PHILIPSBURG:--- The Judicial & Institutional Services Foundation (J&IS), through its Foster Families Central unit, has successfully concluded Foster Care Awareness Month following a month-long campaign dedicated to raising awareness, promoting foster care, strengthening community partnerships, and encouraging greater support for children in need of safe, stable, and nurturing homes.
Held under the theme “Foster the Future” and guided by the message “Be the Village, Foster a Child,” the month brought together government officials, foster families, family guardians, child protection workers, social workers, educators, volunteers, community leaders, artists, businesses, and members of the public in a collective effort to highlight the importance of foster care and the role the community plays in supporting vulnerable children.
The campaign officially launched at the Belair Community Center, allowing the voices of those with lived foster care experience to take center stage. Former foster youth, former foster parent Sharlien Espoza, and current foster parent Natasha Oliver shared powerful personal testimonies about the impact of foster care and the importance of providing children with safe and loving environments. Their stories offered insight into both the challenges and rewards of the foster care journey and served as a call to action for the wider community.
Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the need for a renewed village approach to child protection and reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting foster families. During her remarks, the Minister announced proposed adjustments within the 2026 draft budget that would more than double the current financial support available to foster families, recognizing that financial barriers often discourage families from opening their homes to children in need.
Throughout the month, J&IS conducted outreach and awareness activities in collaboration with SXM Doet, including outreach activities like the “Foster The Future Food Drive” & “A Table That Brings Us Together”. These initiatives were designed to increase the number of foster families, promote volunteerism and mentorship, strengthen partnerships, and educate the public about the needs of children within the foster care system.
One of the highlights of the campaign was a collaborative mural created by foster youth during a workshop funded by Art Saves Lives and facilitated by teaching artist Zillah Duzon. The mural became a symbol of hope, resilience, and community support and was featured in a silent auction alongside donated artwork and other items to raise funds for programs that directly benefit children in care.
Foster Care Awareness Month culminated with the “Taking Steps to Foster the Future” Walk-A-Thon, which attracted a record-breaking turnout of more than 60 participants. The community walk began and ended at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg and brought together residents of all ages in a public demonstration of support for children in foster care.
Participants showed their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the event, with prizes awarded to the first three adult finishers, the first youth finisher, and the two youngest participants. The event not only promoted foster care awareness but also encouraged healthy community engagement and family participation.
J&IS expresses heartfelt gratitude to the many organizations, businesses, volunteers, and community partners whose support made Foster Care Awareness Month possible. Special thanks are extended to the Sunshine Children Center of Physical Development, the National Institute of Arts, MAC Primary School, Dow’s Musical Foundation, and Shamarr Hodge, whose contributions helped create an atmosphere centered on healing, inclusion, and community responsibility.
Moreover, we would also like to express a heartfelt gratitude to Windward Islands Bank, Ocean Lounge, Amsterdam Cheese Store, CLEAN, All in One Place, Poppin’ Sushi, Kid’s Zone, Heavenly Water, FLOW Wellness Boutique, Chesterfield’s, Pineapple Pete’s, Cost U Less, Divico, Sunny Foods, Carrefour Market, Art Saves Lives, Holland House, The Cheese Factor, St. Maarten Yacht Club, the Ministry of Justice, Ecotech Solutions, the Court of Guardianship, the Court of First Instance, the J&IS Youth Residential Home, New Start for Children Home, and numerous other public and private sector partners.
J&IS also recognizes Director Steven Carty and the Point Blanche Prison, whose chefs and inmates prepared 100 snack boxes for the launch event, as well as the many volunteers and supporters who contributed their time, resources, and expertise throughout the month.
Foster Care Month would not have been the success it was without the support of media partners who helped amplify the message across the island. Special thanks are extended to radio hosts Tatiana Arrindell, Alston Laurens, and CD Rankin of MY88.3FM, as well as Ramona Riley of SOS Radio, for providing a platform to raise awareness about the need for foster parents and the realities faced by children in care.
At the same time, J&IS extends its sincere appreciation to all newspaper, online news, and social media platforms, including The Daily Herald, SMN News, Soualiga Newsday, and The People’s Tribune, for their continued support throughout the month. By publishing press releases, promoting events, sharing stories, and helping to educate the public about foster care, these media partners significantly expanded the reach of the campaign. Their support helped increase public awareness, encourage community participation, highlight the need for foster families, and keep the needs of vulnerable children visible within the wider St. Maarten community. As Foster Care Awareness Month has come to a close. The campaign concluded with the successful auction of a mural made by youths. J&IS extends its sincere appreciation to the Rise Foundation for submitting the winning bid and supporting initiatives that directly benefit children and families within the foster care system.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a shooting incident that took place in the South Reward area on the evening of Tuesday, June 2, 2026.

