PHILIPSBURG:--- The community of St. Peter's and the wider Sint Maarten is grappling with profound grief and fear following the fatal police shooting of Mr. Rudy Benjamin. This tragic event has left a family without a loved one and a community shaken, raising urgent questions about the actions of law enforcement and the systems designed to protect citizens. In the wake of this loss, a unified call for transparency, accountability, and justice is growing louder.
Concerned citizens have formally addressed the Minister of Justice and other key officials, outlining the deep-seated anxieties that this incident has brought to the surface. This is not just a request for information; it is a demand for the fundamental principles of justice to be upheld. The community deserves clear, unambiguous answers about the circumstances that led to Mr. Benjamin’s death.
At the heart of the community's plea are several critical demands for a transparent and impartial process. Residents are asking for a full and independent investigation into the incident. This includes a detailed timeline of events, clarification on the legal justification for using lethal force, and an explanation of whether de-escalation tactics were attempted. Trust can only be rebuilt when the public is assured that every aspect of the operation is thoroughly and honestly examined.
Furthermore, the call for accountability extends to the procedures that followed the shooting. Questions about the immediate securing of the scene, the preservation of evidence, and the integrity of the forensic investigation are paramount. To ensure complete impartiality, citizens have requested that all involved officers be suspended from active duty while the investigation is pending—a standard practice to maintain the credibility of such a sensitive inquiry.
This incident also highlights Sint Maarten's obligations under international human rights standards, including the fundamental right to life. The UN provides clear principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement, emphasizing that they must be used only as a measure of last resort and governed by necessity and proportionality. An effective, independent investigation is not just a request; it is a requirement when a life is lost at the hands of state agents.
Given public concerns about transparency in official institutions, the demand for an external investigative body, separate from the police force, is a crucial step toward restoring public trust. The community is not seeking to undermine the police but to reinforce the rule of law that binds everyone equally. True justice ensures that those who enforce the law are also held accountable by it.
The path forward requires a genuine commitment from our authorities. It begins with clear and consistent communication about the steps being taken to investigate this tragedy. It involves protecting witnesses who come forward and ensuring that, if wrongdoing is found, there are meaningful consequences.
The family of Rudy Benjamin, his children, and the entire community of St. Peters deserve the truth. They deserve to see that justice is not just a concept but a reality for every citizen. We call upon the authorities to address these legitimate concerns with the seriousness and urgency they require. The time for answers is now. The time for justice is now.

Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company (PJIAE) hosted a special Seniors Movie Night on Friday evening, welcoming 60 elderly members of the Sint Maarten community for a screening of War Room in celebration of Valentine’s week.

In recognition of Valentine’s Day — a time dedicated to love, appreciation, and connection — PJIAE extended its celebration beyond travelers and staff to honor the island’s elderly community, ensuring they felt valued, welcomed, and celebrated. The airport proudly transformed its check-in hall into a warm cinema-style atmosphere, creating a memorable night out designed especially for the seniors who laid the foundation of Sint Maarten.

The seniors, representing the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation and the Sint Maarten Senior Citizens Recreational Foundation, were welcomed in the PJIAE check-in hall from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM for an evening dedicated to appreciation and connection. Bus transportation was arranged for invited guests to ensure their comfort and ease of attendance.

The initiative reflects PJIAE’s commitment to community engagement and social responsibility, honoring the invaluable contributions of the generation whose dedication, resilience, and hard work helped shape and build the island’s foundation. The organization emphasized the importance of continuing to recognize and care for Sint Maarten’s seniors, whose legacy remains deeply rooted in the island’s progress and identity. PJIAE reaffirmed that its doors will always remain open to the generation that helped build the community it proudly serves today.

Guests were welcomed by Cassie Schoutens, Corporate Communication Officer of PJIAE, alongside co-host Shudeiska Priest. In her opening remarks, Ms. Schoutens highlighted the importance of recognizing and appreciating the island’s senior community.
“As an airport, we are more than just planes and passengers; we are deeply connected to the community we serve. This evening is dedicated to honoring the generation whose hard work, resilience, and dedication helped shape Sint Maarten into what it is today. Because of them, we are where we are.”

Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed a shared dining experience featuring pasta courtesy of Domino’s Pizza, along with refreshments thoughtfully served by airport volunteers and staff who ensured each attendee felt welcomed and well cared for. A special highlight of the evening was the dedicated service of ushers Michael Ferrier, Marcel Gumbs, Connaly Conner, and Keith Franca, who provided attentive support to the seniors throughout the event, helping to create a warm, respectful, and dignified experience for all present.

Airport staff enthusiastically supported the initiative, expressing that serving the seniors who helped build St. Maarten was both an honor and a source of great pride. The evening reflected a meaningful exchange of appreciation and respect between staff and seniors, reinforcing the airport’s deep connection with the community and its people.

In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, each senior received a rose at the conclusion of the screening as a heartfelt token of appreciation and gratitude. PJIAE Chief Executive Officer Michael Cleaver expressed pride in the initiative, noting that paying tribute to the generation that helped build St. Maarten reflects the organization’s core values and its enduring commitment to community engagement.

The evening also received heartfelt appreciation from the senior community. Mr. Malcolm Cooper of the Senior Citizens Recreational Committee extended his sincere thanks to Mr. Cleaver, PJIAE, and the airport staff for organizing an enjoyable evening and expressed his anticipation for future initiatives that continue to support and celebrate Sint Maarten’s seniors.

Through initiatives such as Seniors Movie Night, Princess Juliana International Airport continues to reaffirm its role not only as a gateway to the world but as an active, caring, and dedicated partner within the Sint Maarten community, committed to honoring the past, serving the present, and building a stronger future together.

ST. PETERS:--- A cloud of anger, suspicion, and profound grief hangs over the community of St. Peters following the fatal police shooting of Rudy Benjamin on the evening of February 13, 2026. What the Prosecutor’s Office and KPSM describe as a confrontation with an armed man, residents and Members of Parliament are calling a disproportionate execution of a beloved, harmless civilian.

The official narrative is sparse and cold: officers responded to reports of a man walking with a firearm, an interaction ensued, and police discharged their weapons. But the community’s narrative is one of confusion and fury. Why was it necessary to fire six shots? Why was lethal force the first resort for a man known to the neighborhood not as a criminal, but as a "jolly," "hardworking" figure who "never troubled nobody"?

"We Need to See the Footage"

The demand for transparency has reached a fever pitch. In an era of ubiquitous surveillance, the public is refusing to accept vague press releases. At least one Member of Parliament has taken to social media, breaking ranks to demand the immediate release of camera footage. "We need to see the camera footage that led to the shooting and ultimate death of a civilian who was under the influence of alcohol," the MP stated, cutting through the bureaucratic silence.

Residents are echoing this demand, pointing out that St. Peter's is heavily monitored. "It has numerous cameras everywhere in St. Peters," one resident noted online. "Don’t matter what direction he came from, show the footage."

The skepticism is rooted in a deep-seated lack of trust. The burning question remains: Did the officers who responded—reportedly to a call about a man walking with a gun—arrive in a marked car? Did they announce themselves? Or did they escalate a situation involving an intoxicated man walking home into a firing squad?

A Community in Mourning and Disbelief

To the police, Rudy Benjamin was a suspect "reacting in an unusual manner." To the people of St. Peter's, he was a neighbor, a friend, and a human being.

"I knew this man from a child," wrote Farley R. Elshot, a former resident of Genip Road. "This man was a hardworking man who troubled nobody... I really want to know why shoot a man that has no criminal history or tendencies."

The sentiment is universal across social media platforms. "This makes no sense," wrote Sarita Barry. "Everyone agrees that he would never try to shoot a popo." Others described him as "humble," "good-hearted," and "always with his mom’s smile on his face."

The disconnect between the police's description of a dangerous threat and the community's memory of a peaceful man is stark. It suggests a failure of policing that goes beyond this single, incidental failure to recognize the humanity of the people they are sworn to protect.

