PJIA CEO and President Michael Cleaver and Air Caraïbes founder Jean Paul Dubreuil (right) exchange gifts at the Air Caraïbes ceremony on Friday. (Robert Luckock photo)

AIRPORT--After a three year hiatus, a welcome ceremony was held at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) on Friday afternoon for the re-starting of Air Caraïbes’ direct transatlantic service from Paris Orly to St. Maarten.

~22% drop in armed robberies~

PHILIPSBURG--In a Thursday briefing on Facebook, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling provided an update on the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to tackle gun violence, armed robberies and traffic incidents on the island, emphasising the importance of data in understanding the current situation.

Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs

PHILIPSBURG--The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure VROMI, Patrice Gumbs of the Party for Progress (PFP), has announced the completion of St. Maarten’s comprehensive Housing Policy 2025–2035, aimed at addressing the island’s ongoing housing challenges.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof.

PHILIPSBURG--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has asked Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof for an extension of the Country Package deadlines and clarity on the future of the World Bank-managed Trust Fund.

Air Antilles aircraft

MARIGOT—Air Antilles planes were temporarily grounded as of December 8 at midnight after the French Civil Aviation Authority suspended the airline’s operating license. This latest development adds more woes to the troubled airline.