At approximately 8:30 PM, Central Police Dispatch received several calls reporting a shooting in the South Reward area near Milton Peters College. In response, several police patrols and detectives were immediately dispatched to the location to investigate the report.

During the initial stages of the investigation, officers received information indicating that the suspects involved in the incident were on Burlap Drive in the Cul-De-Sac. Police officers proceeded to the area and encountered two individuals believed to have been involved in the shooting.

During the operation, officers also discovered a firearm that had been concealed inside a foam cooler located nearby. The firearm was confiscated as evidence. Both suspects were subsequently arrested and transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where they remain in custody for questioning.

Later that evening, officers made contact with the victim involved in the incident. During the course of the investigation, detectives also gathered information suggesting that the victim may have been in possession of a firearm during the incident. This aspect of the case is also being actively investigated.

KPSM detectives are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and the involvement of all parties. At this time, no further details can be released in the interest of the ongoing investigation.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information relevant to this investigation to contact the Police Station at +1 (721) 542-2222, the anonymous tip line at 9300, or send a private message through the official KPSM Facebook page.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is advising residents and visitors, particularly those with respiratory illnesses, to take precautionary measures during periods of increased Saharan dust activity.
During this time of year, Saharan dust plumes become more prevalent across the Caribbean region and can affect air quality in Sint Maarten.
These dust events can pose health risks, especially for small children, older adults, and individuals with underlying respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.
Persons living with asthma, allergies, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other breathing-related illnesses may experience worsening symptoms when Saharan dust concentrations are elevated. Common symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, throat irritation, eye irritation, and allergic reactions.
CPS encourages the public to stay informed by monitoring daily weather updates and advisories issued by the Sint Maarten Meteorological Department (MDS).
Information regarding the movement and expected impact of Saharan dust plumes can be obtained by visiting the MDS website at meteosxm.com or through its Facebook page at facebook.com/sxmweather.
To reduce exposure to Saharan dust particles, CPS recommends the following precautionary measures:
• Stay indoors as much as possible when dust concentrations are high;
• When outdoors, wear a properly fitted protective mask, such as a KN95 mask;
• Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter indoors to help improve air quality within homes and workplaces;
• Individuals who use medications for asthma or other pulmonary conditions should carry their medications at all times and use them as prescribed by their healthcare provider;
• Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing significant breathing difficulties or worsening respiratory symptoms;
• For less severe symptoms, allergy medications such as antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays may provide relief. Persons should consult their physician or pharmacist regarding appropriate treatment options.
CPS reminds the community that taking preventive measures during Saharan dust events can help reduce health complications and improve overall well-being.
Persons with chronic medical conditions are urged to remain vigilant and to follow the advice of their healthcare providers.
The Collective Prevention Service will continue to monitor public health concerns associated with seasonal environmental conditions and encourage the public to stay informed through official government and meteorological information channels.

PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten – From June 5 to 8, 2026, delegations from the Parliaments of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao and Sint Maarten, will be meeting in The Hague, for the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations (IPKO).
The Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations is a biannual meeting of parliamentary representatives from the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Hosted alternately in the Caribbean and in the Netherlands, the consultations provide an opportunity for parliamentary dialogue and the discussion of matters of common interest within the Kingdom.

The four parliamentary delegations will be discussing several topics that include discussions and presentations on:
Recent developments per country; follow-up discussion on the agreements list adopted during the February 2026 IPKO held in Aruba; a panel discussion and follow-up discussions on cooperation within the Inter-Parliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) and the Kingdom of the Netherlands; discussion on climate adaptation, including a presentation by the National Climate Citizens' Assembly of the Netherlands. The IPKO program will also include a working visit focused on the impact of an aging population on elderly care and potential solutions.

The Interparliamentary Consultations will conclude on Monday, June 8, 2026, with the signing of the agreement list and a joint press conference of the four delegations.

Prior to the start of the Interparliamentary Consultations (IPKO), the delegations of the Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten will meet in a Tripartite Consultation. During this meeting, the delegations will discuss specific issues affecting these countries.

The Sint Maarten delegation participating in the IPKO consultations consists of the following members:
• Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament & Delegation Leader;
• Ms. Sjamira D.M. Roseburg, LL.M., Chairlady of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations (CKAIR);
• Mr. Viren V. Kotai;
• Mr. Egbert J. Doran;
• Mr. Omar E.C. Ottley;
• Mr. Lyndon C.J. Lewis; and
• Mr. Garrick J. Richardson, LL.M., ML, Secretary General.