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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July 31, 2026 No comments
Sixty Days That Can Simply Vanish: Getting the “Train” Rule Right in Pointe Blanche
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY - By mr. Sjamira Roseburg) - Picture two months already served before a trial even starts. The law says that time counts toward the sentence, full stop. Fair enough. But if that same calculation is applied inconsistently elsewhere in the system, those same sixty days could quietly stop counting somewhere else. That’s not how the law is supposed to work, and it’s worth explaining clearly, so everyone understands exactly how it should be done. What the “Train” Actually Is Pointe Blanche has been over capacity for years, with the new prison construction completion still in the distant future. So the law built in a release valve, under Article 1:37 of the Penal Code: when the prison is too...
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July 31, 2026 No comments
COCI Celebrates Strong Progress of the Start Smart Sint Maarten Pilot Project
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) is excited to share the remarkable progress of the Start Smart Sint Maarten Pilot Project, an initiative dedicated to supporting aspiring and existing entrepreneurs through business formalization assistance and business development training. The response from the community has exceeded expectations. Following a thorough review of all applications, 72 applicants were found to be eligible for participation. Through careful planning and efficient allocation of available project resources, the Chamber is pleased that every eligible applicant will have the opportunity to participate in the pilot project. Training sessions are scheduled to commence next week, with participants taking part in a series of practical courses covering financial management, marketing, artificial intelligence, customer...
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July 31, 2026 No comments
KPSM Investigating Wednesday afternoon Armed Robbery at a Business. Employees Flee through Back Door
SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is actively investigating an armed robbery that occurred on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at a business establishment located on Union Road, a short distance from the French border. At approximately 3:00 p.m., the Central Police Dispatch received several calls reporting an ongoing robbery at a business situated near the roundabout on Union Road. In response, several police patrols and detectives were immediately dispatched to the location. The preliminary investigation indicated that three male suspects, all dressed in dark-colored clothing, arrived at the business in an older-model gray-colored vehicle. Two of the suspects exited the vehicle and entered the establishment, while the third suspect remained inside the vehicle. Upon realizing that a...
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