SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has heightened its operational activities during this end-of-year period to ensure the safety and security of residents, businesses, and visitors.

In light of recent incidents, KPSM has increased surveillance on businesses that have been targeted by criminal activities such as theft and robbery over the past months. Detectives and patrol units are working to prevent further offenses and bring offenders to justice. Investigations are underway, and efforts to apprehend individuals with outstanding warrants for various criminal acts are being prioritized.

Over the weekend, numerous scooter riders and motorists were stopped and controlled by KPSM patrols as part of proactive enforcement measures. Additionally, vehicles suspected of being used in connection with criminal activities have been thoroughly searched.

In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, KPSM is exploring solutions to mitigate traffic congestion, particularly in the Cole Bay and Simpson Bay regions, which experience high volumes of traffic during this period.

In Philipsburg, police officers have been maintaining a visible presence in high-traffic areas, including the boardwalk and its surrounding vicinities, where several festive activities are taking place.

KPSM strongly advises the public to take necessary precautions to safeguard personal belongings and ensure their safety during this festive season. Simple measures such as remaining vigilant, securing valuables, and avoiding isolated areas can contribute significantly to personal security.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten extends warm holiday greetings to the entire community and wishes everyone a safe, joyful, and prosperous end-of-year celebration. Let us work together to make this festive season safe and enjoyable for all.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), as families come together during the holiday season, CPS advises to take preventative measures against respiratory illnesses causing flu like symptoms.

CPS advises that preventive measures should be applied at all times in and during the celebrations that will bring families and friends together for the season.

The prevention measures are to sneeze in a napkin, or inside of your elbow sleeve, and don’t forget to wash your hands regularly with soap and water.

Hand washing should last at least two minutes or use hand sanitizer that consists of at least 60 percent alcohol.

Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette. Persons with flu-like symptoms should remain at home until they have recovered.

Also discuss with your physician on the possibility of vaccinating during this flu season to enjoy the holiday season.

In addition, proper ventilation is important should you meet indoors, and where possible, hold lunches and dinners outdoors.

Have a safe and healthy holiday season. Don’t forget an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Happy and healthy holidays.

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - The economies of Curaçao and Sint Maarten are closely aligned facing similar external challenges, including shifting global trade dynamics, geopolitical tension, and severe climate events.

“Given their small scale and high degree of openness it is essential for the countries to plan strategically and engage proactively to mitigate potential threats while capitalizing on emerging opportunities”, according to the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) president Richard Doornbosch in the December 2024 Economic Bulletin.

“In this regard, an outward-looking approach, emphasizing collaboration within the Kingdom and with regional peers, is crucial to addressing these dynamics effectively”.

Collaboration within the Kingdom

According to Doornbosch, an area where such an outward-looking approach could be applied is when addressing the risks associated with extreme weather events caused by climate change.

“Within the Kingdom, Curaçao and Sint Maarten could benefit from Dutch technical assistance in creating tailored climate adaptation strategies that consider their unique vulnerabilities. In addition, due to their constitutional status as non-sovereign territories, Curaçao and Sint Maarten have limited access to international climate financing mechanisms. Hence, the Netherlands could also use its influence to advocate for their inclusion in global climate funding frameworks through direct access accreditation”, Doornbosch argued.

Besides climate adaptation strategies, collaboration within the Kingdom could ensure a swift recovery in the event of a natural disaster.

“This includes considering a tailored framework in the context of the Kingdom Law Financial Supervision Curaçao and Sint Maarten for conditional debt relief during extreme crises to free up crucial financial resources for immediate repair work and reconstruction of the most crucial infrastructure”, he added.

Collaboration within the region

There are also opportunities to enhance the resilience of Curaçao and Sint Maarten to external shocks through regional collaboration. According to Doornbosch, the recent associate membership of Curaçao in CARICOM is very welcome, and Sint Maarten has also expressed interest in becoming an associate member in the future.

The experience within CARICOM shows that trade between the CARICOM member states tends to be limited due to low trade complementarity and logistical barriers. Similarly, trade flows between Curaçao and Sint Maarten and CARICOM are relatively low.

“Although associate membership within CARICOM may not significantly increase trade flows with regional peers, it offers Curaçao and Sint Maarten a valuable platform for regional collaboration, particularly in addressing climate adaptation, disaster resilience, and public health challenges. In addition, enhanced cooperation can help pool resources, leverage regional expertise, and secure better terms in global negotiations”, he explained.

Doornbosch warned, however, that capitalizing solely on Kingdom ties and regional cooperation is not enough to reduce vulnerability to external shocks. “Both Curaçao and Sint Maarten need a concerted policy of building solid fiscal buffers through budgetary savings during favorable economic periods, coupled with prudent financial management practices to self-finance at least part of the recovery during times of economic distress.

In addition, the countries should diversify trade relationships beyond traditional partners like the U.S. and the Netherlands”, he recommended.

The complete text of the December 2024 Economic Bulletin is available on the CBCS website at https://www.centralbank.cw/publications/economic-bulletins/2024.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Member of Parliament (MP) Sjamira Roseburg met on Monday December 19th, 2024, met with representatives from the Judicial & Institutional Services (J&IS) (Ed. formerly SJIS) to discuss an initiative aimed at providing young adults under probation supervision and those ordered to execute community service with practical work experience.

The initiative seeks to create meaningful opportunities for young adults aged 18–24 to develop skills, enhance employability, and foster stronger ties between the business community and the rehabilitation process.

Acting Director Cynthia Clarke-Filemon and her team at J&IS held discussions with MP Roseburg on integrating young adults into structured work environments in collaboration with the business community.

Participants could gain up to 240 hours of hands-on work experience, supported by preparatory training to develop technical and soft skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and accountability. This experience would enhance participants’ resumes, build confidence, and better prepare them for the workforce.

“This initiative goes beyond fulfilling probation obligations,” MP Roseburg stated. “It’s about providing young adults with opportunities to grow professionally, rebuild their confidence, and lay the foundation for a brighter future while actively contributing to their community.”

Cynthia Clarke-Filemon added, “Practical work experience helps participants build valuable skills and play a more active, positive role in society. With the support of probation officers, businesses, and community partners, we aim to guide these young adults in overcoming challenges and transforming their lives.”

The initiative seeks collaboration with the Ministry of Social Affairs (VSA) to ensure placements are well-structured and supervised to maximize personal and professional growth. Participating businesses would benefit from participants’ contributions while actively supporting community rehabilitation efforts.

“This initiative is still in the conceptual phase, and we look forward to engaging with all stakeholders to refine and develop it further,” MP Roseburg concluded. “By working together, we can create meaningful opportunities for young adults and help build a stronger, safer Sint Maarten.”

Discussions with judicial, social, and business stakeholders will refine the program’s structure, ensuring inclusivity and alignment with community needs. Updates will be provided as the initiative develops further.

For more information, please contact MP Roseburg or J&IS at 5423449 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.