PHILIPSBURG--VROMI Minister Patrice Gumbs said some individuals affected by the Pond Island demolitions had approached the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) seeking compensation, but stressed that no payout applies, as the bureau is not involved and the land is not part of the EDMP landfill project.

Attorney Jairo Bloem is seen entering the courthouse in this file photo.

~After question about civil servants files~

PHILIPSBURG--“It is now appropriate for you to put down your pen,” attorney Jairo Bloem of SBA Advocaten told the judge on Wednesday at five minutes past two in the afternoon, after the court sought to continue the hearing. Moments earlier, Bloem had handed the judge and the two prosecutors a document. “This is the substantiation of my request for recusal. I will not elaborate on it orally; the document you have before you speaks for itself.”

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina said on Wednesday that government is committed to resolving long-standing issues with the Fire Department, but stressed that all agreements must operate within the legal framework.

 PHILIPSBURG--The Soul Beach Music Festival has announced that the popular Caribbean festival is moving to Curaçao in 2026. “New island. Same vibes. Bigger energy,” the announcement read.

A sample of the 2026 motor vehicle sticker.

PHILIPSBURG--The Tax Administration has announced that distribution of the 2026 Motor Vehicle Stickers will begin today, Wednesday, February 4, 2026, with residents urged to complete payment and collect their stickers before the February 27 deadline.