PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a serious armed robbery that took place in the Cole Bay area during the early morning hours of Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Just after 2:00 AM, Central Dispatch received several calls from a group of men reporting that they had been blocked by several individuals and robbed at gunpoint. According to the information received, the victims were relieved of cash and jewelry during the incident.

Police patrols were immediately dispatched to the location where officers encountered six visitors to the island who reported that they had been victims of the robbery. Fortunately, no serious physical injuries were reported; however, the victims were understandably shaken by the ordeal.

Personnel of the Detective Department are currently conducting a thorough investigation into this serious incident and are actively working to identify and locate the suspect or suspects responsible.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten is asking anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the Cole Bay area around 2:00 AM on March 15, 2026, or who may have information that could assist detectives, to contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM continues to urge the public to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity. Community cooperation plays a crucial role in helping law enforcement solve crimes and maintain public safety.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Inspectorate of Taxes announces that the deadline to submit the 2025 Income Tax Return Forms A & B is June 1, 2026. Invitations to file the 2025 Income Tax Return are being sent by regular mail. Taxpayers who do not receive an invitation to file are obliged to request one.

The 2025 Income Tax Return Forms have been available as of January 1, 2026, and can be downloaded from the Tax Administration's website www.tax.sx under the ‘Documents’ tab or through the Government’s online services portal at http://onlineservices.sintmaartengov.org. Taxpayers who have not yet registered for an e-login must do so via the portal to access online services.

Taxpayers who require an extension to file their tax return must submit a request on or before June 1, 2026, with a valid reason. Spouses are reminded to submit a single joint tax return form.

Completed tax return forms must be submitted at the Front Office of the Tax Administration, located at the Vineyard Building, as email submissions are not legally permitted. Those without internet access may obtain a copy of the form from the Tax Administration. To ensure proof of submission, taxpayers should bring a copy of the completed form to be stamped upon delivery.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Tax Administration by telephone at 542-2143, 542-3782, 542-3839, or 542-3840, via WhatsApp at 556-3699, or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis expresses his deepest condolences to the family, friends, and the entire school community of the Milton Peters College following the tragic passing of one of its students.

The news of the student’s sudden death has deeply impacted students, teachers, and parents across the island. In light of the heartbreaking loss, students who were scheduled to prepare for their Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CXC) examinations were temporarily dismissed from school on Monday to allow time for reflection and mourning.

“This is a heartbreaking moment not only for the family but for the entire school community and our country as a whole. The loss of a young life is always painful, and my thoughts and prayers are with the parents, relatives, classmates, and teachers who are grieving during this extremely difficult time.”MP Lewis stated

While the exact cause of death has not yet been publicly disclosed, MP Lewis emphasized the importance of respecting the family’s privacy as they cope with this profound loss.

“I encourage the community to keep the family in their prayers and to respect their privacy as they navigate this tragic moment. As a society, we must come together to support one another, especially our young people who may be struggling to process this loss.” MP Lewis stated.

MP Lewis also commended the school administration for taking immediate steps to support students during this difficult period and encouraged continued counseling and emotional support services for those affected.

“Our schools are not only places of education but also communities of care. Ensuring that students and staff receive the support they need during times like this is critical.”

“The NOW faction stands in solidarity with this family. May they find strength, comfort, and peace in the love and support of the community during this time of grief.” MP Lewis concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Science Week 2026 brought together students, educators, professionals, and community stakeholders in a celebration of curiosity, innovation, and discovery. The week of activities highlighted the growing interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) across the island and set the stage for St. Maarten’s participation in the upcoming Super Regional Robotics Challenge in St. Kitts.

The week officially launched with an inspiring opening ceremony that highlighted the power of curiosity, problem-solving, and innovation among the island’s youth.

The ceremony featured addresses from Dr. Rolinda Carter, President of the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation; the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina; and the Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport (ECYS), Ms. Melissa Gumbs.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Carter emphasized the critical role that science and innovation play in the development and resilience of small island communities like St. Maarten. Referencing this year’s theme, “Innovate for Wellbeing,” she encouraged attendees to move beyond creative ideas and focus on solutions that improve the well-being of the communities they serve.

Minister of ECYS, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, highlighted the role of science in building a society of problem solvers. “The moment a child asks ‘why,’ that is the moment science begins,” the Minister stated, adding that children are born scientists and that education must nurture this natural curiosity.

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina described Science Week not as a celebration of completed projects, but as a celebration of possibilities. He emphasized that Science Week represents the potential of young minds to shape solutions for the future of St. Maarten and beyond.

Following the opening ceremony, a Horizon Chat titled “Moving Ideas into Solutions” set the tone for the week, encouraging participants to think about how scientific ideas can be transformed into practical, real-world impact.

On Tuesday, Science Week continued with strong student participation as 61 students from six schools took part in seven educational field trips to STEAM-related businesses across the island, bringing science out of the textbook and into real-life environments. These hands-on experiences allowed students to engage with science in a practical and meaningful way.

The week also included the flagship event, the St. Maarten National Science Fair, with the official presentation and judging of student science projects. Participating schools included Learning Unlimited, MAC Comprehensive Secondary Education, St. Maarten Academy, St. Maarten Academy VBC, and the Caribbean International Academy. The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the judges for their time, expertise, and dedication.

The public viewing that followed welcomed local, regional, and international visitors, including delegations from St. Eustatius, Anguilla, St. Martin, and the United States, highlighting the growing regional interest in the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation's work and its efforts to promote science, innovation, and collaboration.

The Science Week Award Ceremony will take place on March 21, 2026, at the Convention Center of Simpson Bay Resort. Members of the public, educators, students, professionals, and partners are encouraged to register via the email invitation or contact +1 (721) 588-9650 for more information.

Robotics and Regional Representation

A major outcome of Science Week’s continued growth is St. Maarten’s participation in the inaugural OECSRA (now ECRIA) Super Regional Robotics Challenge, to be held in St. Kitts from March 16–20, 2026.

In preparation for this event, secondary schools across the island were invited to nominate students interested in robotics and innovation. Responses were received from five schools, and selected students met biweekly to train in robotics and coding.

After a structured three-tier selection process consisting of peer nominations, coach nominations, and an online assessment, two students were selected to represent St. Maarten:

• Jacob Boxshall — Learning Unlimited
• Akash Pillai — St. Maarten Academy
  
  

Two additional students were named as alternates:

• Edom Richardson — St. Maarten Academy
• Dominic Peters — St. Maarten Academy Vocational Business Campus
  
  

The delegation, facilitated by the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, will include the two students and coaches Mr. Julian Mason and Mr. Conlan King, whose guidance has been instrumental in preparing the team.

As this is an inaugural event, the President of the Foundation, Dr. Rolinda Carter, will also travel with the delegation to establish the Foundation’s presence and strengthen regional collaboration.

The students’ participation in this challenge was made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten.

Science Week 2026 continues to demonstrate the Foundation’s mission to inspire curiosity, strengthen STEAM education, and empower the next generation of innovators, both locally and regionally, representing St. Maarten.

For more information, please visit the SMSFF Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/SXMSCIENCEFAIR/.