PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of Appeal has upheld the conviction of former Member of Parliament Akeem Arrindell for election fraud, confirming his involvement in vote-buying during the 2024 election period. In its final ruling, the court emphasized that such actions seriously undermine the integrity of democratic processes.
While acknowledging that election fraud typically justifies an unconditional prison sentence, the Court considered Arrindell’s personal circumstances and the social impact of the case. As a result, it imposed a one-year, fully suspended prison sentence with a three-year probation period. Additionally, Arrindell must complete 90 hours of community service.
The penalties also include significant professional and civic consequences. Arrindell is barred from serving as a police officer for six years and is disqualified from running in elections for the same duration.
In a related forfeiture case, the Court ordered Arrindell to repay Cg 75,372 in salary he received as an MP. The court found that this income was an unlawful financial advantage gained after he took a false oath on February 10, 2024, denying he had promised anything in connection with his election. Failure to pay this amount could result in a one-year prison sentence.
The Court of Appeal also confirmed the convictions of two co-defendants, F. and M. The judgment for F. remains in place, while M.’s sentence was adjusted to a fully suspended six-month prison term, three years of probation, and 90 hours of community service.
Unplanned Power Outage – Cole Bay Area.
PHILIPSBURG:--- NV GEBE hereby updates the general public regarding the unplanned outage that occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, around 5:00 PM. The outage was the result of a contractor accidentally damaging one of our underground cables during excavation works in the Cole Bay area. This incident caused several districts to experience a loss of electricity.
Power was restored to most affected areas shortly after the outage. However, sections of Cole Bay continued to experience service interruptions into the early hours of the morning while our technical teams worked diligently throughout the night to complete the necessary repairs.
NV GEBE sincerely apologizes for the inconvenience caused and assures the community that this situation occurred due to circumstances beyond our control.
We take this opportunity to remind all contractors and individuals planning any digging or excavation works to please contact NV GEBE prior to commencing such activities. Kindly call 546-1100 and request to speak with the Distribution Department for proper guidance and verification of underground infrastructure. This precaution helps prevent damage, costly delays, and service interruptions.
We thank the community of Cole Bay for your patience and understanding as our team worked throughout the night to restore power to your area.
Update – Missing Person Report: Ongoing Investigation.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) continues its investigation into the missing person case involving Ms. Ann EVANS, a U.S. citizen.
Ms. Evans was a passenger aboard the cruise ship Rotterdam, which was docked at Port St. Maarten on November 20, 2025. she disembarked the vessel for an organized island tour. During the tour, Ms. Evans exited the bus in Marigot, French Saint Martin, but did not return to the bus or to the cruise ship.
KPSM has carried out extensive checks and followed multiple lines of information in accordance with legal guidelines. Based on information gathered during the investigation, KPSM has reason to believe that a female matching Ms. Evans’ description checked into a hotel on the French side of the island using her passport. She has also reportedly been seen in the surrounding area of that establishment.
To verify this information, KPSM has contacted its law enforcement counterparts on the French side.
KPSM and the French Gendarmerie continue to work collaboratively on this matter. Anyone who may have seen Ms. Evans or who has information is urged to contact:
• KPSM Public Hotline: +1 721 542 2222
• Emergency Number: 911
Citizens are reminded that sharing unverified information or images can hinder the investigation. All information received will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the law.
KPSM Press Release.
York Pushes for Clarity on Flood Risks and Infrastructure Decay Amid Government Silence.
PHILIPSBURG:--- As conversations revisit the government’s first year, they also underscore that progress is driven not by reflection alone but by clear focus on the tasks ahead. Evaluations contribute to the dialogue, but real improvement comes from solutions and coordinated action.
With that forward focus, MP Darryl T.J. York has submitted two Committee meeting requests calling for immediate, structured updates from the Minister of VROMI on Sint Maarten’s growing flood vulnerabilities, persistent drainage failures, and the continued deterioration of the island’s infrastructure.
York highlights that residents are encountering greater risks even as Parliament works with partial or zero information, making structured oversight essential for a clear and coordinated infrastructure plan.
The first request zeroes in on national flood management and drainage readiness. It seeks an update on the Ministry’s response to recent rainfall, the condition of the drainage network, identified high-risk zones, and the tools used to assess water behavior, as well as clarity on infrastructure works that have been delayed, shifted in priority, or lack clear timelines.
The second request turns to the broader road network and infrastructure planning. York seeks updates on short and long-term plans, current priorities, technical assessments, monitoring practices, and conditions in key areas flagged in recent reports and felt by the community. He notes that ongoing deterioration and limited communication underscore the need for a thorough briefing.
