PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), in close consultation with the Prosecutor’s Office, hereby informs the public of strengthened enforcement measures specifically targeting public safety and order in and around the Festival Village area.
In recent days, KPSM has observed a concerning increase in fighting and group violence occurring during and after events at the Festival Village and surrounding streets.
These incidents have placed members of the public at risk, disrupted public order, and negatively impacted the safe enjoyment of organized events.
In response, immediate and stricter measures will now be enforced:
• The current fine for fighting, previously set at US $105, will be increased by 40%, resulting in a new fine of US $147. This increase is intended to strengthen deterrence and reflect the seriousness of such conduct in public event areas.
• In all incidents involving group fights or public violence within the Festival Village and surrounding areas, KPSM will take immediate action.
All identified suspects will be arrested, detained, and processed in accordance with legal procedures

KPSM will maintain a police presence, including proactive patrols around the Festival Village during event periods to prevent escalation and restore order where necessary.

KPSM strongly urges all visitors, patrons, and members of the public to conduct themselves responsibly. The Festival Village is intended to be a safe entertainment environment, and violent or disorderly behavior will be met with firm enforcement action.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten remains committed to ensuring public safety and maintaining order in all entertainment and public gathering areas.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is advising the public—particularly adults, parents, and guardians—to be mindful of the risks associated with exposure to loud music during Carnival 2026 activities.

CPS emphasizes that prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause hearing damage, especially in young children, and calls on families to take the necessary precautions to protect their hearing.

With Carnival festivities well underway, several major events featuring music trucks and amplified sound systems are scheduled in the coming weeks.
These include the Junior Carnival Parade on Sunday, April 19, the Jouvert Morning Jump-Up on Monday, April 27, the Grand Carnival Parade on Thursday, April 30, and the Labour Day Lighted Parade on Friday, May 1.

CPS is encouraging the public to be cautious when attending these events, particularly by avoiding standing in close proximity to speakers on sound trucks.

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), and higher decibel levels indicate louder and more potentially harmful sounds. Exposure to excessive noise, even for short periods, can have adverse effects on hearing.

In children, environmental noise exposure has also been linked to stress responses, reduced well-being, and increased levels of hormones such as adrenaline. Repeated or prolonged exposure to loud sounds can result in permanent and irreversible hearing damage.

Hearing loss can range from mild to profound and may affect one or both ears, making it difficult to hear normal conversation or loud sounds. CPS is therefore urging parents and guardians to closely monitor their children during Carnival activities and ensure they are not positioned near high-volume sound sources.

To reduce the risk of hearing damage, CPS recommends the use of child-sized hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs during noisy events.

Parents are also encouraged to limit the amount of time children spend in high-noise environments and to teach them to move away from loud sound sources when possible. Additionally, children who frequently participate in noisy activities should have their hearing checked regularly.

CPS encourages the community to take a proactive approach to hearing health during the festive season. By taking simple preventive measures, families can enjoy Carnival 2026 while protecting the well-being of their children.

For more information, contact CPS at 542-1122, 542-1222, 542-1322, or 542-1570, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) hereby informs the general public that the first phase of the Inter-Insular Gun Amnesty Project officially concluded on Tuesday, April 14th, 2026.

KPSM expresses its appreciation to all individuals who made use of this opportunity to voluntarily turn in illegal firearms. This cooperation directly enhances the safety and security of our community.

As of now, KPSM will transition into the repressive phase of the project, operating under the theme:
“We Coming for It.”

During this phase, targeted searches and controls will be conducted at persons, homes, vehicles, and locations where information has been received indicating the possible presence of illegal firearms.

KPSM wishes to make it clear that strict enforcement will be applied. Individuals found in possession of illegal firearms during this phase will face serious legal consequences in accordance with the law.

The Police Force remains committed to reducing gun violence and ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors of Sint Maarten.

KPSM urges the public to continue cooperating and to report any information related to illegal firearms. 172-5422222 or the tip line at 9300

PHILIPSBURG:--- A regional initiative led by the Coral Restoration Consortium is underway to develop a Caribbean Coral Emergency Response Plan, aimed at improving how the region prepares for and responds to coral reef emergencies.
The work for the Caribbean is being led by Tadzio Bervoets of Sint Maarten, who is serving as the regional researcher supporting the development of the plan. The project brings together partners including CORDAP and the KAUST Coral Reef Initiative.
Coral reefs across the Caribbean are under serious pressure. Rising ocean temperatures are causing frequent bleaching events, while disease outbreaks continue to damage coral populations. Hurricanes, ship groundings, pollution, and coastal development are adding further stress. Some of the region’s most important coral species are now at risk of extinction.

The goal of the project is to create a practical, regional system that helps countries and organizations respond more quickly and consistently when reefs are impacted. The plan examines how emergencies are currently handled and seeks to improve coordination, decision-making, and response actions across the region.
It will include clear steps for moving from detecting a problem to taking action, along with guidance on when to intervene and what actions to take. It also considers how to manage and preserve coral genetics, including how coral material can be shared responsibly between countries when needed.
“Across the Caribbean, responses to coral emergencies are still largely ad hoc,” said Tadzio Bervoets. “What we are developing is a framework that allows for faster, coordinated action when these events occur.”
The project is already underway, with research, stakeholder mapping, and protocol reviews in progress. Draft sections of the plan will be developed through consultations with regional partners, followed by technical review and final publication.

The Caribbean Coral Emergency Response Plan is being developed as a working tool for governments, conservation groups, and reef managers. It is intended to support real-time action and improve how the region responds to coral reef emergencies.
For the Caribbean, this is an important step. Coral reefs support fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. Improving the region's response to reef crises will be key to maintaining these systems in the face of increasing environmental pressures.