PHILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday, the 22nd of February 2026, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) responded to a report of an armed robbery in the Simpson Bay area. The victim reported that he was robbed of his chains. Following an investigation by the Armed Robbery Unit division, S.A.E. was arrested on February 25th, 2026. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) wishes to inform the general public regarding an upcoming Gospel Parade scheduled for tomorrow evening, February 27th, 2026, starting at 6:30 PM – 9.30 PM. To ensure the safety of participants and smooth traffic flow, motorists should take note of the following details:

Parade Route:

• Start: Methodist Church (Union Road, Cole Bay)
• Path: Union Road - Causeway Bridge - Airport Road Roundabout - Airport Road - Welfare Road - Kruijthoff Roundabout.
• End: Returning via Union Road to the Methodist Church.

Motorist Advisory

Officers will be present to assist with traffic management. Motorists using these roads between 6:30 PM and 9:30 PM a…

PHILIPSBURG:---The Department of Social Development, Ministry of Public Health, Social Development & Labour, proudly invites our senior community, caregivers, family, friends, and the community at large to attend Senior Connect – Display of Services for Seniors, taking place on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the Government Building Parking Lot from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Senior Connect is more than an event — it is a celebration of life, experience, wisdom, and community. It is a space created to remind seniors that they remain valued, vibrant, and essential members of society. The initiative is designed to inspire seniors to stay engaged, informed, active, and socially connected while discovering the many services and opportunities available to support their well-being.
The event will bring together a diverse range of service providers offering information on healthcare, social support, recreational activities, financial guidance, and community services. Seniors will have the opportunity to speak directly with organizations that are committed to supporting them in maintaining independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Beyond information and resources, Senior Connect embraces the importance of human connection. Seniors will have opportunities to reconnect with friends, meet new people, and build meaningful relationships within a warm and welcoming environment.
A special highlight of the event is the opportunity for seniors to explore volunteerism. Many seniors possess valuable life experience, talents, and wisdom that can positively impact the community. By signing up for volunteer opportunities, seniors can continue to share their gifts, rediscover purpose, and remain actively involved in shaping their community.
Senior Connect will also focus on the joy of movement, laughter, and play. The event will feature engaging games, light exercise, and uplifting music that encourage seniors to dance, relax, and enjoy themselves. These activities are carefully included to promote physical wellness, emotional well-being, and social interaction.
This initiative recognizes that healthy ageing is not only about access to services, but also about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit. It encourages seniors to connect with organizations that can support them, reconnect with themselves through wellness and recreation, and connect with peers through shared joy and experiences.
The Department of Social Development encourages seniors, caregivers, families, and the wider community to come out and celebrate the strength, resilience, and vibrancy of the senior population at this free and uplifting community event.
For additional information, persons may contact the Department of Social Development.

PHILPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in a short ceremony at the Government Administration Building, the Secretary-General of the Social Economic Council (SER), Mr. Gerard Richardson, expressed his appreciation to the outgoing Secretary-General of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mr. H. Plantijn, for his dedicated years of service to Country Sint Maarten.
Mr. Plantijn is scheduled to retire next month following many years of public service on Sint Maarten. In his former capacity as the Legal Policy Advisor to the former Prime Minister and current President of Parliament of Sint Maarten, the Honorable S. Wescot-Williams, SG Plantijn, together with the former SG of the Ministry of General Affairs, Mrs. Emilia Connor-Thomas, both played instrumental roles in the establishment of the SER dating back to May 2011.

Mr. Richardson conveyed his sincere thanks and appreciation to SG Plantijn for his longstanding contributions to the SER since its inception. While there were occasions when differing perspectives emerged regarding the SER and the Ministry of General Affairs, both officials recognized the importance of maintaining a professional and respectful working relationship and concluded their collaboration on a positive note.
On behalf of the Chairman of the SER, Mr. Harlec Doran, Mr. Richardson thanked his outgoing colleague for his valuable contributions to both the SER and Country Sint Maarten and wished him every success in his future endeavors.