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Mercelina and Lewis pay Tribute to Louis “Pork Chop” Richardson, Extend Condolences to his Family.

Remembered for his Carnival appearances, musical talents, and contributions to baseball, Richardson leaves cherished memories across Sint Maarten.

porkchop01102026PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina and Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis have extended heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Louis Lambert Richardson, affectionately known as “Pork Chop,” following his passing.

Both leaders remembered Richardson as a beloved personality whose humor, vibrant spirit and love for Carnival brought joy to generations of Sint Maarten residents.

“It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to Louis ‘Porkchop’ Richardson. For so many in our community, his name brings back memories of laughter, music and the joy of Carnival. As we mourn his passing, our thoughts are first with his family and loved ones, who have lost someone dear to them,” Prime Minister Mercelina said.

Raised in Philipsburg, Richardson shared his talents as a saxophonist and steelpan musician. He also contributed to baseball as a player and Little League coach, while his creativity and humor made his Carnival appearances memorable.

“Porkchop had a gift for making people smile. He brought that gift into our streets, our celebrations and our everyday lives. His presence will be deeply missed by those who knew him personally and by the many who came to know and love him through his contributions to our community,” Mercelina stated.

MP Lewis recalled Richardson’s unmistakable personality and the anticipation surrounding his participation in Carnival each year.

“Pork Chop brought a special joy to Carnival. People looked forward to his presence because of the laughter and vibrant energy he shared. His love for our culture was evident, and he holds a special place in the hearts of many,” Lewis said.

Describing Richardson as one of Sint Maarten’s great cultural icons, Lewis said his legacy would endure through the memories and stories shared by those whose lives he touched.

“His legacy lives on in the memories, smiles, and stories we will continue to share. When we remember Carnival and the personalities who helped make it unforgettable, Pork Chop will always be among them,” Lewis stated.

Both leaders placed Richardson’s family at the center of their condolences, acknowledging the personal loss behind the passing of a widely recognized community figure.

“Behind the familiar name was a father, an uncle, a relative and a friend. To his children and the entire Richardson family, please accept my sincere sympathy. May the memories you shared with him, and the love and support of those around you, bring comfort during this difficult time,” Prime Minister Mercelina said.

Lewis also expressed hope that Richardson’s loved ones would find strength in the affection surrounding them.

“To his family and friends, may you find strength in one another and comfort in the love surrounding you. Thank you for sharing him with Sint Maarten. We mourn with you and will remember him with warmth and gratitude,” Lewis said.

On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, Mercelina extended sympathy to Richardson’s friends and the cultural and sporting communities he served.

“We are grateful for the joy he gave us and for the memories he leaves behind. May his family find strength in knowing that he was loved and appreciated by so many. May Louis ‘Porkchop’ Richardson rest in peace,” the Prime Minister concluded.


OFAST Operation Targets Drug Trafficking Between Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin.

Four people aged 15 to 21 were apprehended in Saint-Barthélemy; two principal suspects were summoned to appear before the court in Saint-Martin.

ofastcaribe02102026SAINT-MARTIN:---  France’s anti-narcotics office, OFAST, has carried out a judicial operation targeting drug trafficking between Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, with four young people apprehended in Saint-Barthélemy.

According to a press release, officers from OFAST’s Saint-Martin detachment launched the operation at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, under the authority of the Basse-Terre public prosecutor’s office.

The operation mobilized substantial personnel and logistical resources. Supporting units included the intervention platoon of the Mont-de-Marsan mobile gendarmerie squadron and the French Customs Coast Guard in Saint-Martin. The Collectivité of Saint-Barthélemy also provided logistical assistance.

Authorities said five individuals were implicated in the investigation. Authorities apprehended four people, aged 15 to 21, during operations in Saint-Barthélemy.

Following police custody, the two principal suspects received summonses to appear before the court’s detached chamber in Saint-Martin.

The release did not identify the substances involved, report any quantities seized, or specify the charges or court appearance dates. It also did not provide further details about the fifth individual or the outcome for the other people apprehended.

Authorities described the operation as a blow to drug trafficking between the two islands.

Minister of Culture extends her deepest condolences to Cultural Icon Louis "Pork Chop" Richardson.

porkchop02102026PHILIPSBURG:--- On behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Melissa Gumbs extends her deepest condolences to the community of St. Martin, friends, and family of the late cultural icon Louis "Pork Chop" Lambert Richardson.

"Pork Chop" received his Sage Cultural Award at the award ceremony of December 13, 2024, for his incalculable lifetime dedication and commitment to the development, safeguarding, and promotion of our St. Martin culture, our heritage, and our legacy.

