PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) wishes to inform the general public about ongoing road safety concerns following the severe weather experienced over the weekend. The heavy rains have significantly compromised the road infrastructure, causing disruptions in traffic flow to and from certain areas.

This situation has understandably led to frustration among road users. However, we urge the public to exercise patience and caution during this period, as the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) personnel are actively working to address the issues.

Cleanup operations are currently underway, with a focus on areas like the One Tete Loke roundabout in the Belair area. The heavy rainfall has resulted in the accumulation of rocks, dirt, and debris on several roads, further obstructing traffic and creating hazardous driving conditions. Some main roads may need to be temporarily closed to facilitate the ongoing cleanup efforts.

KPSM emphasizes the importance of prioritizing safety while driving under these challenging conditions. We advise all motorists to:

Reduce speed, especially near cleanup zones.
Maintain a safe following distance.
Follow any detours or instructions from traffic road workers.

We appreciate the public’s understanding and cooperation as VROMI continues its efforts to restore normal road conditions. Let’s work together to ensure safety and minimize inconvenience during this time.

Stay updated on road closures and other developments by following our official communications channels. Thank you for your patience and vigilance.

KPSM  Press Release.

~Building on the Success of Previous Events, the Conference Focuses on Sustainable Air Transportation and inter-island collaborations~

Simpson Bay:---  Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) is excited to announce that it will be hosting the third annual Dutch Caribbean Cooperation of Airports (DCCA) conference on St. Maarten. This highly anticipated event, taking place from 18 November 2024 to 19 November 2024, will bring together industry leaders, stakeholders, and partners to discuss the future of sustainable air transportation and inter-island collaborations in the Dutch Caribbean.
The DCCA "Flight to the Future" conference has become a cornerstone for collaboration and knowledge sharing within the region. The second edition, held in November 2023 at Curaçao International Airport, saw a tremendous turnout. Building on this success, PJIAE is committed to delivering an even more engaging and inspiring experience for all attendees on St. Maarten.
"We are honored to host the third DCCA 'Flight to the Future' conference on St. Maarten," said Brian Mingo, CEO of PJIAE. "Inter-island collaboration is one of the top priorities for airports in the Dutch Caribbean, and this conference provides a crucial platform for us to share best practices, explore innovative solutions, and collaborate on a collective path towards the future of air travel in the region."
The conference agenda will feature insightful presentations by local and international speakers, panel discussions with industry experts, and networking opportunities for attendees. Following the successful virtual component of the previous conference, Princess Juliana International Airport will offer both in-person and virtual attendance options to ensure accessibility for all participants.
More information about the conference, including registration details and speaker announcements, will be available soon. Please visit www.dccaairports.com or our social media channels for updates.

On the occasion of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 2024, the World Bank launched a Regional Opinion Essay Competition open to youth across the Caribbean aged 18 to 29. The winner will have the opportunity to visit the World Bank Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and participate in the global World Bank Youth Summit.

According to the World Bank’s forthcoming Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Report on jobs and poverty, in many parts of the region, having a job is no longer a guaranteed path out of poverty. Despite significant progress, in 2023, one in four people in the region still lived below the poverty line. The region’s economic fragility and the prevalence of low-quality jobs have kept millions trapped in poverty.

The essay topic, "Job Poverty in the Caribbean: Is there a jobs and skills shortage in your country or the wider Caribbean? How does this challenge contribute to poverty, and what can be done to address it?" encourages participants to explore the complex relationship between employment, skills development, and poverty reduction in the Caribbean.

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines:

• The competition is open to Caribbean youth aged 18 to 29 years
• Essays should be no longer than 1,500 words, written in English, and submitted in PDF format.
• Submissions must be original and unpublished, with plagiarism leading to disqualification.

The submission deadline is December 7, 2024, at 11:59 PM (Jamaica time). Entries should be sent via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., with the subject line "Essay Competition Submission."

 Awards and Prizes:

 Winners of the competition will receive the following prizes, including the chance to engage with World Bank leadership:

• 1st Place: A trip to Washington, D.C., to participate in the World Bank Youth Summit, a one-on-one engagement with World Bank Caribbean Leadership, recognition on the World Bank’s online platforms, and a certificate of achievement. The winning essay will also be published online at the discretion of the judges.
• 2nd Place: A trip to Jamaica, where the World Bank’s Caribbean office is based, along with online recognition and a certificate of achievement. The essay will also be considered for publication.
• 3rd Place: A one-on-one meeting with the World Bank Representative for the candidate’s home country, online recognition, a certificate of achievement, and potential publication of their essay.

“As the region continues its efforts to reduce poverty, there is a need for better jobs, not just more jobs, to drive meaningful change. Our goal is to engage young people—the leaders of tomorrow—to share their perspectives and contribute to the development of solutions that address job quality and skills alignment in the Caribbean,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean. “By amplifying their voices, we aim to foster a collaborative approach to shaping a brighter economic future for all.”

This competition is part of the World Bank’s ongoing efforts to engage with youth in the region and encourage innovative thinking on development challenges.

For more details on the competition, submission guidelines, or to participate, please visit (website) or contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:---  Sint Maarten proudly honored its very own Keacy Carty with an Achievement Award in recognition of his groundbreaking accomplishments as the island's first professional cricketer. The intimate yet momentous ceremony was held at the Princess Executive Lounge at Princess Juliana International Airport, with the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina presenting the award.

"Keacy Carty represents the very best of Sint Maarten,” stated Prime Minister Mercelina during his remarks. “His journey is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and extraordinary talent of our people. As our first professional cricketer, Keacy has not only broken barriers but has also put Sint Maarten on the international map in the world of cricket."

Carty’s achievements have been a source of immense pride and inspiration for the people of Sint Maarten. The award was presented to acknowledge his exceptional dedication, talent, and perseverance in the sport of cricket, qualities that have made him a role model for aspiring athletes across the island.

"Keacy’s success is not just his own; it belongs to all of us in Sint Maarten,” the Prime Minister continued. “He reminds us that with hard work, determination, and passion, there are no limits to what we can achieve. Today, we celebrate his accomplishments and the hope and pride he brings to our country."

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of recognizing and supporting local talent: "As a government, we remain committed to nurturing the potential of our young people, ensuring that they have the opportunities and resources to reach their fullest potential, just as Keacy has."