PHILIPSBURG:---  The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation is proud to announce that SXM Tech Tides, the island’s first robotics team to compete at a regional level, has achieved an impressive 2nd place finish among teams from eight countries at the OECSRA (now ECRIA) Super Regional Robotics Challenge, held in St. Kitts, earning both the Code Mastery Award and the Digital Engagement Award.

Students Jacob Boxshall of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School and Akash Pillai of St. Maarten Academy represented the 10-member team and delivered an outstanding performance on the regional stage.

Their robot, the Soualiga Seaside Sweeper (SSS-37), was purpose-built to address real-world environmental challenges. The robot features a dual-motor drive system for mobility, an extendable arm, and a servo-powered intake mechanism, similar to a street sweeper, designed to efficiently collect debris. The system is powered by a central battery and operated via remote control.

This achievement is particularly remarkable given that many competing teams had years of REV Robotics experience, while the St. Maarten team had only a few weeks to prepare. Under the guidance of coaches Mr. Julian Mason and Mr. Conlan King, the students demonstrated exceptional dedication, teamwork, and innovation.

“This milestone reflects the potential of our youth and the importance of investing in STEAM and robotics education on the island,” said Dr. Rolinda Carter, President of the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation. “To place second out of eight countries in our first regional appearance is an achievement the entire island can be proud of.”

This accomplishment marks an important step in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to formalize and expand robotics and innovation initiatives in St. Maarten.

The team’s participation in the regional robotics challenge was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten.

The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation remains committed to inspiring a passion for STEAM and robotics, empowering students to innovate, collaborate, and represent the island on regional and international stages.

The team returned home on Saturday, March 21, 2026, where they were warmly welcomed by the Honourable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, along with board members of the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, family members, school representatives, and peers.

For more information and updates, follow the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SXMSCIENCEFAIR
Instagram: @sxm_sciencefairfoundation

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a fatal traffic accident that occurred on Welfare Road late Saturday afternoon, March 21, 2026.

Just before 5:00 PM, Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting a serious accident involving a scooter rider. Preliminary information indicates that the rider was traveling on Welfare Road from the airport toward the Kruithof Roundabout.

 While overtaking several vehicles, the scooter rider collided with a bus parked along the roadside.

Police patrols and ambulance personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, emergency responders provided medical assistance to the victim.

 Despite their efforts, it was later confirmed that the scooter rider succumbed to his injuries at the scene.

The Traffic Department is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

KPSM extends its sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Following a swift and coordinated response, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has arrested a suspect in connection with an armed robbery and vehicle theft that occurred early Saturday morning on Soualiga Road.

At approximately 01:00 AM, Central Dispatch received a report of an armed robbery on Soualiga Road. A male victim reported that he had been robbed of his Lexus SUV by an assailant dressed entirely in black clothing. The suspect threatened the victim with what appeared to be a black firearm, forcibly took the vehicle keys, and fled the scene in the direction of Point Blanche. The incident occurred in the vicinity of a gentleman’s club on Soualiga Road.

Immediately following the report, several police patrols were dispatched to the Point Blanche area. Shortly thereafter, officers received additional information regarding the stolen vehicle's direction of travel.

Officers on patrol subsequently spotted the stolen SUV on Buncamper Road, traveling from the direction of Point Blanche toward the Freedom Fighters Roundabout. A pursuit was initiated, which continued onto Bush Road. The chase ended when the suspect lost control of the vehicle and drove into a road divider near the Churchill Roundabout, rendering it inoperable.

The suspect exited the vehicle and fled on foot onto a property located at L.B. Scott Road #1. After a short foot pursuit, during which a warning shot was fired by police, officers successfully apprehended the suspect, identified by the initials N.D.I.A.

A search of the stolen vehicle did not initially yield a firearm. However, during a subsequent search of the surrounding area near the arrest location, officers recovered a black firearm, which was confiscated for further investigation.

The suspect was transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he remains in custody for questioning. The investigation into this incident is ongoing.

KPSM commends the swift and coordinated efforts of its officers, which led to the rapid arrest of the suspect and the recovery of the stolen vehicle.

The Police Force urges anyone with additional information related to this incident to contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Darryl T. J. York is urging the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) to take immediate action to adjust taxi tariffs following the sharp increase in fuel prices now impacting drivers across St. Maarten.

Effective March 22, gasoline prices have jumped by approximately 24.6%, while diesel, heavily used by commercial operators, has surged by 39.7%, placing significant strain on taxi drivers and the broader transport sector.

York emphasized that this call is not sudden or reactionary. He has been raising concerns about taxi pricing since January, when formal inquiries were submitted to the Minister regarding the long-overdue taxi fare structure. To date, no response has been received.

“This is not a random call for action. Since January, I have been asking for clarity on taxi fares and the status of the pricing list. Today, fuel prices have increased by as much as 39%, and still, there has been no response. The time to act is now,” York stated.

Taxi drivers, already operating within tight margins, are now being forced to absorb steep increases in fuel costs without any clear mechanism to adjust fares. For many, this translates directly into reduced income despite increased working hours.

“Adjustments cannot exist on one side, the gas stations, of the equation while the other, taxis, is expected to absorb the shock.”

York stressed that what began as a concern has now become a direct economic burden due to prolonged inaction. When international price shifts are reflected immediately, but local realities are left unaddressed, it raises serious questions about policy priorities.

“Our taxi drivers are the backbone of our tourism industry. The reality is simple. Costs have gone up overnight, but policy has stood still for months. Taxi drivers cannot operate on silence. The time for discussion has passed. The time for action is now,” he added.