PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) hereby informs the public that its Arrest Team carried out an early morning operation on Tuesday, resulting in the arrest of three individuals in connection with the shooting incident that occurred on February 12, 2026, in the South Reward area.

Two of the suspects were arrested for their direct involvement in the shooting, while a third individual was taken into custody for possession of narcotics.

This investigation is currently being conducted by the Detective Department of KPSM.

As part of the ongoing investigation, house searches were conducted at multiple locations. These actions are part of KPSM’s ongoing efforts to address and combat serious criminal activity in the community.

Due to the sensitive nature of this case and in the interest of the investigation, no further details will be disclosed at this time.

KPSM remains committed to ensuring public safety and urges anyone with information related to this or any other case to call +1721-54222 or the tip line at 9300.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is preparing for one of the first official Carnival 2026 activities, the “Causeway Jump-Up,” scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, beginning at 8:00 PM. This highly anticipated event is expected to attract large crowds, and KPSM is committed to ensuring a safe and orderly environment for all participants and spectators.

This event will follow a designated route starting from Simpson Bay (Welfare Road – Kim Sha area), continuing onto Airport Road, crossing the Causeway Bridge, proceeding along Union Road (Cole Bay), and returning to the Kim Sha area.

As with previous years, KPSM will have a strong police presence along the route to ensure the safety and security of all participants and spectators. The cooperation of the public remains essential in maintaining a safe and enjoyable atmosphere.

KPSM wishes to emphasize the following important safety measures:

• Face Coverings Prohibited:
  Individuals are strictly prohibited from wearing masks that conceal their identity, including balaclavas and ski masks. Officers will take action against anyone found in violation of this measure.
• Vendor Guidelines:
  Vendors operating along the route are reminded that beverages must not be sold in glass bottles. All drinks should be served in plastic cups or other safe containers to prevent injuries and enhance public safety.

KPSM urges all attendees to act responsibly, comply with all instructions given by law enforcement officers, and look out for one another during the festivities.

The Police Force remains committed to ensuring that Carnival 2026 is celebrated in a safe, orderly, and enjoyable manner for all.

POINTE BLANCHE:---  Shoulaika Maduro is now Port St. Maarten’s first female certified crane operator. The entire Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) proudly celebrates a significant and historic moment for its operations, recognizing its first female employee to achieve full certification as a container crane operator.

This accomplishment is more than just a personnel update; it is a powerful symbol of gender equality and the dismantling of traditional barriers within maritime industries globally.

Having women represented in highly technical and demanding positions like crane operations brings new perspectives, strengthens PSG team dynamics, and proves that capability knows no gender.

This milestone is a visible demonstration of PSG commitment to creating an inclusive workplace where all talented individuals in the country can aspire to the highest levels of professional achievement as defined by an unwavering pursuit of operational excellence.

Maduro, a former Milton Peters College (MPC) and MAVO graduate, made the following remarks in relation to her career advancement: “You have to have faith, believe in yourself, determine your value, know your worth, and command respect when and while you’re at it.

“Especially, if you’re the first one setting and breaking records as the top trainee crane operator ever to be moved over to a full-fledged crane operator in the fastest time period, breaking records.

“Respect isn’t given out here as a crane operator. It’s earned by your crane operating skills, productivity, hard work, long nights, and early mornings.”

Maduro has held numerous positions with a variety of companies, including running her own business, All-Rounder’s Services, a general contractor, since October 2013.

At the core of PSGs long-term strategy is the belief that investing in people is investing in the future of the island. The port operations company has placed tremendous importance on fostering an environment where every staff member has the opportunity not just to perform their current duties, but to grow and develop professionally.

Seeing dedicated employees commit to rigorous training, achieve specialized certifications, and advance their careers—as exemplified by Maduro—is a source of immense pride. This commitment ensures that PSG retains top talent, cultivates leadership from within, and builds a highly skilled island workforce equipped to handle the complexities of modern port operations.

Maduro wanted to thank some of the individuals who played very important roles in her journey. Firstly, “I would like to thank God first for watching over my family and for his blessings. I thank my mother, of course, S. Matthews (Silvy) Taxi 431, for giving me life, her only daughter and youngest child, for always being there, always believing in me, and always having my back when or if needed.

“I thank my brother Edwin Maduro Jr. (Sprinky) for always being there for me daily, always believing in me, and always guarding my back daily. Especially during my loss, trauma, and afterwards, only you understood a bit about what I was going through and dealing with those days.

