PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is investigating a serious traffic incident that occurred on January 30th, 2026, on A.Th. Illidge Road, near the entrance of the Madame Estate Shopping Center.

At approximately 04.30 PM, Central Dispatch received several reports of a traffic accident at the mentioned location. Police patrols, Traffic Department personnel, and ambulance services were immediately dispatched.

Upon arrival, officers encountered a collision involving two vehicles.

According to information obtained from bystanders, a white SUV, traveling in the direction of the Middle Region, suddenly swerved to the left side of the road and collided with a green pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction. The damage sustained by both vehicles was not extensive.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the white SUV may have suffered a medical emergency, which likely contributed to the accident.

Ambulance personnel attempted to render medical assistance at the scene; however, it was later confirmed that the male driver of the SUV had passed away.

The Traffic Department is currently conducting further investigations into this incident.

PHILIPSBURG:---   The Honorable Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, has addressed recent claims regarding the taxation of Justice personnel, clarifying that an extraordinary tax is not applied to regular monthly salaries. Instead, an extraordinary tax applies solely to extraordinary income components such as vacation allowance, gratifications, bonuses, and other one-time payments.
The Minister’s clarification follows a recent article published by a Member of Parliament in which concerns were raised regarding the taxation of Justice personnel. While the concerns are understood, the information presented in the article was not entirely accurate and requires correction to avoid misunderstanding among employees and the wider public.
Minister Gumbs explained that the issue originated from a lump-sum payment made in 2024, which temporarily placed some Justice employees in the highest extraordinary tax bracket of 47.5 percent. In 2025, this exceptional situation was not followed by a manual adjustment of the extraordinary tax bracket. As a result, the 2025 extraordinary earnings for some individuals were taxed at the higher extraordinary rate. This does not mean that regular monthly salaries were taxed at 47.5 percent, as regular salaries are taxed in accordance with the applicable income tax brackets.
It is important to clarify that for Justice personnel, overtime, bereikbaarheid (on-call allowances), and diverse toelagen are not considered extraordinary income. These components are regarded as monthly recurring income and are therefore subject to regular wage taxation, just like the regular monthly salary.
Minister Gumbs further emphasized that this situation is case-specific as it does not apply to all individuals. Some individuals also received a lump-sum payment in 2025, which may have made applying the higher extraordinary tax bracket correct for them.
In addition, the Minister clarified that the percentage shown on a payslip relates only to the taxation of extra earnings. This percentage does not apply to regular monthly salary and should not be interpreted as the tax rate on normal wages.
According to the Minister, the 2025 fiscal year has now been officially closed and cannot be administratively reopened. Employees who file their 2025 income tax returns will receive any applicable refunds through the regular assessment process, provided there are no outstanding tax obligations.
To prevent a recurrence for those who received a lump sum in 2025, the Minister confirmed that the matter has been addressed with the Wages and Salaries Department. Specific emphasis has been placed on ensuring that extraordinary tax brackets are manually adjusted where necessary, going forward in 2026. The issue has also been discussed with the relevant labor unions as part of ongoing engagement, and actual payslips were requested and reviewed. The Minister thanks the union for its constructive cooperation throughout this process. In the months leading up to the payment of vacation allowance, the Wages and Salaries Department will ensure that the required manual adjustments are made. While the payroll system generally adjusts brackets automatically, the uncommon and irregular nature of lump-sum repayments to Justice personnel contributed to this situation.
“Our Justice personnel are frontline officers, the hardworking men and women in blue who serve and protect our community daily, often under difficult circumstances. Their concerns deserve to be heard, taken seriously, and addressed within the boundaries of the law,” Minister Gumbs stated.
The Minister also addressed claims suggesting that regular monthly salaries were unlawfully taxed at the highest rate, describing such assertions as inaccurate. She stressed the importance of accuracy and responsibility in public discourse on fiscal matters, noting that payroll calculations are complex for some. Publicly sharing unverified information without reviewing even a single payslip can lead to misinformation and unrealistic expectations among Justice personnel.
In closing, Minister Gumbs reaffirmed her commitment to accuracy, fairness, and transparency in public finance, and to the continuous improvement of administrative processes to ensure they function correctly for all civil servants.
The Minister also reminds the public and all civil servants that every last Friday of the month is ‘Finance Friday’ during which walk-in consultations will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Individuals with questions or uncertainties are encouraged to attend, no appointment is required. Additionally, during Financial Literacy Month, two sessions on understanding payslips was conducted by the Minister of Finance. She strongly encourages participation in such sessions, emphasizing that understanding one’s payslip is essential.

