GREAT BAY--St. Maarten’s population reached an estimated 42,449 on January 1, 2025, according to the latest rebased figures from the Department of Statistics. On paper, the number represents continued growth. In practical terms, however, the figures show a population that is expanding at a much slower pace than in earlier years.

GREAT BAY--SZV Social & Health Insurances has formalized a long-term contractual agreement with Fundación Valle del Lili, FVL, in Cali, Colombia, to serve as an international healthcare provider for SZV-insured clients who require specialized medical treatment that is not available in St. Maarten.

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina welcomed Ms. Jada Benfield, a Form 4 student of St. Dominic High School, to the Cabinet of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of General Affairs as part of the school's annual Job Shadow Week 2026 initiative.

THE HAGUE--Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten has pledged continued engagement with representatives of the black community on concrete follow-up to the Dutch government’s apologies for the role of the Dutch state in the slavery past.

GREAT BAY--The Nature Foundation St. Maarten and the Ministry of Justice have launched the Protection through Biosecurity Project, a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening St. Maarten’s ability to prevent the introduction of invasive species, combat illegal wildlife trade and improve the implementation of international biodiversity agreements.

AMSTERDAM--Toxicologists in the Netherlands are raising concern over the spread of retatrutide, a powerful and unapproved injectable weight-loss drug being sold online and obtained through informal channels.