CAY HILL:---  A large crowd of participants walked in solidarity last week, Thursday, November 13th, along Front Street for a Mental Health Awareness March organized by the Mental Health Foundation (MHF).
The event was held on World Kindness Day, a date that serves as a reminder that caring for one’s mental health and seeking support when needed is an essential act of kindness. This message aligned with the march's theme, “End the Silence. Break the Stigma,” which was designed to promote open conversation, self-compassion, and a culture of care and solidarity within the community.
The march commenced at the Midtown Hotel parking lot on Front Street, proceeded through the street, and concluded at the head of town on the boardwalk. Participants chanted as they moved, led by the rhythmic sounds of the Soualiga Soldiers drum band from the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Cole Bay. The event successfully drew many onlookers and supporters as the group made its way down the street.
The purpose of the march was to highlight mental health issues, reduce associated stigma, and foster understanding, support, and advocacy. MHF reminds the public that mental health matters and that community solidarity is key to breaking the silence and ending the stigma.
MHF extends its appreciation to all who participated and supported the event, making it a success. The MHF specifically recognizes the following partners and sponsors for their contributions: Don Hughes for allowing us to use the Mid Town Hotel Parking Lot, the Soualiga Soldiers from the Cole bay Seventh Day Adventist Church for their excellent performance; Philipsburg Pharmacy for the donation of a first aid kit; Constable Security BV. for providing security services; The Red Cross for their assistance and participation in the march; and Susana Diaz Granados for providing photography services.
MHF further extends its gratitude to its key stakeholders and partners, the Turning Point Foundation, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF), and the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) for their vital collaboration, commitmen,t and continued support.
MHF also extends a special thank-you to Host Elecktra of Oasis 96.3, Host Gee Money, Suppa Kid and Sagan of Laser 101, Host Ramona Riley of SOS Radio, Host Lydia G.Henderson of 101.5 Radio St. Martin and Management and Host of PJD2 102.7 Radio St. Marteen for offering the opportunity to go on air to speak about mental health on the island, the available services, the ongoing stigma and to help promote the march.
The Mental Health Foundation further extends its heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came out and joined the event, as well as those who were present in spirit.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is proud to announce that it has been honored with the Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award by ESRI, a global leader in geographic information systems.

This distinguished award recognizes KPSM’s innovative use of GIS technology to improve crime analysis, enhance strategic planning, and strengthen public safety nationwide.

The award was officially presented on November 19th, 2025, at the Philipsburg Police Station by the Founder and President of ESRI.
The Chief of Police, Mr. C. John, accepted the award on behalf of the Police Force of Sint Maarten. In his remarks, Chief John expressed gratitude for the recognition and emphasized KPSM’s ongoing commitment to embracing technology to serve the community better.

KPSM extends its appreciation to ESRI for this honor and reaffirms its dedication to innovation, professionalism, and the continued protection of the people of Sint Maarten.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is intensifying its crackdown on violent offenders following the swift arrest of a suspect connected to an attempted robbery and shooting that occurred on Sunday afternoon, November 16th, 2025, around 4:00 p.m. on Tassell Road.

During the ongoing investigation, detectives identified a suspect, known by the initials E.Z.B., believed to be directly involved in this dangerous incident.

On Wednesday, November 19th, 2025, at approximately 1:30 p.m., officers on patrol spotted the suspect driving on A.J.C. Brouwers Road. Acting immediately, officers moved in and apprehended the suspect, preventing any possibility of escape.

The individual was later transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he is currently being detained and questioned as detectives continue their investigation.

KPSM sends a clear and uncompromising message:
Those who choose to commit violent crimes, carry firearms, or endanger the public will be pursued and held fully accountable.

The police force will continue to take decisive action to protect the community and ensure the safety of residents and visitors.

KPSM urges anyone with relevant information to come forward and support ongoing investigations.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, November 17th, 2025, twenty-seven inmates of the Point Blanche Prison (25 males and 2 females) completed the Quick Skills + Recreational Workshop series, an initiative designed to strengthen rehabilitation and reintegration through practical life skills, positive engagement, and creative expression. The program ran every Monday from July 7th, 2025, and offered inmates a structured space to learn, reflect, create, and experience personal growth.
The workshop was a joint effort between the Judicial and Institutional Services (J&IS – Probation Department) and the Point Blanche Prison & House of Detention. It was developed and delivered by J&IS Director Cynthia Clarke-Filemon, Probation Officers Samantha Phillips, Ivan Plantein, Shelly Gordon, Shakainah Pompier, Judith Valpoort, and Family Guardian Lisandra Pantophlet, with program coordination at the prison by Member of Management and Head of Corrections Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York. Officer Nancy Williams-Maria and other prison staff ensured smooth execution inside the facility.

A certificate ceremony hosted at the prison honored the dedication of the participants. The event included inmates, J&IS facilitators, prison management, social workers, the President of the Inmates Association, and staff members. Each participant received a certificate and a gift package as a token of recognition. The atmosphere reflected both pride and optimism, with inmates, both females and males, expressing how much they looked forward to the program each week. They also shared that the sessions brought moments of fun, laughter, and positive interaction, experiences that are often rare in a prison environment.

Director of J&IS, Cynthia Clarke-Filemon, applauded the participants for their effort, discipline, and willingness to push through difficult days. She emphasized that the skills they practiced, creativity, respect, patience, teamwork, and focus, are building blocks they can continue using beyond the prison walls. She also highlighted how meaningful the program was for J&IS staff, offering a valuable learning experience that strengthened their own professional development.
J&IS facilitators echoed these sentiments, describing the joy of seeing inmates take pride in their certificates and the artwork they produced throughout the program. Head of Corrections, Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York, encouraged participants to treat the workshop as the starting point of long-term personal change. She urged them to build on the discipline and structure learned during the sessions and to carry these lessons into their daily lives, both inside and outside the facility. She reminded the participants that they have talents and potential and that their story is not finished here in Point Blanche.

Participants shared that the workshop helped them reflect, reset, and remember their own potential. Several noted that they “still have good in them,” despite past mistakes. All expressed a desire for more programs like this, including for younger inmates, because it offers hope, direction, and a constructive break and relief from the daily pressures of incarceration.
Quick skills and recreational activities equip inmates with tools they can apply immediately, including planning, emotional control, communication, and working respectfully with others. These programs help reduce tension within the facility, build confidence, and give inmates a sense of purpose. Most importantly, they support successful reintegration by strengthening the skills needed to navigate life after release.

J&IS Probation Department and the Point Blanche Prison Management extend sincere appreciation to all J&IS probation and family guardianship, facilitators, prison staff, and supporters who made the program possible. Both institutions remain committed to continuing the development of prison programs that support rehabilitation and contribute to safer communities.
Following the training, a brief meeting was held between the Prison Director, Mr. Steven Carty, and the Director of J&IS-Probation, Mrs. Cynthia Clarke-Filemon. Both expressed their commitment to further strengthening the working relationship, with follow-up collaboration focused on expanding structured programs, improving communication, and reinforcing joint efforts toward meaningful reintegration and restorative justice.