PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) wishes to inform the public that today, Sunday, July 19, at approximately 2:35 p.m., detectives apprehended a suspect believed to be involved in the Justice Day armed robbery that occurred on Front Street on Friday, July 17, 2026.

The suspect has been taken into police custody and will be processed pending further investigation.

The investigation into this incident remains active. Detectives continue to pursue all available leads, and additional arrests have not been ruled out.

KPSM remains steadfast in its commitment to maintaining law and order throughout Sint Maarten. We want to send a clear and unequivocal message to those who choose to engage in criminal activity: if you commit crimes, KPSM will relentlessly investigate, identify, apprehend, and seek your prosecution.

Criminal acts will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.

We thank the public for its continued cooperation and encourage anyone with information related to this case or any other criminal activity to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at (54-22222 or the tip line 9300)

Community support remains an essential part of keeping our island safe.

GEORGETOWN, Guyana — A major search-and-rescue operation remained underway on Sunday after the passenger ferry MV Barima capsized off Guyana's Atlantic coast while en route from Georgetown to Port Kaituma, leaving dozens of passengers unaccounted for as authorities raced against time to locate survivors.

The vessel departed Georgetown at approximately 3:00 p.m. on Saturday on its regular voyage to Port Kaituma in Region One (Barima-Waini). At approximately 11:01 p.m., the ferry transmitted a distress call after encountering difficulty near Iron Punt, prompting one of the largest maritime rescue operations in recent years.

According to Guyanese authorities, the MV Barima was carrying 116 passengers and 17 crew members, for a total of 133 people on board. By Sunday morning, 67 people had been rescued, including 41 men, 11 women and 15 children, while search teams continued looking for those still missing.

Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret'd) Mark Phillips, who is coordinating the government's response, said every available resource had been mobilized.

"Our effort is aimed at rescuing everyone who was on that ferry," the Prime Minister said, noting that multiple rescue vessels, aircraft and emergency personnel had been deployed to the area. Medical teams have also been positioned to treat survivors, while family support centers have been established in Georgetown and Port Kaituma to assist anxious relatives awaiting news.

Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill confirmed that the rescue operation involved the Guyana Defense Force, the Coast Guard, commercial vessels and fishing boats operating in the area. Early Sunday morning, survivors were located after rescue aircraft spotted distress flares in the water, allowing emergency responders to begin retrieving passengers.

Authorities have cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the accident. Edghill rejected suggestions that the vessel was overloaded, stating that the ferry was equipped with 250 life jackets, two rigid life rafts and six inflatable life rafts. Based on initial accounts from survivors, officials believe challenging tidal and sea conditions may have contributed to the disaster, although a full investigation will determine the exact cause.

The MV Barima serves as a critical transportation link between Georgetown and Guyana's remote northwestern communities, providing both passenger and cargo service to Region One. The vessel is considered a lifeline for many Indigenous and hinterland communities that depend on maritime transport for travel, commerce and supplies. Earlier this year, the Government of Guyana announced significant rehabilitation works for the ferry because of its importance to the North West District.

As rescue efforts continued throughout Sunday, authorities urged the public to rely only on official information while crews searched an extensive section of the Atlantic waters off Guyana's coast. At the time of publication, officials had not released a confirmed casualty figure, emphasizing that the priority remained locating everyone who had been aboard the ferry.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A proud moment for Multiple District 60 and the Caribbean, Leo-Lion Nichele Smith has been appointed to serve as the Leo-Lion Board Liaison for Lions International for the 2026–2027 Lions year. Her appointment places her among a distinguished group of international leaders who help strengthen the connection between Leos and Lions while championing youth leadership and service across the globe.

Lions International is one of the world's largest and most respected service organizations, with 1.4 million members in over 200 countries and geographic areas, united by a common mission to improve lives through humanitarian service. Serving in an international leadership capacity within such an organization is both a tremendous honor and a significant responsibility.

As Leo-Lion Board Liaison, Leo-Lion Nichele Smith will serve as a vital bridge between the International Board of Directors and the global Leo movement, ensuring that the voices, ideas, and aspirations of young leaders are represented while fostering collaboration between Leos and Lions. The role reflects Lions International's continued commitment to developing the next generation of servant leaders and creating meaningful opportunities for young people to grow through service.

A Leo-Lion Board Liaison is a one-year, non-voting appointee to the Lions International Board of Directors. Chosen annually by the current international president, these liaisons act as advocates and advisors, ensuring the young adult perspective is represented in global initiatives and on standing committees. The work includes extensive travel on behalf of Lions Club International and many speaking engagements with clubs, districts, forums & conventions.

