PHILIPSBURG:--- In preparation for the highly anticipated Jouvert Jump-Up taking place in the early morning hours of Saturday, April 26, 2025, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), in collaboration with the Carnival Committee and emergency services, has finalized a comprehensive safety and monitoring plan to ensure a smooth and secure event for all.

Multiple coordination meetings were held to assess and safeguard the full parade route, with special attention given to the narrow section of Arch Road, between Vine Cactus Drive and the intersection near the former Zoo. To minimize the risk of congestion and facilitate emergency access, all bands and DJs are required to pause the music through this stretch of the route.

Police Monitoring Schedule

KPSM will actively monitor the progression of the Jump-Up and has established the following estimated time checkpoints for public awareness and logistical coordination:

• Sucker Garden to Arch Road: ~05:00 AM
• Arch Road / Sualiga Road crossing: ~05:45 AM
• Former Zoo area: ~06:10 AM
• Arch Road / A. Th. Illidge Road crossing: ~06:55 AM
• Cottage (former Eddy’s Auto Supply) Roundabout: ~08:00 AM
• Prins Bernard Bridge: ~08:20 AM
• Salt Pickers Roundabout: ~09:50 AM
• Arrival at Festival Village: ~10:00 AM

Please note that these are estimated times and may vary slightly based on the parade's pace.

General Safety Tips

KPSM urges all participants and residents to observe the following safety measures:

• Secure your homes and businesses before leaving. Lock all windows and doors and activate security systems.
• Park responsibly. Avoid blocking roadways, emergency access points, and driveways. Vehicles parked illegally may be removed.
• Keep personal belongings secure and avoid carrying large sums of cash or valuables.
• Stay hydrated and look out for one another.
• Assign a designated driver or arrange safe transport if consuming alcohol.
• Report any suspicious activity or emergencies to the police immediately.

Motorists heading towards the airport should plan their journey in advance, depart early, and consider alternative routes due to expected road closures and congestion.

KPSM counts on the public's cooperation and responsible behavior to help ensure that this year’s Jouvert Jump-Up is safe and enjoyable for all.

Stay safe. Celebrate responsibly.

For more information, follow KPSM’s official social media pages or contact the Public Relations Department.

KPSM Press Release.

PORT ST. MAARTEN:---  In a significant development for St. Maarten’s cruise tourism sector, senior executives from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) recently met with Port St. Maarten Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alexander Gumbs and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten.
The meeting focused on deepening the collaboration between NCL and Port St. Maarten, aiming to increase passenger arrivals and services.
Representing NCL were Juan Kuryla, Senior Vice President of Port Development and Construction Management, and Matthew Weintraub, Director Port Development, who expressed the company’s interest in increasing cruise calls to St. Maarten.
NCL shared insights into their upcoming fleet expansion plans, including the debut of NCL Aqua just this month, and highlighted a new class of vessels set to debut soon. This initiative aligns with Port St. Maarten’s goals to diversify its cruise offerings and enhance passenger experiences.
Minister Heyliger-Marten expressed enthusiasm about the growth prospective, stating that Port St. Maarten’s role as a testing ground for NCL’s new initiatives presents a significant opportunity to boost the island’s cruise tourism sector.
Gumbs noted that discussions commenced during the FCCA conference hosted in St. Maarten in October 2024 and thereafter follow-up ongoing engagements with NCL have paved the way for this potential collaboration.
Gumbs emphasized the potential economic benefits, citing current average passenger expenditures of $161 and crew expenditures of $117.
Strategically, this also fits within the framework of improving the off-season months between May and October while improving berth occupancy during the high season, particularly on Fridays through Monday.
Typically, Tuesdays through Thursdays are the busiest days during the high season.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a government department under the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, would like to remind the community to take action to protect themselves against mosquitoes.

CPS is therefore calling on the populace to wear light colored clothing at dusk, long sleeve shirts and pants; and use mosquito repellent to prevent being bitten by a mosquito that could possibly be carrying a mosquito borne disease.

Use mosquito repellent to prevent the mosquito from feeding (don’t let the mosquito bite you), discuss with your pharmacist on the best for you or family members.

Place screens on windows and doors to stop mosquitoes from entering and close doors and windows without screens.

While home, an option is to sleep under a mosquito net to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

An increase in the mosquito population puts residents at risk.

For information about dengue fever, zika and chikungunya prevention measures, and to report mosquito breeding sites, send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Dutch Navy Ship HNLMS Groningen intercepted 3 drug shipments in the Caribbean Region, within a week. This kept a total of 1,653 kilograms of narcotics off the streets. The interceptions date from 4, 5 and 9 April, but have now been announced.

During the first action on April 4, a Caribbean Coast Guard patrol aircraft spotted a suspicious vessel: the NH90 helicopter and 2 fast interceptor boats (Frisc’s) of HNLMS. Groningen was immediately deployed.
It led to an attempted escape during which packages were thrown overboard. Stop signals and warning shots were ignored. The outboard engines of the go-fast were then shot to pieces by the NH90.
The team of the American Coast Guard and the Marine Corps then intercepted 921 kilos of marijuana.

Second and third catch
Less than 24 hours later, another fast smuggling boat was spotted during a patrol. In this case as well, a forced interdiction of the vessel was required. During this interception, 342 kilos of cocaine were seized.
During a similar operation on April 9, 145 kilograms of marijuana and 245 kilograms of cocaine were seized. All illegal goods were handed over to the American Coast Guard.

Stationship
HNLMS Groningen has been the station ship in the Caribbean Region since the end of January. Carrying out counter-drug operations is one of her tasks. The naval vessel works alternately with the American Coast Guard and the Caribbean Coast Guard.
In the meantime, HNLMS Groningen has intercepted more than 5,000 kilograms of contraband during six drug transports.