SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is investigating an armed robbery that occurred on Wednesday, July 15, at approximately 8:45 p.m. at a supermarket located on Union Road in Cole Bay.

According to preliminary information, two armed suspects entered the supermarket and threatened the cashier before stealing an undisclosed amount of cash. After committing the robbery, both suspects fled the scene on a scooter that had been parked nearby. They were last seen heading in the direction of the border towards the French side of the island.

Detectives and members of the Forensic Department responded to the scene shortly after the incident. An investigation is currently underway, and evidence was collected to assist in identifying and apprehending the suspects.

KPSM is appealing to the public for assistance. Anyone who was in the vicinity of Union Road around the time of the robbery, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity or has information that could assist the investigation, is urged to come forward.

Your cooperation is vital in helping law enforcement identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) at:  +1 (721) 542-2222 or anonymously through the Tip Line at 9300.

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - On Monday, July 13, 2026, Defense’s Rotation 51 company handed over its duties to Rotation 52 during a military ceremony on Curaçao. Captain Luc assumed command from Captain Marnix during the traditional paddle handover ceremony. The unit will train and operate in the Caribbean region over the next six months. 

Looking back on an intensive period

After nearly five months in the Caribbean, Captain Marnix looks back with pride on the development of the Bravo/Stier Company. During this period, the unit conducted extensive training on Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba, as well as in the United States. The soldiers worked on their physical and mental development, leadership, and military skills.

Through various exercises, the company made strides in its performance as a combat unit. The platoons executed multiple missions, supported by assets such as snipers, mortar squad, and unmanned systems. These training activities contributed to the soldiers' continued development and the unit's operational readiness.

The company also collaborated with Caribbean military personnel (CARMIL) and other units under the Commander of Naval Forces in the Caribbean (CZMCARIB). Despite differences in background and working methods, they trained together and worked towards ensuring security and stability in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. 

New company begins deployment in the Caribbean

The Delta/Ratel Company of the 44th Armored Infantry Battalion (Prins Johan Willem Friso Infantry Regiment) is participating in a Caribbean rotation for the first time. Captain Luc looks forward to the upcoming period and the opportunities for his unit to train in a different climate and terrain.

The company is part of the 43rd Mechanized Brigade based in Havelte. The unit normally operates using the Fennek wheeled vehicle. During its deployment in the Caribbean, however, the emphasis is primarily on operations on foot.

The company is reinforced with medical capabilities from the 43rd Medical Company and specialist capabilities from the 11th Armoured Engineer Battalion.

In addition to carrying out missions for CZMCARIB, the unit works on its own training program. The goal is to further enhance operational readiness and prepare for future deployments.

The Royal Netherlands Army maintains a permanent company presence in the Caribbean. Starting with rotation 2026-2, a deployment will last six months. This reduces the logistical burden and allows the unit more time to collaborate with local partners and gain a better understanding of the local environment.

The company can be deployed for various tasks under the command of CZMCARIB and will be training on Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao over the coming months.

SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - The Alliance will officially launch its first book publication, St. Eustatius: Restoring Our Ties – The Voices of Statians Making A Difference, during a public event on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at 7:00 PM at the GJB Public Library in Oranjestad, St. Eustatius. 

Developed through research, interviews and community engagement by cultural anthropologist Dr. Artwell Cain, the book documents reflections from members of the Afrikan diaspora community in St. Eustatius and contributes to ongoing conversations about remembrance, recognition, and historical justice. 

At the center of the publication is a call for acknowledgment and action regarding the 69 excavated Afrikan Ancestors who are still awaiting reburial since 2021, the recognition and preservation of Afrikan burial grounds, and the importance of ensuring that community voices remain central in shaping how history is remembered and represented. 

Dr. Artwell Cain

“Restoring Our Ties is about creating space for the voices of Statians to be heard and documented on their own terms,” said Dr. Artwell Cain, author of the publication. “This project reflects community perspectives and contributes to broader conversations about memory, heritage, and cultural continuity.” 

Dr. Artwell Cain, cultural anthropologist, was born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and after many years in the Netherlands, he currently lives in Aruba for his extensive scientific work and contribution. Dr. Cain is the director and researcher at the Institute of Cultural Heritage and Knowledge. He previously served as the director of NiNsee (the National Institute of Dutch Slavery Past and Legacy) from 2009 to 2012 and is also the author of numerous books, including “A Sense of Belonging,” as well as various academic articles and essays. 

