PHILIPSBURG:--- The Exceptional Team of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) successfully carried out multiple operations from December 15 to 21, 2025, aimed at maintaining public order and safety in Sint Maarten. The operations took place at irregular times and at various locations, with particular focus on firearm possession, narcotics, and preventive enforcement in hotspot areas.

During the last week, the Team arrested four suspects:

• On the Boardwalk, a suspect was arrested who is suspected of serious violent crimes, including attempted murder, attempted murder/manslaughter, robbery with violence, and violation of the Firearms Ordinance of Sint Maarten.
• At Pendent Cactus Drive, three suspects were arrested for illegally possessing a firearm.

The officers making up part of the team also conducted intensive preventive controls in known hotspot areas. A total of 98 persons were checked, with preventive searches carried out when signs of gathering were detected. Four persons were found in possession of a small amount of opium. These individuals relinquished the drugs, which were destroyed on-site.

Short-duration traffic controls were conducted at strategic locations, with the team relocating after a maximum of 20 minutes. The results of these operations:

• 170 vehicles checked
• 25 vehicles were searched and inspected
• 32 occupants subjected to preventive searches

These operations were conducted within the framework of Integrated Area-Oriented Policing (IGP) and in anticipation of the upcoming holidays and planned events. The Special Team will continue to carry out these enforcement actions into the new year to ensure a safe Sint Maarten through targeted controls and enforcement.

The KPSM calls on the community to remain vigilant and report suspicious situations via the emergency number 911 or the tip line.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On December 19, the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) proudly celebrated the graduation of fourteen employees from the Sister Basilia Center (SBC), all of whom successfully completed their accredited Social Pedagogic Worker (SPW) Level 4 diploma.
The graduates are: Davila Smith, Marya Morrison, Roumelta Gumbs, Vanessa Mclean, Rhunella Nicolaas, Shemiqua Lake, Raquill Brooks, Hendricia Hodge, Christine Powell, Loeann Thompson, Richaline Wilson, Rhode Jean-Louis, Shardina Cannonier and Chanicha David.
The SPW 4 program followed a learning-while-working model and ran from February to December 2025. Participants received online live classes twice per week through Eligia Martier SBO School in Curaçao, while completing their internships and practical training directly at the Sister Basillia Center. Eligia Martier, founded in 1967, specializes in education for the healthcare and social welfare sectors and places the student at the center of its educational approach. The school is led by director Ms. Diachola Hinkel.
This program marked the first collaboration between WYCCF and Eligia Martier to deliver an accredited diploma program for SBC employees, representing an important milestone in strengthening staff development and enhancing the quality of care provided to clients.
The graduation ceremony was attended by 13 of the 14 graduates, members of the SBC and WYCCF Management Teams, the Human Resources team, colleagues, family members, and friends. The evening was further honoured by the presence of the Honourable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, and was guided by Master of Ceremony and WYCCF Board member Mr. Marcel Gumbs.
During the ceremony, a message of perseverance and growth resonated strongly:
“Moving forward, remember: we strive for progress, not perfection. Keep moving forward, even when it’s tough. The SBC graduates have proven that perseverance leads to success, and tonight is living proof of that.”
WYCCF congratulates all graduates on this significant achievement and remains committed to investing in education, professional growth, and continuous learning across the organization.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Small donations from across St. Maarten raised a total of US$5,601.47 to support relief efforts in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, which struck the island on October 28, 2025, through a public fundraising initiative led by the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten.

From November 1 to December 11, 2025, Tzu Chi volunteers collected donations in supermarkets, on streets, and in public areas, encouraging residents to give according to their means. The funds were used directly and transparently to support official relief efforts in coordination with the Jamaica Consulate in St. Maarten.

The donations enabled the purchase of two pallets of essential food supplies valued at US $4,540, including 210 bags of brown rice weighing 10 pounds each, 204 bottles of cooking oil measuring 32 ounces each, 400 packs of pasta weighing 500 grams each, and 420 packs of dried beans. In addition to food assistance, volunteers provided manpower to help the Jamaica Consulate sort and pack donated clothing for shipment.

Funds were also used to cover the full shipping cost of a relief container carrying donated items to Jamaica, with US $2,926.38 paid directly to ensure timely delivery.

Although the container has already been shipped, Tzu Chi St. Maarten said relief efforts are continuing as families in severely affected areas of Jamaica, particularly those connected to Jamaican volunteers in St. Maarten, are still facing housing damage, food shortages, and the loss of basic household items.

Tzu Chi St. Maarten continues to engage the community as additional needs are identified. The Foundation said even modest contributions can make a meaningful difference. “Tzu Chi connects compassion with action,” shared a volunteer. “When many people give a little, together we can accomplish something truly meaningful.”

The foundation expressed gratitude to the public, volunteers, and partners whose support made the relief effort possible, noting that what began as small donations resulted in food supplies, shipped aid, and support for families rebuilding their lives in Jamaica.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  As the clock ticks down to Christmas 2025, families have already been looking at their holiday meal options and shopping requirements, and these final days will be very busy.

Cooking up a storm for this holiday season is one of the Christmas traditions, and therefore proper food preparation is key to avoid food-borne health hazards that can ruin more than just a holiday meal – they can cause serious illness and even death.

Double check expiration dates on food items prior to purchasing or for use in meal preparation.

As part of Collective Prevention Services (CPS), Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor Safe Holiday Season calendar of observances, in collaboration with the Department of Communication (DCOMM), residents are advised to keep the season safe by following some tips on how to enjoy holiday meals safely.

Here are some tips to avoid bacteria growing in your meals and delicious dishes:

1. Use a thermometer. Be sure stuffing, chicken and any other poultry dishes are cooked thoroughly to 165 degrees F; ground beef and ham must be cooked thoroughly to 155 degrees F. All other foods, including eggs should be cooked to 145 degrees F.

2. Do not leave foods containing meat, milk, eggs, fish, or poultry at room temperature for more than four hours. This includes pudding and custard-type pies that are popular during the holidays.

3. Cool all leftovers to 41 degrees F within four hours after cooking.

4. Do not thaw food at room temperature. Plan ahead and thaw them in the refrigerator. If the food needs to be thawed quickly, use the microwave or cold running water, and then cook promptly after it has thawed.

5. If you are traveling with food, be sure to keep it cold 41. F. or hot 140 F or above while transporting.

6. After the big meal, be sure to refrigerate any leftovers within 1 hour. Bacteria love room temperatures and grow quickly in amounts enough to make people ill.

To Prevent Food from Becoming Contaminated

1. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water before food preparation and after coughing, sneezing, using the toilet, changing diapers, eating, drinking, or smoking. If you have diarrhea or are feeling ill, avoid handling food in order to prevent the transmitting or spreading of oral/fecal infections.

2. Do not prepare or handle food if you are ill; a cook’s gastrointestinal illness could be spread to others sharing the meal.
3. Thoroughly clean and sanitize knives, cutting boards and other utensils before and after preparing raw foods and foods that do not require further cooking. Sanitize with a solution of one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.

4. Wash all fresh fruits and vegetables.
Contrary to popular belief, if you do become ill from contaminated food, it is not always the last meal you ate that’s the culprit. Food-borne illness can occur anywhere from one hour to 72 hours and even longer after eating contaminated food.

Please help make the 2025 holiday season be a safe one by paying attention to proper food preparation and handling techniques. Happy Holidays!