PHILIPSBURG:--- During the evening hours of Friday, continuing into Saturday night and early Sunday morning (October 17th, 18th, 19th, 2025), a team of officers from the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) conducted a series of coordinated operations across several areas, including the Middle Region and A. Th: Illidge Road, Welfare Road, Maho, and the surrounding districts.

These proactive actions form part of KPSM’s ongoing efforts to maintain safety and security across the country. Officers focused on enforcing laws related to narcotics, illegal firearms, and other criminal activities that threaten community well-being.

In addition to street-level enforcement, the Control Team also inspected several businesses to ensure compliance with established closing hours and operational regulations. These inspections are intended to promote safety and public order within nightlife and commercial areas.

During the course of the operations, officers arrested two individuals who were found in possession of a stolen vehicle. One of the suspects involved is a minor. The vehicle has since been confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation.

KPSM continues to conduct such operations as part of its broader strategy to strengthen police visibility and presence across the island. Through these efforts, the Police Force aims to reassure the public, deter offenders, and foster stronger community cooperation.

KPSM is encouraging the public to help keep Sint Maarten safe. If you see something, say something. Members of the community are urged to report any suspicious or criminal activity by contacting the Police Station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or, in an emergency, calling 911. Anonymous tips can also be shared via the KPSM anonymous tip line.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors on the island.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday morning, October 23, 2025, a traffic accident involving a scooter and a motor vehicle occurred on A.J.C. Brouwers Road near the entrance of a hardware store. The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) responded promptly to the scene following several emergency calls received by Central Police Dispatch just before 8:00 a.m.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the scooter rider was traveling from the Church Hill roundabout toward Cole Bay and attempted to overtake several vehicles. At that time, the driver of a gold-colored Toyota was making a left turn into the hardware store’s parking area, resulting in the scooter colliding with the driver’s side of the vehicle.

The scooter rider sustained injuries of an unknown nature. It was treated on the scene by ambulance personnel before being transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further medical care.

The KPSM Traffic Department is currently investigating the accident to determine the exact circumstances.

KPSM reminds all road users to exercise caution at all times, especially during busy morning hours. Scooter riders are urged to avoid overtaking in unsafe conditions and always to wear proper safety gear. Road safety is a shared responsibility — stay alert and help prevent accidents.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A visiting tourist was robbed Wednesday evening in front of the Horizon View Hotel on Front Street, in the heart of Philipsburg, while waiting for friends to take him out to dinner.

According to witnesses, the visitor was standing near the hotel entrance shortly after sunset when an unknown individual approached and forcibly took personal belongings before fleeing the area. The incident left nearby business owners and shoppers visibly shaken.

Local merchants say the robbery highlights a troubling trend of increased street crime in Philipsburg’s main commercial zone — a concern that has been growing over recent months.

“It’s extremely discouraging,” said one store owner who witnessed the commotion. “This is the center of our tourism industry, and it keeps happening right in front of our businesses.”

Several business operators along Front Street say they now close earlier and have increased private security measures to protect staff and visitors.

“People come here to enjoy themselves, not to be afraid,” said another merchant. “Incidents like this are bad for everyone — the hotels, the shops, and the reputation of St. Maarten as a safe vacation spot.”

Shoppers nearby expressed frustration that the situation appears to be worsening, even in well-lit, busy areas.

“It could have been any of us,” one resident said. “It’s time for serious action before the town loses its appeal completely.”

As the high tourism season approaches, business owners say they hope for swift measures to restore safety and confidence in Philipsburg’s downtown area — once considered one of the island’s safest and most vibrant destinations.

Robbery Outside Front Street Hotel

Police are investigating a robbery that happened on Wednesday evening right in front of a hotel on Front Street.

Around 7:00 p.m. on October 22nd, Central dispatch received several calls about a robbery at the hotel entrance on Front Street. According to the preliminary investigation, a gray SUV pulled up to the hotel entrance, and a male suspect with a face covering jumped out and went straight to the male victim, who was standing having a conversation with the security outside the hotel.

The robber pulled out a gun and grabbed the victim’s gold chain. There was a short struggle between them, but the armed suspect managed to rip a gold chain off the victim's neck. The suspect ran back to the gray SUV, and they took off, heading toward Emma-plein.

Detectives from the Special Unit Robberies (SUR) are currently investigating this incident.

KPSM urges anyone who may have witnessed the robbery or has information that could assist in identifying the suspect or the vehicle involved to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten at +1 (721) 542 2222 ext. 204 or 205. Anonymous tips can also be shared via the KPSM tip line at 9300, or in case of emergency, call 911.

If you see something, say something.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Court of First Instance has ruled in the forfeiture claim (“ontnemingsvordering”) filed by the Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten (OM SXM) against former Member of Parliament A.A. 

In its ruling of October 22, 2025, the Court found there were sufficient indications that A. had both bought votes during the January 2024 parliamentary elections and committed perjury when taking the oath of office before the Governor. However, the Court determined that the salary and transitional allowances (“wachtgeld”) A. received as a Member of Parliament could not be considered illegally obtained profit (“wederrechtelijk verkregen voordeel”), since he had actually performed his parliamentary duties for a time. The Court therefore denied the OM’s forfeiture request.

The case concerns the financial benefits A. received after being elected to Parliament. The Prosecutor’s Office, acting under Article 1:77 of the Penal Code, had sought confiscation of XCG 168,189.58 in salary and allowances, arguing that these payments represented unlawful benefits gained as a direct result of vote buying and perjury linked to his election and swearing-in.

The Prosecutor’s Office does not agree with the Court’s reasoning. The OM considers that, because the vote buying and perjury were directly tied to A.’s election to Parliament, and therefore to his entitlement to salary and benefits, those payments should be regarded as unlawful proceeds of his crimes, and thus subject to forfeiture.

The Prosecutor’s Office will appeal the Court’s decision before the Common Court of Justice.

The underlying criminal conviction against A., handed down on January 8, 2025, for vote buying, also remains under appeal. In that case, A. was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and a six-and-a-half-year disqualification from holding public office or participating in elections.

OM SXM reiterates its commitment to upholding integrity in public office and ensuring that no one profits from corruption or deceit in the democratic process.