PHILIPSBURG:--- Special Olympics St. Maarten proudly celebrates the outstanding athletic ability of its athletes at two major regional competitions in November 2025, while preparing to host the 2027 Special Olympics Kingdom Games.

From November 12–16, 2025, in Guadeloupe, the St. Maarten delegation made its debut in the first-ever Unified 3x3 Basketball Tournament, competing against teams from Jamaica and other regional territories. The athletes, Tahnicio Peterson, Quincy Martes, Joel Carty, Mikheal Lake, and Eli Bruno, delivered an exceptional performance, capturing five gold medals under the leadership of Coaches Mr. Paul Bell and Mr. Franklyn Carty Jr., with Mr. Franklyn Carty serving as Head of Delegation.

Just days later, from November 20–24, 2025, another delegation of 11 traveled to Curaçao to participate in the Special Olympics Kingdom Games, organized by the Netherlands’ Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) and the Special Olympics International Events Foundation (SOIE), in partnership with Special Olympics North America, the Caribbean Initiative, Think Ahead, and Special Olympics International.

Team St. Maarten excelled, proudly returning home with 10 medals in swimming and bocce:

Swimming – Breaststroke & Freestyle
• Holdson Jean-Fort – 2 Gold
• Mikael Alexander – 2 Silver
• Jarrell Brooks – 1 Silver, 1 Bronze
• Anna Willemijn Verloop – 1 Gold, 1 Silver

Bocce (Doubles)
• Milinda Sponsper – Gold
• Marijke Richardson – Gold

A defining highlight of the games in Curaçao was the official Passing of the Torch Ceremony. In a symbolic and historic moment, the Curaçao organizing team officially handed the 2027 Kingdom Games Torch to St. Maarten, confirming the island as the next host. Representing St. Maarten in this moment of pride was athlete Anna Willemijn Verloop.

National Director Ms. Sharon Cangieter expressed deep gratitude to WINAIR for its continued support and sponsorship of the athletes’ travel. Cangieter also extended appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, for endorsing St. Maarten as the 2027 host, and to all collaborating partners who will play a vital role in bringing the Games to life.

“We are proud of our athletes’ achievements and honored to host the 2027 Special Olympics Kingdom Games. We look forward to welcoming Kingdom partners and Caribbean neighbors to St. Maarten for a celebration of inclusion, ability, and national pride.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis said he is “personally not impressed” with the government’s performance after its first year in office, calling it “poor, with the clear notation that they could have done far better.”
Asked to assess performance, Lewis criticized multiple ministries for underperformance, highlighted long-standing citizen complaints, and stressed the need for urgent reforms.
Lewis specifically singled out the Ministries of Justice and VROMI for significant underperformance. He said, “With regard to VROMI, the island feels stagnated to the point where the lack of progress can almost be compared to a national development crisis.” He noted an ongoing influx of complaints about long-pending permits, poor communication, and the absence of clear direction. On Justice, Lewis said, “A new approach and meaningful reform are desperately needed—particularly within the immigration sector. Citizens continue to express frustration and exhaustion over delayed permit processing and the lack of communication surrounding their applications.”
He also raised concerns about crime rates, stating that despite increased patrols, “crime rates continue to rise, creating economic fear and heightened concern within the community.” Lewis compared the current Minister of Justice’s performance to his own tenure, saying, “During my tenure as Minister of Justice, although brief, my administration successfully issued approximately six batches within seven months. This current Minister, who has now served a full year, has not initiated a single new batch, aside from the two batches that were already initiated under my administration.”
Lewis criticized the Ministry of TEATT for unkept promises and delays, particularly regarding the long-promised reconstruction of the Marketplace. “One year later, the long-promised reconstruction of the Marketplace has yet to begin or be completed, leaving hardworking vendors without the solution they were assured,” he said, noting that repeated promises have not translated into tangible results.
When asked about priorities for the coming year, Lewis spoke of the need for comprehensive reforms in immigration, improved policies for VROMI and TEATT, and urgent relief measures for residents regarding GEBE’s billing system.
Assessing the government’s overall effectiveness in addressing citizen issues, Lewis stated, “Critical issues such as the issuance of batches for law enforcement employees, the completion of the function book that covers ambulance and fire department workers, financial relief for families struggling with their GEBE bills, the long-delayed Marketplace project, rising crime, and stagnation in economic development remain at an all-time high. These are issues the government has failed to address in any meaningful way.”
Lewis could not cite any examples of ministers exceeding expectations, saying, “At this moment, I cannot provide any such examples. The level of production from the government remains at the bare minimum.”
Lewis says he remains hopeful that “we will witness a meaningful shift in how this government approaches its responsibilities to the people. St Maarten deserves leadership that is present, proactive, and committed to action, not just promises. This year must be different. This year must deliver results. The people of St Maarten deserve nothing less, and I will continue to hold the government accountable while offering my full support to ensure that real, tangible progress is finally achieved.”

