PHILIPSBURG: --- The uniform is meant to be a symbol of safety, a sign that help and order are at hand. But for too many citizens, the sight of a KPSM officer now sparks fear, not reassurance. A disturbing pattern of harassment and brutality is eroding the very foundation of public trust, turning protectors into predators and leaving a community feeling besieged by the people sworn to serve them. This isn't about isolated incidents; it's about a culture of intimidation that must be confronted.

Reports are surfacing of actions that have no place in a just society. Officers are allegedly strip-searching pedestrians on the street without cause, a profound violation of human dignity. This is not policing; it is a humiliating power play designed to demean and control. Such an act strips away a person's rights and leaves lasting psychological scars. It is an abuse of authority that cannot be tolerated or explained away.

The aggression doesn't stop there. We are hearing accounts of officers threatening to shoot individuals and even their pets. Let’s be clear: a threat to use lethal force, whether against a person or their beloved animal, is an act of extreme violence and intimidation. It is a tactic of terror, not of law enforcement. When an officer uses the power of their weapon to instill fear, they have crossed a line from upholding the law to breaking it. This behavior demonstrates a shocking lack of restraint and a complete disregard for the lives they are supposed to protect.

These are not the actions of a professional police force. They are the hallmarks of a department failing its community. Each unwarranted search, each terrifying threat, shatters the bond between citizens and law enforcement. It makes people less likely to report crimes, less willing to cooperate with investigations, and more inclined to see the police as an occupying force rather than a community partner. This doesn't make our streets safer; it fosters an environment of hostility and danger for everyone.

Enough is enough. We cannot allow this culture of abuse to continue unchecked. The silence and inaction from leadership are deafening and amount to a tacit endorsement of this behavior.

It is time for the community to demand accountability. We must speak out against these injustices. Document every incident. Share your stories. Support your neighbors who have been victimized. Your voice is a powerful tool against oppression.

We also demand that authorities take immediate and decisive action. A thorough and transparent investigation into these allegations is not a request; it is a necessity. Officers found guilty of such abuses must be removed from their positions and face legal consequences. Systemic reform is not optional. We need improved training, strict and enforceable policies on use of force, and a civilian oversight board with real power to hold the department accountable.

The trust that has been broken must be rebuilt, but that process can only begin when the abuse stops and justice is served. Our safety and our rights are not negotiable. The time for accountability is now.

Caribbean Region:---  Only one week remains to enter EPIC’s first-ever Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean Photo Contest 2025, hosted in partnership with Caribbean Compass magazine. Time is running out, and this is your chance to share an image that shows why the Caribbean matters.

The contest invites residents and visitors to celebrate people, places, and wild nature through photography and storytelling. EPIC’s mission is to protect the Caribbean’s unique environments and cultures through science, education, advocacy, and stewardship (S.E.A.S). Seas & Scenes turns that mission into pictures and stories that amplify across the region, build awareness and pride, and inspire action.

More than $1,000 in total cash prizes are available. Audience Choice, decided by public vote, awards $300 for first, $100 for second, and $50 for third. Sailing & Yachting Adventures awards $200, $100, and $50. Caribbean Nature and the People Who Love It awards $200, $100, and $50. Up to fifteen Judges’ Choice recognitions will also be announced. All cash prize winners receive a one-year digital subscription to Doyle Guides.

Running until August 31, 2025, the contest invites photographers of all skill levels—whether professionals or smartphone users—to submit up to three original images that highlight Caribbean nature, culture, or conservation in action, then add a story that helps bring the moment to life. Even if you are not a photographer, everyone is invited to vote for their favorite photo and to engage through social media with the stories shared by the photographers on the contest website. Enter or vote at epicislands.org/photo-contest-2025.  

Winning entries will be chosen by a panel of judges from throughout the region, whose expertise includes photography, nature conservation, and Caribbean connections. Winners will be featured on Caribbean Compass and EPIC platforms, continuing a longstanding collaboration between the two organizations to celebrate the Caribbean’s unique heritage and a shared mission to inspire love for the region’s natural and cultural treasures while raising awareness of the urgent need to protect them.

"The photo gallery already reads like a love letter to the region."

– Elaine Lembo, Editor in Chief, Caribbean Compass magazine

The contest is made possible by presenting sponsor IGY Marinas, a longtime advocate for sustainable tourism and marine stewardship in the Caribbean.

"Sponsoring the EPIC Seas & Scenes Contest is a chance to invest in the future of our oceans and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. We are very proud to support a creative platform that celebrates the beauty of the Caribbean while raising awareness about the need to protect it," said Andy Caballero, Regional Manager Caribbean & Latin America at IGY Marinas.

Contest ends August 31, 2025. To enter, vote, or learn more, visit epicislands.org/photo-contest-2025.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), in strategic partnership with regional airline WINAIR, proudly participated in the 2025 St. Kitts Music Festival, one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated and well-attended cultural events. Drawing over 30,000 patrons from across the region and the globe, the festival served as a powerful platform for promoting intra-Caribbean travel and elevating the appeal of destination St. Maarten.

As part of its continued commitment to regional tourism collaboration, STB activated an impressive lineup of marketing initiatives targeting high-value consumers.

