PHILIPSBURG:--- Police officers of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) arrested a young man late Monday night, July 28, 2025, in connection with the possession of an illegal firearm.

Just before midnight, police dispatch received a call from a concerned citizen who saw a man near a bar on L.B. Scott Road in South Reward, suspected of carrying a firearm. Several patrols were immediately sent to the area.

Upon arrival, officers found a young man matching the description given. During a control, police discovered a silver and black handgun in his possession. The suspect, with the initials C.M., was arrested and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he remains in custody for further investigation.

This arrest is part of a larger concern facing the Sint Maarten community: the growing presence of illegal firearms. Over the past months, the use of unlicensed weapons has contributed to violent crimes and increased danger for both the public and law enforcement.

KPSM will continue to carry out targeted controls, patrols, and investigations to remove illegal weapons from the streets. Officers regularly seize firearms during traffic stops and house searches.

KPSM reminds the public that illegal firearm possession is a serious criminal offense. If you are caught with an unlicensed weapon, you will be arrested and prosecuted. The consequences include possible prison time, a permanent criminal record, and other legal penalties.

The police urge the community to support efforts in reducing gun violence. Anyone with information about illegal weapons or suspicious activity is encouraged to contact KPSM at +1 (721) 542-2222 or call the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPBURG: --- The flag of St. Maarten, a symbol of pride and identity for its people, has been brazenly hijacked by fraudsters in a scheme that undermines the nation’s integrity. This audacious misuse of our national emblem for fraudulent ship registries is not just an attack on St. Maarten’s sovereignty—it is a slap in the face to everyone who values honesty and fairness.

Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has taken an unflinching stand against this disgraceful activity. With conviction and clarity, she declared, "Our integrity is not for sale, and our flag will not be misused." This powerful statement cuts to the heart of the issue. St. Maarten does not operate an international ship registry, and claims suggesting otherwise are blatant lies designed to deceive and exploit. The perpetrators behind this scam have not only disrespected our country’s name but have also jeopardized its standing on the global stage.

Prime Minister Luc Mercelina has rightly commended Heyliger-Marten for her resolute words and actions. His support underscores the importance of addressing this egregious fraud with the seriousness it demands. St. Maarten’s leadership recognizes that this isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a moral one. The very essence of who we are as a nation has been tarnished by criminals who seek self-enrichment at our expense.

The Cost of Lies

The fraudulent use of the St. Maarten flag carries far-reaching consequences. Maritime fraud isn’t just a question of illegal documentation. It can lead to vessels operating under the guise of legitimacy while failing to meet international safety, labor, and environmental standards. When such ships are inevitably caught violating these regulations, it’s the name of St. Maarten that bears the shame.

What’s more, this deceit damages our trustworthiness in international commerce and governance. It risks labeling St. Maarten as complicit due to the association, even though these actions are entirely the work of outside elements. Without swift action, this fraud could leave a permanent stain on our reputation as a principled nation.

Accountability Is Non-Negotiable

The time for leniency is over. Those responsible for this fraudulent scheme must face the full weight of accountability. Behind every falsified flag certificate lies a network of deceit—people and organizations who acted knowingly and with impunity. This is not a victimless crime. It is an attack on a small nation trying to carve a place in the world with integrity and honor.

St. Maarten’s clear message to these fraudsters must be this: you will not succeed. You will be exposed, and you will be held liable for your actions.

Reclaiming Our Name

The fight to protect the dignity of St. Maarten starts now, and it begins with ensuring no fraudster thinks this island can be an easy target. Minister Heyliger-Marten and Prime Minister Mercelina have set the tone—one of resilience and zero tolerance. We must all rally behind their leadership to ensure that our flag and reputation are safeguarded from further abuse.

The fraudulent use of the St. Maarten flag is nothing short of an outrage, but it is also a reminder that we must remain vigilant. It is up to all of us—government, citizens, and the international community—to ensure that our nation’s values remain intact and our flag, a mark of our identity, is never again tarnished in such a vile manner.

MIAMI, Fla.:--- The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has released Artificial Intelligence Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism: Version 2.0, an expanded and updated resource that helps Caribbean hospitality and tourism stakeholders use AI in a practical, people-first way, while preserving the warmth and cultural richness the region is known for.

