March 08, 2026 No comments
Island Gems supports differently abled students at 721 Kids Foundation
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Island Gems Charity Foundation has donated an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device and a new rice cooker to the 721 Kids Foundation, supporting the daily needs and development of differently abled students in the programme. 721 Kids Foundation has been serving children with diverse learning and developmental needs on Sint Maarten for approximately ten years. The organization supports around 50 students and provides specialized care and education for children with conditions including ADHD, autism, Down syndrome, intellectual disabilities, and dyslexia. A key part of the donation is an AAC device, a communication tool designed for students who have difficulty with verbal speech. Using pictures, symbols, or voice output, the device allows students to express their needs,...
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March 06, 2026 No comments
Minister Brug Responds to Ombudsman Investigation into SZV Administrative Practices
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Richinel Brug, has taken note of the Ombudsman's announcement regarding the launch of a systemic investigation into the administrative practices of Social and Health Insurances (SZV), particularly as it relates to the Medical Referral Abroad program. Minister Brug stated that, while it is unfortunate that circumstances have led to such an investigation, he recognizes and respects the important role of the Ombudsman in safeguarding transparency, accountability, and adherence to the law within public institutions. “Ensuring that our institutions operate within the framework of the law and according to the principles of good governance is essential,” Minister Brug said. “From a transparency perspective, this investigation provides an opportunity to...
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March 06, 2026 No comments
Ralph Cantave Brings Steve Takes a Stand to Aruba's First Reading Festival
ARUBA (ORANJESTAD) - TamLeo Books author Ralph Cantave traveled to Aruba last month as an invited guest of Stichting Biblionef for the island's first-ever Reading Festival, held in the heart of San Nicolas. The event was organized in partnership with the National Library of Aruba. The Sint Maarten author connected with students and the community in San Nicolas Over two days, Cantave engaged nine classrooms on Friday, leading workshops on the power of words and storytelling through proverbs, riddles, and social media. On Saturday, he brought those same conversations to members of the broader community through live storytelling sessions. The visit marked Cantave's second time presenting his children's book, Steve Takes a Stand, to students on the island, building on his previous participation in...
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March 06, 2026 No comments
‘Draco’ cases concluded through procedural agreements and settlements
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Prosecutor’s Office (OM) announced today that the “Draco” case has been concluded on appeal by the Joint Court of Justice, taking into account the procedural agreements reached between the OM and the suspect S.J.M. and his defense attorneys, mr. Safira Ibrahim and mr. Marcel van Gessel. In addition, the Draco confiscation case and the related cases “Draco 2” have been concluded through financial settlements. This means that all ongoing criminal and confiscation cases against S.J.M. have now been finalized. All settlement amounts will be paid into the Crime Fund. With this, the criminal and confiscation cases against S.J.M. and three companies affiliated with him have been closed. S.J.M. will in due course receive a summons to...
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March 06, 2026 No comments
51-Year-Old Suspect Arrested in Connection with 2024 Beacon Hill Home Invasion & Shooting
SINT MAARTEN (BEACON HILL) - After an extensive and ongoing investigation, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has arrested a suspect believed to be involved in a violent home invasion robbery that occurred in the Beacon Hill area on December 2, 2024. On Wednesday, March 4, 2026, detectives from the Special Unit Robberies arrested a male suspect with the initials L.A.H., 51 years old, for his alleged involvement in the incident. The arrest follows a lengthy investigation conducted by the specialized robbery investigation team. During the home invasion in December 2024, the victim was shot and seriously injured, and the victim’s dog was also shot by the suspect or suspects involved. The violent nature of this crime caused significant concern within...
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