PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is investigating a robbery and assault incident involving two visitors in the Dutch Quarter area near the Bird Farm on February 21, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM.

Central Dispatch received several calls reporting that two individuals were being robbed while walking along the road in the vicinity of Belvedere. In response, multiple police patrols and paramedics were immediately dispatched to the location.

Upon arrival, officers encountered the victims, who had sustained injuries during the assault. The victims informed responding patrols and detectives that they had been attacked by a group of young men riding scooters. Based on the information provided, the suspects fled toward the Dutch Quarter. Descriptions of the suspects, their clothing, and the scooters were relayed to patrol units searching in the Manilla Drive area.

During the search, officers located one of the scooters believed to have been involved. Three suspects associated with the assault and robbery were spotted near the vehicle. Two of the suspects were apprehended, while the third fled the scene.

While executing the arrests, officers were aggressively confronted by a group of individuals attempting to obstruct and interfere with police operations. This type of behavior is completely unacceptable and poses a serious threat to the safety of officers, suspects, and the public. KPSM will not tolerate any form of interference with police duties. Individuals engaging in such conduct will be dealt with swiftly and decisively to ensure officers can carry out their lawful responsibilities safely and effectively

The Sint Maarten Police Force stresses that law enforcement officers perform their duties to protect and serve the community. Any behavior that endangers officers or disrupts police work will not be tolerated.

KPSM Press Release.

BONAIRE:--- As a direct outcome of the BES Summit held on February 12, 2025, on Saba, the Island Councils of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba have jointly agreed to submit a response letter to the State Secretary of Kingdom Relations.
This letter addresses concerns raised by his correspondence dated February 6, 2025, in which he outlined proposed amendments to the Public Entities Act Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (WolBES) and Finance Act Public Entities Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (FinBES).
Over the past week, all three Island Councils have confirmed and agreed upon the joint response letter in their respective meetings and have formally submitted it to the State Secretary’s office, as well as to other key governmental bodies.
The response highlights concerns regarding unilateral changes to agreements that were carefully negotiated during the Work Conference held in March 2024 in De Bilt.
These agreements were established in collaboration with the former State Secretary and were intended to guide future governance and financial structures for the islands.
In his recent letter, the newly appointed State Secretary expressed his intention to revise some of these agreements and to take additional time to assess further adjustments.
The Island Councils strongly oppose this approach, as no consultation with the islands was conducted prior to these proposed changes.
The Island Councils find this lack of dialogue both disrespectful and dismissive of the collaborative efforts made during the Work Conference.
Given that these agreements were established in good faith, they expect the State Secretary to engage in a constructive conversation before any amendments are made.
In the joint letter, the Island Councils of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba have formally requested an urgent meeting with the State Secretary before the consultation process for the legislative amendments begins.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) is pleased to announce the upcoming Labor Symposium/Conference 2025, scheduled for May 13 - 15, 2025. This major event, themed “Empowering Workers & Employers – Know Your Rights, Build Your Future,” will provide a comprehensive platform for labor discussions and education on workplace rights and responsibilities.
A pivotal meeting was held between WICSU-PSU representatives and the Honorable Minister of Labor, Mr. Brug, along with his team on February 17, 2025. During this meeting, the Minister expressed his full support and enthusiasm for the initiative, recognizing the symposium’s significance in strengthening labor relations in St. Maarten. The Minister and his team emphasized the importance of ensuring that all employees are well-informed in their language of communication so that they would enjoy the benefits of the information that will be shared at the symposium.
The symposium will feature interactive sessions and breakout discussions led by professionals well-versed in labor law, human resources, and industrial relations. Key topics among others will include conflict resolution, the Landsverordening Materieel Ambtenarenrecht (LMA) and Book 7, Title 10 of the Civil Code of St. Maarten, the role of the Human Resource (HR) departments, ILO conventions applicable to St. Maarten, The Committee for Civil Servants Unions (CCSU), the role of the Labor Department and the higher councils, Mental health and the workplace, harassment in the workplace, the Education law, and the role of educators and the workforce, communication and much more.
The target audience includes private, public, and semi-public sector employees, employers, management teams, and educators.
WICSU-PSU President Sharon Cangieter stated, “This symposium is an essential step towards fostering a well-informed workforce and a more harmonious labor environment. We are excited to have the backing of the Minister of Labor and his team, who have given their blessing to this initiative. Their commitment to labor education and fair workplace practices is commendable.”
WICSU-PSU looks forward to engaging the wider community in this initiative and invites all relevant parties to participate in making this symposium a success.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA) reminds all holders of a passenger transport permit to register their operation with the Transport Control Unit no later than Tuesday, February 25, 2025, to receive a confirmation letter. This letter validates that the operation’s documentation and vehicle meet the applicable regulations to provide transport services.
To date, over 400 applications have been received for the confirmation letter process, categorized as follows:
• 275 taxis
• 100 buses
• 25 vehicles combined of T and G plates from various companies
• 5 car rental companies
Approximately 200 confirmation letters have already been issued and collected. Operators still requiring confirmation letters are encouraged to attend one of the remaining two inspection days scheduled for February 21, and 25.
Location: Parking lot of Little League Baseball Field, Soualiga Road, Pond Island.

Permit holders who fail to notify the department of their status by the February 25 deadline may be classified as inactive, resulting in the permanent withdrawal of their permits in accordance with the law. Individuals facing challenges in acquiring a vehicle to begin operations must still report their status to the department.
Registration Process and Documentation Requirements
The Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has emphasized that this directive is non-negotiable and applies to all individuals and businesses in the passenger transport industry.
Operators must submit their documentation through a secure online form, accessible via the following link:
Passenger Transport Registration Form: https://www.proprofs.com/survey/t/?title=kojsz.

The required documents include:
• Original or authentic copy of the primary permit.
• Valid vehicle insurance policy (must mention validity period and vehicle plate number).
• Valid motor vehicle inspection card.
• Valid Sint Maarten driver’s license.
• Valid Sint Maarten identification card or Dutch passport.
For operators with an assistant driver, additional documentation is required:
• A valid Assistant Driver’s Permit.
• Valid Sint Maarten driver’s license.
• Valid Sint Maarten identification card or Dutch passport.
• An authorization letter signed by the permit holder or a power of attorney statement confirming an active work relationship (no older than 30 days).

Companies managing five or more vehicles with a T-, G-, or R-plate must submit a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet with details of each vehicle (make, model, year, and VIN) and digital copies of valid motor vehicle inspection cards and valid insurance policies. The spreadsheet template can be requested from the Transport Control Unit by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. A separate fleet inspection date will be arranged once all digital files have been received and reviewed.
Vehicle Inspection Requirements
Operators of buses, taxis, touring cars (T-plate), and unregulated vehicles (G-plate) must select a preferred date for vehicle inspection at the Little League Baseball Field on Soualigua Boulevard, across from the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center.

Passenger transport vehicles must be equipped with the following:
• A functional fire extinguisher.
• A first-aid kit for minor injuries.
• Mechanical components are in working order (e.g., brake lights, headlights, horn, and no damaged front or rear windshield).
• License plates securely attached to the outermost exterior front and back of the vehicle.
Due to road safety concerns, vehicles suspected of significant defects will be referred to the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center for further evaluation, even if they have a valid inspection card.
For further information don't hesitate to get in touch with the Transport Control Unit at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via WhatsApp at +1 (721) 559-7685.