PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) held a special ceremony at the Police Station to recognize and honor several officers and detectives who successfully completed various professional training programs.

During the ceremony, several KPSM officers and members of the National Detectives received their certificates as Hulp-Officier van Justitie (Acting-Prosecutors), marking an important milestone in their professional development and strengthening the organization's law enforcement capacity.

Certificates were also awarded to three officers who successfully completed the OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) training.
Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) is the practice of collecting and analyzing publicly available data such as website registries, public records, and social media footprints to generate actionable intelligence. It is a critical tool used globally by law enforcement, cybersecurity professionals, and journalists to identify digital risks, track threats, and solve complex investigations legally and ethically.

In addition, several detective officers received certificates after successfully completing the Case File Preparation Training (Dossier Vorming).

The ceremony was attended by representatives and personnel of the Prosecutor’s Office, members of KPSM management, fellow officers, invited guests, and other personnel who gathered to support and recognize the achievements of their colleagues.

KPSM extends its sincere appreciation to the coordinators and organizers who made these training opportunities possible, particularly ORV, led by Director Drs. Ms. A. Falbru, and her delegation from the institute in Curaçao, who attended the ceremony. Special thanks are also extended to the College van Korpschefs (Board of Chiefs of Police) for their continued support and contribution in making many of these training initiatives possible.

KPSM recognizes that ongoing education and training remain essential to maintaining a professional and capable police organization and enhancing service to the community.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten congratulates all officers and detectives who successfully completed these training programs and wishes them continued success in their careers.

BONAIRE:--- From May 11 to 19, Aruban and Curaçaoan troops participated in the annual exercise Caribbean Strike, held this year on Bonaire. During this intensive training, the troops practiced together in a realistic platoon-level scenario.
The troops trained on challenging terrain in high temperatures. Here, various military assignments were carried out, both during the day and at night. The troops practiced, amongst other things, with ambushes, reconnaissance patrols, attacks, and actions to make contact with an opponent.
The exercise was led by a combined company staff of Aruban and Curaçaoan troops. During Caribbean Strike, the troops further developed their physical and mental resilience, perseverance, and tactical skills.
Caribbean Strike is an important part of the ongoing development of Caribbean troops. Through this exercise, they strengthen their cooperation, professionalism, and readiness for future operations.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Omar Ottley is calling on the government to stop delaying meaningful relief for the people of Sint Maarten and immediately utilize the legal mechanisms already available to regulate electricity tariffs and fuel costs, as done in Curacao.

Recent announcements by Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten concerning the signing of a Ministerial Decree to appoint BTP under the Electricity Ordinance and the announcement that a national ordinance containing general measures will be used to regulate the new tariff have been presented as progress toward electricity reform. However, MP Ottley warns that this approach may take another year or more before consumers already struggling with high electricity bills feel any real impact.

“The people cannot afford to wait another year while the government slowly moves through administrative procedures,” Ottley stated. “Families and businesses need relief today.”

According to MP Ottley, the current legal framework already provides the government with the authority to intervene immediately under the Price Ordinance, which allows regulation of electricity tariffs and fuel generation costs within a significantly shorter timeframe than the lengthy process tied to Article 12, paragraph 4 of the Electricity Ordinance.

Ottley also questioned why the Minister of TEATT has not yet fully exercised the authority already granted under the Price Ordinance to request the necessary operational and financial data from NV GEBE to finalize the previously submitted draft Ministerial Regulation.

“The authority to request this information has existed all along. The question the public deserves answered is: why was the data not demanded sooner so relief measures could already be in place?” Ottley asked.

MP Ottley acknowledged that many people question why these measures were not implemented during his tenure in government. However, he emphasized that relief efforts were made at the time and that his current position in Parliament allowed him to analyze the legal framework more deeply and identify practical solutions already embedded in existing law. As Minister of VSA, I requested a reduction in the reconnection for outstanding payments from 50% to 25%, allowing many persons to get reconnected. As Minister of TEATT, I reduced import duty tax to bring relief to the people at the gas pumps.

“Some people ask why this was not done years ago. My response is simple: if someone found the cure for cancer today, would people be angry at the person who did not discover it years earlier?” Ottley said. “What matters is that the solution is here now, and we should use it.”

Ottley further revealed that, as a Member of Parliament in opposition, he formally presented these solutions to the Minister in November 2025, including the legal pathways under the Price Ordinance for obtaining the necessary data from GEBE and implementing relief measures.

“The law is clear. The Minister may require the financial and operational information required under the Price Ordinance. If necessary, the Public Prosecutor can even accompany the Minister to inspect the books of GEBE to ensure full transparency and compliance,” Ottley stated.

While acknowledging that appointing BTP may contribute to long-term regulation of the electricity sector, Ottley emphasized that long-term reform should not come at the expense of immediate action.

“We can pursue structural reforms while simultaneously implementing emergency measures to regulate electricity costs. These are not mutually exclusive actions,” he said.

MP Ottley stressed that the government must move beyond announcements and begin delivering measurable relief to the people of Sint Maarten.

“The legal instruments are already there. What has been missing is urgency and decisive leadership,” Ottley concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Dutch Caribbean B.V., the holding company of several of the insurance operating entities within the NAGICO Group, has announced the appointment of Mr. Reza Mc Sood Amjad as its new Chairman, ushering in a new phase of strategic stewardship and governance for the regional insurance group.

Mr. Reza Amjad is no stranger to the NAGICO Insurance Group, having previously served as its director and worked alongside a leadership team that has helped shape the company into one of the Caribbean’s most recognized and trusted insurance providers. He succeeds in the role following the longstanding chairmanship of his father, continuing a legacy of stewardship and vision.

A graduate of St. John’s University in New York with a degree in Communications, Mr. Reza Amjad combines academic grounding with extensive entrepreneurial and business experience. He was a founding member of the Motorworld Group of Companies, which has grown into one of the largest automobile distribution companies in the Caribbean. In addition, he is the owner and CEO of the SIXT Car Rental franchise in St. Maarten, further demonstrating his breadth of business leadership across industries. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Reza Amjad is widely known for his generous spirit and strong family values.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Reza Amjad expressed pride in his St. Maarten and Caribbean roots and a deep commitment to the region. He shared his vision of enhancing NAGICO’s strong foundation, with a focus on innovation, resilience, and customer trust. He aims to further strengthen the company’s position, with his fellow directors and the management team, as one of the largest and most respected insurers in the Caribbean, and to expand its reputation beyond its existing footprint.

 Leadership Continuity and Governance

NAGICO Insurances further confirmed the continued leadership roles of Mr. Imran Mc Sood Amjad as Chairman of NAGICO Holdings Limited, Mr. Marlon Matser as Chairman of the Group’s key operating companies, and Ms. Kyria Ali as the Group Chief Executive Officer, reflecting the NAGICO Insurances’ commitment to strong governance and strategic continuity.

Mr. Imran McSood Amjad commented:

“I am proud to see the next generation step into this important role. Reza’s experience, values, parental example, guidance, and commitment to the region give me great confidence in the continued success of NAGICO for decades to come.”

Mr. Marlon Matser added:

“We look forward to working closely with Reza in his new capacity. His perspective and energy will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our operations and deliver for our customers, staff, agents, and brokers.”

Ms. Kyria Ali stated:

“This appointment reflects both continuity and progress. We are excited to collaborate with Mr. Reza Amjad as we build on NAGICO’s strong foundation and pursue new opportunities for growth and making meaningful impact.”

With a strong, well-aligned supervisory and management team in place, the NAGICO Insurances Group is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory while upholding the trust, values, and caring reputation that have defined it for decades.