PHILIPSBURG:--- Seventeen participants have successfully completed the intermediate training for Real World Drone Operations hosted by Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP) and Office of Disaster Management (ODM), marking another important step in strengthening Sint Maarten’s emergency response and disaster recovery capabilities. The training served as a continuation of the beginner Drone Pilot course hosted in 2025.

Participants represented several key sectors that play a critical role during emergencies and post-disaster operations, including the Police Force (KPSM), Fire Department, VKS, VSA, and the utility sector. The newly trained drone operators are expected to support future Emergency Operations Center (EOC) activities and field operations across the country.

The intensive training program was conducted by five professional instructors from the Curaçao-based company “Drone by CDS Academy” and was well received by all participants. The course focused on flight preparation, drone hardware and software systems, advanced flying techniques, building assessments, search and rescue operations, the planning and execution of drone missions, and operational reporting.

Drone technology continues to prove to be an efficient and valuable tool in disaster management and emergency response. Its capabilities include rapid damage assessments, network and infrastructure inspections, search and rescue support, safety monitoring, payload deliveries, fire assessments, and other critical emergency support functions.

BTP Director Judianne Hoeve stated, “With a skilled local drone force, Sint Maarten is now better equipped to deploy its own teams during disasters and emergency situations. Having trained personnel on island allows for faster response, improved situational awareness, and better decision making for the EOC during critical moments.”

The Director further emphasized the importance of developing local capacity, noting that the unfortunate ongoing missing person situation in Saba serves as a reminder of how valuable drone technology and trained operators can be during emergency situations and search operations. “This situation reminds us why it is so important to continue building local capacity and developing a dedicated drone force that can assist in any emergency scenario. Drones can become the eyes of the EOC by providing immediate information that greatly improves operational coordination and decision making,” the Director added.

BTP and ODM congratulated all seventeen participants who successfully completed the training and received their certificates. Their dedication and commitment to strengthening national preparedness and emergency response capabilities are highly commendable.

PHILIPSBURG:---  In the State of Law Enforcement 2025, the Council outlines the most important overarching developments within law enforcement. The Council does this for the Caribbean Netherlands, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten. The State of Law Enforcement for Sint Maarten was presented to the Minister of Justice and the Parliament of Sint Maarten at the end of April. From the perspective of cooperation and mutual obligations, topics such as the safeguarding of human rights, forensic care, data protection, and the citizen’s perspective are discussed. In addition, the Council reflects on its findings, activities, and exercises its authority to issue notifications regarding human rights compliance.

 Citizen Perspective

Law enforcement and the administration of justice are among the government’s core tasks for protecting the safety of individual citizens and society as a whole. In doing so, significant resources may be deployed and measures taken that profoundly impact citizens. The citizen’s perspective means that citizens must be able to trust that the justice system acts fairly and adheres to the rules; if this is not the case, organizations must identify and correct such issues. The Council’s inspections monitor this compliance and, where necessary, make recommendations for improvement.

 Safeguarding human rights

The Charter for the Kingdom of the Netherlands forms the framework for the core values of the democratic constitutional state. Each of the countries within the Kingdom is independently responsible for ensuring the realization of human rights, legal certainty, and good governance, while the Kingdom as a whole is responsible for safeguarding these values. This safeguarding function can be achieved through instruments used by the Kingdom Government. Another possibility is more intensive cooperation between the countries.

 Notification to Parliament and the Council of Ministers

The Council has been inspecting the prison system in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom since 2013. Furthermore, at the JVO's request, the Council has been monitoring the recommendations of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT) for over 10 years.

The lack of (partial) follow-up (on some of the recommendations) has been a recurring issue for years. In June 2025, the Council sounded the alarm. For the first time in its history, it exercised its authority to issue a notification pursuant to Article 32 of the Kingdom Act Law Enforcement Council to the Parliament of Sint Maarten as well as the Kingdom Council of Ministers.

The Council asserts that the serious, life-threatening crisis (riot and fire) at the Point Blanche prison in May 2025 was in part caused by years of structural negligence and the systematic failure to follow up on its recommendations. It urges a decisive, comprehensive approach with measures to guarantee the safety and human rights of everyone in the prison. It also calls on those responsible to maintain their focus on the still vulnerable and high-risk detention conditions.

 A solution-oriented approach for Law Enforcement in Sint Maarten

To ensure that law enforcement functions properly in a democratic constitutional state and to safeguard fundamental rights, legal certainty, and good governance, multiple actions are required. This calls for a holistic, broad government strategy that involves country-transcending cooperation, shared responsibility for persistent structural problems, and clear prioritization. The Council believes that the best approach to a solution lies in more intensive cooperation within and between the countries.

