SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure), in collaboration with the NRPB (National Recovery Program Bureau), is pleased to announce the start of civil works in preparation for the installation of a new weighbridge at the Main Landfill. These preparatory works started today, February 24th, 2025.

The weighbridge will be strategically positioned in front of the security booth. As a result, access routes to the landfill will be temporarily adjusted to accommodate the installation process. Truck drivers and landfill users are requested to pay close attention to on-site signage and follow all directions provided during this period.

During the installation phase, the Department of Infrastructure will be reaching out to companies that utilize the landfill to gather necessary information. This data will be integrated into the new electronic system associated with the weighbridge. Moving forward, the system will exclusively collect data on the volume of waste accepted at the landfill, streamlining operations and enhancing accuracy in waste management.

The Ministry of VROMI and NRPB thank all users in advance for their patience and cooperation as we work towards improving landfill management and sustainability.

For more information, please contact the Infrastructure Department at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call us at 542-4292 ext 2387.

SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - As a direct outcome of the BES Summit held on February 12, 2025, on Saba, the Island Councils of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba have jointly agreed to submit a response letter to the State Secretary of Kingdom Relations.

This letter addresses concerns raised by his correspondence dated February 6, 2025, in which he outlined proposed amendments to the Public entities act Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (WolBES) and Finance Act Public Entities Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (FinBES).

Over the past week, all three Island Councils have confirmed and agreed upon the joint response letter in their respective meetings and have formally submitted it to the State Secretary’s office, as well as to other key governmental bodies.

The response highlights concerns regarding unilateral changes to agreements that were carefully negotiated during the Work Conference held in March 2024 in De Bilt.

These agreements were established in collaboration with the former State Secretary and were intended to guide future governance and financial structures for the islands.

In his recent letter, the newly appointed State Secretary expressed his intention to revise some of these agreements and to take additional time to assess further adjustments.

The Island Councils strongly oppose this approach, as no consultation with the islands was conducted prior to these proposed changes.

The Island Councils find this lack of dialogue both disrespectful and dismissive of the collaborative efforts made during the Work Conference.

Given that these agreements were established in good faith, they expect the State Secretary to engage in a constructive conversation before any amendments are made.

In the joint letter, the Island Councils of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba have formally requested an urgent meeting with the State Secretary before the consultation process for the legislative amendments begins.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) reminds all holders of a passenger transport permit to register their operation with the Transport Control Unit no later than Tuesday, February 25, 2025, to receive a confirmation letter. This letter validates that the operation’s documentation and vehicle meet the applicable regulations to provide transport services.

To date, over 400 applications have been received for the confirmation letter process, categorized as follows:

• 275 taxis
• 100 buses
• 25 vehicles combined of T and G plates from various companies
• 5 car rental companies

Approximately 200 confirmation letters have already been issued and collected. Operators still requiring confirmation letters are encouraged to attend one of the remaining two inspection days scheduled for February 21, and 25.

Location: Parking lot of Little League Baseball Field, Soualiga Road, Pond Island.

Permit holders who fail to notify the department of their status by the February 25 deadline may be classified as inactive, resulting in the permanent withdrawal of their permits in accordance with the law. Individuals facing challenges in acquiring a vehicle to begin operations must still report their status to the department.

Registration Process and Documentation Requirements

The Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has emphasized that this directive is non-negotiable and applies to all individuals and businesses in the passenger transport industry.

Operators must submit their documentation through a secure online form, accessible via the following link:

Passenger Transport Registration Form: https://www.proprofs.com/survey/t/?title=kojsz.

The required documents include:

• Original or authentic copy of the primary permit.
• Valid vehicle insurance policy (must mention validity period and vehicle plate number).
• Valid motor vehicle inspection card.
• Valid Sint Maarten driver’s license.
• Valid Sint Maarten identification card or Dutch passport.

For operators with an assistant driver, additional documentation is required:

• A valid Assistant Driver’s Permit.
• Valid Sint Maarten driver’s license.
• Valid Sint Maarten identification card or Dutch passport.
• An authorization letter signed by the permit holder or a power of attorney statement confirming an active work relationship (no older than 30 days).

Companies managing five or more vehicles with a T-, G-, or R-plate must submit a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with details of each vehicle (make, model, year, and VIN), along with digital copies of valid motor vehicle inspection cards and valid insurance policies. The spreadsheet template can be requested from the Transport Control Unit by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A separate fleet inspection date will be arranged once all digital files have been received and reviewed.

Vehicle Inspection Requirements

Operators of buses, taxis, touring cars (T-plate), and unregulated vehicles (G-plate) must select a preferred date for vehicle inspection at the Little League Baseball Field on Soualigua Boulevard, across from the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center.

Passenger transport vehicles must be equipped with the following:

• A functional fire extinguisher.
• A first-aid kit for minor injuries.
• Mechanical components in working order (e.g., brake lights, headlights, horn, no damaged front or rear windshield).
• License plates securely attached to the outermost exterior front and back of the vehicle.

Vehicles suspected of significant defects will be referred to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center for further evaluation, even if they have a valid inspection card, due to road safety concerns.

For further information please contact the Transport Control Unit at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via WhatsApp at +1 (721) 559-7685.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Diabetes Foundation of Sint Maarten (DFS) hereby would like to inform the general public that they will be having their next testing morning on Saturday February 22, 2025, at “Cost U Less”.

The DFS program for the general public consists of testing and distribution of information about Diabetes (glucose), cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI at “Cost U Less” from 10.00 am till 12.00 noon.

DFS tests are free of charge for the public.

“We would like to encourage the general public to continue testing on a regular, because you might have Diabetes and don’t know.

“Diabetes and other chronic diseases are at epidemic proportions in the Caribbean and other chronic diseases are at epidemic proportions in the Caribbean and continue to be a treat to the economic development of the region.

“We want to keep warning the general public to keep monitoring your food intake and try to keep checking yourself.

“Our aim as a Foundation is to continue giving the necessary support and care to prevent Diabetes, and increasing awareness on its consequences to the general public of St. Maarten.

“Our foundation is looking for volunteers to help us with our aim with prevent diabetes, give support and care to persons with Diabetes and to increase more awareness about Diabetes and its consequences on St. Maarten.”

You can contact DFS at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.