PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, December 20, 2025, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), in collaboration with various law enforcement partners, conducted a large-scale multi-agency control operation at the four borders of Sint Maarten. The operation took place between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM and was carried out in close cooperation with Customs, the Immigration Service, the Sint Maarten Volunteer Corps (VKS), Marines, and the Gendarmerie.

Objective of the Operation

The objective of this joint operation was to strengthen border control and enforcement at Sint Maarten's borders and on its roads. By combining the expertise and capacity of all involved agencies, a wide range of controls could be executed, ranging from vehicle and document checks to targeted security measures.

Execution

During the two-hour operation, several checkpoints were established at strategic locations. The KPSM, Customs, and the Immigration Service were responsible for border and document controls. The VKS and Marines monitored the outer perimeter and provided additional support where necessary, including assistance with vehicle searches.

Results

The control operation is considered successful by all involved parties. Clear positive effects were evident at both the operational and societal levels. The following results were gathered :

• 471 vehicles were inspected
• The Immigration Service checked 270 persons for documentation
• 7 buses with a total of 59 passengers were inspected
• 3 scooters were impounded
• 2 vehicles were seized due to the inability to present valid documents
• 4 persons were arrested on-site by the Immigration Service for failure to present valid residence documents; three of them were released after family members presented valid documents
• 65 persons were searched by the police
• Customs searched 40 vehicles
• 1 arrest was made by the police for violation of the Opium Ordinance.

KPSM emphasizes the importance of such multi-agency control operations for the safety and law enforcement in Sint Maarten. The cooperation between the various law enforcement partners was excellent and contributed to a safer Sint Maarten for all residents and visitors.

These types of controls will continue in the future, particularly during the busy Christmas and New Year's period. The KPSM, together with its partners, remains committed to conducting similar operations to ensure safety and enforcement on the island.

KPSM Press Release.

CAPE  BAY:--- The Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten carried out its 26th Cay Bay food relief distribution on December 14, 2025, marking two years and two months of uninterrupted monthly assistance to the community and concluding its Cay Bay relief efforts for the year.

The distribution was supported by 16 volunteers, including one Commissioner, five Training Commissioners, three Tzu Chi volunteers, and seven community volunteers, reflecting continued collaboration and community involvement. During the activity, 90 families received essential food items consisting of a 22-pound bag of rice, one liter bottle of cooking oil, two packs of pasta, two packs of dry peas, and Christmas butter cookies.

Although many recipients are often reserved about sharing their personal circumstances, several spoke about the impact of the assistance, noting that even a small amount of food can make a meaningful difference, particularly for families with children. One young Haitian mother explained that the monthly food support helps her children and eases her worries, especially at the end of the month when rent is due, and she described the emotional stress of struggling to meet rental payments while expressing gratitude for the consistent support. Another recipient shared that many families in the Cay Bay area live in extreme poverty and explained that he regularly collects food on behalf of a neighbor who is unable to leave his home due to health conditions. An elderly recipient expressed sincere appreciation, stating that he is very thankful that Tzu Chi volunteers continue to bring food every month and that the community truly values this care.

Other recipients shared that life in Cay Bay is difficult for many residents, with some affected by unemployment and others by low incomes that make it hard to pay utility bills. Seniors face challenges related to low pensions and illness, while many parents worry daily about being able to provide their children with their next meal. Despite these hardships, recipients contributed Bamboo Bank donations totaling US $125.80, reflecting gratitude and a spirit of giving back.

Throughout 2025, Tzu Chi St. Maarten provided sustained monthly assistance to the Cay Bay community, distributing a total of 1,355 bags of rice, 1,355 bottles of cooking oil, 1,859 packs of pasta, 1,859 packs of dry peas, and 90 Christmas cookie packages. Over the course of the year, 193 volunteers were involved, 1,364 families benefited from the programe, and a total of 4,092 family members were supported.

As the final Cay Bay relief distribution of 2025, many recipients expressed hope that Tzu Chi will be able to continue supporting the community in 2026. The Tzu Chi team reflected on the ongoing needs in Cay Bay and stated that it remains committed to carefully evaluating how best to continue providing compassionate and meaningful assistance in the coming year.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Under the banner Live Love Smile 2025, the staff of The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) once again stepped outside the walls of banking and into the heart of the community during the weekend of December 5–7. With colour, care, and compassion, WIB employees united to deliver eight impactful community projects that touched the lives of children, seniors,  vulnerable youth, and families across St. Maarten.

