PHILIPSBURG:--- On the evening of Tuesday, September 9, 2025, personnel of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), under the leadership of the Investigating Judge and the Prosecutor, carried out a search at an apartment on Bush Road. With the assistance of the KPSM Arrest Team, access was gained to the premises.

During the search, officers encountered a large quantity of illegal narcotics. The suspect, with the initials R.R.J.A.L.M. (32 years old), was immediately arrested. The search further yielded a significant amount of money and ammunition. The suspect is currently being held at the Philipsburg Police Station pending further investigation. The narcotics, ammunition, and money were confiscated pending further investigation.

KPSM emphasizes that it will continue to act decisively during ongoing investigations or on credible information regarding serious crimes, including drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms or ammunition.

KPSM continues to call on the community to play its part in keeping the island safe. If you see something suspicious, say something. Citizens are encouraged to contact the anonymous tip line at 9300 to share valuable information that may aid in ongoing or future investigations.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) continues to carry out safety actions in the Philipsburg area as part of its ongoing crime prevention strategy. Over the past days, officers have issued numerous fines and towed a significant number of vehicles found in violation of parking regulations in the town area.

KPSM has received several complaints from drivers regarding vehicles being towed and claims of unclear signage. The Police Force reiterates that, in the past weeks, information was shared with the public regarding the parking situation in Philipsburg and the enforcement measures being applied.

To assist drivers, KPSM reminds the public that there are designated parking areas available throughout town for safe and legal parking. Additionally, motorists have the option to park on the sandbank area when seeking alternative parking solutions.

 KPSM also calls on car rental companies to ensure their customers are clearly informed about the island’s parking issues and direct them to use legal parking locations.

To avoid inconvenience, the public is reminded of the process followed when a vehicle is towed:

• Officers will first try to contact the vehicle’s owner.
• If the owner cannot be reached, the vehicle will be towed at the owner’s expense.
• The owner must then report to the Philipsburg Police Station, where a fine will be issued.
• Afterward, the owner will be given the information of the towing company to arrange the

            retrieval of their vehicle.

These actions are part of broader, both visible and discreet, initiatives being undertaken by KPSM to push back against unsafe practices and certain forms of criminal behavior. The Police Force will continue to implement its action plan in the coming days and weeks.

KPSM urges both drivers and businesses to adhere to parking and safety regulations not only in Philipsburg, but across the entire island. While KPSM is doing its part to safeguard the safety of everyone, the general and business community must also take responsibility to ensure a safer, more Sint Maarten.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):--- Suicide is a major public health challenge, claiming the lives of more than 720,000 people every year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Wednesday, September 10, 2025, marks World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), the Collective Prevention Service (CPS), an executive agency of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry of VSA) said on Tuesday, adding that suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-29-year-olds at a global level.

The national theme for WSPD is, “Are You OK?” Providing information about WSPD is part of CPS annual calendar of health observances.

CPS says, according to the WHO, suicide does not just occur in high-income countries but is a global phenomenon in all regions of the world. In fact, close to three quarters (73%) of global suicides occurred in low- and middle-income countries in 2021.

The reasons for suicide are multifaceted, influenced by social, cultural, biological, psychological, and environmental factors present across the life course.

For every suicide, there are many more people who attempt suicide. A prior suicide attempt is an important risk factor for suicide in the general population.

WSPD was established in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention in partnership with the WHO.

Each year, on 10 September, WSPD focuses global attention on suicide prevention, uniting communities, organizations, and governments with the shared belief that suicides are preventable.

Each life lost has profound social, emotional, and economic consequences, deeply affecting families, friends, workplaces, and entire communities around the world.

“The link between suicide and mental disorders (in particular, depression and alcohol use disorders) and a previous suicide attempt is well established.

“However, many suicides happen impulsively in moments of crisis with a breakdown in the ability to deal with life stresses, such as financial problems, relationship disputes, or chronic pain and illness.

“In addition, experiencing conflict, disaster, violence, abuse or loss and a sense of isolation are strongly associated with suicidal behaviour.

“Suicide rates are also high among vulnerable groups who experience discrimination, such as refugees and migrants; indigenous peoples; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex (LGBTI) persons; and prisoners,” WHO points out.

There are several measures that can be taken at population, community, and individual levels to prevent suicide and self-harm.

LIVE LIFE, WHO’s initiative for suicide prevention, recommends the following key effective evidence-based interventions: limit access to the means of suicide (e.g. pesticides, firearms, certain medications); interact with the media for responsible reporting of suicide; foster socio-emotional life skills in adolescents; and

early identify, assess, manage and follow up anyone who is affected by suicidal behaviours.

If you need to talk with someone or need help, contact the Sint Maarten Mental Health Foundation (MHF) crisis line 721 585-5556 which will be answered by a professional. All information will be kept confidential.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on September 10, 2025.  

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. Mr. Gregory Richardson will virtually be in attendance.

The agenda points are:

1. Discussion with External Expert on Building digital trust: exploring a national AI strategy and further development of an Open Parliament
2. Advice regarding the installation and composition of the Permanent and Ad hoc Committees of Parliament

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. 

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament