PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) continues its investigation into the missing person case involving Ms. Ann EVANS, a U.S. citizen.
Ms. Evans was a passenger aboard the cruise ship Rotterdam, which was docked at Port St. Maarten on November 20, 2025. she disembarked the vessel for an organized island tour. During the tour, Ms. Evans exited the bus in Marigot, French Saint Martin, but did not return to the bus or to the cruise ship.
KPSM has carried out extensive checks and followed multiple lines of information in accordance with legal guidelines. Based on information gathered during the investigation, KPSM has reason to believe that a female matching Ms. Evans’ description checked into a hotel on the French side of the island using her passport. She has also reportedly been seen in the surrounding area of that establishment.
To verify this information, KPSM has contacted its law enforcement counterparts on the French side.
KPSM and the French Gendarmerie continue to work collaboratively on this matter. Anyone who may have seen Ms. Evans or who has information is urged to contact:
• KPSM Public Hotline: +1 721 542 2222
• Emergency Number: 911
Citizens are reminded that sharing unverified information or images can hinder the investigation. All information received will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the law.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As conversations revisit the government’s first year, they also underscore that progress is driven not by reflection alone but by clear focus on the tasks ahead. Evaluations contribute to the dialogue, but real improvement comes from solutions and coordinated action.

With that forward focus, MP Darryl T.J. York has submitted two Committee meeting requests calling for immediate, structured updates from the Minister of VROMI on Sint Maarten’s growing flood vulnerabilities, persistent drainage failures, and the continued deterioration of the island’s infrastructure.

York highlights that residents are encountering greater risks even as Parliament works with partial or zero information, making structured oversight essential for a clear and coordinated infrastructure plan.

The first request zeroes in on national flood management and drainage readiness. It seeks an update on the Ministry’s response to recent rainfall, the condition of the drainage network, identified high-risk zones, and the tools used to assess water behavior, as well as clarity on infrastructure works that have been delayed, shifted in priority, or lack clear timelines.

The second request turns to the broader road network and infrastructure planning. York seeks updates on short and long-term plans, current priorities, technical assessments, monitoring practices, and conditions in key areas flagged in recent reports and felt by the community. He notes that ongoing deterioration and limited communication underscore the need for a thorough briefing.

Together, the requests seek clarity amid rising flooding, unsafe roads, and stalled works. York aims to give Parliament the insight it needs to move from assessments to driving solution-based discussions.

“There’s value in reflecting on the past year, but my focus is firmly on the year ahead. Floods don’t wait. Potholes don’t wait. And the people of Sint Maarten shouldn’t be left waiting either.”

York also observes that his request for a Committee meeting on housing and social living conditions has been pending since April, a quiet reminder that not all pressing issues move at the same pace. He continues to push for progress, though the constant delays do prompt reasonable questions about how the Government orders its priorities.

PHILIPSBURG:---  In a heartfelt message to the young men in our community, MP Omar Ottley emphasizes the importance of respecting authority and the consequences of confrontational behavior towards law enforcement. The recent incidents involving clashes between young individuals and police officers have raised significant concern, prompting MP Ottley to speak out against this troubling trend.
"We are witnessing a worrying pattern where young men are engaging in battles against police officers," said MP Ottley. "This is not a trend that should be started. As a proponent of peace, equality, and entrepreneurship, I urge our youth to choose a different path. Engaging in confrontations with law enforcement only escalates tensions and can lead to devastating outcomes."
MP Ottley acknowledges the frustrations and challenges faced by young men in the community, but stresses that resorting to violence and crime is not the solution. "If you choose a life of crime, understand that there are risks involved. The reality is that law enforcement will respond, and the consequences can be severe.”
The message is clear: every action reacts. MP Ottley calls on the community leaders to get involved. "We must work together to create an environment where young people feel empowered to pursue positive opportunities rather than engaging in destructive behavior.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Friday, November 21st, 2025, St. Dominic High School proudly represented Dutch St. Maarten in the Regional Rights of a Child Debate. Competing against teams from St. Kitts, Anguilla, Martinique, St. Barths, and French St. Martin, our students emerged victorious, winning the overall debate competition! Representing SDHS were the speakers:
Nyah Kalmera (F5B),
Aditi Rajpal (F4C),
Tamanna Sharma (F4A), and
Tanishka Shroff (F4A).

The very next day, Saturday November 22nd, 2025, the debate team had readied themselves to faceoff St. Maarten Academy Academic in the finals of the Annual Interscholastic Debate Competition at the University of St. Martin. SDHS argued in favour of the moot: "Our Modern Carnival does not preserve the culture for the youth". Our speakers for this event were:
Magdalina Dorlis (IB1),
Tyrique Walsh (4C), and
Tanya Halley (4B)
Special congratulations to Magdalina, who was named the Best Speaker for the evening!
That night, mentor for the Debate Team and Head of the Social Science Department, Ms. Daniella Arrindell, received high praises for her guidance and the team's growth throughout the competition season.

The SDHS Debate Team consists of 31 students (including researchers, writers, and speakers) guided by Ms. Arrindell and supported by amazing parents—a true recipe for success!

Congratulations to the entire team on this outstanding achievement!!!
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