PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday morning, around 4:15 a.m., officers of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) conducted a traffic control in the Welfare Road area.

During the stop, a 43-year-old man, bearing the initials B.S., was found in possession of an undisclosed quantity of marijuana and cocaine. He was arrested at the scene and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station for further investigation.

KPSM continues to carry out regular controls aimed at curbing illegal activity and maintaining public safety throughout the island.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  On the afternoon of Friday, July 4, 2025, police conducted a traffic control operation near the border leading into French Quarter.

A total of 26 vehicles were stopped and checked during the operation. Officers issued 10 fines for various infractions, ranging from documentation issues to traffic violations.

The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) reminds all motorists to ensure their vehicle documents are up to date and to comply with traffic regulations at all times. These checks are part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety and order on the roads.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On July 2, 2025, the Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka Gumbs, was formally presented with the audited 2024 Annual Report of the General Pension Fund of Sint Maarten (APS). The presentation was made by APS Director Mr. Oscar Williams, accompanied by Board Member Mr. Emilio Kalmera.

The presentation included not only the 2024 financial results but also the actuals up to the first quarter of 2025. APS closed the year 2024 on a strong note, achieving a net year-end return of 6,72% on its total investment portfolio. The total financial result for 2024 amounted to XCG 43 million. The coverage ratio at year-end stood at 114.13%, well above the minimum required funding ratio of 105%. Notably, a clean audit opinion was issued on the 2024 annual report, reflecting the fund's commitment to transparency, accountability, and sound financial reporting.

Thanks to these positive results, APS will implement a pension indexation of 3.61%, applied retroactively as of January 1, 2025. Indexed pension payments are expected to be disbursed in July 2025. This marks the second consecutive year in which APS has been able to grant indexation, demonstrating prudent financial management and a solid investment strategy.

The Minister of Finance commended both the Director and the Board of APS for their continued dedication and effective stewardship of the pension fund.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Parliament of Sint Maarten under the leadership of President of Parliament, the Hon. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, hosted a Celebratory Evening in commemoration of the International Day of Parliamentarism, on Monday, June 30, 2025, for all current Members of Parliament, all former Members of Parliament, several dignitaries including the Governor, the President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, the Presidents of the Parliaments of Aruba and Curacao, and representatives of the High Councils. 

The evening commenced with the Sint Maarten Song performed by Elysian, followed by the opening prayer by Apostle Orlando Wilson. 

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening, Mr. Rolando Tobias, then invited Ms. Tamara Groenveldt to perform her poem titled: the Parliament Pelican, composed specially for this event. This was followed by the Address of the President of Parliament, Mrs. Wescot-Williams, who acknowledged the strides Sint Maarten's Parliament has made since 2010 but also pointed candidly to the challenges that continue to undermine public trust. She urged Members of Parliament and the wider public to focus on building systems that protect the voice of the people and support long-term national development.

The President's Address was followed by a presentation by two Group 5 students, Letha Lucas and Jonathan Lake, of the Methodist Agogic Center - John A. Gumbs Campus, who presented their papers on "How can we fix education in Sint Maarten?" They then presented all papers from their classmates to the President of Parliament. 

The Keynote Address of the evening was presented by Attorney at Law and former Chairman of the Central Voting Bureau, Mr. Jason Rogers, LL.M, who asked to commit ourselves to a path of inclusivity, stability, reform, modernization, and cooperation, ensuring that our parliamentary democracy not only endures but thrives, ultimately serving the best interests of the people of Sint Maarten.

Mr. Rogers recommended that we promote diversity by actively seeking to include all Sint Maarteners in our political discourse and representation. We invest in education by developing programs that educate citizens about parliamentary democracy and encourage civic engagement from a young age. We embrace Technological Advancements by implementing digital solutions that enhance transparency, foster public engagement, and streamline parliamentary processes. We encourage Open Dialogue to facilitate discussions on the effectiveness of our parliamentary system and consider reforms that reflect our unique societal needs.

Attendees were also entertained by the reigning Junior Calypso King, King Jojo, which was followed by a Toast by the President of Parliament in honor of the 2025 International Day of Parliamentarism. 

Thereafter, the Presidium of Parliament, consisting of the President of Parliament, 1st Vice President, the Hon. Sjamira D.M. Roseburg, and 2nd Vice President, the Hon. Ludmila N.L. de Weever, honored three persons and two institutions as "The Bearers of Our Democratic State".  These persons or institutions have or continue to advance democracy, education, and civic awareness in service to the people of Sint Maarten. 

The late Mr. Louis L. Duzanson was honored for his life of service, passion, and purpose. His quiet strength, institutional wisdom, and unwavering integrity made him a cornerstone of public life in Sint Maarten for over four decades; a living archive of our island's political and administrative evolution.

Drs. Eugene B. Holiday was honored for his constitutional stewardship, principled leadership, and his unwavering devotion to public service. As the first Governor of the country, Sint Maarten, he guided our nation through its formative years. 

In retirement, he turned his insights into a written legacy, publishing Nation Building: Our Challenges, Resilience, and Responsibility in 2023.

Dr. Julio R. Romney was honored for his deep commitment to civic education, institutional integrity, and informed democratic participation. He continues to propose electoral reform measures grounded in democratic fairness, transparency, and accountability. 

The University of St. Martin was honored for its role as an institution that places knowledge at the service of the binational community and the region, contributing to the island's socio-economic development and sustainable living. The University does this, inter alia, as our foundation for thinking, history, and academics, with its course: St. Martin History and Cultural Heritage.

The St. Maarten Youth Council Association was honored for its decades of service and continuing to influence, teach, and guide our youth to eventually be able to take up (political) positions here in Sint Maarten.

The evening culminated with a social during which former and current Members of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, along with parliamentary staff, other dignitaries, and guests, took the opportunity to socialize, and in some cases, reconnect. 

This was the first event/ project of Parliament leading up to the 15th Anniversary of Country Sint Maarten and the 15 years of existence of the Parliament of Sint Maarten.