August 02, 2026 No comments
NAPB Sint Maarten President Pantohplet Demands Transparency
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The President of the NAPB Sint Maarten Union Marcus Pantophlet on Sunday, August 2, 2026, issued the following press statement. “The revelations surrounding the reported contractual relationship between UNOPS and a law firm bearing the name of our current Minister of Justice deserve more than silence—they demand transparency. “As President of NAPB Sint Maarten, I have consistently maintained that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. Public confidence in our justice system is built on integrity, impartiality, and accountability. “If the same international agency that reportedly awarded a US$90,000 contract to the Minister's former law practice is now providing technical advice to the Ministry of Justice on sensitive matters, then the...
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August 02, 2026 No comments
Back-to-School Expo Aims to Ease the Burden on Families
SINT MAARTEN (MADAME ESTATE) - As the new school year approaches, many families across St. Maarten are preparing for more than just purchasing school supplies. Rising costs, academic expectations, children's mental well-being and the growing influence of technology have added new challenges to an already demanding back-to-school season. The inaugural Back-to-School Expo, taking place on Sunday, August 9, at the Aleeze Convention Center, aims to help ease that burden by bringing together education professionals, healthcare providers, financial institutions, government agencies and community organizations under one roof. "Preparing children for school today goes far beyond buying notebooks and uniforms," said Bertaux Fleming, Managing Director of Xtratight Entertainment. "Families are looking for information, support and practical solutions. This expo is designed to connect them...
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August 02, 2026 No comments
Joint Law Enforcement Operation Sends Strong Message Against Crime
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - As part of the Ministry of Justice's continued commitment to strengthening public safety and pushing back against criminal activity, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), together with its justice partners—the Customs Department and the Immigration and Border Protection Service—conducted a large-scale multidisciplinary control operation on Friday, July 31, 2026. The operation was carried out simultaneously at the Union Road/Bellevue and Belle Plaine (Belvedere) border crossings. Conducted with the knowledge of the French authorities, the coordinated operation forms part of an ongoing cross-border enforcement strategy aimed at disrupting criminal activity, increasing compliance with the law, and demonstrating a united law enforcement presence on both sides of the island. These joint enforcement actions are a key component of...
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August 01, 2026 No comments
Now Open: Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean Photo Contest with More than $3,000 USD in Prizes
CARIBBEAN REGION - The Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean Photo Contest 2026 is now open for entries, inviting photographers of all skill levels to celebrate the beauty, wildlife, people, and sailing culture of the Caribbean through photography. Visit the contest page at epicislands.org/photo-contest-2026/. Running August 1–31, 2026, the free-to-enter contest returns for its second year with more than $3,000 USD in prizes and 12 chances to win. Participants may submit up to five original photographs to win first, second, or third place in the following categories: Caribbean Life & Nature. Sailing, Yachting & Life on the Water. Environmental Impact & Stewardship. Audience Choice - vote up to 5 times daily to help choose winners An expanded panel of judges with expertise in photography, conservation, sailing, journalism,...
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August 01, 2026 No comments
Statement by the Minister of Justice - Early Release
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The Minister of Justice Hon. Nathalie Tackling released the following statement on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with respect to “Early Release.” “Over the past several days, there has been considerable public discussion about early release, electronic monitoring, and one particular case that has received significant public attention. That discussion has raised genuine questions about how release from prison actually works in Sint Maarten. Unfortunately, it has also been accompanied by misconceptions and, in some instances, statements that simply do not reflect the law. “Much of the attention has focused on whether one particular individual should be released. The legal question, however, is whether the law makes that individual eligible for release. If the law does not, then...
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