SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) hosted a productive "Island Roots to Global Routes" Business Mixer, this past Friday, July 31st, as excitement continues to build for the upcoming Business Expansion Mission & Expo taking place in Miami, Florida, from November 16–19, 2026.

With the countdown officially underway, business owners, entrepreneurs, investors and stakeholders gathered for an informative evening focused on preparing participants to maximize the opportunities available through this groundbreaking regional initiative.

COCI Vice President Anastacio Baker encouraged attendees to take advantage of this unique opportunity to expand beyond local borders and position their businesses for international growth:

"Success comes to those who are prepared to step beyond their comfort zones. This Mission is more than a trip, it's an investment in your future. It provides direct access to new markets, valuable business relationships, expert guidance and opportunities that can transform your business from a local enterprise into a global competitor. We are organizing things so your business is among those positioned to make it big! Don't wait until it's too late to secure your place," said Baker.

Among the many benefits of participating in the Mission are:

* Direct access to the U.S. market and international business opportunities.

* Business matchmaking and B2B networking with global investors, distributors and industry leaders.

* Guidance from legal, financial and international trade experts.

* Increased visibility for Caribbean products and services.

* Opportunities to establish strategic partnerships, shipping and distribution channels.

* Access to export opportunities, investment resources and business support organizations.

* Practical knowledge to help businesses scale, diversify and compete globally.

COCI Director Jude Houston also highlighted the availability of RVO funding, which may assist qualifying businesses with participation costs associated with the Miami Mission. He encouraged eligible companies to begin preparing their applications early to improve their chances of receiving support.

Further details on the RVO funding process were presented by Richmer York, COCI's Business Center Manager, who outlined the application requirements and emphasized the importance of having all necessary documentation readily available. Required documents include valid identification, recent bank statements, the official invoice for the Mission, business registration documents and other supporting information, as part of the funding application process. Participants are encouraged to visit the COCI Business Center for hands'on guidance and assistance with their applications. 

While the RVO funding program is currently available to qualifying N.V. and B.V. companies, COCI emphasized that the Miami Mission is designed to benefit all businesses, including sole proprietorships, entrepreneurs and aspiring investors. To ensure greater accessibility, flexible payment plans remain available through COCI, allowing more businesses to participate in this transformational initiative.

Participants were also reminded of the upcoming Online Digital RVO Training Session, scheduled for August 20, 2026, which will provide detailed guidance on the application process, business preparation and available funding opportunities.

The evening concluded with participants securing their places through installment payments, networking with fellow business leaders, exploring potential partnerships and building lasting business relationships that will extend well beyond the Mission itself.

The "Island Roots to Global Routes" Business Expansion Mission & Expo is a collaborative initiative of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry and its regional and international partners, aimed at empowering Caribbean businesses to expand into global markets.

Business owners, entrepreneurs and investors interested in participating are encouraged to register as soon as possible, as spaces are limited.

For Further Information

To learn more about the "Island Roots to Global Routes" Business Expansion Mission & Expo, register for the Mission, inquire about payment plans, or receive updates on upcoming workshops and training sessions, please contact the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI):

T: +1 (721) 542-3590

E:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Acting Minister of Justice, the Honorable Marinka J. Gumbs, extends heartfelt congratulations to Inspector Helen Romeo, who celebrated the remarkable milestone of 40 years of dedicated service to the people of Sint Maarten on August 1, 2026.

Forty years. That's four decades, nearly half a century, of steadfast dedication, sacrifice, and service to our community. As we reflect on Inspector Helen Romeo's extraordinary milestone of 40 years of service to the Police Force of Sint Maarten, I wish to recognize not only a distinguished career, but also celebrate a trailblazer whose life's work has left an indelible mark on the Police Force and the people of Sint Maarten.

Those who know Inspector Romeo will agree that she continues to carry herself with the same professionalism, grace, and pride that have characterized her throughout her remarkable career. Even an injury sustained in the line of duty along the Sucker Garden Road could not deter her commitment to serving and protecting our community. Her resilience and determination have remained constant throughout four decades of exemplary service.

To put forty years into perspective is to recognize a lifetime committed to justice, integrity, and public safety. Very few individuals answer the call to serve with such enduring commitment, grace, and determination. Inspector Romeo's journey is not simply a story of years of service; it is a testament to professional growth, adaptability, resilience, and exemplary leadership.

Inspector Romeo began her public service career in 1986 as an Immigration Officer, Third Class. From those early days, her work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to excellence were immediately evident. She did not merely occupy a position; she excelled in it.

Through hard work, determination, and outstanding performance, she steadily rose through the ranks of the Immigration Department, ultimately attaining the position of Head of Immigration.

Reaching the pinnacle of the Immigration Department would have been the crowning achievement for many. However, Inspector Romeo has never been one to remain within her comfort zone. Driven by an even greater passion to serve and protect, she made the courageous decision to transition into the Police Force, embracing new challenges, learning a different operational environment, and once again dedicating herself to protecting the people of Sint Maarten.

Her transition into operational policing was seamless and was marked by the same discipline, professionalism, and leadership that defined her earlier career. Today, she proudly serves as an Inspector of Police, a position that carries tremendous responsibility, trust, and leadership.