 Submission of the report and response

As in previous States, the Council once again highlights the responsibilities of Parliament as well as the Minister of Justice. This is because, for many years, the Council’s reports on Sint Maarten have not been submitted to Parliament with a response or have not been submitted consistently in accordance with the Kingdom Act Law Enforcement Council.

 Resilience of justice personnel

The Council also reiterates its call to give specific attention to the physical and mental resilience of justice personnel. Employees work day and night to ensure everyone’s safety. This is despite the fact that the necessary conditions are often not met, or the resources required to safely carry out their work are not made available. The Council notes that, even in 2025, employees within the justice system continue to dedicate themselves daily to a safer society and expresses its gratitude for this.

Council Website

The States of Law Enforcement for Sint Maarten 2025 (available in Dutch and English with an infographic), Caribbean Netherlands 2025, and Curaçao 2025, as well as all other Council publications, are available digitally on the Council’s website: https://www.raadrh.com/

PHILIPSBURG:---   On Saturday, May 16, 2026, a team of Orco Bank Sint Maarten employees took to the streets of Sucker Garden as part of SXM Doet, completing two hands-on community improvement projects under the bank's newly launched Orco Cares program.
In partnership with the No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation, the Orco Cares team restored a youth greenhouse at the ASA location on Sucker Garden Road, replacing worn netting, reinforcing the structure, and repainting the exterior, ensuring the facility remains a safe, functional space for youth agriculture programs and environmental education.
Volunteers also worked alongside the Lion Civic Center to install wooden lattice fencing around an outdoor gazebo, a space used daily by children for structured programs and activities. The completed fencing significantly improves safety, reduces fall risks, and enhances the overall environment for youth programming.
"Our team was incredible," said Judy King of Orco Bank Sint Maarten. "Watching my colleagues give their Saturday, their energy, their tools, their hearts to improve spaces for the children of Sint Maarten is exactly what Orco Cares is about. We're proud of what we built together, and we're just getting started."
Orco Cares will continue with future community initiatives throughout 2026 and beyond.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Sunday, May 17 marked World Hypertension Day (WHD) under the theme, “Controlling Hypertension Together: check your blood pressure regularly, defeat the silent killer.”

This year’s theme highlights a simple truth: knowing your blood pressure numbers and taking early action saves lives.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and kidney disease, yet it can be detected easily and controlled through healthy living and appropriate medical care.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour, is joining the global community to raise awareness and encourage action against high blood pressure (hypertension)—often called “the silent killer” because it may have no symptoms while quietly damaging the heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.

Many people only discover they have high blood pressure after a serious complication such as a stroke or heart event. CPS urges everyone to make blood pressure checks a routine part of life—just like checking weight or temperature.

CPS encourages adults to: Check blood pressure regularly, even if you feel well. Record your readings (date/time and results) and share them with a health professional. Seek care early if readings are repeatedly elevated.

Blood pressure targets can vary depending on age and medical history. A health professional can advise what is best for you.

Eat for a healthier blood pressure; reduce salt (sodium): limit salty snacks, instant noodles, processed meats, canned foods, and salty seasonings.

Choose more fresh foods: fruits, vegetables, beans, peas, lentils, and whole grains. Pick healthier fats: nuts, seeds, fish, and plant oils; limit deep-fried and highly processed foods.

Watch sugary drinks and excess sweets which can contribute to weight gain and metabolic risk. Be active most days of the week
Regular physical activity strengthens the heart and improves circulation.

Aim for consistent movement: brisk walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, yard work—whatever is safe and sustainable. Start small if needed (even 10–15 minutes at a time) and build up gradually.
Maintain a healthy weight (or work toward it). Even modest weight loss can reduce blood pressure for people who are overweight. Focus on realistic steps—portion control, fewer sugary drinks, and more daily activity.

Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke—tobacco damages blood vessels and increases cardiovascular risk. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation (or avoid it), as excess intake can raise blood pressure.

Manage stress and prioritize sleep. Chronic stress and poor sleep can contribute to elevated blood pressure.

On this World Hypertension Day, CPS calls on communities, employers, schools, faith-based groups, and families to work together to: Promote routine blood pressure checks; Support healthy food choices and physical activity; and encourage people diagnosed with hypertension to stay in care and follow treatment.

Hypertension can be prevented, detected, treated, and controlled. The first step is simple: check your blood pressure regularly by contacting your doctor.