PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) expresses deep concern regarding the number of serious traffic accidents that have occurred during the first five to six weeks of 2026. Tragically, several people have lost their lives, while others have sustained very serious and life-altering injuries as a result of these incidents.
These accidents have had a profound impact on families, friends, and the wider community. KPSM extends its sincere condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and wishes the injured a full and speedy recovery.
Preliminary investigations indicate that factors such as speeding, reduced visibility, wet road conditions due to rainfall, poor lighting in certain areas, and inattentive driving continue to play a significant role in these serious accidents.
In light of these developments, KPSM urgently calls on all road users to exercise greater caution, particularly when driving:
• During rainy or wet weather conditions
• In poorly lit or dark areas
• During early morning and late-night hours
• On roads known for sharp bends or reduced visibility

Motorists are strongly urged to:
• Adjust their speed to road and weather conditions
• Avoid unnecessary speeding
• Maintain a safe following distance
• Ensure vehicles are in proper condition, including lights, tires, and brakes
• Remain fully attentive and avoid distractions while driving
• Put away cellphones and other mobile devices while driving — using a cellphone behind the wheel is both dangerous and illegal

Scooter and Motorcycle Riders:
• Must wear helmets at all times. This is required by law and can prevent serious head injuries and save lives
• Should exercise extra caution due to increased vulnerability on the road
• Must ensure their vehicles have functioning lights and are properly maintained
KPSM reminds all road users that road safety is a shared responsibility. A moment of impatience or negligence can have irreversible consequences. Every driver, rider, and pedestrian has a role to play in preventing serious injuries or further loss of life on our roads.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten will continue to carry out traffic controls and visibility across the island, while also focusing on preventive measures and public awareness.

Together, let us work to reduce traffic fatalities and make Sint Maarten's roads safer for everyone.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) calls on the population after every rainfall event, it is important to inspect your property for potential mosquito breeding spots.

Mosquitoes can lay eggs in even the smallest amounts of standing water, and these eggs can develop into biting adults in as little as a week.

By removing standing water after each rain, you can significantly reduce mosquito populations around your home and help protect your family and community from mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.

By identifying and removing sources of stagnant water—ranging from discarded containers to clogged gutters—communities can drastically reduce the population of Aedes aegypti at their source.

Ultimately, maintaining a "clean and dry" environment is not merely a household chore; it is a vital civic responsibility that safeguards the most vulnerable members of the population and ensures a healthier, more resilient community.
Mosquitoes breed in small amounts of standing water, especially in containers around homes and businesses (e.g., buckets, plant saucers, discarded items, tires, clogged gutters).
Mosquitoes are often active during the daytime, with biting frequently occurring outdoors in shaded areas and it can spread through transport and trade when eggs/larvae are moved in water-holding items.
Eliminating breeding sites is the most effective way to reduce mosquito populations. We urge everyone to take the following actions at least once per week: Tip it, toss it, cover it.
Empty and scrub containers that hold water: buckets, coolers, flowerpot saucers, pet bowls, vases, toys, tarps. Properly dispose of unused items that collect rainwater.
Cover water storage. Ensure cisterns, drums, and barrels are securely covered with tight lids or fine mesh. Clean drains and gutters. Remove leaves and debris to prevent water from pooling.
Manage tires and bulky items. Store tires under cover or disposing of them properly—tires are a high-risk breeding site. Businesses and property managers, construction sites, tire shops, marinas, and rental properties are asked to intensify weekly checks and maintain premises free of standing water.
Mosquito control cannot be achieved by government services alone. It requires sustained action by households, communities, and businesses across the entire island.
By working together, we can reduce breeding sites, lower mosquito populations, and protect residents and visitors.
To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’ vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.
Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on February 11, 2026.

The Public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 11.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents
2. Advice on the proposal by the Committee for Petitions on the establishment of an Ad Hoc Committee related to NV GEBE

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Sint Maarten Tax Administration is pleased to announce that seniors aged 62 and older will receive priority service during the 2026 Motor Vehicle Sticker distribution at the Receiver's Office on Pond Island.

At Window 6, seniors will receive fast-track assistance for payments and priority when collecting their stickers at the collection window. This initiative is designed to reduce waiting times and provide a smooth and convenient experience for the senior community.

Seniors are reminded that the Receivers' Office opens from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM throughout the month of February, with cash payments accepted until 3:00 PM daily.

To ensure a seamless experience, seniors are encouraged to come prepared with their valid insurance, inspection card, and bill of sale (if applicable), and to take full advantage of this priority service.

The final deadline to complete payments and collect the 2026 stickers is Friday, February 27.