PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is executing a relentless, island-wide offensive against criminal activity, deploying maximum resources and personnel to eliminate threats to public safety across all districts.
On Thursday, December 11, 2025, KPSM officers conducted a massive enforcement operation in the Cay Bay area, stopping and inspecting over 100 individuals. This aggressive action targeted criminal elements, traffic violators, and anyone threatening the safety of law-abiding citizens.
KPSM strike teams simultaneously descended on Maho and Simpson Bay, saturating high-traffic zones with officers during peak hours and conducting comprehensive safety sweeps to root out illegal activity.

On Wednesday, December 10th, 2025, the control team went into Belvedere, Dutch Quarter, and Middle Region with one mission: seize illegal weapons and narcotics. The operation was a success. Officers confiscated substantial quantities of illicit drugs and seized a machete from individuals who posed a direct threat to community safety.
In the Middle Region, three suspects on scooters and a dirt bike attempted to evade officers. KPSM officers intercepted and stopped the dirt bike rider. The vehicle was immediately impounded and removed from the streets.
KPSM will continue to wage an uncompromising pushback on crime and criminals. These large-scale operations will continue with escalating intensity in the days and weeks ahead. Every district. Every street. Every day.
To the public: When KPSM officers stop you during these operations, full cooperation is expected. Your support is essential. Together, we will try to restore a sense of safety on Sint Maarten.

KPSM Press Release.

The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) announced that the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) has awarded a $150,000 scholarship contribution to support students enrolling in the University’s new Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Renewable Energy Technology (RET) program. In a check presentation ceremony held yesterday at the UVI RTPark Solar Farm, VIEO Deputy Director Michael Jaffurs formally presented the check to Dr. Gregory Guannel, Director of UVI’s Caribbean Green Technology Center (CGTC).

The scholarship will be available to eligible students beginning in Spring 2026 and is intended to expand access to UVI’s growing academic pathways in renewable energy and sustainability. The fund will support U.S. citizens and legal residents of the U.S. Virgin Islands who declare the AAS in Renewable Energy Technology or the forthcoming Certificate in Renewable Energy Technology, as their major.

Dr. Guannel said the scholarship represents a major step in building local capacity within the renewable energy sector. “This generous investment from the Virgin Islands Energy Office ensures that more Virgin Islanders can access the training needed to participate in the Territory’s clean energy transition,” said Dr. Guannel. “By reducing financial barriers, we can help students gain the technical skills that are urgently needed in our community and across the region. We are sincerely grateful to the VIEO for its partnership and commitment to supporting the next generation of renewable energy professionals.”

Virgin Islands Energy Office Director Kyle Fleming stated, “By leveraging a DOE grant to invest $150,000 in scholarships for UVI’s Renewable Energy Technologies program, the Virgin Islands Energy Office is doubling down on a common-sense synergy: aligning our federal funding with a homegrown workforce development pipeline that will build, maintain, and expand the clean energy systems our community continues to embrace. This scholarship ensures that the federal funding secured by the VIEO reduces cost barriers for Virgin Islanders seeking to gain the expertise needed to lead the Territory’s energy transformation.”

Prospective students interested in the AAS in Renewable Energy Technology or the upcoming certificate program are encouraged to apply for Spring 2026 admission.

The AAS in Renewable Energy Technology was launched in 2024 by the UVI College of Science and Mathematics and CGTC to develop a capable workforce that will help the USVI, the Caribbean region, and the U.S. accelerate its renewable energy revolution. The two-year AAS in RET degree program educates students and future professionals in basic electrical concepts, renewable energy technologies, and installing and repairing photovoltaic (PV) systems. Completion of the RET program, including the required internship and course labs, will prepare students to confidently enter the renewable energy workforce. The program is also designed to be a step towards a baccalaureate degree in physics or applied mathematics. Graduates of the RET program will have the knowledge required to pass the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) photovoltaic system (PV) Associate examination, an internationally recognized certification for PV installation companies and practitioners. 

Bonaire Becomes the 191st Country in the World to Launch the Human Rights Program

Kralendijk, Bonaire:---  The Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO), accredited by the United Nations together with United for Human Rights International, proudly announces the successful completion of a series of historic human rights events that strengthened community awareness and placed Bonaire on the global human rights map.

1. “We Also Have Rights” Workshop – A Historic First for Bonaire
On December 6, BHRO and United for Human Rights International hosted Bonaire’s first Human Rights Talk and Workshop. Participants took part in interactive training, cultural presentations, and a formal certification exam—resulting in Bonaire’s first Certified Human Rights Defenders.
This achievement officially makes Bonaire the 191st country in the world to implement the United for Human Rights Program.
“This is a historic moment,” said BHRO Founder James Finies. “Bonaire now stands proudly with 190 other countries committed to human rights education and empowerment.”

2. Youth Ride 4 Rights – A Movement on Wheels
On December 10, children, parents, and community members joined BHRO and Human Rights International for the Youth Ride 4 Rights, riding together along the Bonaire promenade to celebrate International Human Rights Day. The event sent a powerful message that human rights belong to everyone, especially the youth.

3. Launch of the New Board of Information at Kaya Grandi
Also on December 10, BHRO unveiled a new Human Rights Board of Information on Kaya Grandi
This location carries deep meaning— the original sign, placed a decade ago, has become a symbol of the strength, determination, and resilience of the people of Bonaire.
The renewed board honors that legacy while marking a new era of public education, visibility, and empowerment for human rights awareness on the island.
These achievements launch BHRO’s five-year Human Rights Campaign, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals—especially SDG 16: Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions.
BHRO expresses heartfelt appreciation to United for Human Rights International, local partners, volunteers, and the entire Bonaire community for making these events truly historic.

Cole Bay:---  The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset, with the generous support of Kooyman, proudly brought Christmas cheer to the St. Maarten Medical Center’s Pediatric Ward this holiday season. This heartfelt initiative aimed to bring smiles, comfort, and warmth to young patients spending this special time of year away from home.

Adding to the spirit of giving, the Learning Unlimited Interact Club took it upon themselves to collect and beautifully gift-wrap over 20 presents for children of all ages. The Interactors personally delivered the gifts to the St. Maarten Medical Center, adding an extra touch of joy and compassion. Their thoughtful gesture helped brighten what can be a difficult time for patients and families, proving that a Christmas tree filled with heartfelt gifts can make the recovery process just a little easier.

Club President Alex Pierre expressed, “It brings great cheer for us as a club to serve the community. It brings us joy to help bring that Christmas feeling to those who may feel down while being in the hospital during this period.”

Additionally, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree was also presented to the Maternity Ward at the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital. The staff expressed heartfelt appreciation and excitement at the opportunity to bring the warmth of the Christmas season to their department.

Service Project Chair, Jamila Boirard, shared, “This project is dear to our hearts, as Christmas is all about giving and lifting spirits. This Christmas Cheer initiative truly matches the season of giving, and for that, I am extremely grateful to Kooyman for coming on board to make this possible.”

Michele Korteweg of Kooyman added, “Kooyman is happy to support organizations with fresh-cut trees each year. We receive many requests and try to spread the joy among a number of different organizations. The Rotary’s efforts will reach both the Dutch side and French side, youth and adults, so we are happy for this collaboration.”

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset remains committed to serving the community through impactful initiatives that bring joy, comfort, and hope especially during the holiday season.