PHILIPSBURG:---Orco Bank is proud and honored to announce that it has been named #2 Best Bank on Sint Maarten, a recognition made possible through the support and votes of its valued customers and the wider community.
This achievement reflects the trust placed in Orco Bank and reinforces its commitment to providing reliable financial solutions, excellent customer service, and a strong connection to the people of Sint Maarten.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who voted for us,” said Judy King – Richardson, Country Manager for Orco Bank in Sint Maarten. “Being recognized as the #2 Best Bank on the island is not just an award, it is a responsibility. It motivates us to continue raising the bar and serving our community with integrity, professionalism, and care.”
Orco Bank extends sincere thanks to its customers for their continued loyalty and confidence. The bank remains focused on supporting personal and business growth across Sint Maarten while contributing positively to the island’s economic and social development.
Orco Bank. Proud to Serve Sint Maarten.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Lions Club had the distinct honor of welcoming District Governor 60B, Lion Judy King PMJF, during her recent official visit to the island. This visit marked the final stop of her Region 2 tour and was both meaningful and impactful for Lions and Leos alike.

Upon her arrival, District Governor Lion King was afforded the opportunity to meet with the leaders of this country: Prime Minister Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina and President of Parliament, Honorable Mrs. Sarah Wescott Williams. These meetings provided an informative discussion on St. Maarten, the role of government in serving its people, and appreciation for the vital contributions of the Sint Maarten Lions Club to the community.

Accompanied by Lion President Alvin Prescod, Lion Linette A Gibs MJF (Zone Chair, 2B), PDG Lion Maxime Larmonie PMJF, and Lion Alphons Gumbs, District Governor Lion Judy King PMJF enjoyed a mini-island tour. Highlights included visits to the Lions adopted Roundabout and the beautifully maintained Lions Club bus stop and Mural in the St. Peter's area, both of which are proud community landmarks.

District Governor Lion King also joined the Lion President and Zone Chair on PJD2-102.7 FM for an interview with Wendell Moore, during which she shared insights into her journey in Lionism and the mission of Lions Clubs with the wider community. The day continued with a friendly luncheon shared with Lion President Prescod, members of the club, and special guests, from our French Lions Family, 1st Vice District Governor District 63, Lion Sandra Fleming, and President of the Lions Club of Fort Louis, Lion Jean Phillippe Richardson.

The visit concluded with a lively, educational, and informative meeting with members of the Leo Alpha and Omega Clubs, followed by a meeting with the Sint Maarten Lions Club's general membership, where experiences were shared, club projects discussed, and valuable advice offered. Members were acknowledged, gifts were exchanged, and the evening ended on a joyful and inspiring note.

District Governor Lion Judy King PMJF expressed her sincere appreciation and gratitude for the warm hospitality and excellent organization of her visit.

Lion President Alvin Prescod extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to making the District Governor’s visit so special. Special appreciation is extended to Baker’s Suite and Divi Little Bay for their exceptional accommodation and service, Wendell Moore for the radio airtime, Prime Minister Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina and President of Parliament Honorable Mrs. Sarah Wescott-Williams for their time and warm welcome, Denis Richardson for VIP transportation services, and the St. Maarten Police Force for their support.

The Lions Club of St. Maarten remains committed to serving the community and strengthening Lionism throughout the island.