Chantal Richardson receives international recognition as songwriter Chanti

PHILIPSBURG—St. Maarten–born songwriter Chanti, professionally known as Chantal Richardson, has reached a major international milestone after being credited as a songwriter on two albums selected for Billboard’s Top 25 K-Pop Albums of 2025.

St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce in Philipsburg

PHILIPSBURG--The Court in First Instance of St. Maarten ruled on Friday that the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce is not legally permitted to require Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs) to submit a UBO declaration or provide their CRIB or Tax Identification Number (TIN). According to the Court, there is currently no statutory basis for imposing these requirements.

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has barred Suënah Laville-Martis from entering the Government Administration Building and government platforms after what he said had been “perceived as a serious threat” levelled against him by Laville-Martis.

PHILIPSBURG--Concerns have been raised about the payment machine at the Civil Registry Department (Census Office), reportedly processing payments only in US dollars instead of the country’s official currency, the Caribbean guilder (XCG).

Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans (centre) with the military unit currently stationed in St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG--The Kingdom of the Netherlands has distanced itself from the recent United States (U.S.) military strikes in Venezuela and from the order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump to destroy vessels suspected of involvement in drug trafficking.