PHILIPSBURG:--- As Sint Maarten enters the peak of the high season, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is informing the public, business community, and visitors of preliminary measures that will soon take effect through a forthcoming Ministerial Decree from the Minister of Justice, in collaboration with the Ministry of VROMI.
These measures are aimed at improving safety, traffic flow, and the overall visitor experience during one of the busiest periods of the year.
• Certain alleyways leading toward Front Street and Back Street will be temporarily closed off to improve pedestrian safety and reduce congestion.
• In the upcoming days, parts of Back Street and several alleyways connecting Back Street to Front Street will be temporarily closed due to a scheduled street fair. Residents of Back Street are urged to consider this when accessing their homes and when planning parking arrangements, as access may be limited at times.
• No loitering will be permitted in the areas surrounding the A.C. Wathey Cruise Port entrance, Captain Hodge’s Wharf, and Water Plant Square—locations where large numbers of visitors arrive and depart.
• Additional traffic adjustments will be implemented in and around Philipsburg to ensure smoother flow.
• KPSM will also be implementing heightened safety and security measures in the Simpson Bay and Maho areas, two of the island’s busiest nightlife and tourism zones during the high season. These efforts include enhanced visibility of officers and proactive traffic safety. Controls on unsafe driving and traffic congestion. The public, nightlife establishments, and road users are encouraged to cooperate with officers as these safety measures are carried out.
KPSM reminds the public that parking enforcement remains active. Vehicles parked in no-parking zones, particularly along Front Street, Back Street, and surrounding alleyways, remain subject to towing. Drivers, pedestrians, and all those working within the taxi and tour industry are urged to take these updates into account when planning their routes.
More detailed information on the Ministerial Decree and the exact traffic and movement changes will be released this week.
KPSM thanks the community for its cooperation as we work together to maintain a safe environment for both residents and the thousands of visitors who will arrive during this high season.

KPSM Press Release.

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago:---  Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) has released its first Sustainability Report, marking a major milestone in its journey to embed sustainability across all Group operations in adapting to the accelerating impacts of climate and social change. The publication consolidates years of progress and reaffirms RFHL’s commitment to delivering long-term value for its customers, employees, and the communities across its entire footprint.
Group President and CEO, Nigel Baptiste, highlighted the urgency of the challenge, stating, “RFHL recognises that true leadership goes beyond the provision of sound financial services. Climate disruption, social inequality, and shifting stakeholder expectations demand purposeful and accountable action. In the Caribbean, the financial burden of climate impacts exacerbates challenges such as food security, healthcare access, economic diversification, supply chain disruptions, and migration. These realities help shape our strategy and reinforce our commitment to long-term resilience.”
The Report shows RFHL actively embedding sustainability into its daily operations through strengthened systems, policies, and culture. It highlights concrete progress from delivering climate-aligned financial solutions and progressing towards the USD 200 million Climate Finance Target to advancing SDG-driven community programmes and employee-led initiatives demonstrating the Group’s expanding role in sustainable finance and regional resilience.
Group Vice President, Richard Sammy, contextualised RFHL’s efforts within global sustainable finance trends: “In just two years, global sustainable finance has surged, reaching USD 8.2 trillion in 2024, a 17% increase from 2023. When Hurricane Melissa struck Jamaica, two innovative disaster-financing mechanisms were triggered: a USD 150 million World Bank catastrophe bond and a USD 70.8 million payout from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF). While not sufficient for full recovery, these instruments demonstrate how layered financing can transform climate risk into swift response and long-term resilience, highlighting the evolving landscape of climate adaptation.”
The Report highlights the growing influence of sustainability across the Group, RFHL’s alignment with leading reporting frameworks, including the UNEP FI principles, and its active participation in regional and international sustainability forums. Key milestones such as the inaugural 2024 RFHL Sustainability Expo and the Group’s contribution to the COP 30 Baku to Belém Roadmap to 1.3T are also showcased.
Beyond outlining achievements, the Report shows how sustainability is beginning to shape RFHL’s operations, from early shifts in risk culture and data governance to the foundational work in product design and customer service, while the Group continues to build the internal capacity needed to advance its longer-term climate and social objectives.
RFHL invites the public, partners, and regional stakeholders to explore and share the full Report and engage with the Group as it continues to drive a resilient, sustainable Caribbean.
Read the full Report here: rfhl.com/sr2025/

Willemstad:--- A group of students from The Hague University of Applied Sciences (HSS) visited the Social and Economic Council (SER) of Curaçao on Monday as part of their ‘Kingdom Relations’ minor. During the visit, the students received an overview of how the advisory body informs government and parliamentary decision-making on socioeconomic issues.
Council staff explained the legal foundation of the SER, the process through which its recommendations are drafted and reviewed, and the institution’s place within Curaçao’s constitutional system. The visit offered the students a rare glimpse into the mechanics of policy formation in a small island jurisdiction.
Interest from The Hague University has grown steadily in recent years, with students frequently completing internships at the council. According to officials familiar with the exchange, the continued collaboration helps strengthen understanding between the Caribbean and European parts of the Kingdom.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Lions Club of Sint Maarten proudly announces the winners of the 2025–2026 Lions International Peace Poster Competition, held for participating schools on the Dutch side of the island. This year’s global theme, “Together As One,” encouraged young artists ages 11–13 to explore unity, diversity, and the power of collective strength. Students responded with exceptional creativity, offering powerful visual interpretations of what it means to stand together as one people.

After a detailed judging process, first place was awarded to Fang Yu Cai, age 13, of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School, for her richly detailed artwork featuring the Earth surrounded by international flags, human profiles, planets, and chains of people holding hands. Her piece beautifully symbolizes global harmony and the interconnectedness of all cultures, illustrating how humanity can truly move Together As One.

Second place was awarded to Niti Ramchandani of St. Joseph School (Group 8), whose bold and vibrant poster incorporates strong black hands, Caribbean flags, and an infinity chain of figures to symbolize continuous unity. At the center of her artwork sits St. Maarten, deliberately placed at the heart of the world — a powerful statement that our island stands as a beacon of connection and togetherness, reminding us that even a small nation plays a meaningful role in uniting people Together As One.

Third place went to Adira Faudoas, age 13, of Charlotte Brookson Academy, for her imaginative depiction of an angelic figure with the Earth as its head, reaching toward a glowing heart. The multicolored patterns on the angel’s arms represent the diverse people of the world, emphasizing that all humanity forms part of one global family. Her artwork reflects love, hope, and the beauty of coming Together As One.

The Prize Giving Ceremony was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, where families, teachers, and Lions Club members joined to celebrate the talented students and their inspiring work. The Lions Club expresses deep appreciation to the participating schools, art teachers, and parents across the Dutch side of Sint Maarten for supporting this meaningful youth initiative.

Lions Club President Lion Alvin Prescod shared his remarks: “The Peace Poster Competition reminds us that when we uplift our youth, we encourage a future built on unity, understanding, and hope. The theme ‘Together As One’ was clearly and beautifully reflected in the creativity of our students. Their artwork fills us with pride and reinforces the vital role unity plays not only here on our island, but across the world.”

For nearly four decades, the Lions International Peace Poster Contest has inspired hundreds of thousands of students around the globe to express their understanding of peace through art. The Lions Club of Sint Maarten remains committed to continuing this tradition, giving young people a platform to express themselves, dream boldly, and imagine a more peaceful world — together, as one.