PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has reported an overall decline in major crime categories for 2025, while warning that youth involvement in firearm-related offenses remains a serious and growing threat.
Presenting to Parliament during the April 8 Committee of Justice meeting, the Minister outlined statistics showing notable improvements across several areas. Homicides decreased by 19 percent, armed robberies by 15 percent, and traffic accidents by 11 percent. Emergency calls dropped by 5.5 percent, while noise complaints fell sharply by 37 percent.
At the same time, law enforcement activity increased, with arrests rising by 5 percent, traffic tickets up 10 percent, and firearms seizures increasing by 11 percent. Authorities also confiscated more than 650 kilograms of illegal drugs, marking an 8 percent increase.
Despite these gains, Tackling stressed that gun-related crime among youth demands urgent attention.
“In 2025, 50 minors were arrested, most of them male, for offenses ranging from armed theft to firearm possession,” the Minister stated. “This trend continues into 2026, where 11 minors have already been arrested in the early months alone.”
The data shows that while most young people are not involved in crime, a small group of predominantly older teenage boys is responsible for a disproportionate share of violent incidents, particularly those involving firearms.
The Minister linked youth crime to underlying social challenges, including school dropout rates, unstable home environments, limited job opportunities, and exposure to violence.
“These are not new issues,” she said, “but the patterns are changing, and our response must evolve accordingly.”
Minister Tackling emphasizes that tackling crime requires more than enforcement, calling for collaboration between families, schools, community organizations, and government agencies.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten, represented by the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina in his capacity as Minister of General Affairs, has today signed a significant agreement with representatives of active and retired Fire Department personnel, bringing long-awaited clarity and resolution to matters of formal placement, career advancement, and retroactive compensation. 
Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) proudly welcomed home St. Maarten’s CARIFTA 2026 Athletics Delegation with a ceremonial water cannon salute, one of aviation’s highest honors, recognizing the athletes’ outstanding achievements on the regional stage.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of First Instance has convicted four suspects in the case concerning the violent, armed robbery at Splash Jewelers on July 9, 2025, at the Simpson Bay Resort, and has imposed prison sentences of up to 7.5 years.