PHILIPSBURG:---  The finalization of the investigation into the police-involved shooting that occurred on St. Peter's Road on February 13,
In 2026,  was transferred to the Prosecutor’s Office in Curaçao. This step was taken to ensure the continued objectivity and independence of the case for all
parties involved.
The investigation itself remains in the hands of the National Detectives (Landsrecherche), who are conducting the independent inquiry under the
supervision of the Prosecutor’s Office.
As previously reported, officers of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) responded to reports of a man walking along St. Peter's Road while carrying a
firearm. During the ensuing interaction, police discharged their weapons. The man was struck and died at the scene.
Under Sint Maarten law, every incident involving the discharge of a police firearm is automatically subject to an independent investigation by the National Detectives.
The investigation includes the collection and analysis of forensic evidence, witness interviews, and a review of all relevant material. Video footage of the incident was
secured shortly after the shooting and has been reviewed as part of the investigation. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the use of
force was lawful.
The Prosecutor’s Office is aware of the impact this incident has had on the deceased's family, the officers involved, and the wider community.
As the investigation and decision-making process are still ongoing, no further substantive information can be provided at this time.
The Prosecutor’s Office asks the public to allow the investigative and decision-making process to take its course.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten has launched a public survey to gather essential data on the impacts of sargassum seaweed on Sint Maarten. Carried out on behalf of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), the study’s findings will directly inform and guide future government management decisions.

The survey invites participation from residents, business owners, and tourists on Sint Maarten. This inclusive approach aims to measure the health, social, and economic consequences of sargassum seaweed, a brown macroalgae that accumulates on shorelines in massive quantities. The data collected will provide a technical foundation for Sint Maarten to develop a sustainable management strategy.

While residents have often pointed to the variety of actions being taken by other islands across the Caribbean—including floating barriers and processing for cosmetic and building purposes—the Nature Foundation cautions that these initiatives are still in their pilot phases, require substantial financial investment, and may not be suitable for Sint Maarten’s unique environmental and economic context.

“The results of this survey will help Sint Maarten stop reacting to sargassum and start planning for it,” said a spokesperson for the Nature Foundation. “Specific data is vital for the government to make evidence-based decisions for successful and cost-effective actions where it is most needed, rather than hopeful but ultimately expensive, scattered, and ineffective initiatives.”

The study is being conducted in collaboration with a research student from Polytech Grenoble INP, France, under the supervision of the Nature Foundation, and includes on-site sargassum monitoring fieldwork. It represents the first phase of a two-step approach to help the government identify which mitigation strategies will be most effective locally.

“The longstanding approach to combatting sargassum—collecting on beaches—is the cheapest, but this seaweed’s growing presence has a negative impact on health, quality of life, and our tourism product. This survey will help in defining a more strategic, long-term plan for managing sargassum,” stated Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs.

As this study is commissioned by the Government of Sint Maarten, data collection is focused on the Dutch side of the island. The form should take less than ten minutes to complete, and participants can access the questionnaire via the following link: https://forms.gle/KcZnHoq5JCWZ9FiP7 or on the Nature Foundation’s official website and social media channels.

PHILIPSBURG:--- SXM Doet is pleased to announce the generous contribution of twenty (20) gas vouchers from SOL Antilles N.V in support of the 2026 edition of SXM Doet.
The fuel vouchers will be used to assist SXM Doet’s volunteer coaches, who play an essential role in ensuring the smooth coordination and support of projects taking place across the island during the two Doet days. Volunteer coaches are responsible for traveling to various project locations, offering guidance, checking in on participating organizations, and helping maintain the momentum and spirit of volunteerism throughout the event.
This contribution helps ease some of the transportation-related costs experienced by volunteer coaches and serves as a meaningful gesture of appreciation for their dedication and commitment to community service.
The SXM Doet team would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Robert James and the entire SOL Antilles team for their continued support and partnership.
“We are truly thankful to SOL Antilles for once again coming on board to support SXM Doet. Contributions such as these go a long way in helping us support the individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of the event,” the project coordinators shared.
This marks the second consecutive year that SOL Antilles has contributed fuel vouchers to SXM Doet, further demonstrating the company’s commitment to community engagement and volunteerism on Sint Maarten.
SXM Doet 2026 takes place on May 15th and 16th and will bring together a thousand plus volunteers and community organizations for the largest volunteer initiative in the Dutch Kingdom. Persons interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up and learn more via www.sxmdoet.com or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) announces the arrest of a suspect in connection with an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking activities.
On Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the suspect identified by the initials B.A.E., age 33, was arrested on suspicion of organizing the export of hard drugs to surrounding countries. The suspect has since been questioned and remains in custody pending further investigation.
This investigation is being conducted by KPSM’s Pelican Team, a specialized unit responsible for carrying out cross-border investigations related to drug trafficking and firearm-related offenses.
KPSM, together with its external law enforcement partners, remains committed to investigating and combating organized cross-border criminal activities that threaten the safety and security of the community and the wider region.
KPSM is requesting anyone with information regarding this case, or any similar criminal activity, to contact the Police Station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or call the anonymous tip line at 930