PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is urging food wholesalers, warehouse depot operators, and business owners across the country to ensure their facilities are hurricane-ready for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season as it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad one.

With the hurricane season now underway and storm activity expected to increase in the coming months, ODM emphasizes that the best time to prepare is before a storm threatens the country.

National Disaster Coordinator and Fire Chief Clive Richardson is calling on operators and owners of warehouses, distribution centers, and storage facilities to review and activate preparedness measures well in advance of any approaching weather system.

"A key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the hazards that can affect your business and taking the necessary steps to reduce risks before a storm arrives," Richardson stated. "Every business including new businesses that just recently opened their doors should have contingency plans in place to secure its operations, protect employees, and minimize potential damage to property and surrounding communities."

ODM is reminding business owners and newly established ones that loose materials commonly found around warehouses and storage facilities can become dangerous projectiles during high winds. Items such as plywood sheets, shipping pallets, food pallets, metal strapping, and other unsecured materials can easily become airborne and cause significant damage to buildings, vehicles, and neighboring properties.

Business operators are therefore encouraged to conduct inspections of their facilities and surrounding areas and develop plans that allow for the rapid removal or securing of materials whenever a tropical storm or hurricane threat is forecast for Sint Maarten.

Every effort should be made to keep storage yards and warehouse surroundings free of loose debris and unsecured materials that could pose a threat during severe weather conditions. Property owners should ensure that all hurricane preparedness measures can be implemented within a short period of time when necessary.

ODM also encourages households and businesses alike to review their hurricane preparedness plans and identify any weaknesses that need to be addressed while there is still sufficient time to prepare. The peak of the Atlantic Hurricane Season typically begins in mid-August and continues through October.

"The primary objective is the protection of lives first and foremost, followed by the protection of property and surrounding residential communities," Richardson emphasized.

ODM reminds all businesses that when a Tropical Storm Watch or Hurricane Watch is issued—typically 48 hours before the expected impact of a weather system—business continuity and hurricane preparedness plans should be immediately activated. Timely action during this period can significantly reduce risks and improve resilience.

The Office of Disaster Management will continue to provide preparedness information throughout the hurricane season and encourages all sectors of the community to remain vigilant, informed, and prepared.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.

Listen to the Government Radio station SXMGOV – 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

MAHO, Sint Maarten:---  Police are investigating an attempted armed robbery at the Radisson Jewelry store in Maho on Tuesday afternoon, June 2, after a group of suspects reportedly tried and failed to carry out a heist before fleeing the scene.
According to the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), the incident occurred shortly after 2:00 p.m. when Central Dispatch received multiple emergency calls reporting an attempted robbery at the popular jewelry establishment located in the Maho area.
Police patrol units and detectives responded immediately, secured the scene, and launched an investigation into the incident.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspects arrived on three to four scooters and were dressed in dark clothing. The group allegedly attempted to rob the Radisson jewelry store but was unsuccessful in executing the robbery.
Following the failed attempt, the suspects fled the area at high speed and crossed into the French side of the island through the Cupe Coy border, prompting investigators to pursue several leads.
Detectives are actively working to identify and locate those involved. Authorities have not yet released descriptions of the suspects beyond their clothing and mode of transportation.
The incident caused concern among business owners and visitors in the busy Maho district, one of the island’s most frequented commercial and tourist areas.
KPSM is appealing to the public for assistance and urges anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have information relevant to the investigation to come forward.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten at +1 (721) 554-2222 or provide information anonymously through the Tip Line at 9300.
The investigation remains ongoing.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is requesting the public's assistance in locating a missing teenager, Kyshynis Raisheena KENEPA, a 16-year-old female.

Kyshynis is described as having a light brown complexion and black hair. She was last seen in the vicinity of Robbie's Lottery on L.B. Scott Road on Sunday, May 31, 2026.

KPSM is concerned for her well-being and asks anyone with information on her whereabouts to immediately contact the Philipsburg Police Station at +1 (721) 542-2222. Information can also be provided through the police emergency number 911.

The community's cooperation is essential to locating this young lady and ensuring her safe return.

Message to Kyshynis Raisheena KENEPA:

If you are seeing this message, please contact the Police Station or your mother as soon as possible so that your family and the authorities can be assured of your safety and well-being.

KPSM thanks the public for its assistance and cooperation in this matter.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) would like to inform the public that the contractor under the Emergency Recovery Project I (ERP1) will begin taking possession of sites at school gyms, public sports facilities, and district courts across Sint Maarten from June 2026. This is in preparation for upcoming repair works which will improve spaces used by students, athletes, and the wider community.
Site possession and mobilization activities by Windward Roads are scheduled to begin in June for the following locations; Simpson Bay, Cole Bay and Cay Bay district courts, followed by Sundial School and the Milton Peter’s College (MPC) old gym site, Sister Magda School and the St. Maarten Academy school gym, Rupert Maynard Community Youth Center and St. Maarten Academy PSVE, Methodist Agogic Center, Browlia F. Milard campus and Sister Regina schools. Helmich Snijders Hillside Christian School and Seventh Day Adventist School in Cole Bay, and the MPC new gym site and South Reward sports facility. These activities will support contractor mobilization, site preparation, and planning ahead of repair works. At some locations, activities may be staggered to help maintain access and, where possible, reduce disruption to schools and facility users.
Planned repair work and its duration will vary by location, depending on site conditions and facility needs. Activities may include repairs to indoor gym floors and exterior playing surfaces, roofs, doors and windows, gym outfitting, and other structural and safety-related repairs. Some locations may also receive repainting, refreshed court markings, fencing repairs, and other works.
As contractors begin mobilization and site preparation activities, residents and facility users may notice temporary work zones, restricted access in some areas, equipment deliveries, and adjusted parking arrangements. To help manage environmental, social, health, and safety risks associated with the Works, activities will be carried out in accordance with ERP1’s Environmental and Social Management Framework (ESMF) and the Contractors’ Environmental and Social Management Plan (CESMP). These include mitigation measures for repair works, such as ensuring work areas are properly closed off, secured, and equipped with signage to support the safety of workers, students, school staff, parents, facility users, and the surrounding community. The Contractor will also implement measures to manage dust, properly collect and dispose of waste from worksites, and coordinate traffic and access arrangements where required. Worksites will be maintained in a clean and organized condition and cleared of debris at the completion of works. Community members will be informed in advance of planned activities that may result in temporary inconvenience in their neighborhood.
In the district of St. Peter’s, temporary access adjustments will be implemented along Cupper Drive to facilitate contractor mobilization and site preparation for repairs at Sister Magda School and St. Maarten Academy. Vehicles will not be permitted to park in the area behind Sister Magda School to help maintain access for residents at the lower section of Cupper Drive. Contractor work areas will be established at the rear of both Sister Magda School and the St. Maarten Academy gym. Members of the public are asked to adhere to signage and temporary restrictions.
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming stakeholder engagement sessions for updates and feedback and to stay informed by visiting the ERP1 project webpage at www.nrpbsxm.org/erp1, Facebook @sxmnationalrecovery or via the NRPB WhatsApp channel at tinyurl.com/23fry6mu. Feedback, questions and queries may be sent via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or directed to the project’s stakeholder engagement coordinator. Members of the public with complaints may visit www.nrpbsxm.org/complaints.
The works are implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten under ERP1 and funded through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, financed by the Government of the Netherlands and administered by the World Bank.