PHILIPSBURG:--- Aartwich Bell, a prison official, was arrested today by the Landsrecherche following serious allegations regarding sexual relations with a minor. The arrest marks a significant development in an investigation involving a public servant.
The Landsrecherche, the national detective agency responsible for investigating government officials, executed the arrest. Despite the high-profile nature of the suspect’s employment, officials have remained tight-lipped regarding the specific details of the case. When reached for a statement, the Prosecutor’s Office refused to provide any comment. They have neither confirmed nor denied that a civil servant was taken into custody today.
Bell is a well-known figure in the community, known not only for his role in the prison system but also as an active athlete and gym trainer. His involvement in local athletics has made him a familiar face to many.
Reports indicate that the alleged victim was well-known to Bell. Sources suggest a significant breach of trust is central to the allegations, noting that Bell occupied a position where he should have acted as a trusted adult, responsible for the guidance and protection of the minor, rather than the alleged exploitation.
The investigation is ongoing. Further details regarding charges or court appearances are expected to be released as the inquiry proceeds.
KPSM Continues Investment in Training and Professional Development of Personnel.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) continues to invest in the training and professional development of its personnel as part of its ongoing commitment to quality policing and community engagement.
Over the past weeks, several KPSM officers successfully completed specialized training and educational upgrading at Miami-Dade College in Florida. A first group of five (5) officers participated in a Train-the-Trainer course in EHBO (First Aid), strengthening the organization’s internal capacity to provide lifesaving instruction and emergency response training.
Additionally, a second group of four (4) officers attended the Miami-Dade School of Justice, where they completed training as School Resource Officers for Sint Maarten. This marks the second group of School Resource Officers trained for the island, further reinforcing KPSM’s commitment to youth engagement, school safety, and crime prevention.
These trainings were conducted in collaboration with all Dutch Caribbean islands and coordinated through the Association of Chiefs of Police of the Dutch Caribbean (CvK). The Chief of Police of Sint Maarten, Mr. C. John, currently serves as Chairman of the CvK.
KPSM emphasizes that the School Resource Officer program plays a vital role in strengthening relationships between law enforcement and young people, while fostering safe and supportive learning environments across Sint Maarten.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten congratulates all officers who successfully completed these training's and commends them for their dedication, professionalism, and commitment to continuous improvement.
Orco Bank enhances customer convenience with 24/7 ATM installation at Maho Hotel Lobby.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Orco Bank proudly announces the installation of its latest 24/7 ATM at the Maho Hotel Lobby in Sint Maarten.
This new addition underscores the Bank’s continued efforts to make banking more convenient and accessible for customers across the island.
Ideally situated in the lively Maho area, a key hub for both locals and tourists, the new Orco Bank ATM provides secure, round-the-clock access to cash and essential banking services.
Whether visiting for leisure, business, or daily errands, customers can now enjoy quick and reliable service in one of Sint Maarten’s most frequented locations.
With this expansion, Orco Bank strengthens its commitment to delivering trusted and convenient banking solutions that meet customers wherever they are.
The new ATM also offers Orco Bank clients fee-free transactions when using their Orco Bank cards, adding an extra layer of ease and value to their everyday banking experience.w
The Orco Bank ATM at the Maho Hotel Lobby, Sint Maarten, is now operational, ready to provide customers with greater accessibility, flexibility, and peace of mind, 24 hours a day.
Ministry of TEATT's Strategic Economic Stakeholders Consultation Opens today.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) officially commenced the Strategic Economic Stakeholders Consultation, taking place February 2–6, 2026, bringing together a compact but high-impact group of regional experts, local leaders, and policymakers to initiate Sint Maarten’s next phase of economic planning.
This week’s consultation is supported by a diverse group of speakers and contributors with hands-on experience in economic transformation, tourism development, climate resilience, innovation, and governance, including:
Jim Hepple – Known for his advisory work supporting Aruba’s tourism development and strategic positioning, with a strong focus on sustainable destination management.
Vincent Wallace – A seasoned tourism professional who has contributed significantly to The Bahamas’ tourism sector through senior leadership and policy-driven roles.
Tadzio Bervoets – Widely recognized for his work in climate action, environmental protection, and sustainable development within small-island contexts.
