PHILIPSBURG:---The Prosecutor’s Office, Sint Maarten OM SXM, and the Police Force of Sint Maarten KPSM are aware of the upcoming auction of the assets of a construction and development company by a local commercial bank. This auction is related to the company’s outstanding debts. This is a civil matter and not within the scope of OM / KPSM.

OM/KPSM is conducting a criminal investigation into this case. Such cases require time and specialized resources. Both entities are working to further this matter.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is investigating a disturbing ill-treatment incident at the prison facility in Point Blanche (HVB). On Monday, April 15th, 2024, personnel from the Detective Department were alerted to an incident involving the ill-treatment of a prisoner by another inmate.

According to initial reports, the victim sustained slash wounds to several parts of their body during the altercation. Immediate medical attention was administered, and the victim was swiftly transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment.

Upon receiving the complaint from the victim, detectives promptly initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Our investigative team is diligently working to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the events that led to this distressing occurrence.

The safety and well-being of all individuals within our jurisdiction, including those within correctional facilities, are paramount to the Sint Maarten Police Force. Any acts of violence or mistreatment will be thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action will be taken to ensure accountability and justice.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force, in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor's Office, has successfully apprehended a suspect believed to be involved in a series of violent armed robberies plaguing our community. In the early morning of Wednesday, April 17th, 2024, detectives executed an arrest in the St. Peters area, leading to the capture of the suspect identified with the initials D.M.K.K.

This individual has been under suspicion for multiple armed robberies across the island. Through meticulous investigation, law enforcement officers identified the suspect's involvement in these criminal activities. At approximately 5:00 AM on Wednesday, officers conducted the arrest at the suspect's residence. D.M.K.K. was promptly taken into custody and transported to the police station for further interrogation.

Subsequent to the arrest, a thorough house search was conducted, resulting in the seizure of a firearm and other items believed to be linked to the robberies. The diligent efforts of our investigative team have yielded significant progress in this case; however, the investigation remains ongoing.

The Sint Maarten Police Force emphasizes a zero-tolerance policy towards gun violence in our community. We remind the public that possession of firearms is illegal and will result in arrest and prosecution. We are committed to maintaining the safety and security of our citizens, and such criminal behavior will not be tolerated.

We urge the community to remain vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement authorities. If you have any information regarding criminal activities or the illegal possession of firearms, please come forward and assist us in our efforts to combat crime and ensure a safer Sint Maarten for all.

SUR detectives urge anyone with information about these or any other robberies to contact KPSM at +1721 542 2222 ext. 204 or 205 or the anonymous tip line on 9300.
You can also leave a private message via the Facebook page: Police Force of Sint Maarten –
Korps Politie Sint Maarten) if you know or suspect something.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- With the Caribbean region as a prime target to invigorate St. Maarten's year-round tourism market share, the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), represented by its Caribbean Marketing Agent IMBRACE, embarked on a series of sales calls at the end of March. The focus included select South and Eastern Caribbean islands with initial partnership-building visits to Trinidad, Barbados, and Antigua.

These sales calls incorporated a series of productive meetings and presentations to travel agencies, the media, event promoters, and airlines to explore cross-promotional partnerships strategically forged towards driving increased awareness and appeal of St. Maarten as a key tourism destination. "The goal is to elevate the promotion of our island throughout the wider Caribbean region. We aim to redefine the narrative surrounding St. Maarten, shifting the focus from solely being a connecting hub to showcasing the diverse, multicultural vacation experiences that we have to offer, including entertainment, culture, gastronomy, adventurous excursions, nature, nightlife, outstanding accommodations available, high-quality hospitality services and more. These all form a vital component of the 'Sweet SXM Experience' that we are promoting," shared Jacqueline Louis, CEO IMBRACE.

"We are knocking on doors, breaking down walls, and actively paving the way into the Caribbean region. These efforts are essential to keep the island at the top of mind for inbound tourism," shared Louis. "We were received with a warm welcome among our Caribbean brothers and sisters. Several travel agencies, including Amrals Travel Agencies in Trinidad, Going Places Travel Agencies in Barbados, and many others are among those who have agreed to develop promotional packages that include offers to our dual-nation island paradise."

Additionally, discussions were held to explore affordable rates, direct connections, and cooperative campaigns, particularly for major events such as the SMART conference, St. Maarten Carnival, St. Maarten culinary month and other local festivities.

During radio interviews and other media presentations, the enthusiasm was invigorating as IMBRACE promoted the destination with passion, while launching a Caribbean-wide campaign to enter and get a chance to 'Win an all-inclusive vacation to Sweet St. Maarten!'

"IMBRACE's Caribbean tourism marketing initiatives are focused on building collaborative bridges where there were once competitive barriers. Connecting our shared historical, regional and family bonds will help stimulate increased affinity, awareness and thereby, also grow the tourism appeal of our Sweet St. Maarten," shared Jacqueline Louis.

These efforts will be continuous as IMBRACE remains dedicated to strategically implementing various campaigns as part of the comprehensive Caribbean marketing program.

Local hospitality providers, including hotels, restaurants, car rentals, activity/tour companies and all stakeholders are encouraged to participate in STB's Caribbean marketing efforts by sharing their products and regional promotions for inclusion in the ongoing destination marketing efforts.