PHILIPSBURG"--- The Ministry of Justice confirms that reports circulating about Immigration conducting operations or checks during the Dominican Republic Independence Day parade are false. No such planned operation was scheduled in connection with the parade.
The Ministry recognizes that such events are important cultural celebrations within our community. There was no targeted action linked to the parade, and Immigration did not organize or execute any operation in relation to this event.
The Ministry can confirm that two Venezuelan nationals were detained yesterday. Their apprehension resulted from a routine patrol conducted independently of the parade activities. The timing was coincidental and not connected to the celebration in any way. One of the individuals detained had previously evaded Immigration authorities and has since been actively sought.
The Ministry of Justice remains committed to carrying out its duties in a professional, impartial, and lawful manner. Routine enforcement activities continue daily across the country and are not targeted at any specific cultural or community event.
The public is encouraged to rely on verified information and official communications from the Ministry.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Brenda Rodriguez de Allen, manager of Sxmislandtime and a member of the Board of Directors of the Fundación Semana Dominicana, has formally expressed concern and disappointment following an incident involving Immigration Department personnel during Sunday’s Dominican Independence parade.

The incident reportedly occurred on March 1, 2026, along Walter Nisbeth Road/Pondfill, during celebrations marking the 182nd anniversary of the independence of the Dominican Republic.

In a public statement, Rodriguez de Allen described the actions taken by Immigration officials while performing their duties as “inappropriate” and “deeply disrespectful” toward the Dominican community. She stated that the measures caused unnecessary discomfort and undermined the dignity of the broader Latino community at a time meant to honor cultural pride and heritage.

The annual parade, organized as part of Dominican Week festivities, is one of the community’s most significant cultural events, drawing large crowds in celebration of Dominican history, identity, and contributions to the island’s multicultural society.

Rodriguez de Allen emphasized that the behavior displayed during the incident is “unacceptable and inconsistent with the values of respect and inclusion that our community upholds.” She called for greater sensitivity and mutual respect during cultural observances, particularly those that foster unity and diversity.

As of press time, there has been no official response from the Immigration Department regarding the matter.

The Dominican Week Foundation continues its scheduled activities throughout the week, reaffirming its commitment to promoting cultural awareness, pride, and community solidarity.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the early hours of Monday, March 2, 2026, a tragic incident on Arlet Peters Road (commonly known as Old Cake House Road) claimed the lives of two individuals. The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the event, which occurred shortly after 3:30 a.m.
Central Dispatch received multiple reports of an overturned SUV near the entrance of Arlet Peters Road. Responding swiftly, several patrol units arrived at the scene to find a gray SUV flipped over. Both the male driver and a female passenger were discovered unresponsive inside the vehicle. Despite immediate efforts, both were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Initial findings by the Traffic Department have raised concerns that the incident may not be purely accidental. Evidence collected at the site has prompted suspicions of potential criminal involvement. Consequently, the Detective Department was called in to further investigate the matter.
The area was cordoned off to facilitate a thorough forensic investigation. Authorities have assured the public that additional details will be shared as the investigation progresses.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased in the fourth quarter of 2025 to 115.28, which represented an increase of 0.16% when compared to the previous quarter. Additionally, when comparing consumer prices in the fourth quarter of 2025 to the fourth quarter of 2024, the results show a notable increase of 0.42%.

The total average CPI for 2025 is 114.90. The inflation for 2025 is 0.92%, indicating that overall price movements remained relatively stable throughout the year.

Quarterly Overview (Q4 2025-Q3 2025)
When comparing Q4 2025 to Q3 2025, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that three of the four major expenditure categories increased during the quarter. These four categories carry the greatest weight in calculating the overall CPI and therefore have the largest impact on quarterly inflation trends. Overall, quarterly inflation remained low, driven by a decline in housing-related costs
• Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels recorded a decrease of 2.32% in Q4 compared to Q3. This decline was mainly due to a 6.69% drop in Actual rentals paid by tenants. In addition, Electricity, gas, and other fuels decreased by 0.97%, largely driven by a 1.13% reduction in electricity prices.
• Transport increased by 2.75% during the quarter. This was primarily influenced by a 6.50% rise in Transport services, mainly due to an 8.97% increase in Passenger transport by air. The subcategory Purchase of vehicles also rose by 2.10%, driven by higher prices for Bicycles (+4.56%) and Motorcars (+2.12%).
• Miscellaneous goods and services rose by 0.38%. This increase was mainly attributed to Personal care (+0.67%), particularly higher prices for Other appliances, articles, and products for personal care (+0.89%).
• Food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 0.87%. This growth was largely driven by Non-alcoholic beverages (+1.10%), especially Coffee, tea, and cocoa, which rose by 3.75%.

Annual Trends – Q4 2025 vs Q4 2024

Overall, the CPI for Q4 2025 increased slightly by 0.42% compared to Q4 2024. This modest rise was largely influenced by contrasting movements within the four main expenditure categories. Inflation remained below 1% year-on-year, reflecting stable price developments across most categories.
The largest category, Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, recorded a notable decrease of 2.07%, which helped keep overall inflation low. Meanwhile, the smallest of the four major categories, Food and non-alcoholic beverages, increased by 2.31%, partially offsetting the decline in housing-related costs.

Three of the four most influential expenditure categories recorded price increases compared to Q4 2024.
• Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels decreased by 2.07%, mainly due to lower prices for Electricity, gas and other fuels (-7.50%) and Actual rentals for housing (-2.69%).
• Transport increased slightly by 0.84%, driven by higher costs for Operation of personal transport equipment (including fuel) (+1.77%) and Purchase of vehicles (+0.52%).
• Miscellaneous goods and services declined by 0.25%, primarily due to a drop in Financial services n.e.c. (-4.69). These include fees and charges for services from banks, post offices, money changers, brokers, tax consultants, and similar financial institutions.
• Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 2.31%, influenced by higher prices for Food products n.e.c. (+12.16%) and Sugar, jam, honey, chocolate, and confectionery (+8.30%). Food products n.e.c. include miscellaneous food items such as sugar cane, baking powders, broths, soup bases, instant desserts, and nutritional or fortified foods

Major CPI Categories – Weight, Quarterly, and Year-on-Year Changes