PHILIPSBURG:---The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Ms. Ann EVANS, a U.S. citizen born on May 29, 1970, who has been reported missing.
Ms. Evans was a guest aboard the cruise ship Rotterdam, which was docked in Port St. Maarten on November 20, 2025. At approximately 10:00 a.m., she departed the ship on an organized island tour. During the tour, Ms. Evans disembarked the bus in Marigot, French Saint Martin, during the tour but did not return to the bus or to the cruise vessel.
Efforts to locate Ms. Evans are ongoing, and law enforcement authorities on both the Dutch and French sides of the island have been alerted.
Description:
• Name: Ann EVANS
• Age: 55 Years old
• Nationality: United States of America
KPSM and the French Gendarmerie are urging anyone with information about Ms. Evans’ whereabouts to come forward.
If Ms. Evans herself sees this message, she is kindly requested to contact her family, the Police Force of Sint Maarten, or the French Gendarmerie as soon as possible to confirm her safety.
Contact Information:
• Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM): +1 (721) 542-2222
• Gendarmerie / French Police (Saint-Martin): +590 590-29-25-25
• Cruise Line Agent – Marcia Foga: +1 (721) 588-9532

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Police officers were forced to retreat under a barrage of stones this evening while attempting to recover two stolen vehicles in the Garden of Eden area of Dutch Quarter.
The incident occurred when police patrols were in the process of removing the stolen cars from the location. A group of individuals gathered and began throwing stones at the officers, creating a dangerous situation that compelled the police to seek immediate shelter.
Police Spokesman Inspector Joe Josepha confirmed the events, stating that the patrols on the scene had to withdraw for their safety following the attack. The situation escalated quickly, preventing the officers from completing their work at the scene. Further details regarding the investigation into the stolen vehicles and the subsequent assault on the officers are expected to be released as they become available.

Police Investigating Recovered Stolen Vehicles & Stone-Throwing Incident.

The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is investigating an incident in the Quilletor Drive area, near Madrid Drive, where two suspected stolen vehicles were discovered. The situation escalated when officers were pelted with stones while one of the vehicles was being towed.
A police patrol responded to the location after an individual reported finding a vehicle previously listed as stolen. Upon arrival in the Quilletor Drive area, officers located a vehicle showing clear signs of tampering. Shortly afterward, a second suspicious vehicle was found nearby. Both vehicles displayed indications of theft and were confiscated along with items found inside.
While one of the vehicles was being removed by a towing company, officers were suddenly attacked with stones thrown from multiple directions. A nearby vehicle sustained damage during the incident. The patrol(s) managed to regain control of the situation and safely withdrew from the area.
The KPSM Detective Department is investigating both the vehicle thefts and the violent actions taken against responding officers.
KPSM stresses that any form of aggression, assault, or stone-throwing toward police officers is a serious criminal offense. Such behavior endangers both officers and the community. This type of behavior will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face strict police action.
Residents who witnessed the incident or have information about those involved are urged to contact +17215455555 or 911, the KPSM Tipline at 9300, or report anonymously through the designated channels.

KPSM Press Release.