The Peoples Tribune

May 27, 2026

GREAT BAY–Minister of Finance Marinka J. Gumbs has presented the Ministry of Finance’s first quarter 2026 overview, outlining a series of legislative, administrative and policy initiatives aimed at strengthening financial management, modernizing the tax system, improving compliance and restoring public confidence in St. Maarten’s financial framework. The quarterly update, titled “Finance Forward,” is built around the […]

May 27, 2026

BONAIRE–The population of the Caribbean Netherlands increased by more than 1,200 people in 2025, with Bonaire accounting for most of the growth, according to newly released figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS). As of January 1, 2026, the combined population of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba stood at more than 33,000 residents. This represents an increase […]

May 27, 2026

GREAT BAY-–Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs told Parliament that St. Maarten is not simply following Curaçao in the handling of several Central Bank-related draft national ordinances, but is acting within the reality of a shared monetary union that requires both countries to maintain alignment in key areas of financial and monetary supervision. Gumbs made the statement […]

May 27, 2026

GREAT BAY/MARIGOT, St. Martin–Preparations are in high gear for the 23rd annual St. Martin Book Fair, which will be held June 5 and 6, 2026, under the theme “Soualiga Flambo.” This year’s edition will place special focus on St. Martin authors and the growth of local writing, publishing, book sales, and literary readings across the […]

May 27, 2026

COLE BAY–Youth leadership, community service and long-standing commitment to young people took center stage when the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset held its General Meeting on Monday, May 25, 2026, recognizing local organizations, student leaders and community builders who continue to create opportunities for St. Maarten’s youth. The evening highlighted the work of Interact […]

May 27, 2026

GREAT BAY–Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs told Parliament that St. Maarten’s ability to attract international digital payment platforms such as PayPal, Revolut and other fintech providers depends heavily on the country first putting a proper licensing and supervisory framework in place. The Minister made the statement while responding to questions from Members of Parliament during […]

May 27, 2026

GREAT BAY–Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs told Parliament that St. Maarten is not currently on the FATF grey list, but warned that the country remains at risk if it does not make sufficient progress in strengthening its financial supervision, anti-money laundering, payment systems and virtual asset regulatory framework. The Minister made the statement while responding […]

May 27, 2026

MARIGOT–The Collectivité de Saint-Martin is moving forward with plans to install floating sea barriers as part of its effort to reduce the accumulation of sargassum along the coastline. Two areas have been identified for the project: Cul de Sac Bay and Embouchure Bay. The project is supported by an official decision of the Executive Council […]

May 27, 2026

Khalisha Halley grew up in St. Maarten with a passion for women's health. Now she's presenting research at one of the Caribbean's biggest public health stages, and she's only getting started. There is a special grace and grit that persons native to St. Maarten possess when building their future off island. Be it in academia, […]

May 27, 2026

GREAT BAY–The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor has launched a new cost of living study in collaboration with the Dutch organization Nibud, as part of Minister Richinel Brug’s efforts to better understand the financial pressures facing households in St. Maarten and to support future discussions on the country’s poverty line. The study […]

May 27, 2026

GREAT BAY–Member of Parliament Chris Wever has accused opposition members of political grandstanding following the Simpson Bay tree incident, saying their public reaction stands in sharp contrast to their absence from a parliamentary meeting scheduled just one day earlier to discuss the country’s nature policy. MP Wever said it was “ironic” that members who now […]

May 27, 2026

GREAT BAY–Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs pushed back on claims by former VROMI Minister and current MP Egbert Doran that he misled the public about the Simpson Bay grape tree incident, explaining in Parliament that the relevant land and permit history predates his tenure and that his 2025 signature related to the transfer of already […]

May 27, 2026

GREAT BAY–Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling says the St. Maarten Youth Brigade represents far more than drills, ranks and formations, describing the program as essential nation-building work that strengthens discipline, develops grit and helps prevent young people from reaching critical crossroads without guidance. Minister Tackling delivered the message during the St. Maarten Youth Brigade Promotional Ranking […]