PHILIPSBURG:---  The violent incident at Pointe Blanche Prison on Monday has ignited renewed public anger over what many describe as “inhumane and dangerous” conditions inside the country’s only correctional facility.
While the Ministry of Justice characterized the event as an altercation connected to tensions surrounding an ongoing criminal matter, accounts emerging from inside the prison paint a far more alarming picture — one rooted in years of overcrowding, neglect, and ignored warnings.
According to reports from individuals familiar with the incident, inmates themselves — not prison staff — were the first to respond after a young detainee was seriously injured. Witnesses claim fellow prisoners placed the wounded man onto a food cart and rushed him toward the front of the facility in a desperate attempt to get medical attention.
“If the inmates had not acted immediately, the outcome could have been much worse,” one source stated.
The incident has once again drawn attention to deteriorating conditions inside Point Blanche Prison, where inmates reportedly sleep in overcrowded classrooms lacking proper sanitation, functioning showers, and reliable running water. Sources describe unbearable odors caused by sewage issues, sweat, and poor hygiene conditions so severe that some prisoners have refused to collect meals in certain sections of the facility.
As a result, inmates have allegedly been forced to gather in overcrowded common areas simply to access food safely.
Critics argue that the latest violence was not an isolated incident, but rather the predictable consequence of a prison system pushed beyond its limits.
“This was not just a fight,” one concerned observer said. “This is what happens when people are kept in degrading conditions for years while repeated warnings are ignored.”
For years, local organizations, legal advocates, and international observers have raised concerns about conditions at Point Blanche Prison, including overcrowding, understaffing, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient rehabilitation programs. Despite repeated promises of reform, many say meaningful improvements have failed to materialize.
The latest incident has intensified calls for transparency from government officials, with members of the public demanding a full account of what occurred inside the prison and why emergency intervention reportedly came first from inmates rather than correctional officers.
Questions are also being raised about whether authorities acted swiftly enough and whether enough resources are being allocated to prevent further deterioration of conditions.
The Ministry has yet to release a detailed timeline of events or address the claims regarding sanitation and inmate living conditions.
Meanwhile, public frustration continues to grow as citizens question how many more warnings will be ignored before decisive action is taken.
For many, Monday’s violence serves as a grim reminder that the crisis at Point Blanche Prison is no longer a hidden issue behind prison walls — it is now a national emergency demanding urgent attention.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) are issuing a wanted notice as part of the ongoing “Alligator” investigation into the double murder that took place on Sint Maarten on March 2, 2026.
Two people were killed in this shooting: Damien Sylvester, originally from Trinidad, and Ms Denisha Delancy from the United States. The investigation indicates that this was a cold-blooded killing targeting Damien Sylvester. It appears that Denisha Delancy was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
In this case, one suspect is currently in pre-trial detention on charges of complicity in these murders. However, the suspected shooter is still at large.
The shooter has been identified as Brent Dain Danglade, born on 25 March 1977 in Trinidad and Tobago. He has since changed his name to John Dawn Emmanuel, born on 25 March 1977
The investigation reveals that the suspect is known for regularly altering his appearance. The attached photographs show what he may currently look like, what he looked like at the time of the offense, and how he has been depicted in previous wanted notices.
In addition, the suspect has an elongated tattoo on the inside of his right forearm. The exact meaning or image of this tattoo is as yet unknown.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office and KPSM are aware that Brent Dain Danglade, alias John Dawn Emmanuel, may have received assistance from people associated with the male
victim following the murder. KPSM is currently conducting an active investigation into this.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office emphasizes that the suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous. Members of the public are urged not to approach him themselves, but to contact KPSM immediately via the police number +1 721-542-2222, the anonymous tip line 9300 or via the usual emergency numbers.
Any information, however small, may be of importance to the investigation.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has formally addressed the Supervisory Board of Directors (SBOD) and Management of NV GEBE following the utility company’s announcement of an increase in the fuel clause from Xcg. 0.36 per kWh in April 2026 to Xcg. 0.45 per kWh for May 2026.
In his correspondence of today, the Prime Minister acknowledged the global geopolitical tensions and fuel market instability impacting electricity generation costs worldwide, while expressing serious concern about the growing burden being placed on the people of Sint Maarten.
“The people of Sint Maarten are already facing considerable economic pressure and rising living expenses. Government has consistently advocated for measures that would protect consumers and provide meaningful relief, especially for our most vulnerable families, seniors, and working households,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the Government has been engaging NV GEBE for some time regarding the impact of utility costs and that he has acted in good faith based on assurances and discussions concerning mitigation and relief-oriented initiatives.
“It is important that the public understands that operational decisions concerning fuel clause adjustments fall within the management and governance responsibilities of NV GEBE. Nevertheless, the Government will continue to advocate strongly on behalf of the people of Sint Maarten to ensure transparency, accountability, and consumer protection,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Mercelina also raised concern regarding the timing of the announcement, which was issued on Mother’s Day.
“On a day dedicated to honoring mothers and families, the timing of such an announcement understandably heightened public sensitivity and frustration. Greater consideration should have been exercised regarding the broader emotional and financial impact on the community,” he added.
In his letter, the Prime Minister requested urgent clarification from NV GEBE regarding:
• The factors leading to the increase and whether alternative mitigation measures were explored;
• The status of previously discussed relief measures for consumers;
• The company’s operational and financial strategy moving forward;
• Efforts to accelerate renewable and alternative energy solutions; and
• Improved public communication regarding future adjustments and relief initiatives.
Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed the Government's commitment to constructive dialogue and long-term solutions aimed at strengthening the country’s energy resilience while safeguarding the wellbeing of the population.
“We must continue working toward sustainable energy solutions that reduce Sint Maarten’s dependence on imported fuel and protect our people from external shocks beyond our control. The people deserve transparency, stability, and reassurance during these challenging times,” Prime Minister Mercelina concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of St. Maarten has announced an increase in the maximum consumer price of unleaded gasoline (ULG), effective Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 6:00 a.m., according to a public notice issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic, and Telecommunication (TEATT).
Under the revised pricing structure, the maximum consumer price for ULG gasoline will rise from 3.097 XCG per liter to 3.202 XCG per liter. Meanwhile, the price of gasoil (diesel) will remain unchanged at 2.968 XCG per liter.
Officials stated that the increase is linked to developments in the international fuel market and to the need for fuel supplier SOL to restock at higher purchase costs. According to the announcement, world market prices for gasoline increased while diesel prices remained stable, forcing SOL to acquire ULG fuel at elevated rates verified by the Department of Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication against international postings.
The government explained that St. Maarten regulates petroleum prices by imposing a maximum selling price for wholesalers and retailers across the island. The updated pricing includes factors such as freight charges, import duty, wholesale margins, turnover taxes, and retailer margins.
The Ministry emphasized that all calculations were rounded to three decimal places and included in the official price buildup