“I thank my gone but not forgotten support system, my Granny, who, even when certain of my own aunts doubted me and my skills, always believed in me. My dear late big brother, Dr. Bruce Flemming, and my late partner, Herbert (Apachi) Jn. Charles, my only teammate of All-Rounder’s Services. Both of you left this world too soon and unexpectedly, but I know both of you are very proud of me while watching over our family from above.”

Maduro expressed gratitude to her father, Edwin Maduro, Supervisor R. Gumbs, for always believing in her crane operating skills, her crane operators’ team, mechanics, and technicians.

“I want to thank A. Davelaar for believing in me, my capabilities, and my skills, etc., to come look for me and tell me about the opening of the position for the first female mobile crane operator.

“I thank R. Lawrence for seeing to my recognition for being the first official certified female mobile crane operator at Port St. Maarten Group. Last but not least, I want to thank Port St. Maarten Group for giving me this opportunity and believing in me.” Maduro added, “I’m very grateful for that opportunity and appreciate your confidence in me for breaking barriers and breaking records.”

Maduro’s words for those seeking a career: “As long as you have self-discipline, faith, self-confidence, believe in yourself, set your mind to it and don’t let nothing deter you from achieving your goals in life.” 

In addition, Maduro would also like to share her Hillside Christian School motto, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Within the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facilities bustling cargo section, the success of Port St. Maarten, and by extension the economy of St. Maarten, relies on efficiency, precision, and safety. By providing every opportunity for staff to acquire world-class skills, PSG is simultaneously elevating its operational standards to meet and exceed global benchmarks.

The dedication shown by our team members directly translates into faster turnaround times for vessels, safer cargo handling, and the superior service that our shipping partners and the local business community expect.

Moving forward, this achievement reinforces our vision to extend the culture of growth and excellence across every single department. Port St. Maarten is committed to ensuring that all employees, whether they are in administration, security, or heavy machinery operation, have access to the resources they need to develop, lead, and thrive.

PSG will continue to champion policies that recognize merit, and promote excellence all around the port, ensuring that the organization remains agile, resilient, and reflective of the diverse talent pool of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG: --- In a glaring indictment of the justice system, inmates and concerned citizens are raising their voices against the deplorable conditions in the prison system. Reports of neglect, lack of basic hygiene supplies, and unfulfilled promises of infrastructure development have sparked outrage and calls for accountability.

Broken Promises: The New Prison That Never Was

Earlier this year, a groundbreaking ceremony was held to mark the beginning of construction for a new prison facility. This event was touted as a step forward in addressing overcrowding and improving conditions for inmates. However, to this day, no progress has been made beyond the initial groundbreaking. Prisoners allege that the project was a facade to create the illusion of progress, while funds allocated to it remain unaccounted for.

"Inmates and the public are left wondering where the money has gone," said one they said. "It feels like they’re trying to steal the funds while showing the outside world that something is being done, which is far from the truth."

Basic Hygiene: A Right, not a Privilege

Inmates have been pleading for basic cleaning supplies, such as soap, brooms, and scrub brushes, to maintain hygiene in their cells. Despite repeated requests, these essential items have not been provided. Prison guards reportedly claim that the prison lacks the funds to supply these necessities.

"Enough is enough," said one inmate. "We understand we are in prison, but we also have rights to certain things like soap and cleaning supplies. It’s a matter of basic human dignity."

The lack of hygiene supplies not only affects the physical health of inmates but also contributes to deteriorating mental health, as they are forced to live in unsanitary conditions.

Mental Health and Activities: Neglected Needs

Inmates have also expressed frustration over the lack of access to mental health services and meaningful activities. Requests to see mental health professionals have gone unanswered, leaving many to struggle in silence. The absence of recreational or rehabilitative activities further exacerbates the sense of hopelessness among inmates.

"Prison is supposed to be a place for rehabilitation, but how can that happen when we’re left to rot without any support or activities to engage in?" asked one inmate.

Imported Guards, Local Problems

Adding to the controversy is the decision to bring in prison guards from Suriname. While this move was intended to improve prison operations, inmates claim that the guards have done little to address the ongoing issues. Instead, they are accused of idling while the prison continues to open late and operate inefficiently.

A Call for Accountability

The voices of inmates and concerned citizens paint a grim picture of a justice system that appears to have abandoned its duty of care. The lack of transparency, coupled with the failure to provide basic necessities and services, has led to growing discontent.

It is imperative for authorities to address these issues promptly. Transparency in the use of funds, provision of basic hygiene supplies, access to mental health services, and the implementation of rehabilitative programs are not just demands; they are rights.

The time for action is now. The justice system must uphold its responsibility to ensure that inmates are treated with dignity and that promises made to the public are fulfilled. Anything less is a betrayal of justice itself.