CAY HILL:---  As part of its ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) is proud to announce a community clean-up of the Little Bay Pond in partnership with the St. Maarten Nature Foundation. The clean-up will take place on Sunday, November 2nd, from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Little Bay Pond, and volunteers are requested to gather at the entrance of Learning Unlimited (LU) at 7:00 am.

This initiative aims to restore and preserve one of the island’s key ecological sites while reinforcing SMMC’s commitment to protecting Blue Forest ecosystems — a value that directly inspired the interior design concept of the new St. Maarten General Hospital (SMGH). SMMC/SMGH’s focus on community, culture, and the environment drives meaningful projects that enhance the overall well-being of the island and its people.

“Protecting the pond through clean-ups and raising public awareness is essential. Healthy mangroves not only support biodiversity but also act as carbon sinks, helping to combat climate change. Preserving ecosystems like this one ensures they can continue to sustain the well-being of the island and its inhabitants,” remarked the St. Maarten Nature Foundation.

Little Bay Pond played a crucial role in the early settlement of the island, thanks to its abundant food supply and proximity to water. The surrounding mangroves provided habitat for juvenile fish and crabs, supporting both biodiversity and local communities. After the abolition of slavery, formerly enslaved people settled near the pond, utilizing it as a vital fishery during times of scarcity. Today, the pond remains a feeding ground for pelicans but faces growing threats from pollution and development.

Volunteers are asked to sign up by filling out this form: https://forms.gle/LV1N9AMhVexodors9 or by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Participants are encouraged to wear closed-toe shoes, protective clothing, and bring reusable water bottles when taking part in the clean-up. Participants will also have the opportunity to participate in mini bird-watching tours during the clean-up.

~New technology defends against cyber threats, safeguards public data, and ensures more secure and reliable IT services for all citizens.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government has taken a major step forward in protecting the nation’s digital infrastructure by installing an advanced firewall system under the Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP). This new technology significantly enhances the government’s ability to defend against cyber threats, safeguard public data, and ensure more secure and reliable IT services for all citizens. Prime Minister, the Honorable PM Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, emphasized the importance of this milestone for national digital security.

“This upgrade comes at a pivotal time,” said PM Dr. Mercelina. “Over the past few years, several institutions on our island have faced cyberattacks, including ransomware incidents that raised serious concerns about the safety of sensitive information. Today, we are acting decisively to protect our digital future. Every improvement to our systems strengthens the public’s trust in government. It ensures that citizens can access essential services safely, efficiently, and confidently. This investment is more than an upgrade; it’s a transformation that positions Sint Maarten firmly in the digital age.”

The new firewall consists of two (2) physical Next-Generation Firewall devices. These hardware devices are designed to detect and block unauthorized access and prevent cyberattacks before they can affect government systems. The newly implemented Next-Generation Firewall devices are some of the world’s most widely used firewall technologies and are known for protecting sensitive information and securing complex networks. The new firewalls are part of a larger effort to replace outdated technology, reduce cybersecurity risks, and build a more connected and efficient public service. It also strengthens the government's ability to continue operations during disasters or disruptions and support the development of future digital services, such as electronic IDs and data exchange.

This investment is a key milestone in Sint Maarten's journey toward a safer, more modern digital government, one that citizens can trust and rely on. DGTP is led by the Government’s Digital Leadership Team (DLT), tasked with advancing digital reform across ministries. The project is implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is funded through a $12 million grant from the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank. 

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) has taken proactive measures to mitigate flooding across the community following recent heavy rainfall.

Due to the rising water levels of the Freshwater Pond, VROMI has initiated controlled spillover into the Great Salt Pond. This measure helps to balance the water levels between both ponds and reduce the risk of flooding in surrounding areas.

Simultaneously, the Great Bay Channel is being opened to allow for the regulated release of excess water into the sea. This combined effort is part of the Ministry’s ongoing water management strategy to safeguard residents, property, and public infrastructure during periods of intense rainfall.

The Ministry urges the public to exercise caution when traversing flood-prone areas.

VROMI teams remain on alert and will continue to monitor and manage water levels as part of ongoing flood prevention efforts.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, October 16, 2025, at approximately 20:00, the Central Police Dispatch of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) received multiple calls regarding a traffic accident on A.J.C. Brouwers Road, about 100 meters past the Churchill Roundabout. Reports indicated a pedestrian had been struck by a scooter near the first bus stop on Brouwers Road.

Police officers and ambulance personnel arrived on the scene and encountered a male pedestrian suffering from serious injuries. Officers also found another victim, later identified as the scooter passenger. The scooter rider attempted to flee the scene but was stopped by an officer near the insurance company. He sustained injuries to his face and, together with the scooter passenger, was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for medical treatment.

The Traffic Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident. KPSM emphasizes its ongoing efforts to address scooter riders’ behavior on the roads to ensure the safety of all road users.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed this accident to contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-222

KPSM Press Release.