PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) Clive Richardson, is calling on residents and the business community to continue to remain vigilant and prepared.

According to weather forecasters, the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is going through a lull period. The quiet period has to do with widespread unfavorable conditions for storm development, and ODM is advising all not to become complacent, thinking storm formation is over.

Forecasters indicate that the longer-range weather model guidance expects that the second half of September and the first half of October could be quite active with storm activity across the Atlantic, Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Monitor local weather reports from the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/ as the country is now in the peak period of the season.

The remaining 2025 storm names are: Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.

For more information on hurricane preparedness and to find a list of official resources, please visit the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane, where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart,” or you can use the following link: https://shorturl.at/VbaxC

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during, and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather-related news and information, as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The uniform is meant to be a symbol of safety, a sign that help and order are at hand. But for too many citizens, the sight of a KPSM officer now sparks fear, not reassurance. A disturbing pattern of harassment and brutality is eroding the very foundation of public trust, turning protectors into predators and leaving a community feeling besieged by the people sworn to serve them. This isn't about isolated incidents; it's about a culture of intimidation that must be confronted.

Reports are surfacing of actions that have no place in a just society. Officers are allegedly strip-searching pedestrians on the street without cause, a profound violation of human dignity. This is not policing; it is a humiliating power play designed to demean and control. Such an act strips away a person's rights and leaves lasting psychological scars. It is an abuse of authority that cannot be tolerated or explained away.

The aggression doesn't stop there. We are hearing accounts of officers threatening to shoot individuals and even their pets. Let’s be clear: a threat to use lethal force, whether against a person or their beloved animal, is an act of extreme violence and intimidation. It is a tactic of terror, not of law enforcement. When an officer uses the power of their weapon to instill fear, they have crossed a line from upholding the law to breaking it. This behavior demonstrates a shocking lack of restraint and a complete disregard for the lives they are supposed to protect.

These are not the actions of a professional police force. They are the hallmarks of a department failing its community. Each unwarranted search, each terrifying threat, shatters the bond between citizens and law enforcement. It makes people less likely to report crimes, less willing to cooperate with investigations, and more inclined to see the police as an occupying force rather than a community partner. This doesn't make our streets safer; it fosters an environment of hostility and danger for everyone.

Enough is enough. We cannot allow this culture of abuse to continue unchecked. The silence and inaction from leadership are deafening and amount to a tacit endorsement of this behavior.

It is time for the community to demand accountability. We must speak out against these injustices. Document every incident. Share your stories. Support your neighbors who have been victimized. Your voice is a powerful tool against oppression.

We also demand that authorities take immediate and decisive action. A thorough and transparent investigation into these allegations is not a request; it is a necessity. Officers found guilty of such abuses must be removed from their positions and face legal consequences. Systemic reform is not optional. We need improved training, strict and enforceable policies on use of force, and a civilian oversight board with real power to hold the department accountable.

The trust that has been broken must be rebuilt, but that process can only begin when the abuse stops and justice is served. Our safety and our rights are not negotiable. The time for accountability is now.

HNLMS Friesland has intercepted another drug shipment in the Caribbean. This time, it involved 318 kilos of cocaine during an operation on August 18th. The announcement was made today. This is already the eighth time the ship has intercepted drugs.

On that evening, the station ship HNLMS Friesland spotted a suspicious vessel in the Caribbean Sea. It was a so-called go-fast, a fast boat often used for drug smuggling. As soon as this was clear, both rapid interception vessels (Friscs) from the Friesland were deployed to approach the boat.

Overboard

A chase ensued, during which the smugglers threw packages overboard. The chase was called off, and the Frisc crew was subsequently able to recover 318 kilos of cocaine. The drugs were handed over to the US Coast Guard for destruction, as is customary.

Combating

HNLMS Friesland has been active in the region since May. Combating drug trafficking at sea is one of the Ministry of Defence's responsibilities in the Caribbean. The station ship works alternately with the Caribbean Coast Guard and the US Coast Guard.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) continues to take firm action to keep Philipsburg and its surroundings safe for residents, businesses, and visitors. Over the past days, officers issued several fines and towed 10 vehicles that were parked in ways that blocked access or created safety risks or parked illegally. Officers also conducted checks on suspicious vehicles, scooters, and motorcycles, particularly in the busy areas of Front Street and Back Street.

On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, during one of these controls, officers attempted to stop a scooter rider on Front Street. The rider tried to escape by driving through alleys that were closed off to traffic. After a short pursuit, officers cornered the suspect, who continued to resist arrest. The individual was eventually brought under control and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station.

KPSM stresses that these operations are not only about enforcement but about protecting the community. Reckless driving, illegal parking, and attempts to avoid police checks put everyone at risk. We ask all vehicle drivers, motorcycle riders, and scooter riders to cooperate fully with officers carrying out these important tasks.

Everyone has a role to play in keeping Philipsburg safe. KPSM will continue these operations and will take the necessary measures against anyone who resists or obstructs police work.

KPSM Press Release.