NIA wraps Up “Let’s Act Break Free” Ceramics Project.

~A year-long journey in mindful creativity culminates at the John Larmonie Center~

PHILIPSBURG:---   On Saturday, May 23rd, the final glaze strokes were applied to the last ceramics pieces to be loaded into the kiln, bringing the Let’s Act Break Free Ceramics Project to a close. What began as a creative initiative with the National Institute of Arts (NIA) and Milton Peters College has grown into a rich, community-centered experience that engages adults and teens in mindful artistic practice throughout the school year.

The program was structured ...

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Tensions rise at Pointe Blanche Prison as inmates allegedly left hungry following strike punishment.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tensions escalated at the Pointe Blanche Prison today after prisoners reportedly reacted angrily when no food was available in the prison kitchen following the suspension of a scheduled “food day” as punishment for last week’s inmate strike.
The strike was reportedly organized by inmates protesting what they described as inhumane and deplorable living conditions inside the prison.
According to information reaching SMN News, at least three inmates suffering from mental health issues were allegedly being housed inside a classroom th...

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Consumer prices hold steady in St. Maarten despite rising fuel costs.

PHILIPSBURG — Consumer prices in Sint Maarten remained largely stable during the first quarter of 2026, despite increases in fuel prices and transportation costs, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the Department of Statistics (STAT). 
The CPI rose modestly by 0.43 percent between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, moving from 115.28 to 115.78. Compared to the same period last year, inflation increased by just 0.66 percent, signaling what officials described as “balanced pressures ac...

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St. Maarten Tourism Booms in Record-Breaking First Quarter.

~Air arrivals jump 23% while cruise sector surges 18% in the strongest start to the year since pandemic recovery~

PHILIPSBURG:---  St. Maarten’s tourism industry delivered an exceptional performance in the first quarter of 2026, with dramatic increases in both air passenger arrivals and cruise tourism signaling continued economic momentum for the destination. Newly released figures from the Department of Statistics (STAT) reveal that the island welcomed more than 1 million visitors during the first three months of the year alone.

According to ...

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