PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis, representing Nation, Opportunity, Wealth (NOW), has publicly commended the Ministry of Justice, by extension, the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) for their proactive approach to enhancing community safety through the launch of the “Stop, Drop and Go” Firearm Amnesty Program.

The initiative, which officially begins on April 14 and runs through May 2, offers the public an opportunity to anonymously surrender illegal or unwanted firearms without facing prosecution.

MP Lewis praised Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling for her leadership in implementing the program and the OM, along with KPSM, for their collaboration in ensuring a safe and secure process.

"This is a commendable step toward reducing gun violence and increasing safety across our communities. I applaud Minister Tackling and the other stakeholders for taking bold, preventative measures to get illegal weapons off our streets. Their efforts demonstrate a commitment to protecting lives and promoting peace,” stated MP Lewis.

MP Lewis encourages all residents to take advantage of this opportunity, whether by surrendering unwanted weapons or sharing information that may aid law enforcement.
"Gun violence affects every corner of our community, and we all have a role to play in building a safer St. Maarten. Let us support this amnesty initiative and move one step closer to a more secure and united society,” MP Lewis concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank proudly sponsored the 29th edition of the St. Maarten Open, held on April 5th and 6th, 2025. This annual tournament organized by the St. Maarten Golf Association (SMGA) is highly anticipated and welcomes participants from across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. The event's proceeds support local non-profit organizations, youth programs, and community services.
This sponsorship aligns with Orco Bank’s longstanding commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities. Since 2010, the St. Maarten Open has donated over USD $100,000 to impactful initiatives such as the Mental Health Foundation, LAB Sports Academy, Kids at Sea Foundation, St. Maarten Medical Center, and the SMGA Junior Golf Program. Supporting the tournament not only enhances visibility for regional athletic talent but also reinforces the bank’s mission to foster growth beyond banking.
Judy – King Richardson, Country Manager of Orco Bank Sint Maarten, expressed her pride in the partnership: “We believe in supporting initiatives that uplift our people and create lasting value for our island. The St. Maarten Open goes far beyond sport—it’s about investing in our youth, empowering local organizations, and building a stronger, united community. Orco Bank is honored to contribute to an event that shares these values and has such a meaningful impact.”
Orco Bank extends its gratitude to the St. Maarten Golf Association for their leadership and continued dedication to both the sport and the community. We also commend all participants and volunteers who made the event a success.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is investigating a traffic collision involving a car and a motorcycle that occurred at approximately 8:45 PM on Wednesday, April 9, 2025, on Bush Road, in the vicinity of Fresh Green Supermarket.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the vehicle's driver was traveling along Bush Road from the direction of the Prins Bernhard Bridge toward Zagersgut Road. Upon attempting a left turn into the supermarket’s parking area, the vehicle entered the lane of oncoming traffic and was struck on its right side by an approaching motorcycle.

The motorcyclist sustained facial abrasions and is suspected to have suffered serious additional injuries. He was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for medical treatment. Due to the seriousness of his condition, officers could not obtain a precise statement of what had occurred.
It has been confirmed that the motorcyclist was not wearing a protective helmet during the accident.

KPSM strongly urges all motorcycle and scooter riders to comply with all road safety regulations, including the mandatory use of protective headgear, to minimize the risk of severe injury in an accident.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On the morning of Friday, April 11, 2025, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) conducted a comprehensive vehicle control operation along Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard in the direction of the Point Blanche area.

This operation also targeted heavy equipment vehicles traveling to and from the Point Blanche area. Officers inspected the vehicles' technical condition and accompanying documentation to ensure compliance with legal requirements, particularly regarding the safe and lawful transport of materials.

In total, 47 vehicles were stopped and inspected.
The operation resulted in the following:

8 fines issued for various violations;

3 vehicles were towed due to incomplete or missing documentation.

During the operation, a motorcycle rider performed stunts near the control location. Upon being stopped by officers, it was determined that the motorcycle was not properly documented. The motorcycle was subsequently towed.

The KPSM urges all individuals whose vehicles were towed to report to the Philipsburg Police Station with the correct documentation as soon as possible to retrieve their vehicles.

KPSM emphasizes that vehicle control operations will be intensified in the coming weeks as part of the ongoing commitment to enhancing general road safety nationwide.

In particular, motorcycle and scooter riders are reminded that they must have the proper documentation in order to operate these vehicles legally. Riders who are stopped without valid documentation will have their motorcycles or scooters towed and may face further legal consequences.

The Sint Maarten Police Force remains dedicated to enforcing traffic regulations and ensuring that all road users adhere to the laws that safeguard the safety of the public.

KPSM Press Release.