GALISBAY, SANDY GROUND – A minor suspected of committing an armed robbery was taken into custody by gendarmes on the morning of Thursday, January 22. The arrest followed a dedicated judicial operation in the Galis Bay and Sandy Ground area.
The individual is accused of involvement in an armed robbery where a weapon was used. This morning's operation was the culmination of an investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the person responsible for the crime.
Legal proceedings concerning this case are now underway. The Basse-Terre prosecutor's office is directing the judicial process to ensure all legal protocols are followed.
This arrest highlights the gendarmerie's ongoing commitment to public safety. Officials have reiterated their full mobilization in the fight against the proliferation of illegal weapons on the island. These efforts are a core part of their mission to ensure the security of all residents and visitors. Further details on the case will be released as the legal process continues.
Critical Meetings Pile Up as Ministers Stall on Accountability.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The wheels of democracy in Sint Maarten appear to be grinding to a halt, with a growing backlog of unheld meetings leaving Parliament—and by extension the public—in the dark on critical issues ranging from national security to tax reform.
According to the latest "Pending Meeting Requests" list dated January 7, 2026, obtained by SMN-News, dozens of crucial discussions requested by Members of Parliament remain outstanding. The document paints a concerning picture of a legislature waiting on the executive branch, with some requests dating back to 2023.
The "Top 3" Accountability Gaps
An analysis of the document reveals that the Ministries of Finance, VROMI, and Justice account for the bulk of the delays, effectively creating a bottleneck on progress.
1. Ministry of Finance: The Legislative Logjam
The Minister of Finance currently holds the highest volume of critical pending matters. Most alarming is the delay in discussing the complete overhaul of the tax system.
Additionally, the Minister faces a stack of new legislative drafts from January 2026 regarding the supervision of virtual assets (crypto), payment services, and investment firms. Without these meetings, Sint Maarten’s financial compliance framework hangs in the balance.
2. Ministry of VROMI: Infrastructure & Safety on Hold
While the country faces housing shortages and climate risks, the Minister of VROMI has a significant list of outstanding updates.
Housing Crisis: Two separate meetings on social housing and the state of national housing (requested in January and May 2025) have yet to take place.
Flood Readiness: A request from November 2025 to discuss "national flood management and drainage readiness" remains pending. With weather patterns becoming increasingly unpredictable, the lack of parliamentary scrutiny on our drainage infrastructure is a gamble with public safety.
3. Ministry of Justice: Security Risks Unaddressed
The Ministry of Justice is trailing on matters of immediate national security and human rights.
Prison Crisis: A roundtable on the capacity and situation at Point Blanche Prison was requested back in November 2024. The document notes the Minister was "ready in April," yet the meeting is still listed as pending in January 2026.
Regional Instability: An urgent request from January 5, 2026, to discuss national security concerns following the "capture of Venezuela's Head of State" is listed, with a closed-door meeting held, but an urgent public meeting still to be called.
The "Stalling" Tactics?
The document reveals a pattern of deferrals that hampers Parliament's ability to supervise.
"More Time Needed": The standard response for the tax reform meeting.
Budget Deflections: A request to discuss the U.S.-China trade war and the delay of the vendor marketplace (MinTEATT) saw the Minister invite MPs to handle the matter "after Budget 2025".
Silence: A request regarding the 2024 General Audit Chamber report is simply listed as "Normally in October," yet remains on the January 2026 list.
Impact on the People
The consequences of these delays are not just administrative; they are felt on the ground.
Economic Stagnation: A presentation on a regulatory model for cannabis legalization, requested in December 2025, is stalled.
Uncertainty for TelEm: A critical discussion on TelEm's financial performance, requested in October 2025, is still pending, leaving the job security of employees and the company's viability in question.
As the list of "outstanding" meetings grows, so does the deficit of accountability. With Parliament unable to question Ministers on these vital topics, the question must be asked: Is the government avoiding scrutiny, or has the machinery of government simply seized up?
Tzu Chi volunteers clean, transform home of 71-year-old senior living alone.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Tzu Chi volunteers joined forces to provide a full home clean-up and basic living support for a 71-year-old senior living alone in Cole Bay.
The effort was initiated after a single mother of four, facing her own challenges, reached out to Tzu Chi for help. Her actions, volunteers say, reflect the teaching of Tzu Chi Founder Master Cheng Yen that “Giving is not the privilege of the wealthy, but the privilege of a sincere heart.”