 Live Love Smile has long been a signature initiative of the MCB Group—celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025. What began two decades ago as a way to spread kindness during the holiday season has evolved into a powerful expression of purpose and partnership across the Dutch Caribbean. This year, WIB proudly carried that legacy forward in St. Maarten with meaningful projects rooted in compassion, inclusion, and connection. “This initiative is more than a moment of giving—it’s about showing up for our community with heart,” said Mrs. Daisy Tyrol-Carolus, Country Manager of WIB. “From painting murals to planting herbs, every project reflects the values of compassion, partnership, and progress that define who we are as a bank.”

Project Highlights

Brighten the Future
WIB volunteers revitalized the student hangout area at Sint Maarten Academy Business Vocational School with bold, uniform-inspired colours and a new Live Love Smile mural, offering over 200 students a vibrant, welcoming space to gather each day.

Growing Together
At the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation, seniors and WIB staff bonded over a mini gardening activity—decorating pots, planting herbs, and creating lasting connections while enjoying festive steel pan music.

Healthy Habits, Happy Kids
67 students at Sister Borgia Primary School enjoyed a “Build Your Own Parfait” breakfast activity, where WIB staff encouraged healthy eating through fun, interactive nutrition lessons.

Family Fun Day for Seniors
WIB organized a joyful celebration for seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s, including music, games, lunch, and educational talks. Caregivers and residents alike shared smiles and meaningful moments.

Blessing Bags
‘Blessing Bags’ filled with daily essentials and comfort items were packed and distributed by WIB teams to residents of Guided Living Home, Dr. J Foundation, and underserved individuals in targeted communities.

A Magical Christmas for Foundation Judicial & Institutional Services
WIB hosted a festive Santa party for 75 foster care children, complete with games, holiday treats, and a visit from Santa Claus bearing gifts—bringing joy and unforgettable memories to young hearts.

Lighting Up Simpson Bay
In the spirit of unity and sustainability, WIB staff and community members lit up Simpson Bay with solar-powered Christmas lights and reusable decorations, sharing cheer while promoting environmental awareness.

Dream Builders at UJIMA Home
Volunteers supported vulnerable youth with practical yard clean-up, spouting repairs, and a vision board workshop that encouraged them to dream big and build a brighter future.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten has vindicated the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) in summary proceedings brought by residents of Jordan Road #12 in Cupecoy, dismissing all claims against the Minister and the Country of Sint Maarten. The judgment confirms that VROMI acted appropriately in issuing permits for the West Vue construction project and that the access road dispute is a private contractual matter.
In a decisive ruling, the Judge rejected the plaintiffs' attempts to use civil proceedings to challenge administrative decisions already subject to proper legal review. The court declared the plaintiffs inadmissible in their claims related to alleged safety risks arising from civil works permits, affirming that administrative law procedures—not the civil courts—are the appropriate venue for such challenges.
The court's judgment validates VROMI's position on multiple fronts:

• Permits Properly Issued: The court confirmed that the building permit and three civil works permits issued by VROMI were granted following proper procedures, including technical inspections, expert opinions, and opportunities for public input
• Administrative Process Respected: The court ruled that the civil route was inappropriate, given that administrative law options remain available and are being utilized by the plaintiffs
• No Ministerial Liability: All claims against the Minister for imposing a construction freeze or revoking permits were rejected.
• Clear Jurisdictional Boundaries: The court emphasized the importance of maintaining proper separation between administrative and civil court functions
The court ruled unequivocally that the access road issue stems from a January 2025 settlement agreement between the plaintiffs and NLGY Development—a purely private law matter in which VROMI has no obligations or powers. The Minister cannot impose a construction stop to enforce private contractual disputes between neighboring property owners.

As the court stated:  "Even if the claimants' argument is correct that the emergency services cannot reach their homes, the Minister cannot take action against this with a construction stop."
While the plaintiffs submitted an expert report claiming inadequate geotechnical investigation, the proceedings revealed that NLGY had, in fact, conducted an extensive geotechnical engineering study by Schnabel Engineering in August 2023—before VROMI issued the civil works permits. The court found the plaintiff's expert had worked with incomplete information and that VROMI's technical review process was sound.
"This judgment confirms what we have maintained throughout: VROMI followed all proper procedures in reviewing and issuing permits for the West Vue project," stated the Minister. "Our technical staff conducted thorough reviews and provided appropriate opportunities for public participation. The court has correctly recognized that private disputes between neighbors cannot be resolved through misuse of administrative enforcement powers."