PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten is currently investigating two separate shooting incidents that occurred early Sunday morning and early Monday morning. These incidents resulted in gunshot injuries to two individuals, who later sought medical treatment. Police are actively seeking information from the public to assist in these investigations.

 First Incident - Sunday, November 10, 2024

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a male victim presented himself at a medical center on the French side of Sint Maarten with a gunshot wound. According to information provided by French authorities, the victim informed French police that he had been shot on Coralita Road (Dutch Side) by unknown individual(s) while driving through the area. Following the incident, the victim drove himself home and was later transported to the French medical facility, where he received medical attention. French authorities have since taken a formal statement from the victim.

Second Incident - Monday, November 11, 2024

On Monday morning, at approximately 5:00 a.m., the Central Police Dispatch in Sint Maarten received multiple calls reporting gunshots in the vicinity of a nightclub in the Defiance area. Officers responded to the scene but were initially unable to determine the exact location of the shooting.

Later, officers and detectives, along with the Forensics Department, returned to the Defiance area to gather evidence. Shortly after the incident was reported, Central Dispatch was notified by the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) of a young male who had arrived with a gunshot wound. Upon speaking with detectives, the victim stated that he had been robbed and subsequently shot after leaving a gentlemen’s club in the Defiance area.

The Sint Maarten Police Force is actively investigating both incidents and is working closely with French law enforcement to gather further details. Detectives are pursuing all leads, and forensic teams are analyzing the collected evidence.

In addition, the Police Force urges anyone with information about these incidents to come forward. The public is also encouraged to share any information regarding the location of firearms or individuals known to possess firearms. Providing such information could be crucial in identifying suspects and enhancing community safety.

Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at +1 (721) 542-2222. Anonymous tips can also be provided through the tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten’s young athletes have made waves at the 32nd Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Swimming Championships held in St. Vincent from November 8th to 10th, capturing the attention of the Caribbean swimming community and bringing pride to the nation. The Sint Maarten team, comprised of ten dedicated swimmers between the ages of 8 and 17, secured three medals and achieved a commendable 6th-place finish among nine competing OECS countries.

The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, expressed his admiration for the team’s achievements, emphasizing the broader significance of their participation. “These young athletes have shown incredible determination and skill, competing fiercely against some of the best swimmers in the region,” he stated. “They have not only earned medals but also the respect of our community and our Caribbean neighbors. They exemplify the spirit of Sint Maarten, a nation proud, resilient, and ever ready to meet a challenge.”

This accomplishment marks another milestone for Sint Maarten’s emerging talents, with each of the swimmers pushing their limits to make the island proud. Sint Maarten’s performance reflects the promise of the island's youth, their passion for excellence, and the effectiveness of the island's sports development programs.

“Every stroke taken in this competition, every moment in the water, represents hours of dedication and sacrifice,” PM Dr. Mercelina continued. “These athletes have put Sint Maarten on the map in the swimming world, and I am thrilled to welcome them home with our heartfelt congratulations.”

“Our athletes’ accomplishments remind us of the boundless potential of Sint Maarten’s youth,” PM Dr. Mercelina added. “They have given us yet another reason to believe in a brighter future, and we are committed to continuing our support for their dreams and ambitions. Their dedication is inspiring, and it fuels our determination to strengthen sports programs across Sint Maarten.”

Sint Maarten congratulates all its young athletes for their remarkable achievements and looks forward to even greater success in future competitions. The government remains committed to fostering sports excellence on the island and will continue to invest in opportunities for youth to thrive and excel.

French Quarter:--- The public is invited to a free festival celebrating St. Martin’s migratory birds this Saturday, November 16th! The Migratory Bird Festival will be held from 9am to noon at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in the French Quarter. The event will include the launch of a new bird coloring book: Migratory Birds Around Me. The book will be available for free at the event while supplies last. Kids can dive right into the books at the festival’s coloring station. Guests can also play fun bird games in the Amuseum’s gardens, learn about the science of bird tracking, and explore the museum exhibits and grounds.

“We’re super excited to host the Migratory Bird Festival and launch this fantastic new book!” said Jenn Yerkes, President of the Les Fruits de Mer association. “The book is a great showcase for the birds that migrate here yearly.”

Like the other books in the Around Me series, Migratory Birds Around Me is bilingual in English and French, and is also a nature journal where kids can record their own observations and make their own drawings of local species. Free printed copies will be given away at the event thanks to sponsor Delta Petroleum.

In addition to discovering the new book, festival guests can enjoy BirdSleuth Caribbean activities like Bird Bingo and the Bird Habitat Scavenger hunt. These activities were adapted specifically for the Caribbean and feature local birds and nature. They are perfect for kids and families to enjoy in the Amuseum’s gardens.

“Our migratory birds are truly incredible,” said Mark Yokoyama, co-founder of the Les Fruits de Mer association. “These birds travel thousands of kilometers each year and connect St. Martin with the rest of the Americas. We’re helping people learn more about them with a Motus station at the Amuseum. It uses antennas to track birds that are wearing tiny transmitters. It is one of the very first stations of its kind in the Caribbean.”

The Migratory Bird Festival will take place from 9am to noon on Saturday, November 16th. It will be held at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House on the hill above Coconut Grove in French Quarter. The event is proudly sponsored by Delta Petroleum. For more information, visit http://lesfruitsdemer.com.

Migratory Birds Around Me was produced with support from the Collectivité de Saint-Martin and the Agence nationale de la cohésion des territoires. The book project is supported by the Politique de la ville de Saint-Martin, implemented by the State and the Collectivité de Saint-Martin. The book is also available for purchase on amazon.com worldwide, and as a free download at http://lesfruitsdemer.com.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government department under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, says due to the torrential rainfall the country has experienced on Monday, November 11, 2024, an increase in mosquitoes can be anticipated.

CPS is therefore calling on the populace to wear light colored clothing at dusk, long sleeve shirts and pants; and use mosquito repellent to prevent being bitten by a mosquito that could possibly be carrying a mosquito borne disease.

Use mosquito repellent to prevent the mosquito from feeding (don’t let the mosquito bite you), discuss with your pharmacist on the best for you or family members.

Place screens on windows and doors to stop mosquitoes from entering and close doors and windows without screens.

While home, an option is to sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

An increase in the mosquito population puts residents at risk.

For information about dengue fever, zika and chikungunya prevention measures, and to report mosquito breeding sites, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.