PHILIPSBURG:--- Officers of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) arrested two individuals in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 8, 2026, after responding to a report of a suspected gunshot in the vicinity of Airport Road near Kimsha Beach. During the police control, two firearms were encountered and confiscated, and additional suspected narcotics were also discovered.

At approximately 3:35 a.m., officers of KPSM responded to a report received by the police dispatch center regarding a suspected gunshot heard in the area of Airport Road near Kimsha-Beach.

Further information received from dispatch indicated that, the suspect vehicle was believed to be a gray Volkswagen Polo. While patrolling in the Kimsha Beach parking area, officers were subsequently informed that the vehicle had been seen parked in front of by an establishment close to PJIAE Airport Road.

Upon arrival at the location, officers observed the vehicle parked and two individuals were seen in and around the vehicle. Officers immediately instructed the occupants to show their hands and exit the vehicle. Both individuals complied with the officers’ instructions and were separated while officers conducted further investigative procedures.

During a lawful search of the vehicle, officers discovered a bag on the passenger-side floor containing a handgun. A second handgun was subsequently located underneath the driver’s seat. In total, two firearms were encountered and confiscated during the police control. Both individuals were informed that they were suspected of violating the Firearms Ordinance of 1930 for possession of firearms without a valid permit and were placed under arrest at approximately 4:00 a.m.

During the arrest and subsequent search, officers also discovered a small plastic bag containing a white substance resembling cocaine and a pill resembling ecstasy on one of the suspects. Additionally, a black inside holster was found in the possession of the other suspect. The suspected narcotics will be tested and weighed, and the results will be documented in a separate report.

The firearms and other items were seized for further investigation. Detectives from the KPSM Forensic Department later processed the scene and took possession of the firearms as evidence.

Both suspects were transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where they arrived at approximately 5:00 a.m. for further processing and to be presented to a prosecutor.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten continues to investigate this incident. Anyone who may have information relevant to this case is urged to contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous Tip Line at 9300.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee of Country’s Expenditure (CLU) of Parliament will meet on March 10, 2026.

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents

2. Discussion on letter received from the General Audit Chamber with a proposed list of audit reports for parliamentary discussions (IS/583/2025-2026 dated January 21, 2026)
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 courthouse in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Automotive Federation is proud to announce the tremendous success of our Drag Racing Test & Tune event held yesterday on Souliga Road. The event began at 8:00 AM and concluded at 12:00 PM, attracting a great turnout of racers, supporters, and spectators.
One of the highlights of the event was the strong participation from both cars and motorcycles, with racers coming from both sides of the island, demonstrating the shared passion for motorsports throughout St. Maarten and St. Martin.
Safety remained the Federation’s top priority, and the strict safety precautions implemented throughout the event were clearly evident. The St. Maarten Automotive Federation commends all racers for their discipline, professionalism, and full compliance with the safety measures, which contributed greatly to the smooth execution of the event.
Many racers had the opportunity to test their reaction time off the starting line using the Christmas Tree starting lights. For several participants, this was their first experience using this system, but by the end of the session many had significantly improved and performed exceptionally well.
The Federation also noted the presence of tourists visiting the island, some of whom were car enthusiasts who stopped by to observe the event. Their interest highlights the potential for motorsports to contribute positively to sports tourism and entertainment on the island.
The St. Maarten Automotive Federation remains committed to its mission of keeping the sport of drag racing alive on the island while continuing to advocate for the development of a proper race track where racers can compete safely and professionally.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the Drag Race Association and its members for coming out and actively participating in the event. Your presence and collaboration continue to strengthen the motorsports community on the island.
The Federation would also like to express sincere gratitude to the Minister of VROMI, the Minister of Justice, and the entire Police Force for their continued support and cooperation, which plays a vital role in making these events possible.
Finally, we thank all racers, officials, volunteers, supporters, and spectators who came out and made this event a success. Your continued support is essential as we work together to build and grow the sport of motorsports in St. Maarten.
St. Maarten Automotive Federation

PHILIPSBURG:--- On March 5th, Senior Carnival Queen Contestant #3 and Financial Literacy Advocate Breyenne Brown paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs, as part of her community engagement and her pageant platform focused on financial literacy. The meeting with the Hon.Minister Ms. Gumbs provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to make sound financial decisions, build financial stability, and create a more financially aware society. Breyenne shared that her passion for financial literacy was further strengthened after attending the Ministry of Finance's Financial Literacy Month workshops in November 2025. Having participated in all of the sessions, she found the discussions on budgeting, understanding pay slips, taxation, and financial planning both informative and inspiring. “Attending the Financial Literacy Month workshops last November was truly inspiring,” Breyenne Brown said. “Each session helped me better understand the importance of financial knowledge, and it confirmed for me that financial literacy is something I want to advocate during and after my pageant journey.” Breyenne noted that the workshops not only increased her understanding of financial management but also motivated her to use her platform to encourage young people and members of the community to become more financially informed and responsible. Ms. Brown, who also serves as a Personal Loan Officer at Republic Bank St. Maarten, used the opportunity to thank the Minister for her continued efforts in raising awareness about financial literacy and for her commitment to educating the public on responsible financial practices. During the visit, Ms. Brown presented Minister Ms. Gumbs with a bouquet of flowers as a gesture of appreciation and conducted a brief interview discussing the importance of financial education for young people and the need for open conversations about money management. Minister Ms. Gumbs commended Ms. Brown for taking a bold and meaningful approach with her pageant platform. “This was truly a full-circle moment for me,” Minister of Finance Ms. Gumbs shared. “Having known Breyenne’s family over the years, it is inspiring to see her step forward and use her pageantry platform to highlight financial literacy. It is a bold and important step, and she is the first contestant I have seen focus on this topic.”
The Minister also expressed her support for Brown’s initiative and extended an invitation for her to join future visits to schools as she continues promoting financial literacy and responsible money management among students across Sint Maarten. Also present during the meeting was Chief of Staff Ms. Nicole Marlin, who commended Ms. Brown for her initiative, curiosity, and willingness to engage in meaningful conversations that positively impact young people in the community. Ms. Marlin encouraged Ms. Brown to continue using her platform to inspire and educate her peers. Ms. Brown believes that financial literacy should begin with simple conversations and practical knowledge that empower young people. Reflecting on the importance of her platform, she shared, “When young people understand how money works, they gain the power to shape their own future.” In recognition of International Women’s Day, Senior Queen Contestant # 3 Breyenne Brown and her team presented goodie bags as a token of appreciation to the Cabinet ladies of the Ministry of Finance, acknowledging their work and contributions to the Ministry. Continuing her commitment to community engagement, Breyenne Brown will host a financial literacy workshop titled “Budget 101” on Saturday March 14 in collaboration with Republic Bank St. Maarten and Mrs. Shineca Ravenberg- Carty of the BudgetBae. Mrs. Shineca Ravenberg-Carty will provide practical guidance on budgeting, saving, and responsible money management. The session will be held for Breyenne Brown’s fellow teen’s, senior’s contestants and 2025 Queen Ms. Keisy Quant and 1st runners & 2nd runners up Ms. Judith Lalanne and Jessy Gumbs along with members of the SCDF pageant team creating an opportunity for the participants to learn practical financial skills that can support their future goals. Through her platform, Breyenne Brown hopes to encourage open and supportive conversations about money management while empowering young people with the knowledge needed to make confident financial decisions for their future. Ms. Brown also expressed sincere gratitude to her aunt Ms. Nzinga Lake, who was instrumental in organizing the meet and greet and supporting the opportunity for dialogue with the Hon. Minister of Finance Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs.