PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) expresses deep concern regarding the number of serious traffic accidents that have occurred during the first five to six weeks of 2026. Tragically, several people have lost their lives, while others have sustained very serious and life-altering injuries as a result of these incidents.
These accidents have had a profound impact on families, friends, and the wider community. KPSM extends its sincere condolences to all those who have lost loved ones and wishes the injured a full and speedy recovery.
Preliminary investigations indicate that factors such as speeding, reduced visibility, wet road conditions due to rainfall, poor lighting in certain areas, and inattentive driving continue to play a significant role in these serious accidents.
In light of these developments, KPSM urgently calls on all road users to exercise greater caution, particularly when driving:
• During rainy or wet weather conditions
• In poorly lit or dark areas
• During early morning and late-night hours
• On roads known for sharp bends or reduced visibility

Motorists are strongly urged to:
• Adjust their speed to road and weather conditions
• Avoid unnecessary speeding
• Maintain a safe following distance
• Ensure vehicles are in proper condition, including lights, tires, and brakes
• Remain fully attentive and avoid distractions while driving
• Put away cellphones and other mobile devices while driving — using a cellphone behind the wheel is both dangerous and illegal

Scooter and Motorcycle Riders:
• Must wear helmets at all times. This is required by law and can prevent serious head injuries and save lives
• Should exercise extra caution due to increased vulnerability on the road
• Must ensure their vehicles have functioning lights and are properly maintained
KPSM reminds all road users that road safety is a shared responsibility. A moment of impatience or negligence can have irreversible consequences. Every driver, rider, and pedestrian has a role to play in preventing serious injuries or further loss of life on our roads.
The Police Force of Sint Maarten will continue to carry out traffic controls and visibility across the island, while also focusing on preventive measures and public awareness.

Together, let us work to reduce traffic fatalities and make Sint Maarten's roads safer for everyone.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has received a donation from the Port of Sint Maarten Group of Companies of a top-quality drone that will assist KPSM in protecting and serving our community better.
As a leading Caribbean destination, maintaining a safe environment for residents and visitors is a shared priority between KPSM and the Port of Sint Maarten. This donation reflects our strong commitment to protecting the island and supporting sustainable tourism development.
The drone will assist with aerial surveillance, search and rescue operations, traffic monitoring, crowd control during major events. This advanced technology will improve KPSM situational awareness, efficiency, and response capabilities.
This initiative is a great example of what public-private partnerships can achieve. Through collaboration between government and private sector partners, we can make meaningful investments that improve policing and public safety on Sint Maarten.
KPSM extends sincere gratitude to:
• Mr. Alexander Gumbs, President and CEO of the Port of Sint Maarten Group of Companies
• Mr. Leslie Richardson, Safety & Security Manager
• Honorable Minister of Justice, Ms. N. Tackling
Thank you for your leadership and commitment in making this initiative possible.
KPSM remains dedicated to utilizing modern technology and strategic partnerships to ensure Sint Maarten remains a welcoming destination for all.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The introduction and development of a supplementary pension policy in St. Maarten is a critical step toward strengthening long-term financial security for workers. However, the success and credibility of such a policy depend entirely on strong supervision, proper governance, and legal safeguards. Without adequate regulatory oversight, a supplementary pension system can expose participants to significant financial risks, uncertainty, and a potential loss of trust.
This is a commendable initiative by the Minister; however, several key factors must be established from the outset. The St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) believes it is essential to implement fraud prevention measures from the outset, given that this is a financial program involving employees’ retirement savings. Safeguards, transparency, and accountability should be integral parts of the policy to ensure the security and integrity of the supplementary pension system. A poorly supervised pension framework can lead to mismanagement of funds, lack of transparency, inconsistent policy enforcement, and vulnerability to political or financial pressures. Participants must have confidence that their contributions are protected, responsibly managed, and preserved for their future. If adequate controls are not established from the outset, the consequences could include weakened retirement protection, reduced participation, and long-term instability in the system.

Furthermore, the experiences of Hurricane Irma in 2017 and the 2020 pandemic must serve as clear lessons. During these crises, many employees faced serious financial hardship and uncertainty. It is therefore critical that no future pandemic, natural disaster, or national emergency ever be allowed to influence, weaken, interrupt, or alter the supplementary pension policy. Retirement protection must remain stable and secure, even in times of crisis.

It is essential that any supplementary pension structure for St. Maarten be built on strong, independent supervision, clear rules, and full transparency. Participants must be assured that their premiums are secure, their rights are protected, and that the system is managed with accountability and integrity at all times.
Additionally, any future pension reform must not adversely affect the supplementary pension policy once it is established. Workers must be guaranteed stability and continuity. Changes in government, economic challenges, or shifts in national policy should never place participants’ retirement security at risk. A supplementary pension must remain protected from political influence, financial restructuring, and short-term decision-making that could compromise its long-term sustainability.
The protection of retirement income is not only a financial matter, but a social responsibility. Strong governance, independent oversight, and long-term policy stability are essential to ensure that this system serves the people of St. Maarten both now and in the future.

President of the St. Maarten Communication Union

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) calls on the population after every rainfall event, it is important to inspect your property for potential mosquito breeding spots.

Mosquitoes can lay eggs in even the smallest amounts of standing water, and these eggs can develop into biting adults in as little as a week.

By removing standing water after each rain, you can significantly reduce mosquito populations around your home and help protect your family and community from mosquito-borne diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.

By identifying and removing sources of stagnant water—ranging from discarded containers to clogged gutters—communities can drastically reduce the population of Aedes aegypti at their source.

Ultimately, maintaining a "clean and dry" environment is not merely a household chore; it is a vital civic responsibility that safeguards the most vulnerable members of the population and ensures a healthier, more resilient community.
Mosquitoes breed in small amounts of standing water, especially in containers around homes and businesses (e.g., buckets, plant saucers, discarded items, tires, clogged gutters).
Mosquitoes are often active during the daytime, with biting frequently occurring outdoors in shaded areas and it can spread through transport and trade when eggs/larvae are moved in water-holding items.
Eliminating breeding sites is the most effective way to reduce mosquito populations. We urge everyone to take the following actions at least once per week: Tip it, toss it, cover it.
Empty and scrub containers that hold water: buckets, coolers, flowerpot saucers, pet bowls, vases, toys, tarps. Properly dispose of unused items that collect rainwater.
Cover water storage. Ensure cisterns, drums, and barrels are securely covered with tight lids or fine mesh. Clean drains and gutters. Remove leaves and debris to prevent water from pooling.
Manage tires and bulky items. Store tires under cover or disposing of them properly—tires are a high-risk breeding site. Businesses and property managers, construction sites, tire shops, marinas, and rental properties are asked to intensify weekly checks and maintain premises free of standing water.
Mosquito control cannot be achieved by government services alone. It requires sustained action by households, communities, and businesses across the entire island.
By working together, we can reduce breeding sites, lower mosquito populations, and protect residents and visitors.
To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’ vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.
Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.