To truly appreciate this accomplishment, one must understand the significance of the rank.

Today, there are only eight Inspectors within the Police Force of Sint Maarten. To be one of those eight is an exceptional achievement and reflects the confidence placed in Inspector Romeo's leadership, judgment, and experience. It signifies that when critical decisions must be made, when complex situations arise, and when younger officers seek guidance, Inspector Romeo is among the select few entrusted to lead.

Throughout her forty-year career, Inspector Romeo has embodied what it truly means to be a public servant. She has successfully adapted through decades of changes in law enforcement, technological advancements, and evolving societal challenges, while never compromising her core values of integrity, fairness, professionalism, and compassion.

To her colleagues, she is far more than a senior officer. She is a mentor, a trusted leader, a calming presence during times of crisis, and a source of inspiration. For women in law enforcement in particular, her journey—from an entry-level Immigration Officer to Head of Immigration and ultimately to the rank of Police Inspector—serves as a powerful example of what can be achieved through perseverance, character, and integrity.

Inspector Romeo, forty years in uniform represents thousands of hours of service, countless sacrifices made away from family, and an immeasurable commitment to keeping our community safe. You have earned every promotion, every distinction, and every measure of respect that accompanies your name.

On behalf of the Government and the people of Sint Maarten, I extend my deepest gratitude for your forty years of outstanding service. Thank you for your leadership, your pioneering spirit, and your steadfast commitment to duty.

Congratulations once again on reaching this remarkable milestone. Your forty years of service stand as a testament to professionalism, resilience, and an enduring commitment to protecting and serving the people of Sint Maarten. On behalf of the Government and the people of Sint Maarten, thank you for your exceptional contribution to our country.

SINT MAARTEN (POINT BLANCHE) - KPSM officers arrested two male suspects, identified by their initials J.K.F. and Y.L.H., believed to be involved in a home invasion that occurred on Monday afternoon, August 3, 2026, in the Point Blanche area.

The incident occurred shortly before 2:00 p.m., when the Central Police Dispatch received multiple emergency calls reporting that a residence in the Point Blanche area had been forcibly entered. Several police patrols, together with detectives from the Detective Department, were immediately dispatched to the scene.

Initial investigations revealed that three suspects, all dressed in dark clothing, forced their way into the residence, where they bound and ill-treated an elderly female occupant before fleeing the scene. Information received by responding officers indicated that the suspects were believed to be hiding in nearby bushes.

Given the violent nature of the crime, officers immediately secured and cordoned off the area before launching a search operation in the area. Officers searched the surrounding vegetation and terrain.

Following a lengthy search, officers successfully located and arrested J.K.F. and Y.L.H., whose descriptions matched those provided by witnesses. Both suspects were taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where they remain in detention pending further questioning by detectives.

The third suspect remains outstanding, and efforts to locate and apprehend this individual are ongoing. Personnel of the Forensic Department also responded to the scene to process evidence and assist detectives with the ongoing investigation.

KPSM wishes to make it abundantly clear that violent home invasions will be investigated with the highest priority. Every available investigative and operational resource will be utilized to identify, locate, arrest, and bring before the courts every individual responsible for these crimes.

The rapid arrest of J.K.F. and Y.L.H. demonstrates KPSM's commitment to responding decisively to violent criminal activity. Detectives continue to work to identify the third suspect.

KPSM also thanks the members of the public whose prompt reporting and cooperation greatly assisted officers during the response.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the identity or whereabouts of the outstanding suspect is urged to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten at +1 (721) 542-2222, the anonymous Tip Line at 9300, or their nearest police station. All information will be treated with the confidentiality.

KPSM remains committed to safeguarding the people of Sint Maarten. Those who commit violent crimes against our residents should know that they will be relentlessly pursued and brought before the justice system.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - After a month of practical learning, five students have successfully completed their placement at the Tax Administration through the 2026 Business Outreach and Placement Program (BOPP).

During the program, they gained valuable experience and learned more about the operations of the Tax Administration and its role in society.

Three students were assigned to the Business Unit, while two were assigned to the Income Tax Unit, where they worked alongside staff and gained insight into the daily operations of the Tax Administration.

In the Business Unit, the students assisted with the scanning and indexing of documents, including Wage Tax, AOV/AWW Premiums, AVBZ, Turnover Tax, and Profit Tax records. Those assigned to the Income Tax Unit supported administrative tasks, including document filing, data entry, and other office functions.

Throughout the program, the students learned the importance of accuracy, confidentiality, and professionalism when handling taxpayer information.

As part of their experience, the students had the opportunity to meet with the Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka Gumbs, and Secretary General of Finance, Ms. Roxanne Howell, who encouraged them to make the most of the opportunity and continue pursuing their educational and career goals.

The Tax Administration congratulates Christopher Williams, Jada George, Norris Marlin, Tah'Jenique Baron, and T'Saiyna Cristian on successfully completing the program. We thank them for their enthusiasm, dedication, and willingness to learn, and wish them every success in their future academic and professional endeavors.