Over the past months, police have impounded several scooters during traffic checks because they were not safe or had the legal documentation to be on the road.

KPSM has already sent out several notifications earlier this year asking owners to come and collect their scooters with the proper documents. However, most of these scooters are still being held at the police station in Philipsburg.

 IMPORTANT DEADLINE:

If your scooter was taken by police between late January 2025 and June 2025, you must come to the Philipsburg Police Station and speak to Mr. J. Abreu before Wednesday, July 30, 2025, during office hours to collect it.

You will need to bring:

• Proof that the scooter belongs to you
• Insurance papers
• Road tax receipt
• Inspection card
• Driver’s license

After July 30, any scooters that are still not picked a request will be made to have it removed and crushed.

Police are concerned that these scooters could become dangerous if we have a hurricane.

For questions, call KPSM at +1 (721) 542-2222.

KPSM ANNOUNCEMENT

Orient Bay, Saint Martin:--- In a heartwarming celebration of service, leadership, and community, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset hosted its annual Change of Board ceremony on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at the charming Ti Palm Restaurant in Orient Bay.
The event welcomed over 100 guests, including dignitaries, partners, and leaders from both the French and Dutch sides of the island, all united by a shared commitment to making a difference.
The evening marked the official transition of leadership for the 2025–2026 Rotary year, as outgoing President Franklyn Salomons passed the torch to incoming President Alex Pierre. In his opening address, Pierre introduced this year’s guiding theme:
“Helping Hands, Touching Hearts, Changing Lives.”
A committed member of the Rotary family for the past decade, through both Rotaract and Rotary, Pierre shared his passion for service and outlined an ambitious vision focused on four strategic areas: Education & Youth, Professional Development, Community & Environment, and International Service & Health. While affirming the continuation of impactful legacy projects such as Walk for Health, Coastal Clean-Up, Peace Murals, and Reach One, Feed One, Pierre announced the first new initiative of the Rotary year: the preparation and distribution of 100 maternity baskets to hospitals across the island.
“It’s more than diapers and essentials,” Pierre shared. “It’s about dignity, compassion, and showing care where it’s most needed.”
A Night of Celebration and Recognition
The festive evening featured a three-course dinner, lively entertainment from live steel pan to kick off the evening, and beautiful live performances from the talented Musicamin group that kept spirits high throughout. A community raffle added to the excitement, raising crucial funds to support the club’s upcoming service projects.
One of the most anticipated moments of the evening was the presentation of the Paul Harris Fellow Awards, Rotary’s highest individual honor, recognizing members for their generous financial contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Each sapphire stone signifies an additional $1,000 donated. Assistant Governor Elisia Lake proudly acknowledged five first-time Paul Harris Fellows: Daniella Arrindell, Cheryl Dangleben York, Krystel Davis, Linaisa Mardenborough, and Micheline Warner. She also recognized four Rotarians with one blue sapphire: Minister of VROMI Rotarian Patrice Gumbs Jr., Jason James, Jade Maccow, and Alia Mathew-Young; and two Rotarians with two blue sapphires: Marilyn Clark-Waterfort and Magdiona Gumbs.
In a surprise highlight, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina of Sint Maarten was also named a Paul Harris Fellow, proudly sponsored by Rotarian Stuart Johnson, in recognition of the Prime Minister’s leadership and dedication to public service. “This isn’t just a recognition,” said Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. “It’s a reminder of how powerful we can be when we work together for the good of our people.”
Outgoing President Salomons took the time to recognize exceptional contributions with special awards:
• Rotarian of the Year – Jamila Boirard
• Board Member of the Year – Magdiona Gumbs
• Fellowship Award – Alex Pierre
• Service Above Self Award – Kimberley Duzong
• Rising Star Award – Billy Jean-Baptiste
• Rookie of the Year – Krystel Davis
In his farewell address, Salomons reflected on the power of collective service: “Rotary is people coming together to do great things. Let’s keep looking out for one another.” Pierre echoed that spirit in his inaugural speech, emphasizing the need for collaboration across community organizations including Rotaract & Rotary, Leos & Lions Club, Toastmasters, and local government agencies from both sides of the island.
“Together, we are stronger,” he affirmed. “Let’s build a more compassionate, empowered, and resilient Saint Martin – Sint Maarten.”
The 2025–2026 board members of the Rotary Club of Saint Martin Sunset are as follows: President Alex Pierre, President-Elect Jade Maccow, Vice President Cheryl Dangleben York, Immediate Past President Franklyn Salomons, Secretary Elisia Lake, Treasurer Jaida Nisbett, Sergeant-at-Arms Maggie Gumbs, Rotary Foundation Januaria Leonard, Club Administration Marilyn Clark-Waterfort, Service Projects Jamila Boirard, Wellness Chair Daniella Arrindell, Youth Service Kimberley Duzong, Membership Krystel Davis, Public Image Kathy Africa, Fundraising Norrisa Anatol, Disaster Relief/Environment Jason James.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at Carl N Sons Unique Inn and Conference Facilities in Colebay at 7:30 pm. The club can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the official Facebook page at facebook.com/rotarysxmsunset.

