PHILIPSBURG:--- The President of the NAPB- Sint Maarten, Marcus Pantophlet, is urgently calling on the Honorable Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure to take immediate and decisive action to address the deteriorating road conditions around Sint Maarten.
On March 19, 2026, at approximately 9:20 AM, Patrols were dispatched to respond to a robbery in progress. A patrol consisting of three police officers, while responding to the robbery, was involved in a serious traffic accident on Sucker Garden Road. Preliminary information indicates that a large, hazardous pothole in the roadway may have been a contributing factor in this incident.
These officers were performing their sworn duty — responding swiftly to protect life and property — when they were placed in grave danger by unsafe infrastructure. The severity of the accident underscores the very real risks our officers face daily, not only from criminal elements but also from preventable environmental hazards such as poorly maintained roads.
It is nothing short of alarming that while responding to an emergency call, three dedicated officers could have lost their lives because of infrastructure deficiencies. This situation is unacceptable.
NAPB-Sint Maarten stresses that safe, well-maintained roads are not a luxury — they are a fundamental necessity for public safety. Police officers, ambulance personnel, firefighters, and citizens alike depend on reliable infrastructure to carry out their responsibilities and daily activities safely.
We therefore strongly urge the Ministry to:
Conduct an immediate inspection of Sucker Garden Road and other high-risk areas.
Prioritize urgent repairs of hazardous potholes and road damage.
Implement a structured and transparent road maintenance plan.
Ensure ongoing monitoring to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Public safety is a shared responsibility. Our officers must be able to respond to emergencies without fearing that the very roads they travel may become life-threatening obstacles.
NAPB- Sint Maarten stands firmly in support of the officers involved and calls on the Government of Sint Maarten to treat this matter with the seriousness it demands. We will continue to advocate for safer working conditions for all law enforcement personnel and for the protection of the wider community.

Marcus Pantophlet
President,
NAPB -Sint Maarten

Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has been named the winner of the prestigious Currency Manager Award 2026 by Central Banking this year. This award is part of the annual Central Banking Awards, which recognize excellence in the central banking community worldwide. The CBCS is receiving this distinction for the successful introduction of the Caribbean guilder in 2025.
“The introduction of the Caribbean guilder has been one of the CBCS’s most significant undertakings in recent history. Being selected as the recipient of Central Banking’s Currency Manager Award is a profound honor for our institution. This award shows what is possible for a small central bank when a professional and enthusiastic team is working relentlessly in close cooperation with trusted partners and advisors”, Richard Doornbosch, CBCS-president, stated.
The Central Banking Awards were judged by a panel made up of members of the Central Banking Editorial Team and Editorial Advisory Board, based on their analysis, benchmarking, and reporting. According to the judges, the successful introduction of the Caribbean guilder demonstrates that small teams that develop and execute a well-considered plan consistently, while taking on expert advice where needed, pays off.
Christopher Jeffery, Chairman of the Central Banking Awards Committee, said: “The CBCS’s success in converting skepticism into ownership through a clear multilingual outreach, neutral island‑themed design and next‑generation security has strengthened monetary sovereignty and public trust.”
The Central Banking Awards are being presented for the 13th time this year and are based on more than three decades of independent and in-depth analysis of developments within central banks worldwide.
Willemstad, March 19, 2026
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating an armed robbery that took place at a pizza establishment on Bush Road on the morning of Thursday, March 19th, 2026, shortly after 09:00 AM.

According to preliminary reports, two suspects on a scooter carried out the robbery and fled the scene towards A.Th. Illidge Road, heading towards the French border.

Police patrol units responded immediately and attempted to intercept the fleeing suspects.

 During the pursuit, one of the police vehicles lost control while maneuvering to avoid another vehicle and subsequently collided with a truck that was parked along the roadside in Sucker-Garden.

As a result of the collision, three police officers sustained serious injuries. They were being transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for medical treatment.

The suspects managed to continue their escape, fleeing towards the French side of the island. KPSM is actively working in close collaboration with its French counterparts to locate and apprehend those responsible.

 Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

KPSM urges anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist in the investigation to come forward and contact the police. 1721 5422222 or the tipline  at 9300

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is investigating a serious traffic accident that took place on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at approximately 9:30 PM on Buncamper Road, near the Freedom Fighters Roundabout. The circumstances of this incident serve as an important reminder of the very real consequences that can result from disregarding traffic laws.

A motorcycle and a Chevrolet Spark passenger vehicle were involved in a serious accident. The driver of the Chevrolet Spark was travelling along Buncamper Road toward the Freedom Fighters Roundabout when the motorcyclist, approaching from Sucker-garden Road, entered the roundabout in the wrong direction before proceeding onto Buncamper Road, colliding with the left side of the vehicle.

The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries, including a fracture to the left leg, and was transported to the hospital for further medical care. It has since been confirmed that the rider is a minor.

KPSM wishes to address a pattern of riding behavior that continues to be observed on St. Maarten's roads and that causes genuine concern for public safety. A number of motorcycle and scooter riders are regularly seen riding against traffic, entering roundabouts incorrectly, speeding through busy areas, and ignoring basic road markings and signals, often without helmets or proper documentation.

Tuesday's accident is a clear illustration of where this kind of behavior can lead. Serious injury or worse is the very real outcome of riding without regard for the rules of the road.

The involvement of a minor in this accident is a matter that KPSM cannot overlook. Parents and guardians are reminded that they bear a significant responsibility for the safety of their children in traffic. Allowing minors to operate motorcycles or motor vehicles unsupervised and without a license is both dangerous and illegal.

KPSM respectfully but firmly urges parents and guardians to have open conversations with their children about road safety, know where their children are, and ensure they are not operating motor vehicles without proper authorization and supervision.

The safety of St. Maarten's roads is a shared responsibility. KPSM remains committed to working with the community to reduce accidents and protect all road users. The Force thanks the public for their continued cooperation and encourages anyone with information relevant to this incident to come forward.

KPSM remains committed to ensuring public safety and urges anyone with information related to this or any other case to call +1721-54222 or the tip line at 9300.