PHILIPSBURG: ---  The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is issuing an urgent appeal to the community for assistance in stopping a persistent wave of jewelry store robberies. Over the past year, these crimes have plagued Sint Maarten, particularly in Philipsburg, with similar incidents occurring in the Maho and Oyster Pond areas.

These robberies are more than just crimes against businesses; they endanger employees, threaten public safety, and damage the economic stability and reputation of our island.

The KPSM has been working tirelessly to combat this criminal activity. Through intensive investigations, surveillance, and intelligence gathering, we have successfully arrested several suspects directly involved in these robberies. Our officers continue to dedicate long hours, often at great personal risk, to protect the people and businesses of Sint Maarten.

Despite these efforts, the robberies continue. This pattern strongly suggests that these are not random acts, but organized crimes. We believe they are planned and financed by individuals who recruit others to carry out the robberies while they remain in the shadows.

Let us be clear: without a buyer, there is no robber. Without a fence for stolen goods, there is no thief.

Someone in our community knows who is behind these crimes. Someone sees unexplained wealth, hears the conversations, or recognizes the suspicious behavior. We believe someone is aware of who is profiting from this stolen jewelry.

The KPSM cannot win this fight alone. Organized crime thrives on silence. These thefts continue because individuals who could help are being protected by those who refuse to speak. When criminals profit from the shadows while others risk their lives, the entire community pays the price.

This is no longer just a police matter—it is a community responsibility. We urgently appeal to the people of Sint Maarten:

• If you know who may be involved, please come forward.
• If you suspect someone is buying or selling stolen jewelry, report it.
• If you have any information, no matter how small it seems, share it with the KPSM.

All information will be handled with strict confidentiality. Our goal is to stop those who exploit and endanger our island for personal gain.

We also call on families, friends, and associates to reflect on their role. Too often, criminal behavior is enabled by the silence or denial of those closest to the perpetrators. Shielding a loved one involved in crime does not protect them; it enables further harm to innocent people and contributes to the breakdown of our community. Turning a blind eye is not loyalty—it is complicity.

A responsible citizen stands for what is right, even when it is difficult. True care means guiding others away from a life of crime, not allowing them to be used by those who profit from theft and violence.

Sint Maarten is a close-knit society, and these crimes affect us all. Businesses suffer, employees live in fear, and our island's reputation is threatened by the actions of a few who are supported by the silence of others.

The KPSM urges every citizen to choose courage over fear and responsibility over misplaced protection. Help us stop the masterminds behind these crimes. Help us protect Sint Maarten. Help us break the cycle. When the community stands together, crime has nowhere to hide.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the KPSM at +1 721-542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300. Remember: See Something, Say Something.

PHILIPSBURG:--- (DCOMM) – The Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) announces the launch of the 2026 Passenger Transport Confirmation Letter Process.

In a strategic shift from previous years, the 2026 process introduces two distinct application forms: one designated for individual bus and taxi permit holders, and a separate application for legal entities holding permits for bus companies, touring cars, unregulated transport, and car rental services.

This revised structure is designed to centralize data collection and documentation uploads, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing administrative bottlenecks in the issuance of confirmation letters.

A key change introduced this year is the mandatory submission of the CRIB number for both individuals and companies.

Submission of the 2026 road tax payment receipt is also required to obtain the confirmation letter prior to issuance. In addition, IETA has adjusted how the Transport Control Unit engages with legal entities to improve regulatory oversight and operational efficiency.

Legal entities holding passenger transport permits are required to submit documentation for all vehicles registered under their permits through a single consolidated application. This requirement applies to all bus companies, touring cars (T plates), unregulated transport (G plates), and car rental operations.

Companies must ensure that all operating arrangements, including driver employment relationships and vehicle assignments, comply with the requirements of the Landsverordening personenvervoer.

The consolidated application process enables IETA to maintain comprehensive oversight of company fleet operations while reducing administrative fragmentation. Permit holders or their authorized representatives must submit complete documentation covering all vehicles operating under their permit authority.

Under the 2026 process, individual bus and taxi permit holders must submit their personal and contact information, CRIB number, and permit details, along with copies of their 2026 road tax receipt, valid transport permit, Sint Maarten driver’s license, and national ID.

Where an assistant driver is engaged, the assistant’s personal and permit details must be provided together with a signed declaration letter from the permit holder confirming the working relationship for 2026. Applicants are also required to upload vehicle photographs and select an appointment for inspection.

