May 27, 2026 No comments
Coalition Chooses Survival Over Accountability
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The final vote — six in favor and seven against the dismissal of Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs of the PFP party — sent a clear and troubling message to the people of St. Maarten: for this coalition of DP, URSM, and PFP, political survival appears to matter more than public suffering, Member of Parliament (MP) Omar Ottley said in a statement on Wednesday. “For nearly two years, the people of this country have voiced growing frustration over worsening conditions: overflowing sewage, uncollected garbage, permit stagnation, deteriorating infrastructure, and a general sense that basic governance has stalled. Yet despite these repeated complaints from citizens and businesses alike, the coalition demonstrated through its actions that these concerns...
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May 27, 2026 No comments
Five-year ban, community service for former immigration officer in human-smuggling-related case
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The Court of First Instance has convicted former immigration officer W.C.C. for violating official secrecy in connection with a human smuggling investigation. The defendant was not tried or convicted for human smuggling offenses themselves. The Court, in its sitting of imposed a sentence of 180 hours of community service, with a conditional prison sentence of three months suspended on a probation period of three years. In addition, the Court ordered a five-year ban preventing the defendant from working as a civil servant. The case stems from an investigation launched in 2024 into suspected human smuggling activities. On May 29, 2024, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), in cooperation with the Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten (OM SXM),...
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May 27, 2026 No comments
CPS: Reducing Salt Consumption for a Healthy Life
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is calling on the community to become more aware of the health risks associated with excessive salt consumption and the importance of reducing sodium intake as part of maintaining a healthier lifestyle. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), adults should consume no more than 2,000 milligrams of sodium per day, which is approximately equivalent to one teaspoon of salt, while children should consume even less. Excessive sodium intake is considered one of the leading risk factors for hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, which remain among the primary causes of death throughout the Americas. WHO notes that sodium consumption across...
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May 27, 2026 No comments
Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation Celebrates Annual Rank Promotion Ceremony
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Voice of the Youth St. Maarten Foundation, through its flagship program the St. Maarten Youth Brigade, proudly hosted its Annual Rank Promotion Ceremony on May 22, 2026, under the inspiring theme: “Today’s Disciplined Youth Become Tomorrow’s Trusted Leaders.” The ceremony served as a powerful showcase of the hard work, discipline, commitment, and personal growth demonstrated by the youth participating in the program. Family members, supporters, government officials, and community stakeholders gathered to celebrate the achievements and advancement of the young brigadiers who continue to exemplify leadership and positive development. Founder of the organization, Mrs. Zulayka Peterson, delivered a passionate address highlighting the continued success and impact of the St. Maarten Youth Brigade throughout the community. She...
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May 27, 2026 No comments
KPSM Calls on Owners to Retrieve Scooters Stored at Police Station
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is informing the public, and in particular owners of scooters currently being stored at the rear section of the Philipsburg Police Station, that management has taken a decision to begin clearing the area in preparation for the upcoming 2026 hurricane season. A significant number of scooters have remained in police storage for an extended period of time. In addition, a number of these scooters were impounded during police controls and traffic enforcement operations conducted over the past months for various violations and circumstances requiring police intervention. KPSM also notes that it has issued several similar press releases in the past regarding the retrieval of impounded scooters, however a number of...
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