June 03, 2026 No comments
Sint Maarten Launches New Disaster Reserve Fund with World Bank Support
SINT MAARTEN (GREA BAY) - The Government of Sint Maarten and the World Bank have launched a strategic framework and roadmap for the Sint Maarten Disaster Reserve Fund (DRF), marking a significant step in strengthening how the island manages its public finances to secure lives and livelihoods, should future disasters strike. In 2017, Hurricane Irma caused USD 2.7 billion in damages to Sint Maarten, destroying approximately 90 percent of the island's infrastructure and triggering a long recovery that depended heavily on external assistance. The DRF is designed to ensure Sint Maarten does not start from zero when the next event occurs. The Fund will provide a financial safety net for immediate post-disaster response, protect vulnerable households from sliding into poverty, and enable a...
Read more
June 03, 2026 No comments
Literacy and Numeracy Training Launched in Collaboration with UNESCO and the Division of Public Education
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Division of Public Education, in collaboration with the Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, is pleased to announce the launch of a Literacy and Numeracy Training initiative aimed at strengthening early childhood education across public schools. This professional development program is designed to equip kindergarten teachers (Cycle 1, Groups 1 & 2) with effective instructional strategies to support foundational learning in reading, writing, and mathematics, with a particular focus on kindergarten-level education. Training sessions commenced on May 20, 2026, and are being held at the University of St. Martin from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The program will run from May to June and from August to September. The six scheduled sessions will provide ongoing opportunities...
Read more
June 03, 2026 No comments
J&IS Concludes Successful Foster Care Awareness Month Campaign
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Judicial & Institutional Services Foundation (J&IS), through its Foster Families Central unit, has successfully concluded Foster Care Awareness Month following a month-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness, promoting foster care, strengthening community partnerships, and encouraging greater support for children in need of safe, stable, and nurturing homes. Held under the theme “Foster the Future” and guided by the message “Be the Village, Foster a Child,” the month brought together government officials, foster families, family guardians, child protection workers, social workers, educators, volunteers, community leaders, artists, businesses, and members of the public in a collective effort to highlight the importance of foster care and the role the community plays in supporting vulnerable children. The campaign officially launched...
Read more
June 03, 2026 No comments
POLICE INVESTIGATE TUESDAY EVENING SHOOTING INCIDENT. TWO SUSPECTS ARRESTED
SINT MAARTEN (SOUTH REWARD) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a shooting incident that took place in the South Reward area on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026. At approximately 8:30 PM, Central Police Dispatch received several calls reporting a shooting incident in the South Reward area, in close proximity to Milton Peters College. In response, several police patrols and detectives were immediately dispatched to the location to investigate the report. During the initial stages of the investigation, officers received information indicating that the suspects involved in the incident were located on Burlap Drive in Cul-de-Sac. Police officers proceeded to the area and encountered two individuals believed to have been involved in the shooting. During the operation,...
Read more
June 02, 2026 No comments
CPS Advises Persons with Respiratory Conditions to Take Precautions during Sahara Dust Events
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is advising residents and visitors, particularly those with respiratory illnesses, to take precautionary measures during periods of increased Saharan dust activity. During this time of year, Saharan dust plumes become more prevalent across the Caribbean region and can affect air quality in Sint Maarten. These dust events can pose health risks, especially for small children, older adults, and individuals with underlying respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. Persons living with asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other breathing-related illnesses may experience worsening symptoms when Saharan dust concentrations are elevated. Common symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, throat...
Read more