Legal entity permit holders are required to submit permit details, Chamber of Commerce registration, and tax administration data, as well as comprehensive fleet information through a consolidated spreadsheet.

Supporting documentation must include copies of all 2026 road tax receipts, motor vehicle inspection cards, and valid insurance policies. Passenger transport companies are reminded that separate applications must not be submitted for individual vehicle plates under the same category attached to the same permit. All vehicles within the same plate category must be consolidated into one application per company.

All passenger transport vehicles are required to be equipped with a functional fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit suitable for minor injuries. Vehicles suspected of having significant defects, including but not limited to broken brake lights, damaged windshields, or faulty horns, may be referred to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center for reinspection, even if a valid inspection card is presented.

The confirmation letter serves as formal validation of permit, vehicle, and road tax compliance for passenger transport operations for the year 2026.

Permit holders who fail to complete the confirmation process by the submission deadline of Friday, February 27, 2026, may experience operational delays or be classified as inactive in the transport registry.

Following this deadline, the Transport Control Unit cannot guarantee availability to accommodate operators seeking to complete the process for the purpose of plate collection.

Permit holders are therefore strongly advised to complete the confirmation process well in advance of the deadline to mitigate service disruptions and avoid last-minute processing constraints.

• Individual Bus & Taxi: Individual Bus and Taxi Application
• Passenger Transport Companies: Passenger Transport Company Application

For assistance or questions, transport operators can contact the Transport Control Unit via:

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

WhatsApp Only: +1 (721) 559-7685

PHILIPSBURG:---  (DCOMM) – The United States Consulate General in Curacao will be sending a consular officer to Sint Maarten to provide services to American Citizens.

The consular officer will be providing services on Tuesday, January 27.

U.S. citizens who need any of the following services: U.S. passport applications; Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applications; and Document notarizations, need to make an appointment by emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Services are by appointment only. After requesting an appointment, the person will receive instructions on how to prepare for your requested service.

People are asked to read the instructions carefully in order to avoid delays.

On Tuesday, January 27, the U.S. consular officer will be providing the services by appointment out of the following venue: Government Administration Building, Soualiga Road #1, Conference Room #1 (on the ground floor) from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Those who have secured an appointment, once they reach the entrance of the Government Administration Building, they should inform security that they have come for U.S. consular services and will then be instructed where to go.

~“Organizations Invited to Register Projects for 2026”~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The SXM DOET website is officially live, marking the start of preparations for the largest volunteer event of 2026. Organizations across Sint Maarten are now invited to register their projects and take part in SXM DOET 2026, taking place on Friday, May 15, and Saturday, May 16, 2026.
This year’s theme, “From Jump Up to Step Up,” builds on the vibrant energy of Carnival. Coming straight off the excitement of the Carnival season, SXM DOET encourages the community to channel that same passion, unity, and momentum into volunteering by stepping up together for a great cause and strengthening our island community and volunteer network.
SXM DOET is organized by Be the Change Foundation, in collaboration with Oranje Fonds, and highlights the importance of active volunteerism to our island. Each year, thousands of volunteers support social organizations, schools, vulnerable groups, care institutions, and community initiatives across Sint Maarten.
With the website now live, organizations are encouraged to start brainstorming, planning, and registering their projects early. Registration is required to participate and to be eligible for financial support from Oranje Fonds.

The registration and funding application deadline is February 28, 2026. Organizations are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last minute, as early registration improves visibility and attracts more volunteers. Early registration also positions organizations to possibly be one of the 10 Early DOETi recipients. Early DOETis are special trinkets given to the first 10 organizations that register their project(s). These trinkets are to be given to the registrants of that project.
Through the SXM DOET website, www.sxmdoet.com, organizations can: 1. Register their DOET activity, 2. Apply for a financial contribution, 3. Connect with volunteers eager to make a difference.

“SXM DOET is about turning positive energy of like-minded individuals into meaningful action,” the organizers note. “From Jump Up to Step Up is a call for everyone to move together, bringing our community together to create real and lasting impacts.”
Organizations interested in participating can visit the SXM DOET website and begin the registration process immediately.
In the coming days, organizations can expect to be contacted by SXM DOET volunteer coaches and coordinators, who will offer guidance and support to help get projects and applications off to a strong start. For assistance, organizations can contact the coordination team via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Don’t wait until it’s too late, start planning today and be part of SXM DOET 2026.
Stay up to date by following SXM DOET on social media: Facebook: www.facebook.com/SXMDOET, Instagram (@SXM.DOET), and stay tuned for upcoming announcements and deadlines.