PHILIPSBURG:---  The National Detectives (Landsrecherche) are investigating the police-involved shooting that occurred on St. Peters Road on the evening of February 13, 2026.

As previously reported by the Police Force of Sint Maarten, officers responded at approximately 9:00 pm to multiple reports of a man walking along the road while carrying a firearm. Upon arrival, officers encountered a man who was in possession of a weapon. During the interaction that followed, shots were fired by police. The suspect was struck and later succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Prosecutor’s Office is aware of the public reaction and concerns expressed in the community following this incident. The loss of life in any circumstance has a profound impact on families, on officers involved, and on the wider community.

In Sint Maarten, any incident involving the use of a police firearm is automatically subject to an investigation. The National Detectives are responsible for establishing the facts, gathering forensic evidence, hearing witnesses, and reviewing all available material. The Prosecutor oversees this process to ensure the investigation is objective, transparent, and compliant with the law.

At this stage, the investigation remains ongoing, and no further details can be shared at this time.

The Prosecutor’s Office requests the community to allow the investigative process to take its course.

KPSM Cooperating Fully in Investigation of St. Peter's Shooting Incident

Following the tragic shooting incident that occurred in St. Peter's on the evening of February 13, 2026, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) confirms that its management team and the officers involved are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
The investigation is being conducted under the direction of the Public Prosecutor’s Office of Sint Maarten, in collaboration with the national detectives. All necessary procedures are being followed to ensure a thorough and objective review of this regrettable incident.
KPSM extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time.
Further information will be shared as the investigation progresses.

~ Shooting Victim succumbed at the scene.~ 

ST. PETERS:---  An officer-involved shooting occurred in the St. Peters area earlier tonight after police responded to reports of an armed individual walking on the roadway.
According to preliminary information from the scene, officers encountered a man who was openly carrying a firearm in his hands while walking down the street. Authorities approached the individual to address the situation.
Reports indicate that upon contact with law enforcement, the man reacted in an unusual manner. This reaction escalated the confrontation, ultimately leading officers to discharge their weapons.
Unconfirmed sources report that the man died at the scene from his injuries. He has been identified by residents of St. Peter's as "Rudy Benjamin".

 Emergency medical services were dispatched, and ambulance personnel attended to the victim; however, there has been no official confirmation on the man's condition.
The involvement of a police officer in the shooting has sparked an internal investigation into the incident. Police have cordoned off the area as investigators process the scene.
Eyewitnesses in the area said police fired approximately six shots at the man, though this information has not been officially confirmed. Police later confirmed that the victim has passed away and that further information will be released when available.
Residents are advised to avoid the area while the investigation continues. Further updates will be provided as official statements become available.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a historic first for cooperation within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, participated in a virtual introductory meeting on February 10 with Dutch Formateur and prospective Prime Minister Rob Jetten. This meeting was organized on the joint initiative of Sint Maarten, Curacao, and Aruba, and brough together brought together Prime Minister Michiel G. Eman of Aruba, Vice Prime Minister Shalten Hato of Curaçao, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina of Sint Maarten, Formateur and incoming Prime Minister of the Netherlands Rob Jetten and the new Director-General for Kingdom Relations Barbera Wolfensberger.
The engagement marked the first introductory meeting of its kind involving the Caribbean countries in the formation process of a new Dutch Government, underscoring the importance of early dialogue and partnership within the Kingdom.
Prime Minister Mercelina described the meeting as constructive and forward-looking.
“This historic introductory meeting represents an important step in reinforcing cooperation among the countries of the Kingdom. Meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding are essential to ensuring that the priorities of the Sint Maarten are recognized and addressed,” said Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina.
“Sint Maarten remains committed to working collaboratively on key areas such as economic resilience, sustainability, security, and education with priorities that directly affect the well-being and long-term development of our people.”
Following the meeting, another historic milestone was achieved as the Prime Ministers of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten jointly issued a formal letter—marking the first time the three leaders have collectively addressed a Dutch Formateur in this manner.
In the letter, the three leaders congratulated the Formateur on his appointment and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and closer collaboration on shared priorities, including security, economic development, education, and sustainability. They also expressed their intention to organize a formal meeting of the four Prime Ministers of the Kingdom during a planned working visit to the Netherlands in the course of March.

Prime Minister Mercelina highlighted the significance of this unified approach.
“For the first time, the three Caribbean Prime Ministers have jointly articulated a vision for the future of cooperation within the Kingdom. This unified approach reflects both the strength of our partnership and our shared responsibility to address the challenges facing our islands,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated.

“We look forward to continued constructive engagement with the Government of the Netherlands and to building practical solutions that deliver tangible benefits for our people.”

The Government of Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment to strengthening cooperation within the Kingdom and to advancing initiatives that promote sustainable development, economic diversification, and resilience for the people of Sint Maarten and the wider Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on February 13, 2026.

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 13.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Finance will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:
Ontwerplandsverordening houdende de intrekking van enkele landsverordeningen op het terrein van de belastingen, die in onbruik zijn geraakt (Landsverordening belastinghervorming, fase I) (Zittingsjaar 2025-2026-186) (IS/225/2025-2026 dated October 24, 2025)

Draft National Ordinance repealing certain national ordinances in the field of taxation that have fallen into disuse (National Ordinance on Tax Reform, Phase I) (Parliamentary Year 2025-2026-186) (IS/225/2025-2026 dated October 24, 2025)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament