Simpson Bay:---  Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) recorded its busiest operational day in the past several years on Saturday, March 14, with approximately 11,000 passengers moving through the airport’s terminals.

 The strong passenger activity reflects continued momentum in travel to and from Sint Maarten, following a year of solid growth at the airport. In 2025, SXM Airport welcomed approximately 1.8 million passengers, up from 1.6 million passengers in 2024, highlighting the airport’s continued recovery and its role as a key regional aviation hub connecting North America, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and Canada. Saturday’s passenger movement further underscores the strength of Sint Maarten as a premier Caribbean destination and demonstrates the airport’s ability to efficiently manage high passenger volumes during peak travel periods.

Despite the high passenger volumes, operations across the airport ran smoothly thanks to the coordinated efforts of the SXM Airport community. Teams across operations, passenger services, the ground-handling partner Menzies Aviation, and the professionals at the Air Traffic Services / Air Traffic Control (ATS/ATC) Tower worked closely throughout the day to ensure efficient passenger processing, safe aircraft movements, and seamless airline operations.

 “Seeing approximately 11,000 passengers move through our airport in a single day is a strong indicator of the continued growth and confidence in Sint Maarten as a destination,” said Michael Cleaver, CEO and President of Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company (PJIAE). “This milestone reflects the strong collaboration across our airport community, and I would like to thank our teams, partners, and passengers whose cooperation helped make the day a success.”

Princess Juliana International Airport would like to thank all passengers who continue to choose SXM Airport as their gateway to and from Sint Maarten. Their trust and support play an important role in the airport’s continued growth and success. As travel demand continues to rise, SXM Airport remains committed to strengthening partnerships, expanding connectivity, and delivering a safe, efficient, and welcoming travel experience for all passengers.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a serious armed robbery that took place in the Cole Bay area during the early morning hours of Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Just after 2:00 AM, Central Dispatch received several calls from a group of men reporting that they had been blocked by several individuals and robbed at gunpoint. According to the information received, the victims were relieved of cash and jewelry during the incident.

Police patrols were immediately dispatched to the location where officers encountered six visitors to the island who reported that they had been victims of the robbery. Fortunately, no serious physical injuries were reported; however, the victims were understandably shaken by the ordeal.

Personnel of the Detective Department are currently conducting a thorough investigation into this serious incident and are actively working to identify and locate the suspect or suspects responsible.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten is asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Cole Bay area around 2:00 AM on March 15, 2026, or who may have information that could assist detectives, to contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM continues to urge the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity. Community cooperation plays a crucial role in helping law enforcement solve crimes and maintain public safety.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Inspectorate of Taxes announces that the deadline to submit the 2025 Income Tax Return Forms A & B is June 1, 2026. Invitations to file the 2025 Income Tax Return are being sent by regular mail. Taxpayers who do not receive an invitation to file are obliged to request one.

The 2025 Income Tax Return Forms have been available as of January 1, 2026, and can be downloaded from the Tax Administration's website www.tax.sx under the ‘Documents’ tab or through the Government’s online services portal at http://onlineservices.sintmaartengov.org. Taxpayers who have not yet registered for an e-login must do so via the portal to access online services.

Taxpayers who require an extension to file their tax return must submit a request on or before June 1, 2026, with a valid reason. Spouses are reminded to submit a single joint tax return form.

Completed tax return forms must be submitted at the Front Office of the Tax Administration, located at the Vineyard Building, as email submissions are not legally permitted. Those without internet access may obtain a copy of the form from the Tax Administration. To ensure proof of submission, taxpayers should bring a copy of the completed form to be stamped upon delivery.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Tax Administration by telephone at 542-2143, 542-3782, 542-3839, or 542-3840, via WhatsApp at 556-3699, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis expresses his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire school community of the Milton Peters College following the tragic passing of one of its students.

The news of the student’s sudden death has deeply impacted students, teachers, and parents across the island. In light of the heartbreaking loss, students who were scheduled to prepare for their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CXC) examinations were temporarily dismissed from school on Monday to allow time for reflection and mourning.

“This is a heartbreaking moment not only for the family but for the entire school community and our country as a whole. The loss of a young life is always painful, and my thoughts and prayers are with the parents, relatives, classmates, and teachers who are grieving during this extremely difficult time.”MP Lewis stated

While the exact cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed, MP Lewis emphasized the importance of respecting the family’s privacy as they cope with this profound loss.

“I encourage the community to keep the family in their prayers and to respect their privacy as they navigate this tragic moment. As a society, we must come together to support one another, especially our young people who may be struggling to process this loss.” MP Lewis stated.

MP Lewis also commended the school administration for taking immediate steps to support students during this difficult period and encouraged continued counseling and emotional support services for those affected.

“Our schools are not only places of education but also communities of care. Ensuring that students and staff receive the support they need during times like this is critical.”

“The NOW faction stands in solidarity with this family. May they find strength, comfort, and peace in the love and support of the community during this time of grief.” MP Lewis concluded.