PHILIPSBURG— The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has launched an internal review after a social-media video circulated showing an interaction between a police officer and a minor aboard a school bus.
KPSM said its management initiated the review based on the officer’s actions during the incident. The review will assess the officer’s conduct and the operational tactics used.
The police force emphasized that its officers are expected to act professionally and respectfully and to comply with established standards at all times.
“KPSM is a professional law enforcement organization and expects all its officers to conduct themselves professionally, respectfully, and in accordance with established standards at all times,” the police stated.
KPSM said it would refrain from making further comments while the internal review remains underway.

The Perpetual Plastics team and Freegan Food Foundation are proud 2nd-place winners of the National Volunteer Awards, hosted by the Association for Volunteerism in the Netherlands. The Perpetual Plastics Team won second place in the ‘Nature and Environment’ category, covering SDGs 13, 14, and 15. The Freegan Food Foundation earned second place in the ‘Livelihood Security’ category, under SDGs 1 & 10. There were 5 second-place categories to be won, with 66 nominees vying for the prizes, from a total of 322 entries.

The second-place prize was €3.000. The other 60 nominees received a € 1,000 third-place prize. Two organizations from Sint Maarten won 2nd place, a testament to the impact local NGOs have on the island, which is gaining more recognition throughout the Kingdom. Especially considering it is the first time the Dutch Caribbean islands were included in the nominations. The Foresee Foundation spearheaded the inclusion of the Dutch Caribbean islands, supporting more recognition and opportunities for NGOs locally and regionally.

As per the jury regarding Perpetual Plastics: 'The plastic washing up on St. Maarten often originates thousands of kilometers away—including from the Netherlands. Perpetual Plastics by EPIC, supported by over 1,000 volunteers, collects and processes this waste. Schoolchildren take home what they have learned, and people with disabilities find a place to contribute. There is hardly a better example of global responsibility: they clean up the mess we create. According to the jury, the organization sends a powerful message that extends far beyond its own coastline.'

As per the jury regarding Freegan Food: ‘On Sint Maarten, the Freegan Food Foundation also saves hundreds of kilograms of food each week that would otherwise go to waste. The organization serves as a food bank, clothing bank, and second-hand shop all in one, but its primary focus is helping families move step-by-step toward self-sufficiency. The jury was moved by the direct nature of this assistance: no waiting lists, no complex rules—just consistent, dedicated effort week after week. Fighting poverty, without the paperwork.’

The United Nations has also declared 2026 the ‘Year of the Volunteer’. This prize recognizes that work by highlighting and celebrating the social impact of volunteer efforts and how they benefit society.

Both organizations would hereby like to congratulate and thank all their volunteers who have dedicated their time and passion to the organizations and its projects over all these years. Volunteerism has always been the backbone of both organizations, and without it, they would not likely have achieved half of what they have today.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Omar Ottley says he does not support disciplinary action against Officer Hodge over a school bus incident involving a minor who allegedly made an obscene hand gesture toward police officers.

Ottley said police procedures must be respected and concerns about the officer’s conduct should be reviewed objectively. He argued, however, that the student’s alleged behavior should also be part of the public discussion.

“We cannot continue to sound the alarm about youth violence, youth crime, fighting in our schools and the growing lack of discipline among some of our young people, while at the same time creating an environment where blatant disrespect for authority is treated as acceptable behavior,” Ottley said.

According to Ottley, the incident raises a broader question about the standards expected of young people and the role of parents, educators, community leaders and public officials in reinforcing them. He said respect for police officers should be considered alongside respect for teachers, parents, bus drivers and other members of the community.

Ottley emphasized that officers must act professionally and proportionately, especially when dealing with minors. He said any departure from established protocols should be examined, but cautioned against judging the officer’s actions without considering the circumstances of the encounter.

“There may be instances where established protocols could have been followed differently, and those matters can and should be discussed,” he said. “But policing also requires judgment.”

The Police Force of Sint Maarten has said its management initiated an internal review of the officer’s conduct and operational tactics after a video of the interaction circulated on social media. KPSM said it expects officers to act professionally and respectfully and would refrain from further comment while the review is underway.

Ottley called for a wider conversation among police, schools, parents and youth organizations about discipline and how young people and officers interact. He reiterated his support for accountable policing while maintaining that, based on the circumstances as he understands them, Officer Hodge should not face disciplinary measures.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, September 18, 2026, shortly after 11:30 p.m., the Central Police Dispatch received a report of an attempted armed robbery at a residence located on Back Street.

Police officers were dispatched to the location. Upon arrival, officers were informed that three male suspects, dressed in dark clothing and reportedly armed with firearms, had attempted to rob the residence.

For reasons that are still under investigation, the suspects did not complete the robbery and fled the area in an SUV.

The KPSM is asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward.

You can provide information to the Police Force of Sint Maarten by calling 542-2222 or anonymously through the KPSM Tip Line at 9300.

KPSM reminds the public: See Something, Say Something.