PHILIPSBURG:----  As the Carnival season approaches, the Department of Youth within the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport (MECYS) calls on all young people to actively participate in the island’s rich cultural festivities while making responsible and informed decisions. In doing so, the Department reminds all stakeholders that children have a right to be protected from harm, as outlined in Article 19 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).

Carnival remains a cornerstone of St. Maarten’s cultural identity, offering a vibrant platform for expression, unity and celebration. While this period is marked by excitement, the Department emphasizes that enjoyment should never come at the expense of personal safety, well-being, or future opportunities.

“There is life after Carnival and the choices made today can have lasting effects on one’s health, reputation and future. Enjoy the culture, enjoy the moment, but pay mind to your conduct. You do not need alcohol or drugs to have a good time—be the vibe and take control of your experience,” the Department stated.

Youth are urged to refrain from the use of alcohol and drugs, to remain mindful of their behavior and to avoid situations that may lead to conflict, unsafe conduct, or legal consequences. Staying with trusted peers and making responsible decisions throughout the festivities remain key.

At the same time, the Department underscores the important role of parents and guardians in safeguarding children and adolescents.

The Department calls on parents to take an active role in guiding their children’s Carnival experience by asking questions, staying informed and making deliberate decisions about which events are appropriate to attend based on age requirements from event promoters

The Department further reminds all booth holders and vendors of their legal and social responsibility to strictly adhere to age requirements and refrain from serving alcohol and illegal substances to minors. Compliance with these requirements is essential to protecting young people and maintaining a safe Carnival environment.

“The future of our youth is a shared responsibility. Parents, vendors, communities, government, notwithstanding the youth themselves, all have a role to play in ensuring safe and positive experiences, the Department emphasized.

The Department of Youth calls for a collective effort among families, communities, and stakeholders to ensure that Carnival remains a safe, positive, and enriching experience for youth.

 Madame Estate:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the public and residents of the affected area that road works started today, Thursday, April 9th, 2026, on Arch Road, Philipsburg, and will continue tomorrow, Friday, April 10th, 2026. The works will require a road closure between the intersection of A. TH. Illidge Road and Guadeloupe Road during the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Alternative Route: Motorists are advised to access the area via Grenada Road and the connecting internal roads within Lower Prince’s Quarter to reach destinations beyond the affected section.

Access from the A.Th. Illidge Road intersection of Arch Road will be restricted during the closure.

The project will be executed by Windward Roads Infrastructure, and the Ministry urges all motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and be mindful of the workers on-site.

Temporary Partial Road Closure Details:

Date: Thursday, April 9^th, 2026 and Friday, April 10^th, 2026, 2 days road closure

Time: 7:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Arch Road, Philipsburg

Alternative Routes: Access through Grenada Road and through to the available side roads to Arch Road.

Type of Closure: Temporary Partial Road Closure

The Ministry of VROMI appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve the road infrastructure on Arch Road. Further updates will be provided as necessary. For more information, please contact the Department of Infrastructure at +1(721) 542-2363 ext 2412.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) is pleased to announce that, on April 9, 2026, an important and long-awaited agreement was signed between the Government of St. Maarten and representatives of both active and retired personnel of the Fire Department.

This agreement marks a significant step toward addressing longstanding concerns relating to placement, career progression, and compensation, which have affected Fire Department personnel for many years. Notably, the agreement also acknowledges the position of retired firefighters, whose years of dedicated service were impacted by historical discrepancies in placement and advancement.

Through this agreement, provisions have been established to address these longstanding issues in a structured manner, including mechanisms for reviewing past placements and exploring compensation where applicable. The inclusion of retired personnel in this process is a critical component, as it recognizes their contributions and ensures that their concerns are not overlooked.

WICSU-PSU underscores that this achievement is the result of persistent advocacy, dialogue, and the collective strength of its members, who remained committed to seeking fairness and justice. The Union commends the firefighters, both active and retired, for their resilience, unity, and professionalism throughout this process.

While this agreement represents a major milestone, the Union emphasizes that it is part of a broader ongoing process. The parties have committed to continuing negotiations in good faith to address any remaining matters and to further strengthen the framework governing the Fire Department.

WICSU-PSU remains dedicated to ensuring that the implementation of this agreement is carried out transparently and effectively, and that the rights, dignity, and well-being of all Fire Department personnel are upheld.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes has formally requested an update from the Minister of Justice regarding the police-involved shooting that occurred on February 13, 2026, in St. Peters, which resulted in the death of Rudy “Rock” Benjamin.

The incident, which took place in the St. Peter's community, involved police responding to reports of a firearm. During the encounter, officers discharged their weapons, and Benjamin was fatally struck. Authorities confirmed at the time that the matter had been handed over to the Landsrecherche for investigation.

While an initial statement was issued following the incident, no further updates have been provided since.

MP Lacroes, who maintains close ties to the St. Peter's community, noted that the situation continues to weigh heavily on residents.

“This is a community I am closely connected to, and I continue to hear the concerns directly. People are not asking for interference in the investigation, but they are asking for clarity on where things stand.”

The Parliamentarian emphasized that his request to the Minister of Justice is for a general update that does not compromise the ongoing investigation and ensures that both Parliament and the public remain informed.

“The process must be respected, but communication should not end after the first statement.”

The incident has left a lasting impact within St. Peter's, with residents continuing to follow developments closely and seeking reassurance that the matter is being handled with the seriousness it deserves.

MP Lacroes has requested information on the current stage of the process and how updates will be communicated moving forward.

He stressed that maintaining public confidence requires consistent communication, particularly in matters involving the use of force.

“An update at this stage would go a long way in providing reassurance to the community.”

MP Lacroes now awaits a response from the Minister of Justice.