A standout presence was achieved within the Carambola White Sands VVIP, attracting affluent festivalgoers with high disposable income and a strong appetite for travel. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, over 60% of VVIP event attendees travel internationally more than twice per year, representing a key demographic for tourism growth.

The sponsorship ensured prominent joint STB & WINAIR branding and destination visibility over the course of four days, strategically integrated into the Carambola White Sands VVIP area, as well as the grand finale at their luxurious beachside venue. 

On the general festival grounds, the St. Maarten team engaged attendees at multiple touchpoints, including a branded booth and stand located within exclusive VVIP seating areas. Patrons were invited to enter a raffle to win a complimentary trip to St. Maarten, courtesy of WINAIR—driving consumer interest and valuable lead generation.

The activation transitioned on Sunday to the pristine Carambola Beach Club for the White Sands finale, where additional direct engagement and high-visibility prize presentations further embedded St. Maarten into the festival's premium activities. This included onstage moments at the highly anticipated White Sands Pageant where both the Pageant winner and a random winner of the festival-wide raffle promotions were presented with a trip to St. Maarten, courtesy of WINAIR.

The initiative was successfully executed by IMBRACE, STB’s Caribbean marketing agency, led by Jacqueline Louis. This event marked the first activation under the newly signed WINAIR marketing partnership agreement, with several more joint campaigns already in the pipeline.

“Festivals are a major catalyst for regional travel, with studies showing that 45% of Caribbean travelers plan trips specifically around cultural events,” noted Jacqueline Louis. “Our presence at the St. Kitts Music Festival allowed us to tap directly into that energy, bringing our island’s warmth, vibrancy, and unique experiences to life for thousands of potential visitors.”

Beyond the course of the events, the STB team engaged with several key stakeholders to strengthen regional ties and explore future collaborations. Notably, they met with St. Kitts' Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Marsha Henderson. This further underscored the commitment to fostering regional travel and leveraging multi-cultural tourism exchanges.

Additionally, the promotional push included radio interviews and targeted sales calls with travel agents, strengthening trade relationships and amplifying St. Maarten’s appeal as a year-round destination.

The joint activation exemplified the power of regional partnerships in modern tourism marketing. STB and WINAIR not only enhanced brand visibility but also fostered genuine connections with a diverse, engaged audience. The activation was met with enthusiasm and appreciation from festivalgoers eager to learn more, visit more often and experience what St. Maarten has to offer.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Telem Group acknowledges the concerns expressed by the Sint Maarten Communications Union (SMCU) regarding the future of telecommunications in our country. As Sint Maarten’s only locally owned telecommunications provider, we recognize our responsibility not only to deliver reliable service, but also to protect jobs, build resilience, and ensure that our island keeps pace with global digital transformation.

Long-Term Transformation, Not Quick Fixes

Over the past 24 months, Telem has undertaken the most ambitious modernization in our company's history. This transformation is not a reaction to foreign competition—rather, it is our roadmap all along. In April 2025, even before Starlink’s concession was announced, we rolled out new ultra-fast fiber packages across the island.

Our top-consumer package now delivers 250 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload speeds, exceeding Starlink’s upload capacity and placing Sint Maarten on par with other markets. Importantly, we achieved this without raising costs to consumers—prices remain unchanged, starting at just $55 per month.

On the mobile side, we reached another significant milestone in June 2025, when we successfully deployed a brand-new, state-of-the-art mobile core after months of planning, preparation, and hard work. This future-ready platform serves as the foundation for our 5G rollout, with island-wide coverage anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. By then, Sint Maarten will have one of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructures in the Caribbean.

Financial Responsibility and Sustainability

Unlike many regional operators, Telem has achieved this transformation without taking on new loans. Through efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and strategic partnerships, we are modernizing sustainably while protecting the interests of our employees and customers. This disciplined approach ensures long-term stability and resilience.

 Jobs, Sovereignty, and Local Commitment

Telem is more than a telecom provider—we are part of the fabric of Sint Maarten. Our employees live here, work here, and are deeply invested in this island’s success. When the government entrusted us with the Government Wide Area Network (GWAN) fiber project, it reaffirmed our unique role as the partner of choice to safeguard national infrastructure.

While global players like Starlink may offer connectivity options, they do not provide local jobs, invest in local infrastructure, or contribute to the resilience of Sint Maarten. Telem does.

A Clear Path Forward

We acknowledge the challenges of the past and recognize that there is still more work to be done. But let us be clear: Telem is not standing still. We are moving confidently into the future with a long-term vision of resilience, innovation, and service excellence.

Our focus remains on:

• Completing the island-wide broadband internet rollout.

• Delivering 5G technology.

• Continuing to improve customer experience and reliability.

• Protecting and investing in local jobs.

• Delivering world-class services at affordable, stable prices for all residents.

Closing Statement

We welcome dialogue with all stakeholders, but we must also move beyond fear of change. Telem is not just surviving; we are transforming. Our strategy is ambitious, sustainable, and rooted in serving the people of Sint Maarten.

Together, we are building a modern telecommunications future—by Sint Maarten, for Sint Maarten.