PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Fire Department is calling on the community to be safe this Easter holiday weekend that kicks off from Friday, April 3rd until and including Monday, April 6th.
Many people will be heading to the beach for various watersports activities and having a funday with family and friends. Safety should always be a concern.
Keep a watchful eye on young children whether they can or cannot swim; make sure that their flotation devices are in proper working condition. Tragic water events can happen quickly.
Pay attention to senior family members who are swimming. The beach can be fun and an enjoyable experience, so it’s up to you to stay safe.
Watch out for strong water currents. Stay in shallow water.
Exercise safe cooking practices in the kitchen to prevent kitchen fires and burn injuries. While at the beach barbecuing, pay keen attention that young children are not close by.
After a successful BBQ, don’t forget to clean up all utensils, bottles, cans, paper plates, napkins and plastic cups from your family/friend Easter holiday beach experience and properly dispose of them in a garbage bin. Once coals have been completely extinguished, remove them so the beach environment is returned to its original state.
Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children this Easter holiday weekend.
The Fire Department wishes all a safe and happy Easter holiday weekend.
The Fire Department falls under the Ministry of General Affairs.
In the event of a fire emergency, call 919.




Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) hosted its very first Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt on Saturday evening, bringing together airport employees for a unique and festive Easter celebration on the runway.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Aquatic Federation (SMAF) national swim team consists of 10 swimmers—5 boys and 5 girls. The team consists of Azaiah Roper- Duzon, Holdson Jean Fort, Kjeld van der Meer, Declan Boyd, and Emmbriel Flanders, as well as J’aishaa Jeffers, Victoria Otto, Caithlyn Challenger, Lois Geeerdink, and Aiyana Bourne. Both Victoria and Holdson are new members of the national swim team. They will compete against athletes from 20 Caribbean countries at the CARIFTA 2026 Aquatics Championships, which will take place in Martinique from April 3–8, 2026. The young athletes will compete in a variety of aquatic disciplines, showcasing their skills and determination on a regional stage. Accompanying the team will be a coach, Dwight Vermeer, and a delegation leader, Claudia Connor, both representing SMAF and providing guidance and support throughout the competition.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Excitement filled the air on Sunday, March 29th, as students, parents, and supporters gathered to witness the annual Caribbean Gems Interscholastic Elementary and High School Swim Meets. The event, organized by Caribbean Gems, Carib Swim Team (CST), and the St. Maarten Aquatic Federation (SMAF), brought together young swimmers from the different schools in a spirited display of talent and sportsmanship.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Tax Administration is pleased to announce that number plates within the MF and V categories, which were previously unavailable, are now ready for collection. Motorists who have already completed payment and are awaiting their plates are encouraged to visit the Receiver’s Office on Pond Island to collect them.