Early Bird Registration Ends Soon for Life-Changing "The Heart of Healing - Evidence-Based Grief Counseling Interventions" Course

When someone's world falls apart, do you have the skills to help them heal truly? With just four days remaining until the early bird deadline, professionals and caring individuals have a limited window to secure specialized grief counseling training that transforms how they support others through life's most challenging moments.

Beyond Good Intentions

Every day, counselors, social workers, pastors, teachers, and well-meaning friends encounter people drowning in grief. Despite best intentions, many feel helpless when comfort falls short and grief becomes complicated or destructive.

"The difference between offering sympathy and providing real healing lies in having the right tools and understanding," explains Dr. N. Erna Mae Francis Cotton, course developer and co-developer of the online grief course for the BA in Social Work program at the University of the West Indies. "This training bridges that gap between wanting to help and knowing exactly how to help."

Proven Training for Critical Skills

Now in its third successful offering, "The Heart of Healing - Evidence-Based Grief Counseling Interventions", formerly entitled Effective Grief Counselling, has already equipped several professionals with specialized skills that have transformed their practice and the lives of those they serve.

The course teaches participants to assist persons experiencing complicated grief effectively, understand factors that lead to prolonged mourning, recognize how grief impacts family systems, and master resolution techniques for stuck grief patterns.

Who Benefits?

• Aspiring counselors and social workers: Build essential foundational skills
• Seasoned professionals: Elevate practice with advanced techniques
• Pastors and spiritual leaders: Enhance pastoral care with clinical expertise
• Educators: Understand how grief affects students and families
• Caring citizens: Transform compassion into professional-level skills

Early Bird Deadline: Four Days Only

With early bird enrollment closing in just four days, prospective participants have a narrow window to secure discounted pricing. Regular enrollment continues until August 18th, but the early bird discount recognizes those who commit early to enhancing their ability to serve others during life's most vulnerable moments.

The intimate class size ensures personalized attention and meaningful interaction with both the instructor and fellow participants, allowing for a deep exploration of complex grief scenarios and the practical application of skills.

Register Now

For professionals and caring individuals ready to transform their ability to help others heal, the early bird window closes in four days.

To register for early bird pricing: email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1-721-524-8731.

The question isn't whether you'll encounter someone struggling with complicated grief—it's whether you'll be equipped to truly help them heal when that moment comes.

About the Course: "The Heart of Healing - Evidence-Based Grief Counseling Interventions" provides evidence-based training in advanced grief counseling techniques for both new and experienced professionals across multiple helping disciplines. The course is one of the modules in GHBU's MA in Counseling program, giving participants the option to enroll in the full degree program or simply take this individual course.

For media inquiries, contact: +1-721-524-8731 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) which falls under the Fire Department (Ministry of General Affairs) headed by Fire Chief/Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, appeals to all residents and businesses as a reminder to ‘Be Prepared’ for the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season which will be heading into the third month on August 1^st which is less than nine days away. The season runs through November 30.

ODM calls on residents to review the content of their Disaster Kit and to start restocking it with the essentials that are necessary to ride out the hurricane season if you have done so already. 

Every household’s Disaster Kit should be able to support members of the household for a minimum of fourteen days after the hurricane has passed. 

The Disaster Kit should contain non-perishable food, water and medicine (fill prescriptions before the storm); non-electric can opener; first-aid kit; extra cash (ATM machines and credit cards won’t work if there is no electricity); a battery powered radio and flashlights as well as extra batteries; make sure cell phones are all charged prior to the arrival of the hurricane; fill up your car/truck with gas; check if your home and automobile insurance are up to date; put ID cards, passports and driver’s license, insurance papers in a waterproof bag along with other important documents.

If you are a parent with an infant or young child (ren), you also need to have essential items as part of your disaster supply kit: baby formula; diapers; bottles; powdered milk; medications; moist towels; and diaper rash ointment. 

Your Disaster Kit must also include hand sanitizer, a soap bar or liquid soap; two cloth face coverings for each person; disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces.

Now is the time to trim back tree branches from your home; cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property; clean-up your yard and put away items that could blow away during the passing of a hurricane; check your roof and storm shutters to make sure they are secure, and the latter are in good working condition. 

For those whose homes are not yet storm/hurricane ready, you should make alternative housing arrangements to stay with family or friends. 

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.  Be prepared and ready to take action in the event of a hurricane threat to the country!