St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

The Army Company of the Ministry of Defence in the Caribbean Rotates.

army02032026 Willemstad:--- During a military ceremony on Monday morning, March 2, 2026, Company Rotation 50 handed over its tasks to the next unit, Rotation 51. The new commander, Captain Marnix, took over command from his predecessor during a traditional paddle handover.

After four intensive months in the Caribbean, Captain Roderik looks back with satisfaction on the collaboration and training of Charlie/Tijger Company. The unit conducted training sessions across the islands, including a medical element. It was a unique opportunity for the unit to train in this tropical climate. Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba gave the platoons the opportunity to conduct tactical training and develop specialized skills. The firing range on Curaçao offers the opportunity to conduct integrated live fire exercises with mortars and snipers, supported by unmanned systems and drones. We were also able to collaborate with Curaçaoan military personnel and the Coast Guard. It was remarkable to see how, despite differences in background and working methods, we could jointly contribute to safety and stability.

Bravo "Bull" Company is beginning its fifth rotation in the Caribbean. Captain Marnix is looking forward to working and training with his unit in the region. As part of 11 Infantry Battalion, ‘Garderegiment Grenadiers en Jagers’, they are normally deployed
from helicopters or by parachute, within the three main tasks of the armed force. The company provides high-quality combat power from the air to the ground. As a company in the West, the emphasis is primarily on foot-based operations. The unit will be reinforced for the next 4.5 months with the medical capacity of 11 Medical Company. In addition to being prepared for and carrying out missions for CZMCARIB, the focus is on an in-house training program to further prepare the unit. The climate and environment of the Caribbean part of the
Kingdom offers an excellent opportunity to work on personnel's physical and mental development, leadership, and resilience. Captain Marnix and his team look forward to collaborating with local security partners and expect it to be an enjoyable and useful period by taking advantage of the various training opportunities.

The Royal Netherlands Army has a permanent company in the Caribbean. This unit, under the command of CZMCARIB, can be deployed for a variety of tasks. Over the next four months, the company will train in Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

Arrest of Suspect in Ongoing Jewelry Robbery Investigation.

arrest020320206 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) continues its firm, coordinated efforts to combat the series of jewelry robberies that have been affecting the community throughout 2025. As part of these ongoing investigative operations, another suspect has been taken into custody.
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, a male suspect identified by the initials M.Y.F. was arrested at a residence on A.Th. Illidge Road. The arrest was carried out by officers of KPSM in connection with one of the jewelry robberies that took place at a hotel in the Oyster Pond area in 2025. The suspect has been brought to the police station in Philipsburg, where he is being held for further questioning
The investigation into this case remains active, and additional arrests in connection with these jewelry robbery investigations are not excluded.
KPSM remains fully committed to identifying and apprehending all individuals involved in these serious criminal acts. The Police Force urges anyone with information about these robberies to come forward and assist with the investigation.

Ministry of Justice Clarifies Misinformation Regarding Immigration Activity.

nathalietackling21012026 PHILIPSBURG"--- The Ministry of Justice confirms that reports circulating about Immigration conducting operations or checks during the Dominican Republic Independence Day parade are false. No such planned operation was scheduled in connection with the parade.
The Ministry recognizes that such events are important cultural celebrations within our community. There was no targeted action linked to the parade, and Immigration did not organize or execute any operation in relation to this event.
The Ministry can confirm that two Venezuelan nationals were detained yesterday. Their apprehension resulted from a routine patrol conducted independently of the parade activities. The timing was coincidental and not connected to the celebration in any way. One of the individuals detained had previously evaded Immigration authorities and has since been actively sought.
The Ministry of Justice remains committed to carrying out its duties in a professional, impartial, and lawful manner. Routine enforcement activities continue daily across the country and are not targeted at any specific cultural or community event.
The public is encouraged to rely on verified information and official communications from the Ministry.

Dominican Week Foundation Board Member Condemns Immigration Incident During Independence Parade.

santoparade02032026 PHILIPSBURG:--- Brenda Rodriguez de Allen, manager of Sxmislandtime and a member of the Board of Directors of the Fundación Semana Dominicana, has formally expressed concern and disappointment following an incident involving Immigration Department personnel during Sunday’s Dominican Independence parade.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 1, 2026, along Walter Nisbeth Road/Pondfill, during celebrations marking the 182nd anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic.

In a public statement, Rodriguez de Allen described the actions taken by Immigration officials while performing their duties as “inappropriate” and “deeply disrespectful” toward the Dominican community. She stated that the measures caused unnecessary discomfort and undermined the dignity of the broader Latino community at a time meant to honor cultural pride and heritage.

The annual parade, organized as part of Dominican Week festivities, is one of the community’s most significant cultural events, drawing large crowds in celebration of Dominican history, identity, and contributions to the island’s multicultural society.

Rodriguez de Allen emphasized that the behavior displayed during the incident is “unacceptable and inconsistent with the values of respect and inclusion that our community upholds.” She called for greater sensitivity and mutual respect during cultural observances, particularly those that foster unity and diversity.

As of press time, there has been no official response from the Immigration Department regarding the matter.

The Dominican Week Foundation continues its scheduled activities throughout the week, reaffirming its commitment to promoting cultural awareness, pride, and community solidarity.

Two Dead in Incident on Arlet Peters Road, Investigation Underway.

accidentarletroad02032026 PHILIPSBURG:--- In the early hours of Monday, March 2, 2026, a tragic incident on Arlet Peters Road (commonly known as Old Cake House Road) claimed the lives of two individuals. The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the event, which occurred shortly after 3:30 a.m.
Central Dispatch received multiple reports of an overturned SUV near the entrance of Arlet Peters Road. Responding swiftly, several patrol units arrived at the scene to find a gray SUV flipped over. Both the male driver and a female passenger were discovered unresponsive inside the vehicle. Despite immediate efforts, both were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Initial findings by the Traffic Department have raised concerns that the incident may not be purely accidental. Evidence collected at the site has prompted suspicions of potential criminal involvement. Consequently, the Detective Department was called in to further investigate the matter.
The area was cordoned off to facilitate a thorough forensic investigation. Authorities have assured the public that additional details will be shared as the investigation progresses.