Led by CHTA’s Technology Task Force and Co-Chair Christus Gill, Version 2.0 builds on the original guide launched in 2024 by incorporating new case studies, emerging AI trends, and real-world use cases across hotels and resorts throughout the region. The guide also includes detailed strategies for data readiness, sustainable AI implementation, and ethical governance.

“AI is no longer on the horizon—it’s here,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “This second edition reflects CHTA’s ongoing investment in our members’ growth and digital readiness. It’s part of our commitment to ensure Caribbean stakeholders have the tools to thrive, not just keep pace, as technology continues to reshape global hospitality.”

Structured across five core sections, the guide covers:
– Foundations of AI and emerging technologies
– Hospitality-specific use cases, including guest personalization, predictive maintenance, and energy optimization
– Responsible AI adoption, data privacy, and governance
– Change management and staff empowerment
– Trends such as AI agents, robotics, voice interfaces, and more

CHTA emphasizes that AI is not a replacement for people, but a tool to support teams, streamline operations, and elevate guest experiences. Members are encouraged to begin adoption at a pace and scale that aligns with their resources, culture, and brand.

“AI can feel overwhelming at first, but it’s really about making life easier for your team and your guests,” said Christus Gill. “We designed this guide to be approachable, with tips and examples that speak directly to the challenges Caribbean hospitality and tourism businesses face every day, and to show how even small steps can lead to meaningful improvements in service, efficiency, and competitiveness.”

More Tech Tools through CHTA Partnerships
In addition to the AI guide, CHTA members benefit from exclusive access to technology-focused tools and insights through partnerships with the Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) and the Growth Advisors International Network (GAIN). These partnerships provide stakeholders with resources like educational content, expert-led sessions, and discounts on global platforms and tech events, all aimed at supporting long-term digital transformation.

Access:
A sample version of the Artificial Intelligence Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism: Version 2.0 is available online. Full access is reserved exclusively for CHTA members.

For more information on CHTA membership or access to member resources, visit www.caribbeanhotelandtourism.com or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG– Member of Parliament Omar E.C. Ottley is calling on Prime Minister Luc Mercelina to “stop playing semantics” and address the real financial strain on the people of St. Maarten after the Prime Minister’s recent statements regarding double taxation on fuel.

In a statement released today, MP Ottley said, “The Prime Minister’s own words prove my point – by admitting that the fuel is taxed once at wholesale and again at the pump. He is confirming what every driver in St. Maarten already knows: the government is double-dipping on fuel.” In his recent comments to the press, Prime Minister Luc Mercelina attempted to dismiss claims of double taxation on fuel, arguing that there is no such burden on N.V. GEBE’s energy production. But in trying to deflect, he inadvertently confirmed the very point MP Ottley has been making for months.

The Prime Minister, in his release, admitted, “Fuel sold to gas stations is taxed at the point of sale and again at the consumer level.” MP Ottley said the Government should call that explanation attempt by Mercelina what it is – “double taxation”. He said, “Whether government lawyers prefer to label these as 'separate taxable events' does not change the fact that ordinary citizens are paying Turnover Tax (TOT) twice before the fuel even powers their vehicles or homes.”

The Prime Minister’s repeated references to GEBE’s exemption are a poor attempt to distract from the actual problem. He said, “My statements were never about GEBE. They were about SOL and other suppliers, who pass TOT to the government when selling fuel to gas stations, only for the government to apply TOT again when consumers fill their tanks.”

This duplication inflates fuel costs across the board. Families are struggling, small businesses are cutting back, and workers are watching more of their paychecks disappear at the pump. Meanwhile, government revenue swells from this double-dip.

“Instead of explaining why households are still waiting for the relief the government promised by July 2025, the Prime Minister is hiding behind wordplay. People do not care about “taxable events.” They care that their energy bills and fuel costs keep climbing while the government does nothing to ease the strain.”

According to MP Ottley, if the government genuinely believes there is no double taxation, then it should have an independent audit of the entire fuel supply chain – from importer to gas station to consumer. If it proves what every driver on this island already knows, then the government must immediately correct this injustice and provide retroactive relief.

“The people of St. Maarten deserve more than political distractions and legal gymnastics. They deserve leaders who will confront the truth and deliver the relief you promised,” said MP Ottley.

 Proof of Double taxation