Together, the requests seek clarity amid rising flooding, unsafe roads, and stalled works. York aims to give Parliament the insight it needs to move from assessments to driving solution-based discussions.
“There’s value in reflecting on the past year, but my focus is firmly on the year ahead. Floods don’t wait. Potholes don’t wait. And the people of Sint Maarten shouldn’t be left waiting either.”
York also observes that his request for a Committee meeting on housing and social living conditions has been pending since April, a quiet reminder that not all pressing issues move at the same pace. He continues to push for progress, though the constant delays do prompt reasonable questions about how the Government orders its priorities.
Third Edition Youth Talk FYFI Continuing to inspire the Youth.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Funtopia Youth Foundation recently hosted its 3rd edition of the Youth Talk at Carl's and Sons Conference Center. This edition of Youth Talk features individuals from the community who are excelling in the creative economy. The youth talk forum serves as a platform for them to share their experiences, particularly their challenges, to inspire the younger generation.
This session spotlighted the incredibly talented Sandrine Sasa Jerome, an active member of the organization since 2015. Through her journey with the group, she has acquired a diverse set of skills as a performance entertainer and now holds a senior position as a youth leader, conducting face painting workshops for new members. Sasa shared an empowering message about coping with social anxieties and offered practical life skills for navigating difficult situations in everyday life. She articulated how Funtopia helped her overcome barriers and nurture her passion for self-expression through performance art, delivering a truly inspiring speech.
Adding further value to the event was guest speaker King Vers, who is no stranger to public speaking. He recounted his personal story of growing up in a challenging household and how he found opportunities on the streets that diverted him from his reality. Despite facing troubles and negative influences, he managed to grow through these life challenges and transform his perspective through music and acting. Today, he stands as one of St. Maarten's cultural icons.
These opportunities to share life stories with impressionable youth, who may be experiencing similar situations, foster hope and bridge generational gaps.
The highlight of the Youth Talk was the certificate ceremony for new members who participated in various skills training sessions over the past three months. Members who demonstrated consistency and engagement were recognized for their achievements. An average of 35 participants, aged 7 to 27, engaged in the Funtopia Skills Academy training workshops.
The foundation is proud to recognize youth member Abigail Smith for her outstanding attendance and participation in the majority of training sessions.
They would like to extend their gratitude to the following trainers for their invaluable support in cultivating cultural heritage skills:
Orientation Day: Hosted by Foundation President Lucinda La Rich Audain and Vice President Apollonia Violenus, who addressed topics such as branding, customer service, and membership expectations.
Caribbean Music and Rhythm: They were privileged to have Gwoka Riddim teacher Sammy from Guadeloupe, who taught the djembe players various rhythms and songs. Active students showcased their talent at the Caribbean Drum Festival hosted by Swalika in October.
Traditional West African Djembe: Teacher Soulyeman Camara has been training the youth for two years, sharing the traditions of his African village through djembe and dundun ceremonial riddims.
Dance Techniques: Teacher Rudy worked with members on advanced dance techniques in Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Modern styles.
Face Painting and Henna Skills: Youth Leader Tamica Damier hosted workshops where members learned line skills and blending techniques for popular designs.
Stilt Walking Training: Youth Leader Quair Hodge conducted basic stilt walking training for new walkers aged 7 to 12, as well as advanced stilt stunts for skilled teen walkers.
Creative Art Expression Workshops: Foundation President La Rich Audain hosted Saturday workshops where participants explored their abstract inner landscapes through exercises that challenged them to convey emotions and feelings through shapes and colors with mixed media and surfaces.
At the end of the session, the newly established Funtopia Youth Initiative Foundation's Social Events Committee took center stage to generate excitement for the 2026 social event calendar, designed to engage both members and the broader community. The committee is chaired by Amanda Smith, with Zymani Bass serving as Treasurer, Zovanique Lugiss as Secretary, and General Committee Members including Nariah Marlin, Sue Kishana Bera Simon, Laniesha Webster, Zora Eeswijk, Krista Hyman, and Sierra Hodge.
The Funtopia Initiative Youth Foundation is immensely grateful for the community's unwavering support, which has been instrumental in making this event a resounding success. The Youth Talk continues to be a beacon of inspiration and empowerment, fostering a space where young minds can flourish, connect, and dream big. As we look forward to future editions, our commitment remains steadfast in nurturing the potential of tomorrow's leaders and creative thinkers.
For those inspired to join or contribute to our mission, we welcome you to become a part of our growing family. Together, we can build a brighter future, one inspiring story at a time. Thank you for believing in the power of youth and the strength of community.
The Funtopia Youth Initiative hosts these training and development programs through membership participation fees and fundraising efforts. If you are interested in supporting this initiative, please feel free to contact them via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..