PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR) of Parliament will meet on January 13, 2026.
The Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 10.00hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents
2. Discussion on responses of the Government of the countries of the Kingdom to the unsolicited advice of the Council of State: "70 years of the Charter for the Kingdom: cooperation based on mutual understanding" (IS/244/2025-2026 dated October 29, 2025, IS/280/2025-2026 dated November 4, 2025)
3. Voorstel van rijkswet tot wijziging van de Belastingregeling Nederland Sint Maarten in verband met de implementatie van de uitkomsten van het Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project van de Organisatie voor Economische Samenwerking en Ontwikkeling alsmede enige overige wijzigingen (IS/256/2025-2026 dated October 30, 2025).
4. Preparations Tripartite and IPKO February 2026

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG:-- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a break-in at a jewelry store located on Front Street, which most likely occurred during the nighttime hours.
At approximately 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026, Central Dispatch received a report of a burglary. Preliminary investigations indicate that unknown suspect(s) unlawfully gained access to the jewelry store during the night and left the premises with an unknown amount of jewelry.

Police patrols were dispatched to the location, and detectives, along with forensic personnel, are currently on scene conducting further investigations and collecting evidence.
KPSM continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Anyone with information related to this break-in is encouraged to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten or provide tips via the tipline 9300.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Cervical cancer is a preventable cancer. Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina.

It is almost exclusively caused by long-lasting infection with high-risk types of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), an extremely common virus transmitted through sexual contact.

While the body’s immune system typically clears HPV infections on its own, persistent infections can cause cervical cells to undergo abnormal changes over many years, eventually leading to the formation of a tumor.

This disease primarily impacts women and individuals with a cervix, most frequently those between the ages of 30 and 50, though the risk remains present throughout a person's life if they have not been vaccinated or screened regularly.
As part of its Annual Health Observances Calendar (HOC), the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) is profiling cervical health for the month of January.

The most effective preventive measures against cervical cancer are the HPV vaccine and regular clinical screenings. The HPV vaccine is highly effective at preventing the specific viral strains that cause the majority of cervical cancers and is most beneficial when administered during adolescence, before any exposure to the virus occurs.

For adults, regular screenings such as the Pap test (which looks for precancerous cell changes) and the HPV test (which looks for the virus itself) are essential for early detection.

When precancerous changes are found early, they can be treated before they ever develop into cancer.

Additionally, practicing safe sex and avoiding smoking—which can weaken the immune system's ability to fight HPV—further reduce the risk of developing the disease.

CPS advises women who need additional information to contact their physician.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Tax Administration on Monday, January 12, 2026, marked an important milestone with the official swearing-in of Mr. Ashwin Straker as Tax Marshal within the Receivers Department during a formal ceremony held at the Courthouse.

The oath of office was administered in the presence of judicial officials and colleagues, symbolizing Mr. Straker’s formal assumption of the duties and responsibilities of the role. As Tax Marshal, Mr. Straker will play a critical role in enforcing tax collection, including serving summons, placing liens when required, gathering information from stakeholders, assisting with collections, and executing auctions if necessary.

The appointment reflects the Tax Administration’s continued commitment to strengthening its enforcement framework and promoting accountability, transparency, and fairness in revenue collection.

The Tax Administration extends congratulations to Tax Marshal Ashwin Straker and wishes him success as he carries out his duties in service to the country.