Her appointment also marks an important milestone for Multiple District 60, the Lions & Leos of the English-speaking Caribbean, along with Suriname & Guyana in South America as she proudly represents the multiple district on the international stage. It is a testament to the strength of leadership emerging from the region and highlights the growing impact that Caribbean Lions and Leos continue to make within the global organization.

Speaking on her appointment, Leo-Lion Nichele Smith described the opportunity as both humbling and inspiring: "Service has been one of the most transformative parts of my life. To now serve at the international level is an incredible privilege that I do not take lightly. I remain committed to listening, learning, and working alongside Lions and Leos around the world to strengthen our organization and create opportunities for young people to lead through service."

Her appointment is equally significant in advancing the visibility of women in leadership within Lions International. As more women continue to assume influential leadership positions at every level of the organization, Nichele Smith’s achievement serves as a powerful reminder that leadership is strengthened through diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Her journey demonstrates that dedication, perseverance, and a heart for service can open doors to leadership that extends far beyond national borders.

This Lions year also begins under the inspiring leadership of 2026-2027 Lions International President Mark S. Lyon, whose theme, "Rooted in Service," calls upon every Lion and Leo to remain grounded in the fundamental purpose of the organization—serving others. The theme reminds members that while leadership roles, recognition, and accomplishments are meaningful, the true strength of Lions International lies in its unwavering commitment to compassionate service. Like a tree with deep roots, service provides the foundation from which leaders grow, communities flourish, and lasting change is achieved. Remaining rooted in service, means remembering that every project, every volunteer hour, and every act of kindness has the power to transform lives.

Nichele Smith believes this message perfectly reflects the journey of every leader. "As we grow, we must never lose sight of why we began. When we remain rooted in service, we lead with humility, compassion, and purpose. Our greatest impact comes not from the titles we hold but from the lives we touch."

Her appointment also serves as an inspiration to young people throughout Multiple District 60 and beyond. It demonstrates that age is not a limitation to leadership and that local acts of service can lead to opportunities on the world stage. Through Leo Clubs and Lions Clubs, young people develop confidence, leadership skills, lifelong friendships, and a passion for making a difference in their communities.

As Lions International continues to invest in youth leadership, Nichele Smith hopes more young people will embrace the opportunity to serve: "Dream boldly, serve selflessly, and never underestimate the impact one person can make. Every great leader begins by choosing to serve. The Leo and Lions movement provides an extraordinary platform to grow, lead, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Your journey can begin with a single act of service."

As Multiple District 60 celebrates this remarkable achievement, Nichele Smith’s appointment stands as a reflection of the district 60A & 60B commitment to leadership development, youth empowerment, and community service. It is also a reminder that when leaders remain rooted in service, they inspire others to dream bigger, serve with purpose, and create a legacy that extends far beyond themselves. Her appointment is not only a personal milestone but a celebration for Multiple District 60, the Caribbean, and every young person who believes that service can change lives. It is a powerful example that leadership begins with a willingness to serve, and that from those roots, extraordinary opportunities can grow.

PHILIPSBURG:--- "Take me out to the ball game, take me out with the crowd. Those timeless words came to life as the Sint Maarten Lions Club, in collaboration with the local Little League Baseball organization, treated the children of the Sister Basilia Center to a memorable day at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Latin America & Caribbean Little League Baseball Tournament.

Sint Maarten Lions Club President Elton Richardson said: “The outing was more than just a trip to a baseball game—it was an opportunity to create lasting memories, celebrate inclusion, and share in the excitement of one of the region's premier youth sporting events. The smiles on the faces of the children as they watched the parade of teams, enjoyed the festive atmosphere, and cheered from the stands were a reminder that simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact”.

As part of its ongoing commitment to serving the community, the Sint Maarten Lions Club was honored to provide this special experience for the children of the Sister Basilia Center. The event reflected the Lions' mission of making a positive difference in the lives of others while promoting fellowship, compassion, and service.

The opening of the 2026 Latin America & Caribbean Little League Baseball Tournament brought together young athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters from across the region in a celebration of sportsmanship, friendship, and community spirit. For the children of the Sister Basilia Center, it was also a day filled with excitement, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

The Sint Maarten Lions Club extends its sincere gratitude to local Little League Baseball organization and to everyone who helped make this special outing possible. Together, through service, compassion, and community, we can continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Together We Can.