PHILIPSBURG:--- Public safety remains a top priority for the Ministry of Justice, especially during the 2025 Carnival season. To expand our efforts in safeguarding the community and all those participating in Carnival events, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM), will implement preventive search operations throughout the Carnival period. Starting Friday, April 25, 2025, preventive searches will be conducted in 12-hour intervals beginning at 6:00 PM, continuing daily through May 6, 2025. These operations will occur at designated locations, where law enforcement officials are authorized to search individuals, inspect vehicles, and check bags for firearms, under the authority of the Firearms Ordinance. The designated search areas include, but are not limited to: ● W.J.A. Nisbeth Road, starting from the China Plaza area ● The entirety of Soualiga Road ● The Festival Village and its immediate surroundings Enhanced security will also be enforced along the route of the J’ouvert Jump-Up, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 4:00 AM. This measure is being taken in response to the continued presence of illegal firearms on the island and following recent analyses of armed robberies and incidents of firearm-related violence during previous Carnival periods. As Minister of Justice, I will not compromise when it comes to protecting our people. These preventive measures are about ensuring that every person, every family, and every visitor can enjoy Carnival without fear. Security is not optional; it is essential.” ~ Minister Nathalie M. Tackling The Ministry of Justice acknowledges that preventive searches infringe on individuals' privacy. However, this action is deemed a necessary and proportionate step to maintain public order and to ensure the safety and security of all participants and visitors during Carnival. Transparency and prevention are fundamental principles guiding this initiative. By informing the public beforehand, we aim to deter the possession and use of illegal weapons while reinforcing public trust and cooperation. Minister Nathalie M. Tackling urges the public to prioritize safety during J’ouvert and throughout the Carnival season, and thanks the community for their cooperation in upholding public order and ensuring that the 2025 Carnival celebrations remain safe and enjoyable.

~ Sint Maarten Among 10 Consulates to Receive Biometric Kit ~

 SAUNDERS, St. Maarten:---  After months of delay, citizens of Guyana living outside their homeland will soon be able to receive their new passports, and the Sint Maarten Consulate is among 10 of 29 in the diaspora to receive the first set of biometric kits.

This announcement was made on Wednesday during a virtual meeting of the Heads of Missions and Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Corporation, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, and the Deputy Chief Immigration Officer, Senior Superintendent Stephen Telford.

The delay stemmed from a change of systems at the Central Passport and Immigration Office in Georgetown, which now requires all applicants to submit their biometrics before the travel document can be processed. Unfortunately, the system was implemented before Guyana Embassies and Consulates worldwide were equipped with the necessary equipment. This caused a four—to five-month delay if persons were unable to travel to Guyana.

As a result, close to 100 persons residing on Sint Maarten are currently affected by the delay and have been unable to proceed with processing immigration and other documents or travelling.

“We all are facing the brunt of it. No one, in my humble view, is responsible for what is happening…I think our service provider would have put us in this situation,” stated Telford. He assured all Heads of Mission that he has in excess of 200,000 passport books, but the issue is having the equipment at the various consulates to do the interface needed, after which the passports can be printed.

Telford said there are only 10 kits at the moment, which comprise a computer monitor and CPU, a camera and tripod, a biometric reader system, a fingerprint/signature pad, and a passport scanner. As of Tuesday, the complete kits arrived in Guyana and were programmed to link the Consulates in the diaspora with the system in Guyana. That programming was expected to be completed by the end of last Wednesday.

Each Head of Mission will be required to coordinate the intake of applicants and will be responsible for the accuracy of the information. The system will have three roles - acceptance, biometrics and issuance. All applicants will be required to submit fingerprints and have their photographs taken. No longer will forms be required, as once the information goes into the system, the passport can be printed in Guyana. Thereafter, the travel document will be posted out. All applicants are required to use their fingerprint to uplift their document.

“The reality is that nobody can collect anybody’s passport…If anybody comes and puts their fingerprint for somebody else’s passport, the system will not accept it,” the DCIO stated. This raised a number of concerns in the meeting, as several consuls indicated that it may be cost-prohibitive for persons to travel to the nearest Consulate (for example, persons who live in Curacao, but may have to travel to Sint Maarten or St. Kitts). Both Ambassador Harper and DCIO Telford said they will revisit this requirement, as, from an operational standpoint, they will try to see how best to serve the citizens of Guyana.

