PHILIPSBURG— Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina says the number of reported criminal incidents in Sint Maarten has not increased compared to the same period in 2025, but acknowledged that the country is witnessing more violence and a change in the types of crimes being committed.
Mercelina addressed the recent series of violent incidents during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, saying he understood the fear, frustration and uncertainty being experienced by residents.
“There is a lot going on in St. Maarten,” the Prime Minister said, referring to incidents being reported through the traditional media and social media.
According to Mercelina, a comparison was conducted between incidents recorded this year and those recorded during the same period in 2025. He said the research did not show an overall increase in the number of incidents.
However, the Prime Minister conceded that the character of the crimes has changed and that recent incidents have involved more violence.
“The amount as such is not more than last year, but we see that there is a little more violence taking place compared to last year, and the type of crime is a little different,” Mercelina said.
He did not disclose who conducted the comparison, which crime categories were examined, the number of incidents recorded during either period, or the extent of the increase in violent offenses.
The statement comes after Sint Maarten recorded several violent incidents within a short period, including fatal and non-fatal stabbings and other serious crimes that have heightened public concern.
Mercelina said the comparison was not intended to justify or minimize what has occurred.
“No resident should feel that these concerns are being dismissed or minimized,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the government and the Ministry of Justice remain focused on the situation and would continue taking measures to keep criminality under control. However, he did not announce new enforcement measures, additional police resources or a specific response to the apparent escalation in violence.
While the Government’s comparison may indicate that the total number of incidents has remained relatively stable, the admission that crimes are becoming more violent is likely to raise further questions about public safety.
The figures behind the comparison will be essential in determining whether the country is merely experiencing a different pattern of crime or whether serious violent offenses are increasing even as the total number of recorded incidents remains unchanged.
