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Security Breach Exposes Shocking Failures at Simpson Bay Immigration Detention Center.

PHILIPSBURG: ---A devastating security failure at the Simpson Bay Immigration Detention Center has left authorities scrambling for answers after an undocumented immigrant walked out of custody undetected, raising serious questions about the competence of our immigration system and the safety of our community.

The escaped detainee, who was apprehended during routine immigration control and housed at the facility, managed to breach security sometime Monday without a single guard noticing. The shocking truth only came to light the following day during a shift change headcount – nearly 24 hours after the fact.

This isn't just negligence; it's a complete abdication of responsibility that puts every citizen at risk.

Guards Asleep at the Wheel

How does someone simply walk out of an immigration detention facility? The answer points to a culture of complacency and incompetence that should alarm every taxpayer funding this broken system.

The guards on duty were so oblivious to their most basic responsibility – keeping detainees secure – that they failed to notice a missing person for an entire day. This level of negligence would be laughable if it weren't so dangerous.

We're talking about a facility designed to detain individuals who have violated immigration laws. If guards can't even maintain a proper headcount, what other security protocols are they ignoring?

A Wall of Silence

Perhaps even more disturbing than the escape itself is the deafening silence of those responsible for protecting our borders and maintaining order.

Neither immigration authorities nor the Minister of Justice have offered any disclosure about this embarrassing incident. No explanations. No accountability. No transparency whatsoever.

This stone wall of silence raises troubling questions:

  • How many other security breaches have occurred without public knowledge?
  • What measures are being taken to prevent future escapes?
  • Who will be held accountable for this failure?

Public Safety Abandoned

An undocumented immigrant who was properly detained through immigration control is now roaming free because of institutional incompetence. We don't know this person's background, criminal history, or potential threat level – and apparently, neither do the authorities charged with our protection.

This escape represents a fundamental breach of trust between the government and the citizens it's supposed to protect. When detention centers become revolving doors, the entire immigration enforcement system becomes meaningless.

Demanding Answers

The people deserve immediate answers about how this happened and what's being done to fix it. We need:

  • Full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding the escape
  • Immediate termination of any guards responsible for this negligence
  • A comprehensive review of security protocols at all detention facilities
  • Regular public reporting on detention center operations

A Pattern of Failure

This incident likely isn't isolated. When guards are this negligent and officials this secretive, it suggests systemic problems that go far beyond one escaped detainee.

Our immigration system is supposed to maintain order and protect public safety. Instead, we're witnessing a comedy of errors that would be amusing if the stakes weren't so high.

The time for excuses and cover-ups has passed. We demand accountability, transparency, and immediate reform of a system that's clearly broken beyond repair.

Until we get answers and see real change, how can any citizen trust that our immigration authorities are capable of doing their most basic job – keeping dangerous individuals off our streets?

The escape at Simpson Bay isn't just a security breach; it's a betrayal of public trust that demands swift and decisive action. Our safety depends on it.


Collaborative Training Hosted by MECYS for School Bus Operators.

busdriverstraining03092025PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Education, in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) and the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA), successfully hosted a joint training for school bus operators for the 2025-2026 academic year on August 18, 2025.

The training introduced school bus drivers to the draft policy framework on the Fleet Tracking System and its role in improving accountability, monitoring, and overall school safety. The session also placed strong emphasis on de-escalation techniques and adherence to transportation safety standards, equipping drivers to respond more effectively to challenges on and off the road.

This collaborative effort underscores the importance of cross-ministerial cooperation in strengthening Sint Maarten’s commitment to student safety.

During the discussions, participants highlighted the need for increased School Bus Awareness and that the community needs to better understand the collective responsibility of all for school transportation safety.

The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, together with KPSM and IETA, remain committed to ongoing dialogue, training, and advocacy in advancing the highest standards of safety in school transportation.

Reminder: Collect Your 2025 Business License Extension at Receiver’s Office.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Tax Administration hereby reminds all businesses that have already paid online for their 2025 business license extensions that their documents are now available for collection at the Receiver’s Office on Pond Island.

Upon arrival, business owners should proceed directly to the balie/reception window to collect their extension licenses.

Business license extensions can be picked up Monday to Friday, between 8:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Business owners are kindly reminded to bring proof of payment when collecting.

The Tax Administration encourages businesses to collect their extension licenses promptly.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Tax Administration at 542-2143, 542-3782, 542-3839, or 542-3840, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

MP Omar Ottley Commends National Sports Institute for Continuing Community Restoration Project Despite Governance Change.

basketballdq0309292025PHILIPSBURG:---  ​Member of Parliament Omar Ottley has expressed his happiness with the recent restoration of basketball and netball rims in Dutch Quarter, a significant step forward in continuing the community restoration project spearheaded by the CDFHA and National Sports Institute (NSI). 

During his tenure as Minister of VSA, MP Ottley signed a comprehensive initiative aimed at revitalizing sports facilities across St. Maarten, ensuring that every district would benefit from upgraded basketball courts. This commitment has already seen successful outcomes, including the restoration of lights at the St. Peter’s basketball court, new lighting in Caybay, and the installation of new basketball rims and nets in Simpsonbay and Belvedere.

“It feels good to see the Dutch Quarter basketball and netball rims restored,” said MP Ottley. “These projects are important for our community, fostering not only sports but also bringing residents together. It is great to witness the NSI's dedication to fulfilling their commitments to the people of St. Maarten, especially during a time of governmental transition.”

MP Ottley emphasized the importance of continuity in community projects, stating, “While there have been many great initiatives left behind that have yet to be executed, it is encouraging to see that the NSI has remained steadfast in their mission to uplift our communities, regardless of changes in leadership.”

Gendarmes Face Challenges in Quartier d ‘Orléans: A Call for Community Understanding.

MARIGOT:--- In recent months, Quartier d'Orléans has become a focal point of tension between law enforcement and residents. Gendarmes conducting their duties in the area have increasingly faced hostility, including incidents of stone-throwing. These attacks, which have occurred even during operations aimed at addressing domestic violence cases, highlight a growing disconnect between the community and the authorities.

A Troubling Trend

Since the beginning of the year, reports of gendarmes being targeted while on duty have become alarmingly frequent. These incidents not only endanger the lives of officers but also hinder their ability to carry out essential tasks, such as protecting victims of domestic violence and maintaining public safety.

The root causes of this tension are complex. Some residents express frustration at feeling unfairly classified or targeted by law enforcement. This sentiment has, in some cases, escalated into acts of aggression, further straining the relationship between the community and the gendarmes.

Bridging the Gap

In response to these challenges, the gendarmerie has initiated sporadic control operations in Quartier d'Orléans. These operations are not solely about enforcing the law but also about fostering dialogue and rebuilding trust with the community. Officers take the opportunity to engage with residents, explaining their role in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in the French Quarter.

"We are here for the protection of the community," a spokesperson for the gendarmerie emphasized. "Our goal is to work together with residents to create a safer environment for all. Violence against law enforcement only serves to undermine these efforts."

A Call for Unity

The gendarmerie is urging residents to reconsider their actions and recognize the shared goal of community safety. Stone-throwing and other forms of aggression not only put officers at risk but also divert resources away from critical tasks, such as responding to emergencies and protecting vulnerable individuals.

Building a stronger relationship between law enforcement and the community requires mutual understanding and cooperation. The gendarmes remain committed to their mission of serving and protecting Quartier d'Orléans, but they need the support and trust of the residents to succeed.

As the gendarmerie continues its efforts to address these challenges, it is essential for all stakeholders—residents, community leaders, and law enforcement—to come together and engage in constructive dialogue. Only through collaboration can the cycle of mistrust and violence be broken, paving the way for a safer and more harmonious Quartier d'Orléans.


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