The Valley, Anguilla:--- A double fatal shooting in Island Harbor during the early hours of Monday has left the community reeling and police probing the circumstances of the killings.
Royal Anguilla Police Force (RAPF) officers and emergency personnel responded to reports of gunfire between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and discovered two male victims with apparent gunshot wounds. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Identities of the victims have not yet been released pending next-of-kin notifications.
Investigators remain on site and have launched a criminal inquiry into the incident. RAPF said the matter is under active investigation and that detectives are pursuing forensic leads and witness accounts.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the Island Harbor area this morning to come forward,” a RAPF spokesperson said. The force urged members of the public with information to contact the RAPF directly or submit tips anonymously through SecureAXA.com.
No arrests have been announced. Authorities did not provide details on a possible motive or whether the victims were known to each other.
The shooting marks one of the most serious violent incidents in Anguilla this year and has prompted increased patrols in the area as investigators continue to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses. Further updates will be released as more information becomes available.
Minister Brug visits Freegan Food Foundation; announces extension of support program for seniors.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, recently paid a working visit to the Freegan Food Foundation at their distribution location, where he met with volunteers and observed firsthand the impactful work being carried out to support vulnerable families within the community.
Freegan Food Foundation plays a vital role in reducing food waste while ensuring that families in need have access to nutritious food. Families are welcome to select items based on their needs and preferences. Distributions take place every Thursday and Friday from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM, currently serving approximately 100 families each week.
During his visit, Minister Brug also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Freegan Food Foundation team and its volunteers for their continued dedication and service to the community. Their efforts have made a tangible difference in the lives of many families and seniors across Sint Maarten.
The Ministry’s collaboration with Freegan Food Foundation began in early 2025 through a pilot program aimed at supporting seniors. This initiative proved highly successful, effectively reaching vulnerable households and providing much-needed assistance.
Building on this positive working relationship and recognizing the continued need among seniors, Minister Brug is proud to announce that the program will be extended for at least another year. This extension underscores the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening food security and supporting the well-being of elderly residents across Sint Maarten.
Further details regarding the continuation of the program will be shared in the coming weeks. Seniors who wish to be part of the program are encouraged to come forward, as this will help the Ministry better understand the scope of elderly persons requesting assistance. The Ministry of VSA remains dedicated to fostering partnerships that deliver meaningful and sustainable support to the community.
Police Force of Sint Maarten Honors Fallen Officer Brigadier Keri Hyman.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is deeply saddened by the passing of Brigadier Keri Hyman, one of our most dedicated and beloved officers. Brigadier Hyman, who passed away on April 23, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with illness, was an integral part of our team and one of the cornerstones of the KPSM family, particularly during the Carnival season, when she played an important role in the Jouvert festivities.
Throughout her illness, Brigadier Hyman demonstrated the same strength, resilience, and grace that defined her years of service to the force. She faced her journey with quiet courage, and her commitment to KPSM never wavered.
In honor of Brigadier Hyman's passion and unwavering dedication to the force, KPSM officers will wear pink polo shirts as part of their uniform during the upcoming Jouvert celebrations. This symbolic gesture is a heartfelt tribute to her strength, spirit, and love for the Carnival season.
A special ceremony will be held at the rear of the Philipsburg Police Station on April 27, 2026, at 4:00 a.m., just before the Jouvert Jump-Up begins. The ceremony will include a solemn moment of silence in Brigadier Hyman's honor, as we gather together with her family and friends to pay our respects before the festivities commence.
KPSM extends its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Brigadier Hyman's family, friends, and colleagues. She will be profoundly missed, and her spirit will forever remain a cherished part of the KPSM family.
Central Bank Champions Sustainability at UoC SustainaBUL Awards 2026.
WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao:--- Sustainability, resilience, and innovation took center stage as Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten hosted the fourth edition of the UoC SustainaBUL Awards 2026, an initiative designed to empower students to solve real-world sustainability challenges.
Delivering the opening remarks, Richard Doornbosch welcomed guests, students, board members, and partners, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven solutions in addressing the pressing environmental and economic issues facing small island states.
The SustainaBUL Awards focus on accelerating the sustainable transition of the economy, government, and wider society. According to Doornbosch, the program offers a “double-edged sword” of benefits: students gain unforgettable learning experiences while organizations receive innovative solutions to their sustainability challenges.
This year’s competition placed special attention on the construction and tourism sectors—two pillars of Curaçao’s economy that are also highly exposed to climate risks. Their vulnerability, combined with their economic importance, made the initiative especially relevant for the central bank’s own climate-related priorities.
Doornbosch explained why a central bank has a growing interest in sustainability and climate resilience. In recent years, the global economy has faced a series of shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, surging food and energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and cyber incidents. He noted that these events underscore the need for resilience—and warned that climate-related shocks could be just as disruptive for small island economies.
As the institution responsible for safeguarding financial stability, the central bank is increasingly focused on understanding how climate risks can affect financial institutions, markets, and national resilience. This includes monitoring systemic risks, conducting research, and developing policies that strengthen preparedness.
Doornbosch also highlighted the importance of partnerships. The bank works with organizations such as the Curaçao Meteorological Services to obtain reliable climate data and collaborates regionally with other central banks on initiatives such as green taxonomies and supervisory guidance for responsible finance.
He praised University of Curaçao for its leadership in sustainability education, citing past events like Green Week and its continued commitment to fostering young talent through the SustainaBUL program.
Looking ahead, Doornbosch said collaboration between institutions, academia, and society is essential to building a stronger future. He expressed confidence that initiatives like SustainaBUL can help shape a more robust national adaptation strategy for Curaçao while strengthening the island’s long-term resilience.
Closing his remarks, he turned to the student participants with encouragement and optimism: he looked forward to their pitches and wished every team success in contributing to a more sustainable Curaçao.
Two Off-Duty Police Officers Under Investigation After Festival Village Altercation.
PHILIPSBURG: --- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is providing the public with an update on the physical altercation that occurred in the early morning hours of April 24, 2026, shortly after the closure of Festival Village.
A preliminary investigation by detectives revealed that two off-duty female police officers were involved in the incident. As a result, both an internal and criminal investigation have been launched.
KPSM confirmed that its Internal Affairs Department has opened a formal inquiry into the conduct of the officers. One of the officers identified had already been suspended in connection with a separate ongoing internal investigation.
Following the review of digital evidence, both officers have been summoned to provide official statements regarding their involvement in the altercation. Detectives are simultaneously pursuing the matter from a criminal perspective.
The Prosecutor’s Office has been officially notified and remains actively involved in the case. It will determine the next steps concerning any criminal offenses that may have been committed.
KPSM stressed that its zero-tolerance policy applies equally to all individuals, without exception. No one is above the law, and any participation in criminal or disorderly conduct will be dealt with appropriately.
The Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and preserving public trust, while continuing to safeguard the safety and security of the community.