POINTE BLANCHE: --- 

Reports reaching SMN News this Easter Monday state that prisoners that are housed at the Pointe Blanche Prison began striking since Good Friday.

According to information provided, the prisoners began action when their rights to special meals on public holidays were violated.

SMN News understands that the food being served at the prison is not what is expected.
Reports are that spoiled food was served this Easter Monday, which worsened the situation. Further investigations revealed that some prisoners were fed “tilapia” fish on Good Friday.

 SMN News further understands that several of the prisoners are ill, and they have been asking to see the doctor on duty or a nurse. The source said the doctor never reported visiting the sick inmates, while the nurse went to the facility for about 20 minutes, distributed paracetamol, and then left.

Another complaint was that prison guards reporting to work should not be fed prisoners' meals, but recently, these guards, who are working for very low wages, have also had to be fed prisoners' meals.

SMN News contacted the Minister of Justice, Natalie Tackling, to comment on the ongoing situation. The Minister said she was not informed of the latest developments. The Minister promised to look into the recent developments and will provide an update later.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) conducted a series of coordinated operations over the long Good Friday and Easter weekend to enhance public safety, ensure traffic compliance, and prepare for the upcoming Carnival season.

Throughout the weekend, the KPSM team executed a combination of static and rolling controls and strategically incorporated drone surveillance to monitor vehicle and scooter activity around major intersections and roundabouts. These operations were part of a wider effort to tackle unsafe road behaviors and reinforce law and order in hotspot areas.

A significant focus was placed on addressing scooter-related violations, particularly in known gathering points such as the Boardwalk, Mullet Bay, and key roads across the island. During controls on the Boardwalk:

Six (6) scooters were intercepted

Three (3) fines were issued

Four (4) scooters were confiscated due to failure to meet technical and documentation requirements.

With the use of drones, officers could actively monitor vehicles and scooters approaching and departing from major roundabouts, allowing for a proactive response.

Additional controls occurred at several busy locations, including Welfare Road, Bush Road, and Simpson Bay. Across these areas:

Seventy-eight (78) vehicles were checked

Eight (8) fines were issued

Three (3) scooters were confiscated

Furthermore, in the early morning of Monday, April 21, 2025, KPSM executed a targeted control operation in the Defiance area near the gentlemen’s club, due to ongoing concerns about illicit activities and recent firearms-related incidents. This action demonstrates KPSM's proactive stance in addressing public safety threats in high-risk zones.

In addition to confiscated scooters, officers also seized narcotics and a firearm, leading to further investigations.

As part of the Easter weekend enforcement, KPSM also conducted a control at the stoplights at the intersections formed by Bush Road, W.J.A. Nisbeth Road, A.T. Illidge Road, and Longwall Road.

During this initiative, nine (9) vehicles were stopped, and fines were issued for running red lights—a dangerous violation that significantly increases the risk of accidents and injuries.

These comprehensive actions are part of KPSM's continued efforts to promote safety and order in the lead-up to the official opening of the 2025 Carnival season.

KPSM strongly warns the public that any activities posing a threat to general safety during the Carnival period will be dealt with severely. The Police Force urges all citizens and visitors to adhere to the laws and regulations in place and cooperate with law enforcement during this festive time.

KPSM remains committed to protecting the community and ensuring a safe and enjoyable Carnival season.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) proudly acknowledges the successful hosting of the 2025 Pathfinder Camporee, organized by the local Pathfinder clubs of Sint Maarten. The event, held from April 16 to 20 at the Milton Peters College, welcomed youth participants from across the region for a week of fellowship, skill-building, and spiritual growth.

Chief of Police Mr. C. John, accompanied by several KPSM officers, visited the Camporee and spoke directly with the local Pathfinders and the many young visitors from other islands. He emphasized the value of the Pathfinder movement in shaping future leaders and promoting positive choices among youth.

The Pathfinder organization has a lasting impact on the lives of our young people, said Chief John. It instills discipline, teamwork, and respect, essential for building stronger communities. We are proud to support this initiative.”

KPSM extends sincere gratitude to the local organizers and all participants from the neighboring islands who contributed to Camporee 2025's success. Events like these reaffirm the power of unity, mentorship, and youth empowerment.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of its Heritage Reflection Month in April 2025, the Sint Maarten Library launched its first activity with a festive and educational event: “Eggsplore the Library – Book Promotion for Easter 2025.” This creative initiative invited students from Forms 1 and 2 of the Sint Maarten Academy Academic Section to explore and engage with the library in a fun and meaningful way.

The event was organized by Ms. Wislene Masson, an intern from Milton Peters College PKL/PBL department, and reflected the library’s ongoing commitment to youth literacy and engagement. It was particularly inspiring to see an event created by a teenager for teenagers, resonating deeply with the young participants.

During the event, the dynamic group of teens enthusiastically participated in a variety of activities, including:

• A book promotion game, the Gransenbord Boekspel, was recently donated to the library by Stichting Lezen – Biblionet.
• Mini sports games
• An Easter egg hunt at the scenic Vineyard Estate
• A book discussion centered on themes of Easter and heritage

Adding a special touch to the celebration, Ms. Masson also hosted a virtual storytime session, where students took turns reading aloud the book “Bunny’s Easter Basket” by Danna Smith, illustrated by Kathryn Selbert. This heartwarming storytelling video will be broadcast on Saturday, April 19, 2025, just in time for the Easter holiday, and will be available on the Sint Maarten Library’s social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram.

In addition, Ms. Masson curated a lovely book display at the Philipsburg main library, highlighting a selection of books that align with the Easter and heritage theme—perfect for parents and visitors to explore.

The Sint Maarten Library extends its heartfelt thanks to the management, staff, and students of Sint Maarten Academy, and a special thank you to Carolyn Buncamper and family for making the heritage location at the Vineyard Estate available, beautifully aligning with the month’s theme.

As the Heritage Reflection celebration continues, the Sint Maarten Library remains dedicated to promoting cultural awareness, literacy, and community connection through engaging programs and events.

Stay tuned for more activities throughout April 2025! For more information, visit the Sint Maarten Library’s website or follow them on social media.