PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten is famous for many things: its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and the unique thrill of watching jumbo jets skim just feet above Maho Beach. This world-renowned spectacle draws visitors from across the globe, eager to experience the roar of engines and the incredible sight of aircraft on their final approach to Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). To protect this experience for generations to come, local authorities have launched a crucial new initiative.

The Prosecutor's Office OM SXM, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), and the St. Maarten Civil Aviation Authority (SMCAA) have joined forces to introduce the "Respect the Sky – Fly Safe, Stay Safe" awareness campaign. This effort is designed to promote air safety and preserve the magic of the Maho Beach experience by educating residents and visitors about critical regulations. The campaign addresses specific dangers that threaten not only aircraft safety but also the well-being of people on the ground.

The Dual Threat: Drones and Flying Objects

The "Respect the Sky" campaign focuses on preventing two key dangers that have become prevalent at Maho Beach: unauthorized drone activity and throwing objects at low-flying aircraft. While these actions might seem harmless or exciting to some, they pose a significant and potentially catastrophic risk to air traffic.

Authorities emphasize that both practices are strictly prohibited by law. The area around Princess Juliana International Airport is a highly controlled airspace for a reason. Even a small, lightweight object can cause devastating damage if it collides with an aircraft. The campaign's message is clear: enjoy the spectacle, but do so responsibly and safely.

The Problem with Drones

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), have become increasingly popular for capturing stunning photos and videos. However, their presence near an active runway is extremely dangerous. A drone colliding with an aircraft can shatter a cockpit window, damage a control surface, or be ingested into an engine. The consequences of such an incident could be dire, endangering the lives of hundreds of passengers and crew members, as well as individuals on the beach below.

To mitigate this risk, Maho Beach and the surrounding approach zone for the airport are officially designated as "No Fly Zones" for drones. Flying a drone in this area is illegal without a specific exemption permit issued by the authorities.

The Danger of Thrown Objects

The second major concern is the trend of people throwing or launching items into the air as planes pass overhead. Objects like hats, sandals, phones, and even GoPros have been tossed toward the aircraft in attempts to create a viral video or simply as a reckless act.

Like drones, these objects can become dangerous projectiles. An object striking a sensitive part of the plane or being pulled into an engine can lead to severe mechanical failure. The goal of the "Respect the Sky" campaign is to make everyone understand that these actions are not harmless fun; they are serious offenses with potentially life-altering consequences.

Understanding the Legal Framework and Penalties

To underscore the seriousness of these violations, Sint Maarten has established a robust legal framework with severe penalties for offenders. The campaign aims to ensure everyone is aware of these laws and the repercussions of breaking them.

Drone Regulations

Under Ministerial Decree 2019/223 and the Luchtvaartlandsverordening (National Ordinance on Aviation), it is illegal to operate a drone in the designated No Fly Zone around the airport without proper authorization. Anyone who intentionally violates this regulation faces severe legal consequences, including:

• Up to two (2) years of imprisonment.

• A fine of up to XCG 100,000 (approximately USD $55,555).

Laws Against Endangering Air Traffic

• For the act of throwing objects, the penalties are even more stringent. Articles 2:111a and 2:111b of the Penal Code address anyone who causes danger to air traffic through intentional or negligent actions. Intentional Acts: If a person willfully throws an object at an aircraft, they can face up to fifteen (15) years in prison or a fine of up to XCG 100,000 (USD $55,555).

• Negligent or Reckless Acts: Even if the act was not intentional but resulted from negligence or recklessness, an individual can face up to one (1) year of imprisonment or a fine of up to ANG 25,000 (approximately USD $13,873).

These penalties may seem harsh, but they exist for one simple reason: to protect human lives.

Safety First: Preserving the Maho Beach Experience

Authorities are quick to point out that the "Respect the Sky" campaign is not meant to discourage tourism or diminish the enjoyment of watching the planes land at SXM. On the contrary, its purpose is to ensure that this unique attraction can continue safely and responsibly for everyone.

The campaign is an act of preservation. By enforcing these rules, Sint Maarten is protecting a landmark experience, safeguarding its residents and visitors, and ensuring the continued safe operation of its international airport. The message is one of shared responsibility. We all have a part to play in keeping the skies and the shores safe.

How You Can Help

Residents and visitors are encouraged to be vigilant and report any violations. Your awareness and cooperation are essential to the success of this campaign.

• For more information and safety updates, you can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1 (721) 545-2024.
• To report a suspected violation, such as illegal drone use or object throwing, contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) immediately by calling +1 (721) 542-2222.

By respecting the sky, we ensure that the breathtaking spectacle of Maho Beach remains a safe and awe-inspiring experience for all.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  With Thanksgiving preparations underway, the risk of foodborne illness (gastroenteritis) increases due to the sheer volume of food being handled and the complexity of holiday dishes.

Prevention in the home kitchen or at food establishments and/or catering services begins with meticulous hand hygiene and separating foods to avoid cross-contamination. Before handling any food, and especially after touching raw meat, poultry (like the turkey), or eggs, hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

Dedicated cutting boards should be used—one for raw meats and one for produce or ready-to-eat items—to ensure that harmful bacteria from raw proteins are never transferred to cooked foods or salads. All utensils, countertops, and sinks must be sanitized regularly during the food preparation process to maintain a clean environment.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, would like all to have a safe thanksgiving on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Gastroenteritis is the inflammation of the stomach and intestine a.k.a. stomach flu, which is usually due to acute infection by viruses or bacteria resulting in vomiting and diarrhea.

