PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice is pleased to report accelerated progress in the recovery and stabilization efforts at Point Blanche Prison. Following the successful return of inmates to their designated cells earlier this week, new developments highlight the Ministry’s commitment to restoring functionality, dignity, and structured rehabilitation in the facility.

Inmate Rights and Privileges

The daily inmate program is being gradually reinstated. Several core services remain active, including access to the large outdoor sports yard on a rotating schedule, gym sessions, and music classes. Inmates have also resumed regular duties under the labor program, such as kitchen assistance, cleaning, and facility maintenance.

Family visitation resumed on June 12, with 14 visits conducted on the first day. The visitation area has been thoroughly sanitized and prepared to ensure a safe environment for interactions.

Father’s Day Event

A special Father’s Day event will be hosted today, Friday, June 13, in collaboration with the Judicial & Institutional Services (J&IS). The initiative aims to foster emotional well-being and strengthen family ties for inmates who are fathers.

Thirty-one inmates have registered for the event, which includes small group sessions, informal engagement with support staff, and the creation of personalized postcards to share with loved ones. The program further highlights the Ministry’s broader commitment to rehabilitation through connection and care.

Inmate Communication and Engagement

Constructive dialogue between prison leadership and the Inmates’ Association continues. Summaries of those meetings are posted in common areas, ensuring transparency and continued engagement with all inmates.

Facility Upgrades and Health Measures

Interior restoration efforts are progressing steadily. A primer layer will be applied to walls and ceilings in affected areas to reduce residual smoke damage. The project will cover all necessary zones and is on track for completion within the next two weeks. At the same time, high-level upgrades to surveillance and security systems are underway. While operational details remain classified, these improvements will enhance long-term safety and oversight within the facility.

Kingdom Support and Staffing Update

The remaining correctional officers from Curaçao concluded their assignment and returned home today, June 13. Local operational support remains in place as the facility transitions into its next phase of stabilization.

Responsible Communication

The Ministry urges all media outlets and the public to rely exclusively on official channels for updates. Inaccurate reporting or speculation can jeopardize recovery efforts and undermine public trust. Regular updates will continue to be provided as new milestones are achieved.

 Reportage-Isidoros Karderinis

 SOFIA, Bulgaria:--- On Sunday, June 8, 2025, protesters gathered in front of the country’s National Bank, amid a heavy police presence, to protest the planned introduction of the euro on January 1, 2026.

The demonstration was once again organized by the political party “Vazrazdane”, while demonstrations were also held in other cities in Bulgaria. “Vazrazdane” President Konstantin Kostadinov sent a letter to all European Union prime ministers calling for Bulgaria to be excluded from the eurozone.

Konstantin Kostadinov stressed in his statements: “Our struggle is in the name of democracy, our rights and our most important right, the right to vote.”

Kostadinov also recalled that in Italy there were not one, but five referendums on the euro with a request signed by less than 1% of citizens, while in Bulgaria with 10% of those willing, a referendum is not allowed.

The participants in the demonstration categorically stated that they want to keep the Bulgarian lev as the national currency and shouted their demand for a referendum on this crucial issue of long-term importance for the country.

“We want to keep the Bulgarian lev because it is our national currency. If there is no lev, there will be no Bulgaria,” the protesters commented emphatically.

The thousands of protesters expressed particularly their concern that the transition to the euro would lead to higher prices, a deterioration in living standards, a loss of the country's economic and financial sovereignty, and dependence on external powers.

*Isidoros Karderinis is a journalist, foreign press correspondent and writer. Facebook: Karderinis Isidoros

On Wednesday, the 11^th of June, around 9:30 AM, the central control room received a report of a diver on Saba who had become unwell. Police and an ambulance were dispatched to the Fort Bay harbor in anticipation of the boat arriving with the person. When the boat docked, they were already performing CPR on the victim. After this, the victim was taken by ambulance to the hospital for further medical treatment. Soon after, the police were informed of the victim's death. The doctor confirmed the death of a 72-year-old man with initials R.J.W. born 8^th of February 1953, in the United States.

KPCN Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is providing an important update in connection with the case of two brothers who were recently reported missing after traveling from Antigua to Sint Maarten.

On the morning of Friday, June 13, 2025, detectives from KPSM spoke with the mother of the two young men, who confirmed that she had made contact with her sons. According to her account, the brothers are alive and currently safe. She explained that they experienced mechanical problems with the vessel they were using to travel, which left them drifting between Antigua and Barbuda for an extended period of time.

This update follows growing concern from family members and the public, stemming from the brothers' unexplained disappearance after their arrival on Sint Maarten. KPSM had launched an active investigation and issued a public appeal earlier in the week for any information regarding their whereabouts.

While this development brings relief, the circumstances remain under review. KPSM is now actively engaging with its regional law enforcement and maritime partners throughout the Caribbean to verify the brothers' current location and check on their well-being.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the Philipsburg Police Station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.