PHILIPSBURG:--- During the evening hours of Friday, continuing into Saturday night and early Sunday morning, a team of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) conducted a series of coordinated operations across several areas, including the Middle Region, A. Th. Illidge Road, Welfare Road, Maho, and the surrounding districts.

These proactive actions form part of KPSM’s ongoing efforts to maintain safety and security across the country. Officers focused on enforcing laws related to narcotics, illegal firearms, and other criminal activities that threaten community well-being.

In addition to street-level enforcement, the Control Team also inspected several businesses to ensure compliance with established closing hours and operational regulations. These inspections are intended to promote safety and public order within nightlife and commercial areas.

During the course of the operations, officers arrested two individuals who were found in possession of a stolen vehicle. One of the suspects involved is a minor. The vehicle has since been confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation.

KPSM continues to carry out such operations as part of its broader strategy to strengthen police visibility and presence throughout the island. Through these efforts, the Police Force aims to reassure the public, deter offenders, and foster stronger community cooperation.

KPSM is encouraging the public to assist in keeping Sint Maarten safe. If you see something, say something. Members of the community are urged to report any suspicious or criminal activity by contacting the Police Station at +1 (721) 542-2222, or in case of an emergency, call 911. Anonymous tips can also be shared via the KPSM anonymous tip line.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors on the island.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Social & Health Insurances (SZV) proudly announces a major improvement in service for pensioners residing in the Netherlands. Through a newly signed covenant with the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) of the Netherlands, pensioners will no longer be required to submit a Life Certificate twice a year.

With this agreement, SZV and SVB Netherlands have established a secure file exchange system that allows both institutions to verify, on a monthly basis, if any pensioners have passed away. This development eliminates the need for pensioners in the Netherlands to submit Life Certificates in May and November to SZV, reducing administrative burdens and providing greater peace of mind.

“This partnership with SVB Netherlands is built on years of trust and shared commitment to better serve our clients. By removing the need for the Life Certificate, we are not only simplifying a process but also strengthening the relationship of confidence between our institutions and the people we serve.” – SZV Chief Operations Officer, Reginald Willemsberg.

The successful signing of the covenant was made possible through long-standing collaboration and support from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) and the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague, whose collective efforts helped bring this initiative to completion.

While this agreement simplifies one important process, SZV reminds pensioners living in the Netherlands that they must still notify SZV of any changes in their personal details such as a new address, bank account, marriage, or divorce. Additionally, orphans aged 15 and above must continue to submit their school enrollment letter at the start of each new school period to ensure uninterrupted pension payments.

This achievement reflects SZV’s commitment to enhancing client experience through digital innovation, cross-border collaboration, and simplification of processes, key pillars of the organization’s Beyond 3.0 strategy.

CURACAO:---  On Sunday, November 16th, 2025, Curaçao will once again come together in motion during Child First Foundation’s annual walk ‘Kaminata Yu i Tata’ (KYT25). Board member Ryan de Jongh will give the official start signal at 6:00 a.m. at the parking area of the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) on Pater Eeuwensweg in Otrobanda. Bridge between child and father.

The walk takes participants across the iconic bridges of Willemstad – a powerful symbol of the bridges that connect fathers and children, featuring contributions from various local artists along the route.

The mission of Child First is to encourage the active and positive presence of Fathers in their Children’s lives. A committed Father figure greatly increases the chances for Children to grow into self-aware, resilient, and successful world citizens. Everyone is welcome – fathers, mothers, family members, and other supporters – to join the walk and send a strong message that children have the right to a loving and involved father figure. The participation fee is XCG 15 for children and XCG 25 for adults, including a wristband, water, fruit, pan dushi, and a wonderful sense of wellbeing and community. Wristbands will be available from the end of October at 24 uur uit de Muur at Pompstation Sta. Maria and at De Jongh’s Sporthuis Saliña. Proceeds for the benefit of children.

All proceeds from the walk will go entirely to Child First Foundation's programs and activities. With these funds, the foundation invests in raising awareness in society about the fundamental right of Children to an active relationship with their father, particularly in cases where parents are no longer living together. This broad support contributes to personal growth, fostering the development of self-aware, resilient, and meaningful world citizens. Child First Foundation warmly invites everyone to take part in Kaminata Yu i Tata 2025 on Sunday, November 16th, and contribute to the well-being and future of the children of Curaçao.

~Part of School Safety Week activities~

PHILIPSBURG  -  The Student Support Services Division of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport is holding a panel discussion that will take place at the University of St. Martin on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The panel discussion will focus on medical emergencies in schools and will be live-streamed via the Facebook and YouTube pages of the Student Support Services Division. This event is part of SSSD’s School Safety Week activities.

The goal of the panel discussion is to raise and strengthen awareness, promote shared responsibility, and get varying perspectives on the topic. Members of the panel include the Ambulance Department, students, a parent, and a Safety and Emergency team member.

We invite the public to join us online and to post any questions that they might have. Space is available for a limited number of people at USM, so if you are interested in attending in person, don't hesitate to contact SSSD at 5431235 and ask for Mr. Michel Chance.

The Student Support Services Division (SSSD) provides services to students referred by the schools, such as psychological services, counseling services, social work services, educational diagnostic services, and speech language pathology services. SSSD also provides general services such as career services, parent sessions/support groups, and crisis response.