KPSM Under Fire

The incident has ripped the scab off old wounds regarding police conduct in Sint Maarten. Critics argue that the KPSM operates with a "shoot first, ask questions later" mentality. "SXM police law is... when they wrong, they right," commented Craig Hughes, capturing the cynical resignation many feel toward local law enforcement. "They can't fix traffic... and now a killing."

Another resident, Spice Love Phillips Carty, pointed to a severe training deficiency: "Our officers need more training to handle situations because I am not accepting Rudy's own."

The official investigation by the National Detectives (Landsrecherche) is underway, with the Prosecutor’s Office promising objectivity. But for a community that has seen too many incidents swept under the rug, promises are cheap. The Minister of Justice has called for "dignity and restraint," but peace cannot exist without justice.

No More Silence

The shooting of Rudy Benjamin is not just a tragedy; it is a flashpoint. It has galvanized a community that is tired of burying its own under questionable circumstances. "Just hope this is not internet talks alone," wrote Michach Flanders. "Stand as a community. Could have been anyone."

As investigators gather evidence, the eyes of St. Peter's—and all of Sint Maarten—are watching. The authorities must provide more than condolences; they must provide the truth. If six shots were fired at a man who was merely walking home, intoxicated and confused, then this was not law enforcement. It was a failure of the highest order.

The community will not rest until they know why Rudy Benjamin had to die. And they will not be silenced until they see the footage.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Federation of Labour (WIFOL), once a beacon of hope for workers' rights in Sint Maarten, has devolved into a shadow of its former self under the questionable leadership of Theophilus Thompson. The recent eviction notice served on the Freegan Food Foundation, a vital community organization, has highlighted deep dysfunction and alleged mismanagement within WIFOL. This is not just a story of a union gone astray; it is a story of betrayal—betrayal of the workers, the community, and the very principles WIFOL was founded upon.

A Union Without Accountability

For over 30 years, WIFOL has failed to hold a congress or establish a functioning board, raising questions about its legitimacy. Theophilus Thompson, who continues to act as the self-proclaimed president, has not complied with government requests to submit the necessary documentation proving that WIFOL is an active and legitimate entity representing workers. Instead, Thompson has allegedly turned WIFOL into his personal fiefdom, renting out the organization’s main office and pocketing the rental income without transparency or accountability to the union’s members.

This blatant disregard for governance and accountability is not just a failure of leadership; it is an insult to the workers who entrusted WIFOL with their representation. The union, which was supposed to be a voice for the voiceless, has become a silent accomplice to its own demise.

The Freegan Food Foundation: A Community Lifeline Under Threat

The eviction of the Freegan Food Foundation from its headquarters is a direct consequence of WIFOL’s dysfunction. Freegan is not just a tenant; it is a lifeline for the community. From providing food to over 150 families each week to operating a thrift store that sustains its operations, Freegan embodies the spirit of community and resilience. Its programs, including FREEGAN Meals and family coaching, create dignity, connection, and hope for those in need.

Yet this vital organization now faces the threat of displacement due to the actions—or inactions—of a union leader who has failed to fulfill his responsibilities. The decision to evict Freegan is not just a blow to the organization; it is a blow to the entire community that relies on its services.

A Call for Justice and Reform

The situation with WIFOL and Theophilus Thompson is emblematic of a larger issue in Sint Maarten: the lack of accountability and governance in organizations that are supposed to serve the public good. It is high time for the government and the community to demand answers. Who owns the WIFOL building? Where is the revenue from its assets going? And why has Thompson been allowed to operate without oversight for so long?

The government must act decisively to investigate WIFOL’s operations and hold its leadership accountable. This includes ensuring that the union complies with legal requirements, establishes a functioning board, and provides transparency about its finances. The workers of Sint Maarten deserve a union that represents their interests, not one that exploits their trust.

A Community United

The Freegan Food Foundation’s plight has sparked outrage and solidarity within the community. Voices like Peggy-Ann Richardson and Maggie Hodge have questioned the legitimacy of Thompson’s actions and called for support to help Freegan find a new home. This is a moment for the community to come together, not just to support Freegan but to demand better from its institutions.

Sint Maarten cannot afford to let organizations like WIFOL operate in the shadows. The time for change is now. The workers, the community, and the future of Sint Maarten depend on it.