Cole Bay, Sint Maarten:---  Orco Bank proudly announces the official opening of its new Drive-Thru ATM and Night Depository facility in Cole Bay, further strengthening its commitment to convenience, accessibility, security, and innovation across St. Maarten.
Strategically located in one of the island’s key commercial hubs, the new self-service banking facility offers customers secure and easy access to essential banking services, 24- hours a day, 7 days a week.
Services Available
Drive-Thru ATM (24/7 Access):
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Cash withdrawals in USD and XCG
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Balance inquiries
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Mini-statement printing
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PIN changes
Night Depository Machine (24/7 Business Deposits):
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Secure after-hours commercial deposits for business clients
This new facility is designed to enhance flexibility for retail customers while providing business clients with a safe and reliable after-hours deposit solution.
“At Orco Bank, we continuously look for ways to make banking simpler, safer, and more accessible,” said Judy King, St. Maarten Country Manager. “This new Drive-Thru facility in Cole Bay reflects our commitment to meeting our customers where they are.”
Cole Bay continues to grow as a vibrant commercial area, and Orco Bank’s investment in this location underscores its dedication to supporting both personal and business banking needs within the community.
For more information about Orco Bank’s services visit www.orcobank.com/atm-locations.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on April 24, 2026.

The Public meeting is scheduled for Friday at 11.30 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:

1. Incoming documents

2. Advice on a Report from the Committee of Parlatino Matters regarding the First Vice Chairmanship of a Parlatino Committee (IS/962/2025-2026 dated April 15, 2026)
3. Ratification Agreements Lists of the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) held from February 19-21, 2026, in Oranjestad, Aruba (IS/724/2025-2026 dated February 23, 2026)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) informs the general public that the first phase of the Inter-Insular Gun Amnesty Program has officially concluded. During this initial phase, individuals were given the opportunity to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms safely and anonymously.
KPSM is now in the second phase, under the clear message: “We're Coming For It.”
This phase represents a firm transition from voluntary compliance to enhanced enforcement. Officers will intensify preventative searches, targeted controls, and operational actions, including visits to homes and businesses where intelligence indicates the possible presence of illegal firearms.
As the island prepares for heightened activity during the Carnival period, KPSM will also significantly increase its operational presence across key areas. Enhanced patrols and controls will be conducted during major events, such as the Jouvert (J’ouvert) Jump-Up and scheduled shows in the Carnival Village, to prevent firearm-related incidents and maintain public safety.
These measures are being implemented with a clear objective: to push back against gun violence, safeguard the community, and ensure a safe and enjoyable Carnival season for all.
KPSM has taken note of several altercations and fights during recent events in the Carnival Village. Such behavior not only disrupts public order but also significantly increases the risk of serious violence. The police are therefore issuing a zero-tolerance warning for disorderly conduct, possession of illegal firearms, and any actions that may endanger public safety during the Jouvert (J’ouvert) Jump-Up in particular.
The public is reminded that while the initial amnesty phase has ended, the opportunity to make responsible choices remains. Individuals found in possession of illegal firearms during this second phase will face decisive police action, arrest, and prosecution.
KPSM urges all residents and visitors to act responsibly, avoid confrontations, and cooperate fully with law enforcement officers during controls and searches. Community cooperation remains essential in reducing violence and protecting lives.
Every firearm removed from the streets is a step toward a safer Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has confirmed that 15-year-old Kelvina Toma, previously reported missing, has safely returned home. According to police, the young girl’s mother contacted authorities after her daughter’s return, officially closing the case.
However, what unfolded after her return raises serious concern — and a vital lesson for other young people.
Shortly after being reported missing, a video surfaced showing Kelvina partying with friends in a vehicle, sparking outrage among community members who had been actively searching and sharing information to help locate her. Following the public attention, she returned home but went on to make disrespectful remarks on social media, even directly contacting media outlets that had posted the footage.

This kind of behavior is deeply troubling. When someone falsely triggers a missing persons alert, it diverts critical police resources, time, and public effort that could make the difference in real emergencies — situations where a young person may actually be in danger or desperately in need of help. KPSM already works with limited manpower and equipment; unnecessary searches strain those capacities and damage public trust, which is crucial in genuine cases.
Teenagers — especially young girls — must understand the importance of open communication with parents and guardians. Whenever you decide to go out, stay with friends, or spend time away from home, always inform your family of your whereabouts. Doing so isn’t about control — it’s about safety, respect, and responsibility.

Every false alarm puts law enforcement under pressure and risks dulling the community’s alertness the next time a real child goes missing. Actions have consequences, and the public must treat such incidents with the seriousness they deserve.
Let’s keep our focus where it belongs — protecting those truly in danger — by being honest, accountable, and mindful of the trust our community places in law enforcement.