In the meantime, however, persons must uplift their new passports at the same office where the application was made.

Telford said he appreciates the quality of the new passport as there is a high level of security features. “If any person makes any attempt to tamper with the passport, the passport will become ineffective because of the computerised system and the connectivity with everything,” he stated.

According to the Immigration Chief, the locations to receive the initial kits are Antigua and Barbuda, Brussels (Belgium), Barbados, Toronto (Canada), London (England), New York and Washington DC (USA), Sint Maarten, Paramaribo (Suriname), and Trinidad and Tobago.

In order to ensure a smooth transition, Telford said efforts are being made to send immigration officers to the above-listed locations to guide the process for the first few days. Telford said he and his staff are prepared to work beyond the call of duty to alleviate the backlog of applications, as there are currently more than 4,000 passport applications pending from around the world.

He said that starting last Wednesday, they have begun inputting all passport application forms at the Passport Office in Georgetown. This is the first phase. Once the immigration officer lands with the kit, he/she will commence the second phase, which is to go through the biometric process of the applicants. “Once that is done, I will print the passport immediately. My staff is prepared to work into the evenings at your end and in Georgetown here to push the backlog of passports out in the shortest possible time…so that it can be sent to your end for issuing,” Telford told the consuls.

Moving forward, children under the age of ten will not sign passports. Previously, children aged eight and up were required to sign. A new feature will see the photograph and name of one parent printed opposite the child’s biodata page. It does not matter whether or not that parent holds Guyanese nationality.

Guyanese nationals landing at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, Timehri or at the Eugene F. Corriea International Airport at Ogle will have an ease of entry at the E-gates using the new passport. Those using the old passports, which will phase out by 2027, will not be able to use the E-gates and must be processed by an immigration officer.

“The system is such that…we have tested it and it took 11 seconds for someone to clear that process,” Telford stated.

Guyana’s Honorary Consul, Kim Lucas-Felix said once the system has been installed, she will begin scheduling pending applicants to visit the Consulate in Saunders to take their biometrics, so that all outstanding passports can be printed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM), in collaboration with the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM), will conduct preventive search operations during the 2025 Carnival season.

Beginning Friday, April 25, 2025, preventive searches will be carried out in 12-hour intervals starting at 6:00 PM, and will continue daily until May 6, 2025. These operations will take place at designated locations, where police officers will be authorized to search individuals, inspect vehicles, and check bags for firearms. This authority is granted under the Firearms Ordinance.

The designated search areas include, but are not limited to:

• J.A. Nisbeth Road, starting from the China Plaza area

• The entirety of Sualouiga Road

• The Festival Village and its immediate surroundings

Additional key public spaces and access routes connected to Carnival activities

Enhanced security will also be enforced along the route of the J’ouvert Jump-Up, which begins on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 4:00 AM.

This measure is being implemented due to the ongoing issue of illegal firearms on the island and in response to recent analyses regarding the number of armed robberies and incidents of (firearm-related) violence in the period leading up to and during past Carnival celebrations.

KPSM and the Public Prosecutor’s Office are fully aware that this measure constitutes an infringement on the privacy of citizens and visitors alike. However, it is considered a necessary and proportional step to ensure public order and the safety of all during the Carnival festivities, allowing everyone to enjoy a secure and festive celebration.

Equally important are the principles of transparency and prevention, which underpin this initiative. By informing the public in advance and acting openly, the authorities aim to deter the possession and use of illegal weapons. These proactive efforts contribute to the broader objective of general safety and community trust, which are essential during large public events such as Carnival.

The public is kindly asked for their understanding and cooperation with these security measures. Together, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable Carnival for all.

Basseterre, St. Kitts:---  In a bold step toward shaping a more sustainable and resilient Caribbean energy landscape, the Caribbean Electric Utility Services Corporation (CARILEC) and Green Solutions International SKN Incorporated (GSI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will set the stage for a comprehensive programme of training, knowledge exchange, and technical capacity building across the region.

