PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The theme for World AIDS Day, which will be observed globally on Monday, December 1, 2025, is “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” the Collective Prevention Service (CPS) said on Sunday.

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, serves as a crucial global initiative to unite people in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with the virus, and commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

The day is a pivotal moment for governments, health organizations, and communities to renew their commitment to reach the UNAIDS target of ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030.

A primary objective of World AIDS Day 2025 will be to accelerate efforts toward achieving the ambitious 95-95-95 targets: of people living with HIV know their status, of all people with diagnosed HIV infection receive sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART), and of all people receiving ART achieve viral suppression.

CPS encourages the community to educate and inform themselves about the latest developments related to AIDS and HIV, and therefore, the topic is part of its annual calendar of health observances.

Achieving viral suppression is critical, as it means the virus is undetectable, rendering it impossible to transmit sexually or undetectable equals un-transmittable).

This scientific fact has fundamentally changed the social and medical landscape of HIV, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives and preventing new infections.

Awareness campaigns on this day will heavily emphasize the importance of getting tested, starting treatment immediately, and understanding that modern ART is the most effective prevention tool available.

Finally, the commemoration serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need to combat stigma and discrimination. Despite monumental medical progress, social stigma remains a major obstacle, preventing many individuals from seeking testing or adhering to treatment for fear of judgment, exclusion, or violence.

World AIDS Day is therefore a call to action for society to foster greater understanding and acceptance. By promoting open dialogue, celebrating the resilience of those living with HIV, and campaigning for inclusive policies, we can remove the final non-medical barriers to ending the epidemic, ensuring that the necessary healthcare and social support reach every individual, everywhere.

In 2024, an estimated 40.8 million people were living with HIV globally. Approximately 630,000 people died from HIV related causes in 2024, and an estimated 1.3 million people acquired HIV in 2024.

Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM airport) officially ushered in the holiday season with the lighting of its Christmas tree, a tradition that symbolizes warmth and hospitality for travelers during the busiest time of the year. The ceremony was led by CFO Michael Lake, and COO Emile Levons, marking the start of a month filled with holiday cheer.
The entire airport has been transformed into a winter wonderland, adorned with vibrant decorations to create a welcoming atmosphere for thousands of passengers arriving on the island. Throughout December, SXM Airport will host a series of holiday-themed activities designed to spread joy and enhance the travel experience for passengers and locals.
“As we enter this festive season, it is important for us to create an atmosphere that reflects the warmth and hospitality of our island,” said CFO Michael. Lake. “The holiday decorations and activities are a gesture of appreciation to our passengers, partners, and employees who contribute to the success of SXM Airport.”
From an operational standpoint, maintaining a seamless passenger flow remains a top priority. COO Emile Levons emphasized:
“December is traditionally our peak travel period, and our teams have been preparing extensively. We are committed to delivering a safe, efficient, and enjoyable experience for all travelers, even on the busiest days. The holiday season brings unique challenges, but also great opportunities to showcase the resilience of SXM Airport’s operations.”

December is traditionally the airport’s busiest month, with 7,000 to 8,000 passengers passing through on peak days, as travelers flock to the Caribbean for winter escapes. SXM Airport is ready to meet this demand while ensuring a safe, efficient, and festive environment for all.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A wave of brazen robberies struck Sint-Maarten in the early hours of November 30, 2025, leaving residents and business owners on high alert. The Sint-Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is now conducting a full-scale investigation into two separate, audacious crimes that occurred just hours apart: one involving a suspect impersonating a police officer and the other a coordinated hotel heist.

The night's crime spree began shortly after 12:30 a.m. in the Madame Estate area. A local business owner on their way home was ambushed and robbed. In a chilling detail, the attacker was reportedly wearing a polo-style shirt strikingly similar to those worn by KPSM officers. The suspect stole keys and other valuables before disappearing, leaving behind a community shaken by the deceptive tactic.

KPSM has strongly condemned this act, highlighting the grave danger posed by criminals who impersonate law enforcement. Such incidents not only threaten the public but also undermine the safety and integrity of legitimate officers.

Before the island could process the first incident, a second, highly organized robbery unfolded. Just after 2:00 a.m., a small white vehicle carrying five individuals descended upon a hotel in the Oyster Bay area. Four of the suspects stormed the establishment, overpowering staff members in a swift takeover. Their target was a safe belonging to the business, which they successfully removed from the premises. A fifth suspect acted as the getaway driver, and the group fled with the stolen safe into the night.

Detectives are now poring over surveillance footage and witness statements from both crime scenes in an effort to identify the perpetrators. While the two robberies are not believed to be connected at this time, their severity and boldness have put the community on edge.

The police are urging the public to remain extremely vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. Authorities are appealing to anyone who may have information about the incidents in either Madame Estate or Oyster Bay. You are encouraged to contact the KPSM Detective Department at +1 721-542-2222 or provide an anonymous tip through the 9300 tip line.

PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT:--- In an incident that has captured international attention and sparked local outrage, the case of a "missing" American tourist in Sint Maarten has taken a turn that is both frustrating and deeply concerning. The tourist, Ann Evans, who was reported missing after disembarking the cruise ship Rotterdam on November 20th, has been located. She was not in distress. She was not a victim. She was found checked into a hotel on the French side of the island, having apparently orchestrated her own disappearance.
While the primary emotion is relief that no harm came to her, that relief is quickly being overshadowed by a wave of public anger. The initial reports of a missing tourist sent ripples of concern across the island and beyond. International news outlets, particularly in the United States, picked up the story, casting a shadow over Sint Maarten's reputation as a safe and welcoming destination. Now, with the truth emerging, the narrative has shifted from one of concern to one of criticism, and the island is left to manage the fallout.
The search for Ms. Evans prompted a significant mobilization of resources. Law enforcement on both the Dutch and French sides of the island dedicated time, personnel, and effort to locate her. Following leads and conducting extensive checks, authorities from the KPSM (Police Force of Sint Maarten) and the French Gendarmerie worked collaboratively, treating the case with the seriousness it seemed to deserve. This was a coordinated effort to find a person believed to be in peril.
To discover that these valuable resources were expended on an individual who intentionally vanished is an affront to the community. Every hour an officer spent searching for Ms. Evans was an hour they could not dedicate to genuine emergencies. In a place where resources are finite, such a deliberate diversion is not just wasteful; it's irresponsible.
What makes this situation even more damaging is the potential impact on future incidents. The public outcry on social media is palpable. Residents and friends of Sint Maarten are justifiably furious that the island's image has been tarnished by one person's selfish actions. This incident has the potential to create a "cry wolf" scenario. Will the next genuine missing person case be met with a degree of skepticism? Will a tourist in actual need of help face a delayed response because of the doubt sown by this event? The actions of one individual risk eroding trust and urgency required to help those who are truly in danger.
As of now, police have confirmed that Ms. Evans has been located and that a copy of her passport has been surrendered, but a detailed explanation for her behavior remains conspicuously absent. The public deserves to understand why this happened. This lack of transparency only fuels further speculation and frustration. While legal jurisdictions may be complex, the need for accountability is clear.
This incident cannot be quietly dismissed. It must serve as a stark reminder that actions have consequences that extend far beyond the individual. It is a disservice to the hard-working people of Sint Maarten, the dedicated law enforcement who keep us safe, and the tourism industry that is the lifeblood of the economy. We must call for accountability. There should be a thorough investigation, not just into the disappearance itself, but into what legal and financial repercussions can be levied to discourage anyone from contemplating such a reckless act in the future. Sint Maarten's reputation is resilient, but it should not have to withstand self-inflicted wounds of this nature