The most common symptoms of gastroenteritis are watery diarrhea and vomiting and repeated episodes of diarrhea (three or more episodes within 24 hours). You might also have stomach pain, cramping, fever, nausea, and a headache.

Viruses and bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. They spread through contamination of hands, objects, hard surfaces, or food infected with the aforementioned. The virus enters your body via your mouth, this type of transmission is fecal-oral. Viral gastroenteritis may also be spread through coughing and sneezing.

For example, if someone does not wash their hands after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as glass, kitchen utensil or food. Upon coughing and sneezing without using proper cough etiquette can spread viruses and bacteria.

To prevent the spread of the infection, wash your hands thoroughly after going to the toilet and before eating or preparing food; clean the toilet, including the seat and handle, with disinfectant after each bout of vomiting or diarrhea; don’t share towels, cutlery and utensils with other household members; practice proper cough etiquettes and good hygiene practices and in consultation with your physician, you should not return to work until 48 hours after your last bout of vomiting or diarrhea.

Practicing good personal and food hygiene are essential in preventing gastroenteritis. Good food hygiene entails properly and regularly washing your hands; properly and regularly clean preparation area/surfaces and utensils properly and often with hot, soapy water; never store raw food and cooked foods together; avoid cross contamination of foods which means if you are preparing fish on the cutting table, don’t add chicken to prepare as well on the same cutting board, as it has to be cleaned properly before using it again; make sure that food is correctly refrigerated; always cook your food thoroughly; and never eat food that has expired (past its shelf date or sales date; and check for expiration dates).

Consult your family physician if you have vomiting/diarrhea and/or persisting symptoms so that your physician can refer you to the laboratory for confirmation and typing of the clinical diagnosis.

For more information email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

~Inmates impacted by Powerful Empowerment Session~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Correction Department at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution hosted a highly impactful Empowerment Session on Monday, November 24, 2025, centered on the theme “Pathways to Purpose – Unlocking Potential.”
The afternoon brought inspiration and reflection to the inmate population through powerful messages delivered by guest speakers Dr. Ann Marlin-Evans and Dr. Nolan Nanton, who are both respected motivational and spiritual leaders.
In her opening remarks, the organizer of the event, Manager of Corrections Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York, welcomed the inmates and highlighted the significance of the day’s theme. She noted that purpose is something deeply personal and enduring, stating: “Purpose is something that cannot be taken away from you — it can only be rediscovered, strengthened, and lived out one step at a time. Today is one of those steps.”
Doran-York also encouraged the inmates to listen with openness and to embrace the opportunity for growth, adding: “I encourage you to take in whatever speaks to your heart today, and let it help shape a better tomorrow for yourselves.”
Dr. Nanton and Dr. Marlin-Evans delivered powerful alternating motivational messages that touched on resilience, discipline, spiritual strength, emotional healing, and the importance of self-awareness and accountability.
These sessions not only captivated the inmates, but also the staff that were present were deeply moved by these presentations.
Dr. Marlin-Evans impressed upon the fact that although the past explains their scars, they should know that they are not their scars anymore.
Dr. Nanton during his presentation told the inmates that even if a diamond has been buried in mud, when it is taken out and cleaned up, it is still a beautiful diamond.
Their combined approach created a balanced and engaging session, culminating in a joint Question & Answer segment that allowed inmates to seek guidance and ask meaningful questions.
At the close of the program, the President of the Inmates’ Association Mr. Dante Ottley expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the inmate population. In his short but heartfelt remarks, he thanked the speakers for seeing beyond the inmates’ circumstances and speaking to their potential: “Your words reminded us that purpose doesn’t disappear because of our mistakes — it is still inside of us, waiting to be rebuilt. Today you gave us something many of us don’t always feel: hope. Hope that we can grow. Hope that we can change. Hope that our story is not over. Your words reminded us that purpose doesn’t disappear because of our mistakes — it is still inside of us, waiting to be rebuilt.”
Ms. Doran-York stated that this Empowerment Session marks the first in a new series of structured motivational and developmental programs at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution.
She closed by stating: "The Management Team affirms its commitment to continuing such initiatives, recognizing the importance of consistent guidance and structured empowerment as part of the inmates’ rehabilitation journey. This Institution believes firmly that transformation is a continuous process and intends to build on the success of this first session, as sessions like these form an important part of the prison’s mission to encourage positive transformation and support inmates into developing new perspectives, skills, and inner strength”.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Lions Club proudly ushered in the Christmas season on Saturday, December 22nd, 2025, with its cherished annual tradition of decorating and lighting the St. Maarten Lions Club Roundabout. This long-standing event continues to symbolize unity, joy, and the spirit of service that the Lions bring to the community each holiday season.

Lions members came out in full force, transforming the roundabout into a vibrant display of lights and festive decorations. As the decorations were completed, members gathered to sing beloved Christmas carols, spreading holiday cheer while interacting with each other and with passersby. The warm and joyful atmosphere highlighted the fellowship and dedication that define the St. Maarten Lions Club.

Adding to the excitement, Santa Claus made an early appearance, delighting both children and adults and officially marking the start of the Christmas season on the island.

“This annual tradition reminds us of the importance of community, togetherness, and giving back. Each year, we look forward to bringing joy to the island and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas,” said Lions President Alvin Prescod.