St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Government Strengthens Cybersecurity with New Digital Protection System.

~New technology defends against cyber threats, safeguards public data, and ensures more secure and reliable IT services for all citizens.~

comdigiprotection17102025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government has taken a major step forward in protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure by installing an advanced firewall system under the Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP). This new technology significantly enhances the government’s ability to defend against cyber threats, safeguard public data, and ensure more secure and reliable IT services for all citizens. Prime Minister, the Honorable PM Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, emphasized the importance of this milestone for national digital security.

“This upgrade comes at a pivotal time,” said PM Dr. Mercelina. “Over the past few years, several institutions on our island have faced cyberattacks, including ransomware incidents that raised serious concerns about the safety of sensitive information. Today, we are acting decisively to protect our digital future. Every improvement to our systems strengthens the public’s trust in government. It ensures that citizens can access essential services safely, efficiently, and confidently. This investment is more than an upgrade; it’s a transformation that positions Sint Maarten firmly in the digital age.”

The new firewall consists of two (2) physical Next-Generation Firewall devices. These hardware devices are designed to detect and block unauthorized access and prevent cyberattacks before they can affect government systems. The newly implemented Next-Generation Firewall devices are some of the world’s most widely used firewall technologies and are known for protecting sensitive information and securing complex networks. The new firewalls are part of a larger effort to replace outdated technology, reduce cybersecurity risks, and build a more connected and efficient public service. It also strengthens the government's ability to continue operations during disasters or disruptions and support the development of future digital services, such as electronic IDs and data exchange.

This investment is a key milestone in Sint Maarten's journey toward a safer, more modern digital government, one that citizens can trust and rely on. DGTP is led by the Government’s Digital Leadership Team (DLT), tasked with advancing digital reform across ministries. The project is implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is funded through a $12 million grant from the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank.

VROMI Takes Mitigation Action Against Flooding Caused by Rising Fresh Pond Levels.

vromi17102025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has taken proactive measures to mitigate flooding across the community following recent heavy rainfall.

Due to the rising water levels of the Freshwater Pond, VROMI has initiated controlled spillover into the Great Salt Pond. This measure helps to balance the water levels between both ponds and reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding areas.

Simultaneously, the Great Bay Channel is being opened to allow for the regulated release of excess water into the sea. This combined effort is part of the Ministry’s ongoing water management strategy to safeguard residents, property, and public infrastructure during periods of intense rainfall.

The Ministry urges the public to exercise caution when traversing flood-prone areas.

VROMI teams remain on alert and will continue to monitor and manage water levels as part of ongoing flood prevention efforts.

Traffic Accident on A.J.C. Brouwers Road – Multiple Injuries Reported.

accident17102025 PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, October 16, 2025, at approximately 20:00, the Central Police Dispatch of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) received multiple calls regarding a traffic accident on A.J.C. Brouwers Road, about 100 meters past the Churchill Roundabout. Reports indicated a pedestrian had been struck by a scooter near the first bus stop on Brouwers Road.

Police officers and ambulance personnel arrived on the scene and encountered a male pedestrian suffering from serious injuries. Officers also found another victim, later identified as the scooter passenger. The scooter rider attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by an officer near the insurance company. He sustained injuries to his face and, together with the scooter passenger, was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for medical treatment.

The Traffic Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. KPSM emphasizes its ongoing efforts to address scooter riders’ behavior on the roads to ensure the safety of all road users.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed this accident to contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-222

KPSM Press Release.

Stabbing Incident on Bush Road – Suspect Arrested.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, October 17, 2025, at approximately 08:20, the Central Police Dispatch of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) received multiple calls reporting a male victim suffering from stab wounds near a supermarket on Bush Road.

Police officers and ambulance personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they encountered the victim. First aid was administered on-site, and the victim was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) in serious condition.

Shortly thereafter, officers received information indicating the suspect was in the area of the Critic-Field. A patrol unit located and arrested the suspect, who was subsequently brought to the police station and is currently being held for questioning.

Both the victim and the suspect are known to authorities and may be dealing with mental health issues and other social challenges. KPSM calls on relevant social partners to collaborate in addressing these underlying social problems to prevent future incidents.

Detectives of KPSM are investigating this incident. The Police Force is urging anyone who may have information about this incident to contact the KPSM Detectives via +1 (721) 542-2222, or the anonymous tip line at 9300, or visit the Philipsburg Police Station to provide information in person.

KPSM Press Release.

Mental Health Crisis Deepens: Two Patients in Violent Altercation on Bush Road.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The growing mental health crisis on Sint Maarten was brought into sharp focus this morning when two mental health patients were involved in a violent altercation on Bush Road. According to police reports, the confrontation escalated quickly, resulting in one patient being stabbed. The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) confirmed that the injured individual was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center for treatment, while the other was arrested on the scene.

Authorities have described the incident as yet another example of the urgent need for greater support and intervention in mental health care across the island.

“This situation highlights the critical gaps in our mental health system,” a KPSM spokesperson stated. “We continue to encounter similar cases where individuals with severe mental health issues are left unsupervised or without proper treatment. The police are not equipped to handle these types of cases, yet we are often the first responders.”

The incident underscores long-standing concerns about the state of mental health care in Sint Maarten, particularly the limited resources available to the Mental Health Foundation and the lack of structured government programs to support patients in crisis. Social workers and advocates have repeatedly called for comprehensive mental health policies, including better access to medication, rehabilitation programs, and community-based support systems.

Residents along Bush Road expressed shock but not surprise at the morning’s events, saying that encounters involving mentally ill individuals have become more frequent. “We see them walking around every day,” one shop owner said. “Sometimes they seem fine, but other times you can tell they need help. It’s sad because it feels like no one is taking responsibility.”

The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) has often been cited as the agency most responsible for addressing these social and health challenges. However, the KPSM believes that much more needs to be done at the government level to prevent such tragedies.

“We need more than just crisis response,” the police statement continued. “The Ministry of VSA must prioritize mental health by providing adequate funding, facilities, and trained professionals to assist those struggling with mental illness before situations turn violent.”

The recent fracas on Bush Road serves as a sobering reminder that mental health is not only a medical issue but also a social one — affecting families, neighborhoods, and public safety. Without significant intervention and sustained government support, Sint Maarten may continue to see preventable incidents that place both vulnerable individuals and the wider community at risk.