Emily Lee – Former Minister of VSA, hotelier, and entrepreneur, bringing practical insight across public policy, private enterprise, and hospitality operations.
Gregory Richardson – Known for his work in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and innovation ecosystems, with relevance for modern public and private sector reform.
Together with the on-island expert team, these contributors are supporting a focused, working-session approach designed to move quickly from dialogue to direction.
As Minister of TEATT, Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, emphasized:
“This week is intentionally compact and focused. It is not the final word—it is the beginning. The purpose is to set direction, identify priorities, and establish a strong foundation for the Strategic Economic Development Plan that will follow. Stakeholder engagement does not end here; it expands from here.”
The Ministry stresses that stakeholders who are unable to participate throughout the week will not be left out of the process. As the Strategic Economic Development Plan is drafted with the support of the expert team, additional outreach and targeted engagement will take place to ensure broad input, validation, and alignment.
This consultation represents the starting point of a longer, structured process—one that prioritizes realism, coordination, and implementation as Sint Maarten charts its economic future.
Small Island Unity (SIU) Announces 2026 Award Winners: Celebrating SSS Diaspora Excellence in the Netherlands.
THE NETHERLANDS — February 2, 2026 — The Small Island Unity (SIU) Foundation is proud to officially announce the winners of the 2026 SIU Awards. Following a high-engagement public nomination and voting period, ten icons from the Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten (SSS) diaspora have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to culture, community, and entrepreneurship within the Netherlands.
The SIU Awards were established to shine a spotlight on the "Small in Name, LARGE IN CULTURE" spirit that defines the SSS islands. This year’s winners represent a diverse cross-section of talent—from heritage keepers preserving centuries-old traditions to modern entrepreneurs redefining the Dutch hospitality and media landscapes.
“We are incredibly proud of this year’s recipients,” said K Brown, Director of the Small Island Unity Foundation. “Living in the diaspora comes with unique challenges, but our community continues to prove that our culture is not just surviving in the Netherlands—it is thriving. These winners are the heartbeat of our unity, and their success is a win for all three of our islands.”
The 2026 SIU Award Winners & Categories:
• Rising Star: Caeden Cj Hughes
o Celebrating an emerging talent who exhibits exceptional potential and dedication to their craft at a young age.
• Performer/Entertainer of the Year: Dj Chrisania
o Recognizing the artist who brings the most energy, authentic island sound, and professional excellence to stages across the Netherlands.
• Community Impact: Charvella Wilson
o Honoring an individual who has dedicated their energy to advocacy, support systems, and unifying the diaspora community.
• Cultural Supporter of the Year: Astra Brown
o Awarded to a key advocate who consistently promotes SSS arts, artists, and cultural events, ensuring our traditions remain visible.
• Unsung Hero: John Sandiford
o Celebrating the quiet leader who works tirelessly behind the scenes to bridge gaps and support others without seeking the spotlight.
• Cultural Heritage Keeper: Edwina Hodge
o Recognizing a guardian of history who works to preserve the customs, stories, and traditions of the islands for future generations.
• Culinary & Hospitality Excellence: Soul Sistahzz
o Honoring the team that provides the most authentic taste of home, combining high-quality service with true island hospitality.
• Media Voice of the Year: Jojo (Bite The Bullet)
o Awarded to the most influential voice keeping the community informed, connected, and entertained through digital media.
• Small Business of the Year: Cocktail Chanty
o Recognizing a small business that has demonstrated resilience, quality, and strong community engagement.
• Entrepreneur of the Year: Cocktail Chanty
o The top honor for business leadership, innovation, and professional success within the diaspora.
The 2026 awards saw unprecedented participation from the community, underscoring the deep desire for the SSS diaspora to be seen and celebrated for its unique identity. As the foundation looks toward the future, these awards serve as a vital pillar in bridging the gap between the Caribbean roots and the European reality of our people.
For more information about the winners or the Small Island Unity Foundation, please visit www.Smallislandunity.com or follow us on social media @smallislandunity.
About Small Island Unity (SIU): Small Island Unity is a foundation dedicated to the empowerment and connection of the Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten diaspora. By fostering cultural pride and professional excellence, SIU aims to ensure that the SSS community remains a vibrant and unified force in the Netherlands and beyond.