PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Service (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), is encouraging men across Sint Maarten to make their health a priority by taking advantage of preventive healthcare services and regular medical check-ups during Men's Health Month.

Men's Health Month, observed annually in June, seeks to raise awareness about preventable health conditions affecting men and boys and to encourage healthy lifestyle choices that can lead to longer, healthier lives.

One of the most important messages of Men's Health Month is the value of preventive healthcare. Many serious health conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and kidney disease, can develop gradually and without noticeable symptoms. Regular health screenings and routine medical examinations can help detect these conditions early, when treatment is often more effective and health outcomes are generally better.

CPS notes that many men are less likely than women to seek medical attention unless they are experiencing symptoms or a health emergency. However, waiting until symptoms appear can sometimes mean that a condition has already progressed. Preventive healthcare focuses on identifying risk factors and health concerns before they become serious medical problems.

Men are encouraged to schedule regular visits with their healthcare provider and discuss important health screenings based on their age, family history, and individual risk factors. Routine health assessments may include blood pressure checks, blood sugar testing, cholesterol screening, weight management evaluations, and discussions about heart health and cancer prevention.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also an essential part of preventive health. CPS encourages men to adopt habits that promote overall well-being, including eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, avoiding tobacco products, limiting alcohol consumption, and managing stress in healthy ways.

Preventive healthcare not only benefits individuals but also families and communities. When men take care of their health, they are better able to support their families, participate in community life, remain productive in the workplace, and enjoy a higher quality of life.

CPS also encourages family members, friends, employers, and community organizations to support and promote men's health initiatives. Open conversations about health and wellness can help reduce stigma and encourage men to seek medical advice when needed.

"Men's Health Month serves as an important reminder that good health begins with prevention," CPS stated. "Taking time for regular check-ups and health screenings is an investment in one's future. Early detection and healthy lifestyle choices can prevent many illnesses and help men live longer, healthier lives."

As Men's Health Month continues throughout June, CPS encourages all men to take proactive steps toward protecting their health and to speak with their healthcare provider about preventive care and recommended health screenings.

Persons seeking additional information should contact their family physician or CPS at telephone numbers: 542-1570 or 542-1222.

PHILIPSBURG:---- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is seeking the community's assistance in locating a missing 16-year-old female, identified as Fabrisha Matilda.

On Wednesday, June 17, 2026, the teenager's father reported to the Philipsburg Police Station that his daughter had been missing since Tuesday, June 16, 2026. According to the report, Fabrisha was last seen after leaving school at approximately 9:00 a.m. in the South Reward area.

Fabrisha Matilda is described as having a brown complexion, black hair, and brown eyes, and wearing braces. Anyone who may have seen Fabrisha or who has information regarding her whereabouts is urgently requested to contact the Philipsburg Police Station.

KPSM also wishes to make a direct appeal to Fabrisha: if you see this message, please contact your family or the nearest police station as soon as possible to let them know that you are safe.

Community cooperation is essential to ensuring the safe return of this young person.

Contact Information:

Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM)
Philipsburg Police Station
Tel: +1 (721) 542-2222

PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of the ongoing investigation, an additional suspect identified by the initials C.J.P. was arrested on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at approximately 4:00 PM on Front Street. The suspect is being investigated for alleged complicity in the robbery.

Following his arrest, C.J.P. was transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he remains in custody pending further investigation by detectives.

The investigation is being conducted by the Special Unit Robberies (SUR) of KPSM. Detectives assigned to this specialized unit continue to actively investigate this case and other robbery-related offenses. The unit is following several leads and remains focused on identifying and arresting all persons involved in these crimes.

KPSM requests the public's assistance. Anyone with information regarding this robbery or any other robbery is urged to contact the police at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300..

PHILIPSBURG—Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling delivered a comprehensive update on the state of St. Maarten’s justice sector during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers Press Briefing, outlining significant progress in international cooperation, border security, detention reform and victim support services while emphasizing that the work of strengthening public safety continues on multiple fronts.
Before addressing ministry matters, Tackling extended condolences to the families of two young men who recently lost their lives in separate motorcycle accidents. Calling the incidents “heartbreaking tragedies,” the minister urged motorists and motorcyclists alike to exercise greater caution on the nation’s roads.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and every life lost is one too many,” she stated.
The minister then highlighted a series of high-level international engagements undertaken in recent weeks, including participation in meetings of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) in Trinidad, the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna, and a subsequent working visit to the Netherlands.
According to Tackling, these meetings focused on critical issues affecting St. Maarten, including financial crime, youth violence prevention, cybercrime, border management, detention reform, rehabilitation programs and institutional strengthening.
A key focus of discussions in Trinidad was St. Maarten’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing framework. While international partners acknowledged progress made over the past year, Tackling noted that significant work remains to address outstanding deficiencies and prepare the country for its next major evaluation cycle.
“Preparation cannot wait until 2032,” Tackling emphasized, noting that readiness efforts must begin as early as 2027 to ensure St. Maarten remains compliant with international financial standards.
In Vienna, the minister represented St. Maarten in global discussions on justice reform and women’s rights within the criminal justice system. She participated in a session focused on implementing the United Nations Bangkok Rules, advocating for gender-responsive justice systems that address rehabilitation, mental health support, reintegration, and family connections for women involved in the justice system.
Tackling also shared St. Maarten’s experiences with detention reform during an international forum examining prison reform in small-island jurisdictions.
The subsequent visit to the Netherlands allowed the ministry to build upon those discussions through direct engagement with Dutch institutions and experts. Topics included youth crime prevention, customs modernization, financial intelligence, illegal firearms, detention reform and border security.
The minister revealed that she also visited correctional facilities in the Netherlands and met with St. Maarten nationals currently serving sentences abroad. The visits, she said, provided valuable insight into rehabilitation challenges and reintegration opportunities for inmates who may eventually return to St. Maarten society.
At home, Tackling reported that Immigration and Border Protection Services (IBPS) continues to prepare for significant modernization initiatives, including the rollout of the long-awaited Foreign Management System (FMS).
The new immigration platform, expected to go live on July 1, will modernize permit processing, improve record management and increase operational efficiency within immigration services.
As part of those efforts, the ministry will host a public information session on employment and residence permit procedures on June 25 at the Government Administration Building.
Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies continue to intensify efforts to combat violent crime, illegal firearms trafficking and narcotics-related offenses. Tackling praised the ongoing work of the Police Force of St. Maarten (KPSM), Customs Department and Immigration and Border Protection Services, noting that coordinated enforcement operations remain critical to maintaining public safety and strengthening border security.
The minister also highlighted the work being carried out by Victim Support Services, particularly in assisting victims of domestic violence and intimate partner violence. Recent participation in the Victim Support Europe Conference and collaboration with regional partners through the No Mas No More Network have further strengthened support systems for victims throughout the Dutch Caribbean.
Despite ongoing challenges, Tackling said the Ministry of Justice remains committed to modernizing systems, reforming institutions and improving services for the people of St. Maarten.
“Meaningful progress is being made across a number of areas, often quietly and without headlines,” she said. “The work of strengthening public safety, improving our institutions, reforming detention, modernizing our systems, supporting victims and protecting our borders is ongoing.”
The minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of Justice will continue to keep the public informed as these initiatives advance in the months ahead.