Ministry of VROMI

VROMI SWEARS IN EIGHT BAVPOL OFFICERS TO STRENGTHEN ENFORCEMENT CAPACITY


PHILIPSBURG - The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) had eight (8) BAVPOL officers sworn in today by the Minister of Justice, the great majority being from the inspection department, strengthening the ministry’s capacity to enforce and hand out fines.



In March, the eight (8) candidates undertook training for BAVPOL certification. While the Ministry continued to issue warning letters, the additional certification allows for follow-through to have consequences that are more immediate. In his address at the ceremony, Minister Gumbs emphasized the broader purpose behind enforcement: "Enforcement is not only about rules or penalties. It is about service. It is about creating order, strengthening trust, and ensuring that every person is protected by the law." From the perspective of VROMI, the minister noted, when laws are respected, streets are cleaner, infrastructure is protected, and sound and sustainable spatial development is guaranteed - translating directly into stronger neighborhoods and communities, which are the building blocks of a safe, resilient, and economically viable Sint Maarten.



The eight newly sworn-in personnel are now empowered as BAVPOL officers to provide sworn police reports that can be presented to the Public Prosecutor and be used as part of court proceedings. This is a significant expansion of the ministry's enforcement toolkit, complementing the ongoing work to realize administrative enforcement and improve service delivery to the people of Sint Maarten. Minister Gumbs referred to the greater vision of strengthening the Ministry’s capabilities legally and deepening their understanding of the laws and the provisions and responsibilities given to them.



Minister Gumbs called on the officers to carry out their duties with professionalism and respect, noting that every action taken in that spirit helps build a community where fairness is expected, safety is protected, and dignity is upheld. He charged them to be "firm, but fair; strong, but respectful; and always guided by the purpose of serving our people."



The ceremony marked another step in what the minister described as the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthening VROMI's enforcement capacity and rebuilding the ministry - with the newly sworn officers serving as the active public face of compliance and a guarantee of public trust in the work of VROMI and the broader Government of Sint Maarten.

Beach work is postponed until June 9th.

Trees and nature, but garbage, air and water quality, noise and light too...World Environment Day 2026!

Press briefing may be canceled but we’re still here! Join me for a quick live session.

This morning, the scheduled cleanup and demolition of the dumping site on Union Road in Colebay was carried out. The long-existing “ NO DUMPING” sign remains in place, and the public must adhere to this. Government makes it explicitly clear it will no longer facilitate collection of garbage from this site.

The illegal dumping site on Well Road was also cleaned up this morning. In addition, in consultation with the haulers, additional bins have been placed on Well Road to facilitate more hygienic disposal practices.

The existing “NO DUMPING” sign remains in place and the public must adhere to this.

The public is reminded that these bins are for residential use. Larger metal bins are placed throughout the country to facilitate areas where access to household bins are limited. Over the course of the week the ministry will continue to distribute bins in critical areas.

Remember, A clean Sint Maarten relies on all of us making an effort to do our part.

Please take note of the following notice;

Please see below reminder Holiday Landfills opening hours

The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten, on behalf of the Ministry of VROMI, has launched a public survey to measure the health, social, and economic impacts of Sargassum seaweed on the Dutch side of the island.
We need input from residents, business owners, and tourists. While various mitigation tools are being tested regionally, specific local data is vital to ensure Sint Maarten invests in effective, evidence-based, and sustainable long-term solutions rather than expensive, unsuccessful pilot initiatives.
This study is the first step in a strategic approach to support the Government of Sint Maarten, conducted alongside a research student from Polytech Grenoble INP, France.
Your feedback will directly guide future government management decisions. The questionnaire takes less than ten minutes to complete.
Have your say and help protect our coastlines, health, and economy by completing the survey here: https://forms.gle/RDHiYsX6x7ikMuxi6 (or click the link in our bio).

The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten, on behalf of the Ministry of VROMI, has launched a public survey to measure the health, social, and economic impacts of Sargassum seaweed on the Dutch side of the island.

We need input from residents, business owners, and tourists. While various mitigation tools are being tested regionally, specific local data is vital to ensure Sint Maarten invests in effective, evidence-based, and sustainable long-term solutions rather than expensive, unsuccessful pilot initiatives.

This study is the first step in a strategic approach to support the Government of Sint Maarten, conducted alongside a research student from Polytech Grenoble INP, France.

Your feedback will directly guide future government management decisions. The questionnaire takes less than ten minutes to complete.

Have your say and help protect our coastlines, health, and economy by completing the survey here: https://forms.gle/RDHiYsX6x7ikMuxi6 (or click the link in our bio).