PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of First Instance has sentenced a family friend to 50 months in prison for serious offences committed against an eight-year-old girl. The suspect was acting as a babysitter at the time of the incident and was found guilty of acts that severely violated the child’s personal and physical integrity.
A key element in the case was forensic evidence. DNA material belonging to the suspect was found on the victim’s clothing, which played a decisive role in corroborating the child’s statement and establishing the suspect’s involvement.
A central legal issue in the proceedings was whether the proven acts qualified as “sexual penetration” under criminal law. The Prosecutor argued that the nature and impact of the acts, as experienced by the victim, met the legal threshold for this qualification.
The Court agreed with the Prosecutor’s position. It ruled that the offence constituted sexual penetration within the meaning of the law. The Court further referred to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that certain forms of sexual conduct can be legally equated with sexual intercourse due to the seriousness of the violation of sexual integrity (HR 18 May 2010, LJN BK6910).
In addition to the prison sentence, the victim’s compensation claim was partially granted. The Court awarded US $5,000 in non-material damages and US $115 in material damages. A compensation order and statutory enforcement measures were also imposed.
Offences of this nature represent one of the most serious forms of criminal behaviour, according to the Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten OM SXM. Crimes committed against children, particularly by individuals in positions of trust, cause long-lasting harm and undermine the fundamental sense of safety within families and communities.
OM SXM emphasized that the justice system will continue to treat such cases with the highest priority and will pursue accountability to ensure the protection of vulnerable victims.
CPS calls on Community to Continue to Eliminate Mosquito Breeding Sites. Tip it, toss it, cover it.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) calls on the population to step-up mosquito prevention measures after every rainfall event.
The proactive elimination of mosquito breeding sites is a cornerstone of effective public health management, serving as the first line of defense against the spread of debilitating diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.
By identifying and removing sources of stagnant water—ranging from discarded containers to clogged gutters—communities can drastically reduce the population of Aedes aegypti at their source.
Ultimately, maintaining a "clean and dry" environment is not merely a household chore; it is a vital civic responsibility that safeguards the most vulnerable members of the population and ensures a healthier, more resilient community.
Mosquitoes breed in small amounts of standing water, especially in containers around homes and businesses (e.g., buckets, plant saucers, discarded items, tires, clogged gutters).
Mosquitoes are often active during the daytime, with biting frequently occurring outdoors in shaded areas and it can spread through transport and trade when eggs/larvae are moved in water-holding items.
Eliminating breeding sites is the most effective way to reduce mosquito populations. We urge everyone to take the following actions at least once per week: Tip it, toss it, cover it.
Empty and scrub containers that hold water: buckets, coolers, flowerpot saucers, pet bowls, vases, toys, tarps. Properly dispose of unused items that collect rainwater.
Cover water storage. Ensure cisterns, drums, and barrels are securely covered with tight lids or fine mesh. Clean drains and gutters. Remove leaves and debris to prevent water from pooling.
Manage tires and bulky items. Store tires under cover or disposing of them properly—tires are a high-risk breeding site. Businesses and property managers, construction sites, tire shops, marinas, and rental properties are asked to intensify weekly checks and maintain premises free of standing water.
Mosquito control cannot be achieved by government services alone. It requires sustained action by households, communities, and businesses across the entire island.
By working together, we can reduce breeding sites, lower mosquito populations, and protect residents and visitors.
To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’ vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.
Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Air Antilles Crisis: Insolvency Filing and the Wait for February 2.
POINTE a PITRE:--- The future of Air Antilles and its 118 employees now rests with the Commercial Court of Pointe-à-Pitre, which will deliver its verdict on February 2. The hearing on January 22 brought a significant development: the public prosecutor has officially requested that the airline be placed into judicial reorganization. This recommendation provides a crucial thread of hope for the troubled regional carrier, signaling a potential path to survival over immediate liquidation.
