PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has confirmed the arrest of two local male doctors in connection with a serious investigation involving allegations of ill‑treatment and abuse of one of their employees.
The case began after an official complaint was filed with police, prompting detectives to launch an immediate inquiry. Based on the preliminary investigation, both suspects were arrested in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The two men are currently being held at the Philipsburg Police Station as detectives continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews related to the incident.
KPSM emphasizes that this remains an active and sensitive investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

~Female Employee Arrested in WIB Fraud Investigation~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has confirmed the arrest of a female employee today, February 24, 2026, as part of an ongoing fraud investigation linked to the Windward Islands Bank (WIB). Unconfirmed sources have identified the employee as Jeanette. This arrest follows the apprehension of another suspect, bringing the total number of individuals in custody to two.

Jeanette is alleged to have orchestrated a scheme to misappropriate thousands of dollars from customer accounts. Reports indicate that funds, including transfers of up to $15,000, were funneled to accomplices, one of whom is believed to be her boyfriend residing in Sint Eustatius. He was arrested in St. Maarten while driving a stolen vehicle.

Public Outrage Over WIB’s Silence

The scandal has sparked widespread public outrage, with customers demanding accountability from WIB. The bank has yet to issue a statement addressing the allegations, further fueling concerns about its internal controls and security measures.

Adding to the unease, a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment found that banks in Sint Maarten, including WIB, lack insurance to protect customers from financial losses from fraud. This systemic vulnerability has left customers feeling exposed and distrustful of local financial institutions.

Police Investigation Ongoing

KPSM has assured the public of its commitment to uncovering the full extent of the fraudulent activities. Police Spokesman Joe Josepha stated that the investigation is broad and ongoing, with several accounts already frozen as part of the probe. However, specific details remain confidential to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

As the case unfolds, the community is closely watching for updates. WIB’s silence is no longer an option, as customers demand transparency and measures to prevent future breaches of trust.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has issued an epidemiological update due to a sharp increase in cases of measles in the Americas Region during 2025 and early 2026. PAHO described this as a warning sign that requires immediate and coordinated action by Member States.

PAHO has called on Member States to prioritize strengthening routine surveillance and vaccination activities.
Measles is highly contagious. A single infected person can transmit it to up to 18 others. Vaccination remains the most effective means of protection.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, is calling on guardians and parents to check the vaccine status of their child (ren) to see that they are up to date.

CPS continues to closely monitoring the measles situation in the Region.

Measles can cause potentially serious illness. Symptoms of measles typically manifest between 10 and 12 days after exposure but occasionally can take up to 21 days.

Initially resembling cold-like symptoms, measles progress to include fever, respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, and a characteristic rash. This rash, starting on the face and behind the ears before spreading, may consist of raised, non-itchy spots that eventually evolve into blotchy patches.

Measles is contagious even before the rash appears, with a person able to spread the infection for up to four (4) days beforehand. Once the rash develops, they can still transmit the virus for another four (4) days. If a person is suspected of having measles and a healthcare professional confirms it, it's important to stay away from places like childcare, school, or work for at least four (4) days from when the rash first appears.

Resting and drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help alleviate symptoms and prevent dehydration.

The best way to prevent contracting measles is through vaccination. The majority of people who get measles are unvaccinated.

The two-dose MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is a safe and effective way to prevent measles. The vaccine is available, free-of-charge, to children at CPS.

Every person regardless of their age and if they are not fully un or immunized, is therefore at risk of contracting the disease; this is especially true in those countries where persistently low immunization rates increase the risk of a large outbreak with possible tragic consequences.

Countries should achieve and/or sustain at least 95% coverage with two doses of measles-containing vaccine to prevent circulation in the event of an importation of measles.

Travelers who are not up to date with their vaccinations are at higher risk of contracting measles when in close contact with travelers from countries where the virus is still circulating.

If you have any questions about your child's vaccination status or wish to make an appointment for vaccination, please contact CPS Section Youth Healthcare at 914 or 520-4163 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If persons decide to travel, they should also check their vaccination status and to make use of every opportunity to get vaccinated according to Sint Maarten’s National Immunization Program. vaccination schedule. Consult your physician for additional information.

CAY HILL:--- Twenty-two students have recently completed the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) Accelerated Registered Nursing Course (2023–2025) and are now officially recognized as Registered Nurses (RNs). The two-year program, which began in November 2023, was coordinated and facilitated by Nrs. Antonio Pantophlet, SMMC’s In-Patient Care and Education Manager, in collaboration with the Instituto pa Formashon Den Enfermeria (IFE) of Curaçao. The program falls under IFE’s accreditation, which is recognized in the Netherlands. This graduation marked the 6th group that has successfully advanced through SMMC’s accelerated RN program.
The course was specifically designed for Certified Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with more than one year of field experience who wish to advance to the Registered Nurse level. Instruction was delivered in English and included theoretical and practical training across medical-surgical, geriatric, mental health, obstetric, pediatric, public health, and ambulance care. Students gained hands-on experience in acute, ambulatory, and long-term care settings under the supervision of clinical instructors and nursing preceptors.
The 22 graduates originated from several key health institutions on St. Maarten and neighboring islands, including 8 from SMMC, 8 from the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF), 1 from the Ambulance Department, 1 from Saba Cares Medical Facility, 1 from the Statia Auxiliary Home, 2 from the Mental Health Foundation (MHF), and 1 from the private sector.
Examinations were conducted by Nrs. Antonio Pantophlet, President of the Exam Committee, and Nrs. Deborah Lourens-Bryson, Inspectorate and Nursing Educator at IFE. Local Registered Nurses from SMMC and WYCCF served as examiners during the practical evaluations and Mrs. Yvette Halley, Head of Examinations Division in the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, also sat in on several presentations. During the ceremony, Nurse Davina Gabriel of SMMC’s Medical-Surgical Ward was named Valedictorian of the class of 2023-2025 to thunderous applause and a standing ovation – a testament to her hard work and dedication.
The evening’s ceremony featured special participation from prominent nurses who served in past decades at St. Rose Hospital and SMMC, symbolically bridging generations of nursing professionals. Former Nursing Supervisor of the Operating Room, Nrs. Orris Jack-Bell rendered the St. Maarten Song, Former Nursing Director and Patient Care Manager, Nrs. Ramona Illidge delivered the keynote address, while Nrs Brunilda Illidge, a former nursing educator who was instrumental in the previous programs and returned from retirement to support the 2023-2025 RN course, led the graduates in reciting the Florence Nightingale Pledge.
Honorable Prime Minister and former SMMC Surgeon Dr. Luc Mercelina and SMMC CEO and Medical Director Dr. Felix Holiday, both guest speakers for the graduation night, addressed the new graduates, reminded them of their new responsibilities and duties to their patients, and commended them on their perseverance, professionalism, and commitment during a time of global and local nursing shortages.
Course Coordinator and Manager of In-Patient Care/Education, Mr. Antonio Pantophlet, stated
“On behalf of SMMC, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all 22 newly appointed Registered Nurses. We are extremely proud of your achievements and honored to support local nurses in advancing their education right here at home. A sincere thank you goes out to the instructors, coaches, and all partnering institutions for their unwavering cooperation. To the families, friends, and colleagues of the graduates, we are grateful for the encouragement and support that helped make this milestone possible.”
The graduation of this 6th cohort reinforces the ongoing commitment of SMMC and its partners to strengthening the nursing workforce on St. Maarten and ensuring high standards of patient care for the community, as part of SMMC’s mission to provide high-quality care, close to home.