PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The third named storm Chantal formed last weekend and brought heavy rain showers to the U.S. states of South and North Carolina. This is a reminder that hurricane season is here and is in full swing.

Households and livestock owners are therefore reminded to also plan for their pets and cattle/goats for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season, the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) said on Thursday.  

ODM adds, if you leave your pets behind, they could get injured or lost; therefore, you should have a storm-ready ‘pet/livestock plan’ in place to keep your pet happy and comfortable. Pets are an important member of a household. 

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Be prepared by having a ‘pet/livestock plan!’ 

Some aspects of your pet/livestock plan should entail, firstly, that a pet/livestock should never be chained outdoors during the passing of a storm/hurricane. Hurricane shelters cannot accept pets/livestock.

  If you plan to leave your home before a hurricane strikes and are not able to take your pets with you, you should put your pet (s) in the safest room and leave adequate water and food for several days.

If you do not want to leave your pet home alone, make alternative arrangements with family or friends, and check with your veterinarian/animal hospital.

Your pet plan and basic survival kit should have the following: food for a minimum of seven days or more; water for seven days or more; medicines/medical record; registration/vaccination documents.

A pet first aid kit (cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape, and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves; and cleaning alcohol for a wound).

Collar or harness with an ID tag and a leash; a crate or pet carrier (e.g., for a cat) in case you need to evacuate your home.

Sanitation: Depending on the type of pet you have, make sure you have sufficient litter, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach.

Regarding livestock, ODM is urging livestock owners to review their plans for securing their livestock in the event of a hurricane strike.

Livestock owners should ensure that their animal holding areas and other infrastructure can withstand a hurricane strike.  Any loose material that is currently not in use should be securely fastened in order to avoid damage to property and endangering human lives during the passing of a hurricane.

The following tips should be taken into consideration: Don’t keep your cattle in a barn or stable structure.  This is to prevent injury from flying debris.  If the barn/stable collapses, cattle have no chance to save themselves.  Relocate livestock to a predetermined safe area and ensure that they have access to hay, pasture, clean water, and a safe area or high ground above flood levels.

If you have chicken cages, these should be reinforced.  Medical supplies and a first aid kit should be kept on hand. 

Store drinking water for a number of days.  Also, have an adequate supply of feed.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.

Listen to the Government Radio station SXMGOV – 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during, and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Department (KPSM) is issuing an urgent appeal to the owners of scooters and motorcycles that have been

impounded due to various infractions, including lack of proper documentation, expired road tax, or absence of valid insurance.

Over the past months, KPSM has intensified its efforts to ensure road safety and compliance with traffic regulations across the island. As a result, a significant number of two-wheeled vehicles have been confiscated and are currently being held at the police impound lot.

Owners are hereby allowed to reclaim their vehicles by presenting the necessary and valid documentation. Failure to do so before July 31^st, 2025, will result in the

Permanent destruction of the impounded scooters and motorcycles.

To reclaim your impounded scooter or motorcycle, owners MUST present the following original and valid documents:

1. Proof of Ownership
2. Valid category A driver’s license (if being ridden from the pound yard)

3. Valid Insurance Policy

4. Valid Road Tax

5. Valid Vehicle Inspection document

Owners are urged to visit the Philipsburg Police Station during regular business hours to inquire

about their impounded scooter or motorcycle and to initiate the retrieval process. Please bring all required documents with you. The Sint Maarten Police Department remains committed to ensuring a safe and compliant road network for all residents and visitors.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has become aware of a video circulating widely on social media platforms depicting a jewelry store robbery. This video has raised concerns among residents and visitors, prompting inquiries from the KPSM regarding its authenticity and location.

The Sint Maarten Police Force informs the public that the robbery depicted in the circulating video did not occur on Sint Maarten. Upon receiving numerous reports and reviewing the footage, KPSM immediately launched an assessment. Our preliminary findings confirm that the incident depicted in the video occurred in another jurisdiction and is not related to any events that have transpired on the Dutch side of the island. Given the recent nature of a robbery, the Detective Department is actively investigating to identify and apprehend the individuals involved.

The KPSM urges the public to exercise caution and verify information before sharing content on social media. The rapid spread of unverified information can lead to unnecessary panic and misinformation within the community.

We understand the public's concern for safety and security, and we want to reassure the community that the KPSM remains vigilant and committed to maintaining law and order on Sint Maarten. Our officers are continuously working to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors.

The Sint Maarten Police Force encourages anyone with information regarding criminal activities to come forward and report it directly to the police via our emergency number 911, our non-emergency line at +1 721-542-2222, or the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During the January 2025 budget debate, Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes brought urgent attention to the growing housing challenges faced by Sint Maarten students studying in the Netherlands. Recognizing the increasing reports of students struggling to secure accommodation, especially in university cities, MP Lacroes posed key questions to the Government regarding its role and responsibility in addressing this ongoing issue. MP Lacroes highlighted the need for a structured response involving the St. Maarten House in The Hague.

He emphasized that this office, as the primary extension of the Government in the Netherlands, should play a pivotal role in student guidance, housing support, and preparing those leaving the island to study. He emphasized that the St. Maarten House is uniquely positioned to offer not only logistical assistance but also to act as a liaison with reputable housing organizations. In response, the Minister of Finance acknowledged the severity of the issue and expressed her willingness to support a formal plan if one is presented.

While this openness is encouraging, MP Lacroes emphasized that there must be follow-through: “Acknowledging the problem is a first step, but real, tangible solutions must follow it.” Lacroes noted that legislation currently does not provide a framework for the Government of Sint Maarten to secure housing for recipients of study financing directly. He urged that this gap be addressed, either through legislative amendment or the establishment of formal agreements with housing entities in the Netherlands, or even purchasing buildings under the St. Maarten house. “Other Dutch Caribbean countries have taken this step,” he remarked. “Why haven’t we?”

Furthermore, MP Lacroes expressed concern about the lack of coordinated preparation for students before their departure and the absence of a centralized database that tracks students and returning professionals, something he believes is critical for long-term development planning and nation-building. “I strongly believe that securing stable housing for our students, especially during their first years abroad, is not just a matter of comfort; it’s a matter of ensuring they succeed,” Lacroes stated. “This is a national responsibility, and we must act accordingly.” We understood that the Ministry is in the final stages of arranging discussions with a major student housing provider in the Netherlands. MP Lacroes welcomes this development but calls on all relevant ministries to collaborate and ensure this effort is not another missed opportunity. He concluded by calling for patience from parents and students while the Government explores viable solutions, but he also underscored the need for urgency: “Time is of the essence. Every academic year that passes without action is another cohort of students left behind.”