PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluid than you take in. During warm weather conditions, you are very thirsty, and therefore it is very important to drink lots of water.

Since it’s Carnival season, and the majority of activities, including the grand parades, take place outdoors, revelers and onlookers will need to take extra precautions to prevent dehydration.

When the body's normal water content is reduced, it upsets the balance of minerals (salts and sugars), which affects its function.

Collective Prevention Services (CPS) is advising the community to drink lots of water during the Carnival festive season and outdoor activities.

Dehydration is usually caused by not drinking enough fluids to replace what we lose. The climate, particularly during very hot days at the beach, the amount of physical exercise you do (particularly in hot weather), and your diet can also contribute to dehydration.

Anyone can become dehydrated, but certain groups are particularly at risk. These include babies and infants – they have a low body weight and are sensitive to even small amounts of fluid loss; older people – they may be less aware that they are becoming dehydrated and therefore need to keep drinking fluids; people with a long-term health condition – such as diabetes or alcoholism; and athletes – they can lose a large amount of body fluid through sweat when exercising for long periods.

Water makes up over two-thirds of the healthy human body. It lubricates the joints and eyes, aids digestion, flushes out waste and toxins, and keeps the skin healthy.

Some of the early warning signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty and lightheaded; a dry mouth; tiredness; having dark coloured, strong-smelling urine; and passing urine less often than usual.

A baby may be dehydrated if they: have a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on their head; have few or no tears when they cry; have fewer wet nappies; and are drowsy.

The body is affected even when you lose a small amount of fluid.

CPS advises to drink lots of water to avoid becoming dehydrated.

Consult your physician if you think you or your child is dehydrated.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is hereby stating observed incidents of minors in possession of and exhibiting signs of alcohol intoxication during the ongoing carnival celebrations. These occurrences, notably observed during the jump-up processions and parades, have prompted grave concern among the police.

In response to these observations, the KPSM earnestly implores parents and guardians to exercise utmost vigilance and responsibility in addressing these critical matters. We urgently call upon all parents and guardians to engage in proactive discourse with their children regarding the inherent perils associated with alcohol consumption, particularly at a young age.

The consumption of alcohol can precipitate impaired cognitive faculties, compromised motor skills, and reckless behaviors, thereby subjecting the youth to potential harm and jeopardizing their welfare. KPSM is requesting parents and guardians to monitor the activities of their children throughout the carnival festivities and actively discourage any indulgence in underage drinking.

The KPSM remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding the welfare and interests of all citizens, with a particular emphasis on protecting our youth demographic. We implore the community's collective cooperation in fostering an environment of safety, security, and wholesome revelry during this carnival season.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On the evening of April 23rd, 2024, at approximately 11:00 pm, the Police Central Dispatch of Sint Maarten received a concerning call from the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) regarding a young man who arrived at the facility with a gunshot wound to his abdomen. Promptly responding to the call, police personnel and detectives were dispatched to the SMMC, where they were able to interview the victim before he underwent urgent surgery briefly.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident leading to the victim's injury occurred in Dutch Quarter. In response to this serious matter, the Police Force of Sint Maarten has deployed patrols, forensic specialists, and detectives to the location of the shooting.

At this time, the motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and the police are urging anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation. We understand the importance of community cooperation in resolving such incidents and ensuring the safety of all residents.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten encourages anyone who may have witnessed the shooting or has information that could aid in the investigation to contact us immediately.

Detectives assigned to the Major Crimes Team urge anyone with knowledge or information concerning this incident to contact KPSM’s Major Crimes team at +1 721 542 2222, ext. 208, 223, or 214. Alternatively, individuals can provide anonymous tips by calling the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is gearing up to ensure the safety and smooth flow of traffic during the upcoming festival events in Philipsburg. With the main activities of the carnival festivities fast approaching, it is imperative to establish measures that prioritize the well-being and convenience of all attendees.

Road Closure Details:
A section of W.J.A. Nisbeth Road will be temporarily closed, stretching from the Salt Pickers roundabout to the intersection with Tamarinde Steeg. Additionally, all alleyways leading to and from Cannegieter Street towards Nisbeth Road will be closed within this designated area. These closures are enacted in anticipation of heightened pedestrian and vehicular activity associated with the festival events.

Duration of Road Closure:
The road closure will commence at 6:00 PM on April 27th, 2024, and remain in effect until 4:00 AM on April 28th, 2024.

Alternative Routes:
Alternative routes have been designated to facilitate patrons' movement. Individuals traveling to or from Suoaliga Road (Festival Village) are advised to utilize D.A. Peterson Street, situated adjacent to the police station Road. Please note that access to Nisbeth Road from the Salt Pickers roundabout will be restricted during this period.

Additionally, on the evening of the event, drivers can access the Festival Village via Cannegieter Road via D.A. Peterson Street, the Salt Pickers roundabout, and Suoaliga Road.
Cannegieter Street and Back Street will remain open as alternative thoroughfares for accessing and exiting Philipsburg throughout the festival.

Boot Holder Notice:
KPSM extends a courteous reminder to all boot holders adjacent to Nisbeth Road to ensure that all their merchandise needed to and from their booths is brought or carried out before 6:00 PM on the event day. Following the closure of the road, vehicular access to the closed-off area will be prohibited.

Cooperation Requested:

The Police Force of Sint Maarten requests the cooperation of all residents and visitors to adhere to traffic directives and respect designated road closures.

KPSM Press Release.