PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is deeply saddened by the passing of Brigadier Keri Hyman, one of our most dedicated and beloved officers. Brigadier Hyman, who passed away on April 23, 2026, following a long and courageous battle with illness, was an integral part of our team and one of the cornerstones of the KPSM family, particularly during the Carnival season, when she played an important role in the Jouvert festivities.
Throughout her illness, Brigadier Hyman demonstrated the same strength, resilience, and grace that defined her years of service to the force. She faced her journey with quiet courage, and her commitment to KPSM never wavered.
In honor of Brigadier Hyman's passion and unwavering dedication to the force, KPSM officers will wear pink polo shirts as part of their uniform during the upcoming Jouvert celebrations. This symbolic gesture is a heartfelt tribute to her strength, spirit, and love for the Carnival season.

A special ceremony will be held at the rear of the Philipsburg Police Station on April 27, 2026, at 4:00 a.m., just before the Jouvert Jump-Up begins. The ceremony will include a solemn moment of silence in Brigadier Hyman's honor, as we gather together with her family and friends to pay our respects before the festivities commence.
KPSM extends its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to Brigadier Hyman's family, friends, and colleagues. She will be profoundly missed, and her spirit will forever remain a cherished part of the KPSM family.

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao:--- Sustainability, resilience, and innovation took center stage as Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten hosted the fourth edition of the UoC SustainaBUL Awards 2026, an initiative designed to empower students to solve real-world sustainability challenges.
Delivering the opening remarks, Richard Doornbosch welcomed guests, students, board members, and partners, emphasizing the importance of youth-driven solutions in addressing the pressing environmental and economic issues facing small island states.
The SustainaBUL Awards focus on accelerating the sustainable transition of the economy, government, and wider society. According to Doornbosch, the program offers a “double-edged sword” of benefits: students gain unforgettable learning experiences while organizations receive innovative solutions to their sustainability challenges.
This year’s competition placed special attention on the construction and tourism sectors—two pillars of Curaçao’s economy that are also highly exposed to climate risks. Their vulnerability, combined with their economic importance, made the initiative especially relevant for the central bank’s own climate-related priorities.
Doornbosch explained why a central bank has a growing interest in sustainability and climate resilience. In recent years, the global economy has faced a series of shocks, including the COVID-19 pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, surging food and energy prices, supply chain disruptions, and cyber incidents. He noted that these events underscore the need for resilience—and warned that climate-related shocks could be just as disruptive for small island economies.
As the institution responsible for safeguarding financial stability, the central bank is increasingly focused on understanding how climate risks can affect financial institutions, markets, and national resilience. This includes monitoring systemic risks, conducting research, and developing policies that strengthen preparedness.
Doornbosch also highlighted the importance of partnerships. The bank works with organizations such as the Curaçao Meteorological Services to obtain reliable climate data and collaborates regionally with other central banks on initiatives such as green taxonomies and supervisory guidance for responsible finance.
He praised University of Curaçao for its leadership in sustainability education, citing past events like Green Week and its continued commitment to fostering young talent through the SustainaBUL program.
Looking ahead, Doornbosch said collaboration between institutions, academia, and society is essential to building a stronger future. He expressed confidence that initiatives like SustainaBUL can help shape a more robust national adaptation strategy for Curaçao while strengthening the island’s long-term resilience.
Closing his remarks, he turned to the student participants with encouragement and optimism: he looked forward to their pitches and wished every team success in contributing to a more sustainable Curaçao.

PHILIPSBURG: --- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is providing the public with an update on the physical altercation that occurred in the early morning hours of April 24, 2026, shortly after the closure of Festival Village.
A preliminary investigation by detectives revealed that two off-duty female police officers were involved in the incident. As a result, both an internal and criminal investigation have been launched.
KPSM confirmed that its Internal Affairs Department has opened a formal inquiry into the conduct of the officers. One of the officers identified had already been suspended in connection with a separate ongoing internal investigation.
Following the review of digital evidence, both officers have been summoned to provide official statements regarding their involvement in the altercation. Detectives are simultaneously pursuing the matter from a criminal perspective.
The Prosecutor’s Office has been officially notified and remains actively involved in the case. It will determine the next steps concerning any criminal offenses that may have been committed.
KPSM stressed that its zero-tolerance policy applies equally to all individuals, without exception. No one is above the law, and any participation in criminal or disorderly conduct will be dealt with appropriately.
The Police Force reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and preserving public trust, while continuing to safeguard the safety and security of the community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) informs the public that in the early morning hours, shortly after the official closing time of the Festival Village at approximately 04:00 AM, officers were once again required to intervene in an ongoing physical altercation on the premises.
In line with the previously communicated zero-tolerance policy regarding fights and disorderly conduct during the Carnival period, officers acted swiftly to restore order. As a result of the incident, two female suspects and one male suspect were arrested for their involvement in the fight.
Additionally, a second male suspect was arrested after attempting to interfere with police officers while they were carrying out their duties during the arrest process.

KPSM reiterates its firm stance that any individual engaging in physical altercations or disruptive behavior will be arrested and dealt with severely. Such actions pose a direct threat to public safety and undermine the secure and enjoyable environment that authorities are working to maintain during the Carnival festivities.
The police continue to urge all attendees to act responsibly and respect the law. These types of behaviors will not be tolerated and will be addressed swiftly and decisively in the interest of the general safety of all.