An initial visit in late December 2025 found the senior’s apartment in extremely poor, unsanitary conditions. The mattress was infested with bugs, there was no clean area, and the home lacked food and drinking water.
The senior faces high blood pressure, diabetes, chronic back pain, and knee problems, which affect her mobility. Family support is minimal, with only an 84-year-old sister and an absent son. Following the assessment, the senior was
approved to receive monthly food assistance from Tzu Chi.
On January 16, volunteers arrived with food, cleaning supplies, and a new bed. With the senior’s consent, all movable items were temporarily removed to allow a thorough cleaning of the bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. Within four hours, the home was transformed into a safe, livable space.
When the senior returned, he became deeply emotional and expressed heartfelt gratitude. Volunteers reassured him that all belongings had been carefully cleaned and organised.
Volunteers also reflected on the experience. Sister Carolina said, “This was my first time participating in a house clean-up project. I felt happy and grateful and deeply experienced the power of teamwork in making things happen.” Brother Cavin added, “I felt joy working with a harmonious team where everyone shared the same mindset and gave back to the community.”
Lewis concerned about eviction and demolition.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis expresses grave concern regarding the ongoing forced eviction and demolition activities currently taking place on Soualiga Road, Pond Island, where approximately forty (40) residents reside.
Many of the affected individuals and families have lived on the property for several years, during which time they established homes and a functioning community. While it is understood that, allegedly, there are two court rulings regarding the latter, the residents are being evicted, homes demolished, and there have been no follow-up enforcement actions, relocation plans, or structured engagement with residents in the years that followed. As a result, residents continued to occupy and develop the land in good faith.
During recent visits and while sitting and engaging directly with most of the residents, MP Lewis observed that a significant number of the residents are within the fifty (50) age bracket. Among the residents, one is blind, while others have other health complications. These realities underscore the urgent need for a humane and socially responsible approach to any enforcement action.
Recent actions by the Ministry of VROMI, including the commencement of demolition works, have reportedly occurred without providing alternative housing, relocation assistance, or adequate notice to residents. This has resulted in heightened distress, uncertainty, and hardship for those affected. “Some of the residents told me that during elections, some elected and appointed officials were through their neighborhood campaigning, but today no one is there for them. The residents also showed me two letters, respectively dated October 27, 2025, and December 4, 2025, addressed to the Prime Minister, the Minister of VROMI, and the NRPB directorate, regarding their concerns. To date, they haven’t received any response from any of the addressees. I empathize with all residents in the area, as they are human beings and they should be treated with dignity and respect ”. MP Lewis stated.
MP Lewis has requested an urgent meeting with the Minister of Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug regarding the relocation process or procedure of the residents on Soulaiga Road, Pond island and is calling on the Government of Sint Maarten to immediately halt all demolition activities, engage in transparent and meaningful dialogue with the affected residents, and provide suitable temporary or permanent relocation solutions before any further action is taken.
MP Lewis reaffirms his commitment to advocating for vulnerable communities and ensuring that government actions are guided by fairness, accountability, and respect for the fundamental rights of the people of Sint Maarten.
Cape Bay Killer extradited back to Sint Marten.
~KPSM Arrests and Extradites Suspect in Aron Jacobs Drive Fatal Shooting, International Collaboration Ensures Justice Across Borders~.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has announced the arrest and extradition of a suspect linked to the fatal shooting that occurred on Aron Jacobs Drive in Cay Bay on January 26, 2025.
At approximately 8:00 AM on the day of the incident, Police Dispatch received multiple reports of a shooting in the area. Upon arriving at the scene, officers discovered a young male victim (Denzil Skeete) who had tragically succumbed to gunshot wounds.
Through a thorough investigation, detectives identified J.J. as a person of interest in the case. The suspect fled to the French side of the island, where authorities later apprehended him.
An extradition request was promptly issued to return the suspect to Dutch Sint Maarten to face trial. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of the French Judicial System, INTERPOL, and the St. Kitts and Nevis Royal Police Force, the suspect was successfully extradited to Sint Maarten on January 20, 2026.
KPSM extends its heartfelt gratitude to all international partners who contributed to this operation. This case highlights the growing collaboration between KPSM and INTERPOL, as well as the importance of regional and global partnerships in ensuring that justice is not hindered by borders.
The investigation into this case remains active.