Four people aged 15 to 21 were apprehended in Saint-Barthélemy; two principal suspects were summoned to appear before the court in Saint-Martin.

SAINT-MARTIN:---  France’s anti-narcotics office, OFAST, has carried out a judicial operation targeting drug trafficking between Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, with four young people apprehended in Saint-Barthélemy.

According to a press release, officers from OFAST’s Saint-Martin detachment launched the operation at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, under the authority of the Basse-Terre public prosecutor’s office.

The operation mobilized substantial personnel and logistical resources. Supporting units included the intervention platoon of the Mont-de-Marsan mobile gendarmerie squadron and the French Customs Coast Guard in Saint-Martin. The Collectivité of Saint-Barthélemy also provided logistical assistance.

Authorities said five individuals were implicated in the investigation. Authorities apprehended four people, aged 15 to 21, during operations in Saint-Barthélemy.

Following police custody, the two principal suspects received summonses to appear before the court’s detached chamber in Saint-Martin.

The release did not identify the substances involved, report any quantities seized, or specify the charges or court appearance dates. It also did not provide further details about the fifth individual or the outcome for the other people apprehended.

Authorities described the operation as a blow to drug trafficking between the two islands.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Melissa Gumbs extends her deepest condolences to the community of St. Martin, friends, and family of the late cultural icon Louis "Pork Chop" Lambert Richardson.

"Pork Chop" received his Sage Cultural Award at the award ceremony of December 13, 2024, for his incalculable lifetime dedication and commitment to the development, safeguarding, and promotion of our St. Martin culture, our heritage, and our legacy.

The Sage Cultural Award is the Government of St. Maarten's signature award for the highest in culture and artistic achievement, as approved by the Government of St. Maarten through the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport.

“When I speak about how culture belongs to us all,” Minister Gumbs states, “and how we all have a responsibility to feed it, nourish it, and keep it alive, you can use Pork Chop as an example. No matter the circumstance or the occasion, he was an instantly recognizable and vibrant contributor to our cultural scene. I join generations of mourners as we remember his life, his energy, and his creativity, and wish his family and friends much strength.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Aquatic Federation (SMAF) is expanding its efforts to strengthen swimming, coaching, and water safety with a series of upcoming training activities scheduled for October. These events are also being held in collaboration with the St. Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) and World Aquatics.

Two‑Day Swim Camp: October 5–6

SMAF will host a Swim Camp open to all Club Swimmers at the Carib Swimming Pool in Cole Bay. This will be held on Monday, October 5, and Tuesday, October 6, 2026, and it is led by accomplished swim coach Dexter Browne.

The swim camp schedule is as follows:

Ages 6–10: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Ages 11 and over: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Coach Dexter Browne brings extensive experience in competitive swimming and elite athlete development. He has coached Trinidad & Tobago elite athletes and Olympians Dylan Carter and Liam Carrington.  His leadership has produced national and regional record‑holders and earned him Head Coach appointments at major international competitions including GOODWILL, CARIFTA, C.C.C.A.N., CAC Games, Commonwealth Games, World Senior Championships, and World Junior Championships. Coach Browne is also a member of the World Aquatics Coaching Committee.

Assistant Swim Coach Training: October 7–9

SMAF will also offer a three‑day Assistant Swim Coach Training from October 7–9, 2026, facilitated by Coach Browne. Pre‑registration is required, and participation is limited to 10 individuals. Eligible participants must be young adults or adults actively involved with a swim club or committed to supporting the club activities. If interested, contact SMAF at Tel: (721) 5501429 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further details.

Water Safety Session: October 10

On October 10, Ms. Cayley Mackay will conduct a Water Safety Session at the Carib Swim Pool from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., focusing on essential safety practices for swimmers and families. Pre‑registration is also required, and participation is limited to 10 individuals.  Interested people willing to contribute to aquatics activities should contact SMAF at Tel: (721) 5501429 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

Turkish businessman remembered in Sint Maarten for his investments, support for the University of St. Martin, and community outreach.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Sudi Özkan, the Turkish businessman identified by the Government of Sint Maarten as the owner of Princess Port de Plaisance, has passed away. MedyaPress reports that Özkan died in Istanbul at the age of 87. MedyaPress

His passing prompted Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina to extend condolences to his family, loved ones, employees, and business associates, and to recognize his contributions to Sint Maarten’s economy, education, and community life.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Özkan’s family, loved ones, employees, and all those mourning his passing. May they find comfort in their shared memories and in knowing that his contributions to our country are remembered with gratitude,” Mercelina stated.

Özkan’s business interests extended well beyond Sint Maarten. According to MedyaPress, he owned Princess International Group, with a portfolio spanning 16 countries and including 18 five-star hotels and 34 casinos. The publication estimated his wealth at nearly US$4 billion and reported that he had six children from two marriages. Those figures are the publication’s reported estimates. MedyaPress

In Sint Maarten, Mercelina highlighted Özkan’s assistance in rebuilding the University of St. Martin after Hurricane Luis damaged the institution.

“Mr. Özkan’s support for the rebuilding of the University of St. Martin was recognized with gratitude at the time. As we reflect on his life, we remember that contribution and the lasting value of helping students continue their education during a difficult period for our country,” the Prime Minister said.

Mercelina also acknowledged Özkan’s support for community outreach initiatives, emphasizing the role private sector contributions can play in meeting public needs.

“His generosity extended beyond his business interests. Through his support for education and community outreach, Mr. Özkan contributed to initiatives that mattered to our people. Those contributions remain part of his legacy in Sint Maarten,” he added.

The Prime Minister extended sympathy to the management and staff of Princess Port de Plaisance and those who worked alongside Özkan over the years.

While recognizing his business and community contributions, Mercelina emphasized that his passing was, above all, a personal loss for his family.

“Above all, a family is mourning someone they loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this painful loss. May they find strength in one another and comfort in the expressions of sympathy from those whose lives he touched. May Mr. Sudi Özkan rest in peace,” he concluded.