This partnership brings together CARILEC’s powerful network of over 100 members—including electric utilities, independent power producers, regulators, academic institutions, and energy service providers —with GSI’s recognised expertise in renewable energy, grid modernisation, and sustainable transportation. The MOU reflects a shared commitment to fostering a future-ready Caribbean energy workforce equipped to lead the region’s clean energy transformation.

A Collaborative Approach to Advancing Caribbean Energy Skills
Beginning in 2025, CARILEC and GSI will collaborate under the new agreement to deliver high-quality, certified training programmes in key technical areas, including Grid Operational Management, Solar Photovoltaics (PV), and Electric Vehicle (EV) Repair, Maintenance, and Charging Infrastructure. These programmes will be offered in blended formats—virtual and in-person—and tailored to the specific needs of utility professionals, engineers, regulators, and energy entrepreneurs across the region. The training will emphasise real-world application and hands-on learning, combining theoretical modules with practical sessions, webinars, and direct exposure to advanced clean energy tools and technologies.

Beyond technical instruction, the partnership will enable the development of professional certifications and ongoing learning opportunities, helping to raise the overall competency and recognition of regional talent. CARILEC and GSI will also host knowledge-sharing events—including forums, workshops, and industry networking sessions—to foster cross-border collaboration and the continuous exchange of expertise throughout the sector. By integrating global best practices and international standards, the initiative aims to ensure that Caribbean energy stakeholders remain well-positioned within a rapidly evolving global energy landscape.

A Win-Win Partnership: Empowering Energy Professionals Across the Region
“This MOU with GSI speaks to more than just a functional collaboration—it reflects the transformation of CARILEC into an association of electric energy solution providers,” explained Dr. Cletus Bertin, Executive Director of CARILEC. “It supports our strategic goal of broadening representation across the energy sector, including individual practitioners such as solar PV installers, EV technicians, and energy efficiency auditors. GSI is a critical partner in this shift, and we commend them for their innovative and groundbreaking work in capacity building across the region.”

“The most immediate impact for our member utilities will be access to a wider pool of trained and qualified professionals who can support the changing energy service model,” Dr. Bertin added. “Participants will operate within a collaborative, service-oriented ecosystem, supporting prosumers and households as utilities transform how they deliver energy. This partnership also supports the development of career pathways, job opportunities, and regional networking. And for successful GSI graduates, automatic eligibility for CARILEC’s individual membership offers valuable access to business development through our conferences, publications, and technical forums. It’s a clear win-win for both organisations and the broader Caribbean energy community.”

This MOU responds directly to the calls for enhanced regional cooperation articulated in recent Caribbean Community (CARICOM) energy discussions and climate adaptation strategies. The Caribbean’s vulnerability to climate change, coupled with increasing electricity demand and volatile fossil fuel prices, has made the need for modern, secure, and clean energy infrastructure more urgent than ever. The collaboration also supports CARILEC’s commitment to enhancing the effectiveness of electric utilities and service providers across the region through training and knowledge sharing, ultimately facilitating the development of world-class electric energy services for the people of the Caribbean.

Transforming the Caribbean’s Energy Future through Local Expertise
“This partnership with CARILEC represents more than just technical collaboration—it’s a signal that the Caribbean is serious about its energy future,” said Dr. Wayne Archibald, Executive Director of GSI.
“For too long, our energy landscape has depended on imported expertise. GSI was founded with a mission to reverse that dynamic by investing in local capacity, home-grown knowledge, and scalable innovation. With this MOU, we’re creating a region-wide platform to equip professionals with the tools, certifications, and confidence to lead the clean energy transition from within. We’re not just training people to install solar panels or maintain EVs—we’re preparing them to build and manage the region’s smart, decentralised, and sustainable grid of the future.”

Dr. Archibald added: “As the Caribbean seeks to establish itself as a global model for small-island energy innovation, partnerships like this are laying the groundwork for long-term leadership in sustainable infrastructure. With a growing pool of certified professionals and stronger institutional linkages, the region is positioning itself not only to meet internal demand but also to export talent, ideas, and solutions to other developing economies facing similar energy and climate challenges.”

As both organisations continue to drive regional transformation, the CARILEC-GSI partnership sets a compelling example of how collaboration and innovation can create tangible pathways to energy resilience, economic growth, and environmental stewardship in the Caribbean.