The court session, held behind closed doors, represents a critical juncture for an airline that has been paralyzed since early December 2025. For the employees and the wider Caribbean community, the prosecutor's support for a recovery plan is the most positive news in weeks. This article will break down the latest developments, the significance of the prosecutor’s request, and what comes next for Air Antilles.
The Prosecutor's Stance: A Lifeline for Air Antilles
At the closed-door hearing on January 22 at the Commercial Court of Pointe-à-Pitre, a pivotal development occurred: the public prosecutor explicitly requested that Air Antilles be placed into judicial reorganization. This recommendation, delivered after swift and focused exchanges among the small group of attendees, carries significant weight—even if the ultimate decision rests with the court itself. With 118 jobs at stake across Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Saint-Martin, the prosecutor’s call for reorganization sent a vital signal that the authorities see a viable path for recovery if a credible restructuring plan can be implemented.
The emotional response from employees underscored the gravity of the moment. Séverine Louisor, coordinator at the Pointe-à-Pitre station, captured the uncertainty and hardship faced by staff over the past months: “What keeps a company alive are the passengers and the money they bring. Without that, we cannot live.” The situation has bred both hope and sadness, as employees acknowledge the mounting pressure and the long shadow cast by the company's temporary license and mounting losses.
Brieuc Hardy, union delegate for the SNPL and member of the employee committee, echoed these mixed emotions. He spoke of the sadness that the airline had reached such a precarious point but also acknowledged that both the court and the prosecutor seem genuinely committed to prioritizing job preservation through reorganization rather than liquidation.
This rare alignment between the prosecutor’s recommendation and the airline’s own plea for judicial reorganization considerably strengthens Air Antilles' chances of avoiding total closure. The prosecutor’s backing not only offers hope to the workforce but also marks an official recognition of the regional and economic stakes embodied by the airline.
The hearing was called as a direct result of the carrier’s insolvency filing, a step made inevitable once the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) suspended Air Antilles’ Air Transport Certificate on December 8, 2025, due to safety issues. The grounding instantly halted flights and cut off all income, leaving the company unable to meet its obligations.
Now, the court must decide between two stark outcomes:
- Judicial Reorganization: Supported by both the defense and the prosecutor, this would see Air Antilles protected by the court and allowed to restructure its debt and operations—provided it secures the renewal of its operating license.
- Liquidation: Should the court find the business unsalvageable, the airline’s assets would be sold, and its 118 employees would lose their jobs, marking the end of Air Antilles.
The human toll was palpable at the courthouse. Anxiety, sadness, and fragile hope blended among the staff, who have already weathered months of uncertainty and now wait on the court’s decision, buoyed by the prosecutor’s crucial show of support.
The survival of Air Antilles is about more than just one company. The Collectivity of Saint-Martin, as the majority shareholder, has invested nearly €20 million of public funds into the airline since its takeover in late 2023. A liquidation would mean a near-total loss of this investment.
Furthermore, the airline plays a critical role in regional connectivity. Before its grounding, Air Antilles transported over 121,000 passengers in 2025 between key destinations like Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, and Saint-Barthélemy. Its disappearance would create a significant void in the regional air transport market, likely leading to reduced flight availability and higher prices for travelers due to decreased competition.
What's Next?
All eyes are now on February 2. The court’s decision will be the first major domino to fall. Even with a favorable ruling for reorganization, the airline faces another urgent deadline: its provisional operating license is set to expire on January 31. Securing a renewal is essential for any recovery plan to succeed.
The hope for survival also hinges on securing new investment. A consortium of investors is reportedly finalizing a takeover offer to present to the court. The viability of this offer, combined with a clear strategy to address the DGAC’s safety concerns, will be central to convincing the court that Air Antilles has a future.
For the 118 employees, the prosecutor's recommendation is a reason for cautious optimism, but the wait is far from over. Their fate, and that of a vital regional airline, hangs in the balance.
Minor Arrested in Connection with Galisbay Armed Robbery.
