Recent Headlines

Dutch govt. seeks five-year extension of U.S. Military operations in Curaçao and Aruba

Dutch Kingdom

WILLEMSTAD--The Netherlands is moving to renew an agreement that permits American military aircraft to operate from designated airport facilities in Curaçao and Aruba, potentially extending the arrangement until November 2031. The proposed renewal comes amid continued debate over U.S. military activities in the Caribbean and questions about the legal basis for American strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking.

Tribune Editorial Staff
October 14, 2026
Justice

Minister Tackling: Human rights must be protected even when they are most difficult to defend

GREAT BAY--Human rights must apply to everyone, including prisoners, migrants, criminal suspects and society's most vulnerable, regardless of whether their circumstances or actions attract public sympathy. Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling delivered that message at St. Maarten's Human Rights Conference, warning that fundamental rights cannot depend on whether society believes a person deserves them and that government authority must always remain subject to the rule of law.
Government

PM: Fuel clause must account for SOL charges, unpaid bills complicate additional consumer relief

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has addressed concerns about reported overcharging through GEBE's fuel clause, explaining that any consideration of additional refunds or consumer relief must also take into account the millions of guilders owed to the utility company by customers who have not paid their electricity bills.
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Government
Prime Minister Mercelina praises Iris Arrindell’s leadership at GEBE
GREAT BAY: Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has publicly praised GEBE Temporary Manager Iris Arrindell for her leadership of the utility company during a challenging period, expressing admiration for her willingness to assume responsibility and the work she has undertaken since taking on the position.
Tribune Editorial Staff
October 14, 2026
Justice
St. Maarten Hosts First Human Rights Conference in Cooperation with Council of Europe
GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Justice, in cooperation with the Council of Europe, hosted St. Maarten’s first Human Rights Conference on Friday, October 9, bringing together representatives of the Council of Europe, Parliament, government, justice institutions, the legal profession, civil society, students and members of the public to discuss human rights protection and the responsibilities of the State.
Tribune Editorial Staff
October 14, 2026
Health
Minister Connor: VSA Inspectorate moving toward stronger, more effective organization
GREAT BAY--Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Claret Connor, has announced significant progress in efforts to reform and strengthen the Inspectorate of VSA (IVSA), with proposals now developed to improve the organization's structure, operational effectiveness, coordination and interaction with the public.
Tribune Editorial Staff
October 14, 2026
Justice
St. Maarten Initiative leads to review of funding for shared Justice institutions
GREAT BAY: At the initiative of St. Maarten, the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have agreed to examine the financial and legal arrangements governing shared justice services, with the objective of developing a more transparent, balanced and sustainable funding model.
Tribune Editorial Staff
October 14, 2026
Health
You found a lump. What happens next?
GREAT BAY--Feeling a lump in your breast can immediately trigger fear. For many women, the first thought is breast cancer, but finding a lump does not mean cancer has been found. Many breast lumps are caused by benign conditions such as cysts, fibroadenomas and other non-cancerous changes.
Tribune Editorial Staff
October 14, 2026
Other
Privacy groups seek court ban on Meta AI Glasses over secret filming fears
AMSTERDAM--Two Dutch privacy organizations are taking legal action to stop the sale of Meta's artificial intelligence-powered smart glasses in the Netherlands, arguing that the devices make it too easy to secretly photograph and record people without their knowledge or consent.
Tribune Editorial Staff
October 14, 2026
Opinion
Is it that time once again?
October 12, 2026
For constitution day: What Exactly Are We Celebrating? Is the system working in the best interest of St. Martin?
October 11, 2026
For constitition day: reflection and determining what's to gain or lose by leaving the Kingdom. “There is unfinished business”
October 11, 2026
Weekend Read

Plenipotentiary Foundation defends itself against Audit Chamber report.....sort of

October 10, 2026

Why we call people Redskin, Brown and Black: The History Behind Caribbean Words

October 10, 2026

The next big tourism challenge is not attracting visitors, it's preparing for change by chaos

October 10, 2026

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