French Quarter:--- A man from the French Quarter community, identified as Raymond Dublin, is currently in the custody of the Gendarmerie as the main suspect in the murder of a Jamaican woman known as Claire Pryce, 50 years old, believed to be his girlfriend. The victim, a resident of the French Quarter, was reportedly found beaten to death.
Sources indicate that the woman, a mother of three, visited Raymond's home on Saturday morning in the Spring. It is alleged that the fatal assault occurred around 11 a.m. French Prosecutor Xavier Sicot has confirmed that a homicide took place and stated that the Gendarmes are actively investigating the case.
It is widely rumored that the suspect is related to Hungry’s Towing; however, research has shown that the suspect was adopted and raised by the company's owners.
"People have been labeling us as killers while we are all hard-working men. Can you imagine someone posted my photo with me and my daughter saying this is the killer?" one worker said.
At this time, further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the killing remain unavailable. Authorities are continuing their inquiries into this tragic incident.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister Brug provided MP Lewis with a thorough update on the Ministry with a comprehensive presentation outlining recent developments, ongoing initiatives, and key challenges facing the ministry since he assumed office on November 26, 2024, up until the present.
POINTE BLANCHE:--- The Director of the Pointe Blanche Prison and House of Detention, Mr. S. Carty, has officially issued a decision to temporarily suspend certain detainee rights and privileges, effective Sunday, May 18, 2025. This decision follows the serious incident that took place on May 14, 2025, involving a riot and a subsequent fire that caused considerable damage to prison infrastructure and disrupted operations at the facility. Acting in accordance with Articles 31 and 32 of the Prison Regulation (Gevangenismaatregel), the Director has determined that the current conditions within the prison require urgent and decisive action to restore safety, order, and the normal functioning of operations. As such, all detainee rights and privileges related to visitation, recreation, group activities, and external communications (except where essential to legal proceedings) will be suspended until further notice. This measure applies to all detainees, regardless of their classification or location within the facility. This temporary suspension is not disciplinary in nature but is a precautionary and operational measure aimed at stabilizing the situation and facilitating the safe recovery of essential services and infrastructure. Detainees will be informed immediately when conditions allow for a phased or complete reinstatement of these privileges. Under the Prison Regulation, the Director is empowered to take such measures when serious disturbances occur or are imminent within the institution. Article 31 authorizes the Director to deviate from rights granted to individual detainees if it is deemed strictly necessary for institutional safety or order. Article 32 extends this authority further in cases of widespread or serious incidents, allowing the Director to suspend or restrict rights of all persons within the institution for a maximum of three consecutive 24-hour periods. The Director is required to notify the Minister of Justice and the prison service management of such decisions without delay. Should the emergency situation continue beyond the initial 72-hour period, only the Minister of Justice holds the authority to extend the suspension, in increments of up to an additional 72 hours each time. The Ministry of Justice and relevant supervisory bodies have been duly informed of this action. The Director has emphasized that the decision is driven solely by the need to safeguard both detainees and staff during this emergency and restore a safe and functional correctional environment as swiftly as possible. The events of May 14 had a great impact on the safety and stability of the prison. The Director’s decision, though difficult, is necessary to restore order and safety. It underscores a clear commitment to lawful, proportionate action in the interest of all detainees, staff, and public safety. Further updates will be provided by the prison administration as the situation evolves. The cooperation and understanding of all involved are requested as the facility works toward full stabilization.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure) Department of Infrastructure Management hereby announces that during the week of May 19th, 2025, it will be undertaking a targeted operation to remove illegally placed advertising billboards across the region of Simpson bay and Maho.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library is proud to announce its partnership with the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset in support of their Community Book Drive, an initiative aimed at restocking six Free Little Libraries throughout the community. This effort is part of the broader SXM DOET volunteer campaign scheduled for May 16–17, 2025.