GALISBAY, SANDY GROUND – A minor suspected of committing an armed robbery was taken into custody by gendarmes on the morning of Thursday, January 22. The arrest followed a dedicated judicial operation in the Galis Bay and Sandy Ground area.
The individual is accused of involvement in an armed robbery where a weapon was used. This morning's operation was the culmination of an investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the person responsible for the crime.
Legal proceedings concerning this case are now underway. The Basse-Terre prosecutor's office is directing the judicial process to ensure all legal protocols are followed.
This arrest highlights the gendarmerie's ongoing commitment to public safety. Officials have reiterated their full mobilization in the fight against the proliferation of illegal weapons on the island. These efforts are a core part of their mission to ensure the security of all residents and visitors. Further details on the case will be released as the legal process continues.
Critical Meetings Pile Up as Ministers Stall on Accountability.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The wheels of democracy in Sint Maarten appear to be grinding to a halt, with a growing backlog of unheld meetings leaving Parliament—and by extension the public—in the dark on critical issues ranging from national security to tax reform.
According to the latest "Pending Meeting Requests" list dated January 7, 2026, obtained by SMN-News, dozens of crucial discussions requested by Members of Parliament remain outstanding. The document paints a concerning picture of a legislature waiting on the executive branch, with some requests dating back to 2023.
The "Top 3" Accountability Gaps
An analysis of the document reveals that the Ministries of Finance, VROMI, and Justice account for the bulk of the delays, effectively creating a bottleneck on progress.
1. Ministry of Finance: The Legislative Logjam
The Minister of Finance currently holds the highest volume of critical pending matters. Most alarming is the delay in discussing the complete overhaul of the tax system.
Additionally, the Minister faces a stack of new legislative drafts from January 2026 regarding the supervision of virtual assets (crypto), payment services, and investment firms. Without these meetings, Sint Maarten’s financial compliance framework hangs in the balance.
2. Ministry of VROMI: Infrastructure & Safety on Hold
While the country faces housing shortages and climate risks, the Minister of VROMI has a significant list of outstanding updates.
Housing Crisis: Two separate meetings on social housing and the state of national housing (requested in January and May 2025) have yet to take place.
Flood Readiness: A request from November 2025 to discuss "national flood management and drainage readiness" remains pending. With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, the lack of parliamentary scrutiny on our drainage infrastructure is a gamble with public safety.
3. Ministry of Justice: Security Risks Unaddressed
The Ministry of Justice is trailing on matters of immediate national security and human rights.
Prison Crisis: A roundtable on the capacity and situation at Point Blanche Prison was requested back in November 2024. The document notes the Minister was "ready in April," yet the meeting is still listed as pending in January 2026.
Regional Instability: An urgent request from January 5, 2026, to discuss national security concerns following the "capture of Venezuela's Head of State" is listed, with a closed-door meeting held, but an urgent public meeting still to be called.
The "Stalling" Tactics?
The document reveals a pattern of deferrals that hampers Parliament's ability to supervise.
"More Time Needed": The standard response for the tax reform meeting.
Budget Deflections: A request to discuss the U.S.-China trade war and the delay of the vendor marketplace (MinTEATT) saw the Minister invite MPs to handle the matter "after Budget 2025".
Silence: A request regarding the 2024 General Audit Chamber report is simply listed as "Normally in October," yet remains on the January 2026 list.
Impact on the People
The consequences of these delays are not just administrative; they are felt on the ground.
Economic Stagnation: A presentation on a regulatory model for cannabis legalization, requested in December 2025, is stalled.
Uncertainty for TelEm: A critical discussion on TelEm's financial performance, requested in October 2025, is still pending, leaving the job security of employees and the company's viability in question.
As the list of "outstanding" meetings grows, so does the deficit of accountability. With Parliament unable to question Ministers on these vital topics, the question must be asked: Is the government avoiding scrutiny, or has the machinery of government simply seized up?