Program of the book launch

The launch event will feature an interactive program with Dr. Artwell Cain, author of the book, and Mr. Marvin Hokstam Baapoure, publisher, educator, journalist, founder and Chief Editor of AFRO Magazine, and Executive Director of the Broos Institute, Europe’s pioneering Afrocentric academic institution.

Several interview participants whose experiences helped shape the publication will also join the evening’s discussion. Mr Hokstam Baapoure, former journalist of The Daily Herald in St. Maarten, worked in previous projects with the Alliance and published the AFRO Magazine "Remember Statia" edition.  

The event will be hosted by Mr. Kenneth Cuvalay, President of the Alliance, together with Mr. Derrick Simmons, Alliance member and anthropologist. 

The public and media representatives are invited to attend. Entrance is free. At the event, the book will be available for purchase at a discounted rate (limited to one book per individual). 

Acknowledgments

This book publication is the outcome of the project under the same name carried out by the St. Eustatius Afrikan Burial Ground Alliance, made possible with funding of the Slavery Memorial Committee and the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG) / DNB Call. 

Dr. Artwell Cain will also speak at the Emancipation Day commemoration in St. Eustatius, together with Guyanese-born Prof. in Africology Kimani Nehusi, Mr. Marvin Hokstam Baapoure, and other guests. The Alliance is organizing this event for the first time, in collaboration with the Statia Roots Festival and other local NGOs.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The St. Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), in collaboration with the National Employment Service Center (NESC), will host an upcoming Marine Industry Immersion Day on June 17th, 2026, bringing together government representatives, educational stakeholders, and private sector leaders to create greater awareness and understanding of the marine industry, its economic importance, and the employment opportunities and challenges connected to its future growth.

As one of Sint Maarten’s most important economic sectors, the marine industry contributes significantly to technical services, hospitality, transportation, yachting, tourism and regional commerce.

The industry supports a wide range of direct and indirect employment opportunities and plays a major role in positioning Sint Maarten as a leading maritime hub within the Caribbean.

However, continued growth and sustainability of the sector rely heavily on several interconnected factors, including workforce development, infrastructure improvements, permitting processes, policy alignment, education, safety and destination promotion.

Challenges in these areas can directly affect the ability of the industry to expand, maintain service quality, attract investment, and create long-term employment opportunities for the people of Sint Maarten.

The Marine Industry Immersion Day aims to provide government officials and labor-related stakeholders with firsthand insight into the scale, diversity, and operational realities of the sector, while encouraging open dialogue on how stronger collaboration can support both industry growth and workforce development.

Through site visits at marine businesses, a tour of the Simpson Bay Lagoon, presentations, panel discussions, and interactive dialogue with marine professionals and businesses, participants will gain a broader understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Discussions will focus not only on employment needs and training opportunities, but also on how operational and regulatory obstacles can impact business growth, investment confidence, and ultimately job creation within the industry.

The event will also highlight the wide variety of careers available within the marine sector, ranging from technical and mechanical trades to hospitality, logistics, administration, operations, and management positions. By creating stronger alignment between industry needs, government support, and educational pathways, SMMTA and NESC hope to contribute to a more prepared and competitive local workforce.

“Sint Maarten’s marine industry offers tremendous opportunities for economic growth and career development, but continued success requires collaboration,” stated representatives of SMMTA.

“This Immersion Day is about building better understanding between the industry and government, discussing the challenges affecting long-term sustainability, and working toward practical solutions that can strengthen both the sector and the local labor market.” Stated Jesse Peterson, President of the St. Maarten marine Trades Association.

Peggy-Ann Richardson, Division Head Labor Affairs and Social Services continues: “The collaboration with NESC further emphasizes the importance of proactively preparing Sint Maarten’s workforce for future industry demands through training programs, certifications, internships, and stronger educational support systems, while also addressing the broader factors that influence the overall health and competitiveness of the marine industry.”        

Attendees will include representatives from government ministries, labor and education departments, industry stakeholders, marine businesses, and employment-focused organizations, all working toward the shared goal of creating stronger opportunities for the people of Sint Maarten through one of the island’s key economic sectors.

For additional information regarding the Marine Industry Immersion Day, interested parties are encouraged to contact SMMTA or NESC directly.

About SMMTA
The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) is dedicated to promoting, supporting, and advancing Sint Maarten’s marine industry through advocacy, collaboration, and sustainable growth initiatives.

About NESC
The National Employment Service Center (NESC) is the national employment agency operating under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor. NESC works to strengthen Sint Maarten’s labor market through employment support services, workforce development initiatives, and strategic collaboration with the private sector.