PHILIPSBURG:--- Sol Antilles NV, the leading petroleum products provider in the Caribbean, proudly supported the 46th Annual Heineken Regatta as the official fuel sponsor for the water taxis operating throughout the Simpson Bay Lagoon.
The regatta, which concluded on March 8, was celebrated as a major success, drawing international competitors and delivering the event’s renowned blend of world-class racing and “Serious Fun.” The reliable operation of lagoon water taxis was crucial for transporting participants and visitors between key locations during the week-long festivities.
“Sol Antilles NV is committed to supporting the communities we serve, and we are proud to help power one of St. Maarten’s most iconic annual events,” said Peterson. “Providing fuel for the water taxis ensures the regatta experience remains seamless for everyone involved.”
Organizers expressed appreciation for Sol Antilles NV’s contribution, emphasizing the importance of dependable logistics and strong local partnerships in delivering a first-class regatta year after year.

In the photo, Marisca Peterson of Sol Antilles NV shakes hands with Mr. Teunissen of the Heineken Regatta, symbolizing the successful collaboration that helped ensure smooth transportation for sailors, crews, and spectators throughout the event.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Member and Chairman of Parliament Rolando Brison, together with co-suspects Johan Alex Dijkhoffz, Robby Dos Santos, and S Sunil Gehani., are before the Court of First Instance this week following an extensive investigation into alleged bribery involving the former MP and Chairman of Parliament.
Rolando Brison is suspected of soliciting and accepting bribes during his tenure as an MP and, in part, during his time as Chairman of Parliament. The co-suspects are alleged to have paid the bribes.
The Prosecutor has requested prison sentences ranging from 12 to 24 months. In addition, the Prosecutor has requested that Roland Brison be disqualified from holding public office for a period of five years. In addition, the Prosecutor has demanded that Rolando Brison repay a total of US$ 52,190.35 for unlawfully obtained assets.

The “Lissabon” investigation was started in February 2023 by the Kingdom Cooperation Team RST under the direction of the Central Team of the Attorney General's Office of Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.

It is in the interest of Sint Maarten society that there be clarity about the alleged corrupt conduct of a person in the public administration.

For a well-functioning democratic society, it is essential that residents have confidence in their government. Official corruption is a phenomenon with many manifestations and mainly occurs at the interface of public and private interests. Corruption can permanently disrupt a society: it undermines the integrity of the government and fosters false trade competition.

For those reasons, the Central Team takes signals of such corruption extremely seriously and, if necessary, has an in-depth investigation carried out.

The court hearing continues on Tuesday, March 10.

SMN News will bring the full article, citing both sides, tomorrow evening.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a stabbing incident that occurred around 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, on Welgelegen Road.
Central Dispatch received multiple reports of a fight between two women in the area. Responding officers arrived promptly at the scene, where they found one of the women suffering from multiple stab wounds. The other individual involved in the altercation was also present and was immediately taken into custody by the police.

The injured victim was transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for treatment. The suspect, who also sustained injuries during the altercation, was later taken to SMMC for medical attention. Following treatment, the suspect was transferred to the Philipsburg Police Station, where she remains in custody as the investigation continues.

The motive behind the incident is still unclear, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation. KPSM is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward. Witnesses can contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or provide information anonymously via the tip line at 9300.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Officers of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) arrested two individuals in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 8, 2026, after responding to a report of a suspected gunshot in the vicinity of Airport Road near Kimsha Beach. During the police control, two firearms were encountered and confiscated, and additional suspected narcotics were also discovered.

At approximately 3:35 a.m., officers of KPSM responded to a report received by the police dispatch center regarding a suspected gunshot heard in the area of Airport Road near Kimsha-Beach.

Further information received from dispatch indicated that, the suspect vehicle was believed to be a gray Volkswagen Polo. While patrolling in the Kimsha Beach parking area, officers were subsequently informed that the vehicle had been seen parked in front of by an establishment close to PJIAE Airport Road.

Upon arrival at the location, officers observed the vehicle parked and two individuals were seen in and around the vehicle. Officers immediately instructed the occupants to show their hands and exit the vehicle. Both individuals complied with the officers’ instructions and were separated while officers conducted further investigative procedures.

During a lawful search of the vehicle, officers discovered a bag on the passenger-side floor containing a handgun. A second handgun was subsequently located underneath the driver’s seat. In total, two firearms were encountered and confiscated during the police control. Both individuals were informed that they were suspected of violating the Firearms Ordinance of 1930 for possession of firearms without a valid permit and were placed under arrest at approximately 4:00 a.m.

During the arrest and subsequent search, officers also discovered a small plastic bag containing a white substance resembling cocaine and a pill resembling ecstasy on one of the suspects. Additionally, a black inside holster was found in the possession of the other suspect. The suspected narcotics will be tested and weighed, and the results will be documented in a separate report.

The firearms and other items were seized for further investigation. Detectives from the KPSM Forensic Department later processed the scene and took possession of the firearms as evidence.

Both suspects were transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where they arrived at approximately 5:00 a.m. for further processing and to be presented to a prosecutor.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten continues to investigate this incident. Anyone who may have information relevant to this case is urged to contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous Tip Line at 9300.