MARIGOT:--- The strike called on Christmas Eve by seven employees of Saur St Martin and led by the UGTG Guadeloupe union on the drinking water production site in Galis Bay has serious consequences for the population in terms of public health. The Collectivity of Saint-Martin gives formal notice to its delegate SAUR and summons the strikers to come to their senses for the health and safety of subscribers. After 48 hours without drinking water in most sectors, the situation has become untenable for many users. Saint-Martin is experiencing a serious health crisis, and we must get out as soon as possible. At this stage, the Collectivity gives formal notice to its delegate SAUR for non-performance of the public service for which it is under contract and asks it to do everything in its power to find a favorable outcome and restart the production and distribution of water. The Collectivity calls on the strikers to come to their senses and stop all hindrance. Present on site since the start of the strike on Tuesday, President Louis Mussington and his executive are fully mobilized to dialogue with both parties, and to discuss with the strikers in order to recover the equipment, without which it is impossible to restart the production units. At this time, only one unit has been restarted and supplies Marigot and Concordia, with priority given to the hospital, the nursing home and the dialysis centre. The tanks are gradually filling up and we hope that other areas can be served in the coming hours thanks to the full capacity of this unit. The urgency remains to find a way out of the health and economic crisis. Our joint objective with the prefect Vincent Berton is to achieve the start-up of a second production line through dialogue that would allow the restoration of service for a large part of the subscribers. People who live in the supplied areas (Marigot and Concordia) are invited to limit their consumption. A prefectural decree has been issued to this effect, and I am counting on everyone's solidarity. This social conflict, which is taking root in Guadeloupe, began several months ago, and must find an end as soon as possible. It is not tolerable that Saint-Martin should suffer such serious consequences, with the theft of equipment and the endangerment of the lives of our fellow citizens. The Collectivity will take the necessary measures. The strike is a right and union negotiations are strictly the responsibility of the SAUR company and the union at the origin of the social movement, nevertheless in view of the emergency situation, I call on the leaders of the UGTG to reconsider their position with regard to Saint-Martin, where the population is suffering. I ask the strikers to show humanity and responsibility, by stopping all obstacles to allow production to be restarted. We remain fully mobilized with my team to achieve this. Let us not forget

PHILIPSBURG:--- A scooter rider lost his life on Friday morning after being involved in an accident on the Belvedere road approaching the French and Dutch border.
Eyewitnesses said that the young rider, known in the community as FEFE and hailing from Concordia, overtook a septic truck and then slammed into a motor car driven by a female. The rider fell on the car’s windshield then went airborne, he eventually fell and rolled over to the bushy area.
Police Spokesman Joe Josepha said the Traffic Department of KPSM was in Belvedere in connection with a serious accident around 11.15 am. At about the time mentioned above, police Central Dispatch received multiple calls about a serious accident involving a scooter rider at the entrance of Belvedere leading towards the French Quarter. Preliminary investigations indicate that a car was turning left into Belvedere while the scooter rider was coming from the opposite direction and slammed into the side of the vehicle.
The victim who was in critical condition was transported to the SMMC for further medical care, however the rider succumbed shortly after from the severe injuries he received.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- Curbing bank card transaction fees was a key outcome of the second meeting of the National Payment Council (NPC). The transition to MasterCard and Visa debit cards has led to point-of-sale (POS) and automated teller machine (ATM) transactions not always being processed as local, resulting in higher transaction fees.
To ensure secure and efficient payment processes, it is crucial to standardize the configuration of POS machines and ATMs in the short term. In addition, the NPC is committed to addressing bank card transaction fees through the payment network. To this end, a subcommittee will be established in early 2025 to discuss the issue and develop specific recommendations.
During the December meetings held in Sint Maarten and Curaçao, discussions also focused on other payment-related issues, such as payment fraud, the introduction of the Caribbean Guilder, and the continued development of instant payment functionalities.
New forms of payment fraud are on the rise. While credit card fraud was once the primary concern, direct payments via payment links and QR codes, for example, now pose new risks to users. NPC participants agreed on the importance of education, especially in preserving trust in innovative payment methods. At the initiative of the CBCS, the possibility of a joint information campaign will be mapped out.
Developments in Instant Payment were another key topic of discussion. This technology now enables real-time processing of local payments and offers additional applications, such as cardless payments for online and in-store transactions, as well as international transfers between the Countries Bonaire, Aruba, and the Netherlands. The NPC remains actively engaged in supporting and closely monitoring these advancements.

The NPC is a platform for payment system policy dialogue between the competent authorities,
the CBCS and stakeholders, ensuring a balanced representation of public and private interests.
Beyond the competent authorities, the membership of the NPC is limited to a core group of
institutions deemed relevant to specific issues under discussion, including representatives of
payment service providers, such as the banking associations of Curaçao and Sint Maarten and
the Curaçao Fintech Association, and of payment service users in the Countries, such as
government agencies, utilities as well as consumer and business associations.
The NPC is also the place where payment service providers (PSPs) and users can share and
discuss their expectations and challenges, and potentially translate them into new functionalities
within the national payment system. The main objectives of the NPC are: policy development,
security and efficiency, financial inclusion, interoperability, education and awareness.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has been actively conducting strategic operations during the holiday period of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. These measures are part of an ongoing effort to address the serious issue of illegal firearm possession on the island.

Targeted Vehicle and Scooter Controls: Police focused on specific vehicles and scooter riders in various locations across the island. These checks aimed to identify and address illegal activities, particularly related to firearms.

Firearm Confiscations and Arrests:

• A total of four (4) firearms were confiscated during these operations.

• Additionally, a firearm initially suspected to be real was later confirmed to be a toy.

• Three individuals were arrested and remain in custody in connection with these confiscated firearms.

KPSM issues a stern warning to individuals who possess firearms without the required permits. Whether at home or on the road, unlawful firearm possession will result in severe consequences if detected by law enforcement.

Several individuals were brought in for refusing to identify themselves during the controls. KPSM reminds the public that individuals aged 12 and above must always carry valid identification.
These controls will persist in the coming days as part of the ongoing initiative to ensure a safer community.

Fireworks Safety Advisory:

As the holiday season continues, the KPSM emphasizes the importance of safety when using fireworks:

• Protect Children: Ensure children are always supervised when handling or near fireworks.

• Consider Pets: Fireworks can distress pets; take measures to keep them calm and safe.
• • Follow Safety Protocols: Always use fireworks in open spaces and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid accidents and injuries.
  • Store Fireworks Safely: Keep fireworks in a cool, dry place and out of the reach of children.
  • Use Protective Gear: Wear gloves and safety glasses when handling fireworks.
  • Dispose of Fireworks Properly: Ensure used fireworks are completely extinguished and dispose of them in a safe manner.

KPSM Press Release.