PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has detained two individuals in connection with a shooting that occurred in the St. Peters area on November 24, 2025.
The incident unfolded shortly after 8:00 p.m., involving an exchange of gunfire between multiple suspects. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities were reported. Detectives promptly launched an investigation to identify those responsible.
On Tuesday, January 20, 2026, KPSM officers arrested two suspects, identified as J.I.A. and J.J.A. The individuals were transported to the Philipsburg Police Station for questioning and remain in custody.
The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to uncover the motive and full details surrounding the incident. Police have not ruled out further arrests.
KPSM remains committed to ensuring public safety and urges anyone with information about the case to contact the department.

BELVEDERE, Sint Maarten:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) made two arrests and confiscated a firearm following a response to a domestic violence incident in Belvedere on the evening of Monday, January 19, 2026.
Police patrols were dispatched to a residence after receiving reports of a physical altercation between a couple. Upon arrival, officers found an active dispute between a male and a female suspect, both of whom resided at the address.
Following established domestic violence protocols, officers arrested both individuals and transported them to the Philipsburg Police Station.
During the subsequent investigation, detectives received credible information that the male suspect, identified as G.I., was in possession of a firearm and had allegedly used it to threaten others. Acting on this information, officers obtained authorization to search the suspect's residence. The search resulted in the discovery and confiscation of a weapon appearing to be a rifle.
After questioning, the female suspect, R.M., was released from custody. The male suspect, G.I., remains in detention as the investigation continues into charges of domestic violence and illegal firearm possession.
The KPSM emphasizes its commitment to addressing domestic violence and illegal weapons with the utmost seriousness. The safety of the community is our highest priority, and we will continue to act decisively in response to reports of violence and unlawful activities.
Authorities urge anyone with additional information about this case to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten at +1 721-542-2222 or leave an anonymous tip on the 9300 tip line.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, announces that the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Ms. Joy Arnell, has submitted the Ministry’s end-of-year report in accordance with Article 9 of the “Organisatiebesluit VSA”.
In fulfillment of this legal obligation, the heads of departments submitted written reports to the Secretary-General prior to January 15, outlining the activities carried out during the preceding year, key developments, and other matters relevant for inclusion in the Ministry’s annual report. These submissions form the foundation of the consolidated report prepared by SG Arnell and Stafbureau.
While the legal deadline for submissions by department heads has been met, the document is currently considered a draft. In accordance with the “Landsverordening inrichting en organisatie landsoverheid”, the Cabinet of the Minister forms an integral part of the Ministry and will therefore also contribute to the report. Additionally, where necessary, department heads will be afforded the opportunity to further refine, supplement, or strengthen their respective sections to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Once finalized, the annual report will be formally submitted to the House of Parliament and shared with other relevant stakeholders. This process underscores the Ministry’s continued commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, ensuring that the public and oversight bodies are fully informed about the Ministry’s activities, performance, and responsible use of public resources.
“The Ministry of VSA remains steadfast in its commitment to openness, transparency, and accountability to Parliament and the people of Sint Maarten. Taxpayers are entitled to clear and accurate insight into how public resources are managed and utilized. Timely and comprehensive reporting is not only a legal obligation, but a fundamental principle of good governance and responsible public administration.”

Sandy Ground, Saint-Martin:---  A wave of unrest swept through the Sandy Ground neighborhood on Sunday night, following the arrest of a young man suspected of involvement in a series of armed robberies in the Sandy Ground and Baie Nettle areas.
The arrest, which took place shortly after 8 PM, sparked outrage among residents and youth, who claimed the suspect was subjected to police violence during the operation. The gendarmerie, however, has firmly denied these allegations.
The situation quickly escalated as anger and frustration boiled over. Throughout the night and into the early hours of Monday morning, garbage bins and cars were set ablaze, creating scenes of chaos and disruption. Roads were blocked with debris, paralyzing traffic and leaving the community in turmoil.
In response to the unrest, Prefect Cyrille Le Vély and President of the Collectivity Louis Mussington visited Sandy Ground on Monday to address residents' concerns and restore calm.
Accompanied by the Colonel of the Gendarmerie, the Prosecutor, and representatives of the Territorial Police, the officials held a series of meetings with local leaders, including members of the district council, to discuss the situation.
During these discussions, Prefect Le Vély emphasized the importance of distinguishing between individual actions and those of the broader community. "It is not enough for something to happen in Sandy Ground for the responsibility to be automatically attributed to Sandy Ground," he stated, urging against the stigmatization of the neighborhood.

The meetings also addressed the recent spike in criminal activity, including gunfights and armed robberies, which had prompted the gendarmerie to implement heightened security measures in the area. These measures included increased patrols and checkpoints to prevent further incidents.
However, tensions reached a breaking point on Sunday night, following the arrest of the young man. While some residents alleged that the suspect was mistreated by the gendarmes, Prefect Le Vély assured the community that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the facts. "The prosecutor understood the need to conduct an investigation very quickly," he said, adding that the investigation would include a review of footage from the body cameras worn by the gendarmes during the operation.
Despite local officials' efforts to engage with the community and provide assurances, their visit did little to quell the unrest. Residents remained skeptical, demanding accountability and transparency in the investigation.
The debris and roadblocks set up during the night continued to disrupt daily life, preventing residents from returning to their routines.
Prefect Le Vély and President Mussington expressed their hope that the investigation and ongoing dialogue would help to rebuild trust and restore order in Sandy Ground. "We came to announce that there would be an investigation, and this investigation, of course, will take a little time," Prefect Le Vély stated. He also called for patience and cooperation from the community, emphasizing the need to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on restoring calm and ensuring that the voices of Sandy Ground residents are heard. Local leaders and law enforcement officials face the challenge of addressing the underlying issues that have fueled tensions in the neighborhood, while working to prevent further violence and disruption. For now, the community waits for answers and a path forward.