once, including a new regional route, more flights from Miami, returning seasonal service from the northeastern United States, larger aircraft from South Florida and the seasonal return of Canadian carriers.

GREAT BAY--Government is targeting the fourth quarter of 2027 for completion of new tsunami, earthquake and Host Nation Support plans, with Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina also outlining a testing regime intended to measure how prepared the country is to respond when those plans are activated.

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes opened his remarks in Parliament today with a short and personal message urging women and men to take breast cancer seriously, get checked and encourage others to do the same as Breast Cancer Awareness Month begins.