The Sage Cultural Award is the Government of St. Maarten's signature award for the highest in culture and artistic achievement, as approved by the Government of St. Maarten through the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport.

“When I speak about how culture belongs to us all,” Minister Gumbs states, “and how we all have a responsibility to feed it, nourish it, and keep it alive, you can use Pork Chop as an example. No matter the circumstance or the occasion, he was an instantly recognizable and vibrant contributor to our cultural scene. I join generations of mourners as we remember his life, his energy, and his creativity, and wish his family and friends much strength.”

SMAF Announces Swim Camp, Water Safety Session, and Assistant Coach Training to Strengthen Aquatic Development on Sint Maarten

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Aquatic Federation (SMAF) is expanding its efforts to strengthen swimming, coaching, and water safety with a series of upcoming training activities scheduled for October. These events are also being held in collaboration with the St. Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) and World Aquatics.

Two‑Day Swim Camp: October 5–6

SMAF will host a Swim Camp open to all Club Swimmers at the Carib Swimming Pool in Cole Bay. This will be held on Monday, October 5, and Tuesday, October 6, 2026, and it is led by accomplished swim coach Dexter Browne.

The swim camp schedule is as follows:

Ages 6–10: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Ages 11 and over: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Coach Dexter Browne brings extensive experience in competitive swimming and elite athlete development. He has coached Trinidad & Tobago elite athletes and Olympians Dylan Carter and Liam Carrington.  His leadership has produced national and regional record‑holders and earned him Head Coach appointments at major international competitions including GOODWILL, CARIFTA, C.C.C.A.N., CAC Games, Commonwealth Games, World Senior Championships, and World Junior Championships. Coach Browne is also a member of the World Aquatics Coaching Committee.

Assistant Swim Coach Training: October 7–9

SMAF will also offer a three‑day Assistant Swim Coach Training from October 7–9, 2026, facilitated by Coach Browne. Pre‑registration is required, and participation is limited to 10 individuals. Eligible participants must be young adults or adults actively involved with a swim club or committed to supporting the club activities. If interested, contact SMAF at Tel: (721) 5501429 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for further details.

Water Safety Session: October 10

On October 10, Ms. Cayley Mackay will conduct a Water Safety Session at the Carib Swim Pool from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., focusing on essential safety practices for swimmers and families. Pre‑registration is also required, and participation is limited to 10 individuals.  Interested people willing to contribute to aquatics activities should contact SMAF at Tel: (721) 5501429 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more details.

Princess Port de Plaisance owner Sudi Özkan dies at 87; Mercelina pays Tribute

Turkish businessman remembered in Sint Maarten for his investments, support for the University of St. Martin, and community outreach.

ozkan02102026PHILIPSBURG:---  Sudi Özkan, the Turkish businessman identified by the Government of Sint Maarten as the owner of Princess Port de Plaisance, has passed away. MedyaPress reports that Özkan died in Istanbul at the age of 87. MedyaPress

His passing prompted Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina to extend condolences to his family, loved ones, employees, and business associates, and to recognize his contributions to Sint Maarten’s economy, education, and community life.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend my deepest sympathies to Mr. Özkan’s family, loved ones, employees, and all those mourning his passing. May they find comfort in their shared memories and in knowing that his contributions to our country are remembered with gratitude,” Mercelina stated.

Özkan’s business interests extended well beyond Sint Maarten. According to MedyaPress, he owned Princess International Group, with a portfolio spanning 16 countries and including 18 five-star hotels and 34 casinos. The publication estimated his wealth at nearly US$4 billion and reported that he had six children from two marriages. Those figures are the publication’s reported estimates. MedyaPress

In Sint Maarten, Mercelina highlighted Özkan’s assistance in rebuilding the University of St. Martin after Hurricane Luis damaged the institution.

“Mr. Özkan’s support for the rebuilding of the University of St. Martin was recognized with gratitude at the time. As we reflect on his life, we remember that contribution and the lasting value of helping students continue their education during a difficult period for our country,” the Prime Minister said.

Mercelina also acknowledged Özkan’s support for community outreach initiatives, emphasizing the role private sector contributions can play in meeting public needs.

“His generosity extended beyond his business interests. Through his support for education and community outreach, Mr. Özkan contributed to initiatives that mattered to our people. Those contributions remain part of his legacy in Sint Maarten,” he added.

The Prime Minister extended sympathy to the management and staff of Princess Port de Plaisance and those who worked alongside Özkan over the years.

While recognizing his business and community contributions, Mercelina emphasized that his passing was, above all, a personal loss for his family.

“Above all, a family is mourning someone they loved. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate this painful loss. May they find strength in one another and comfort in the expressions of sympathy from those whose lives he touched. May Mr. Sudi Özkan rest in peace,” he concluded.


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