PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) would like to express its sincere gratitude to the general public of Sint Maarten and the surrounding islands for their invaluable assistance in the ongoing investigation into a shooting incident that took place in the Middle Region area on April 30, 2025.

Following the circulation of a press release containing images of two suspects believed to be involved in this incident, KPSM has successfully received the information needed to identify both individuals depicted in the press release.

The cooperation proved essential in advancing this investigation. KPSM is grateful for the numerous tips and information provided by citizens who responded to our call for assistance.

This case demonstrates the importance of community partnership in maintaining public safety and security. KPSM continues to encourage the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or information that may assist in ongoing investigations.

For future reference, persons can always contact KPSM at +1 (721) 54-22222, extension 208 or 214. Anonymous tips can also be shared by calling the tip line at 9300.

KPSM would like to thank the community once again for their unwavering support and cooperation in this matter.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance, Hon. Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs, is pleased to announce that on September 24, 2025, the Stichting Overheidsaccountantsbureau (SOAB) submitted its Annual Accounts for 2024 to the Minister.

This milestone reflects SOAB’s continued commitment to quality in financial reporting. This task forms the cornerstone for building trust, ensuring transparency, and supporting sound financial governance for Sint Maarten.

In line with SOAB’s focus on innovation, the 2024 Annual Accounts were presented on a tablet featuring both audio and visual elements, making the financial information more engaging.

The Minister of Finance thanks SOAB for its professionalism and partnership in safeguarding accountability on behalf of the people of Sint Maarten.

In photo (from left to right): Saskia Thomas (SXM Country Manager, SOAB), Minister of Finance Hon. Marinka J. Gumbs, and Raymond Faneyte (Director, SOAB).

~“The individual is not the issue. The failure to follow the law is.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  The United People’s Party (UPP), The National Alliance (NA), and Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) factions sent an official letter via Parliament calling on Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs to immediately retract her controversial nomination of  Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS).

The three factions stressed that the objection is not about the individual but about the blatant disregard of Article 25 of the Bank Charter, which outlines the lawful process for filling such a critical position for both countries.

As stated publicly on September 24th, 2025, by the Supervisory Board of the CBCS, “Nowhere in Article 25 does it say the Minister can unilaterally nominate a candidate without a recommendation from the Supervisory Board adopted by a five-sixths majority”.

The Minister cannot bend the Charter to suit her needs. Based on the above, It is evident that Minister Gumbs violated the law,” the factions declared.

According to the CBCS Charter, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board must be appointed jointly by the countries, based on a recommendation of the Supervisory Board supported by a five-sixths majority. The factions warned that the misstep projects incompetence within the government and damages St. Maarten’s credibility in handling serious financial governance matters.

“This blunder paints a bad picture of St. Maarten’s ability to manage major decisions at a regional level. Worse yet, it has unfairly dragged an esteemed legal professional, his family, friends, and supporters into a political controversy that should never have existed if the process had been followed.

UP, NA, and NOW are urging Minister Gumbs to retract the nomination, citing procedural errors publicly. Apologize to the people of St. Maarten and Curaçao for the mishandling of this critical appointment and especially apologize to the appointee and his family for this unfortunate turn of events.

They urge the Minister to “Move swiftly to finalize the pending appointments of Supervisory Board members who have already been vetted and cleared since February 2024. Respect the process enshrined in the CBCS Charter, ensuring that the eventual appointment of a Chairman is lawful, transparent, and beyond reproach.”

The UPP, NA, and NOW factions in Parliament, Member of Parliament Omar E.C. Ottley (UPP), MP Francisco A. Lacroes (UPP), MP Egbert J. Doran (NA), MP Ardwell Irion (NA), MP Darryl York (NA,) and MP Lyndon Lewis (NOW) were clear in the release, “This is bigger than one name or one nomination.” The factions said. “It is about respecting the rule of law, protecting the integrity of our Central Bank, and restoring public confidence. The Minister must correct this mistake before further damage is done.”

PHILIPSBURG:---   The spotlight is set to shine on the stage of the Philipsburg Cultural Center on September 27th at 07.30 SHARP as the highly anticipated production godguys comes to life. This powerful stage play, produced in partnership with uNiqu’ Arts and EX3, is recognized for its long-standing commitment to a movement where storytelling meets advocacy.  The event will be hosted by our very own King Vers, a talented musician, artist, and actor who has crossed borders with his multiple talents and creative way of being a true ambassador to our island.

This stage play is a powerful story exploring courageous conversations about traumas that affect the mental well-being of black men… topics that are often silenced within the black community. This project brings together an extraordinary team of producers, actors, schools, and community partners united by one mission: to transfer energy, knowledge, and art into conversations that matter. We are excited to be hosting the entire cast and production crew under the leadership and guidance of nA' Stubbs (Writer / Director / Producer) and C. Nathaniel Brown (Co-Creator/ Producer) of “godguys”. “ My hope is that this theatre production will shift our view from the fragmented image of the black man that society has created with unrealistic expectations and pressures that discourage him to feel, to hurt, to talk about it, or to get help. Your time with us will include watching six successful black men as they laugh, cry, hurt, strive, bleed, unravel, laugh some more, love, embrace vulnerability, but all while taking steps towards HEALING... towards WELLNESS...towards WHOLENESS”, says nA' Stubbs.

The production features the talents of both seasoned and emerging actors, guided by passionate producers who have poured heart and vision into the project. Schools and teachers have embraced the initiative by actively involving students, demonstrating the vital role of art in education and community growth. Together, they showcase how storytelling on stage can become a catalyst for cultural awareness and healing. “I couldn’t have scripted a better scenario, a better cast, or a better co-producer to make it happen. I’m excited to have this amazing cast bring these characters and stories to life for you. What we’ve created together will certainly entertain, educate, and empower. I believe this production will help many heal from deep wounds that have prevented them from being and living whole”, expressed C. Nathaniel Brown.

Community support has been central to this project’s success. From men and artists to students and families, St. Maarten has stepped up, showing a shared understanding that these narratives are not only artistic expressions but necessary conversations for building a stronger, more resilient society. Godguys is not just a play—it is a testament to the island’s collective commitment to growth, dialogue, and healing.

The organizers extend heartfelt thanks to all sponsors who have contributed to bringing this initiative to life. A special recognition goes to het Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, whose financial contribution ensured that this vision could be realized, as well as to the many businesses and individuals who supported the project (RBC Bank, Mental Health Foundation, Divi Resort St. Maarten, Native Nations St. Maarten and the entire community). Their contributions highlight the importance of investing in art as a tool for community building and cultural preservation.

Tickets for Godguys are in high demand, with only a limited number still available. Community members are encouraged to secure theirs as soon as possible at Adolphus Richardson or via the Philipsburg Cultural Center by calling +1 (721) 524-5084 to avoid missing this unforgettable cultural event. On September 27th, the Philipsburg Cultural Center will not only host a play—it will host a movement of art, dialogue, and unity.