PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has received specialized vehicles from the Netherlands to enhance the operational capacity of its A-Team. These vehicles will support the team in responding more effectively to high-risk and complex situations.

The acquisition was made possible through the efforts of the Minister of Justice, the Honorable N. Tackling, in collaboration with Dutch authorities. This support reflects a continued commitment to public safety and strengthened law enforcement in Sint Maarten.

The vehicles are already in the possession of members of the A-team and will contribute to the operational readiness of the KPSM A-Team.

KPSM Press Release.

THE HAGUE:---  Minister of Defense Ruben Brekelmans is scheduled for a working visit to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands from Monday, January 5, to Thursday, January 8. The regular working visit will include stops in Aruba, Sint Maarten, Curaçao, and Bonaire.
The primary purpose of the trip is for the Minister to visit the deployed Defense units and receive a briefing on their duties and operations within the region.
The four-day tour will begin on Monday, January 5, at the Marine Barracks Savaneta in Aruba. The following day, Tuesday, the Minister will visit the Marine Corps Detachment in Sint Maarten. On Wednesday, a visit is scheduled for the Parera Naval Base in Curaçao. The working tour will conclude on Thursday, January 8, on Bonaire, where the Minister will meet with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee after a visit to the station ship HNLMS Groningen.
In addition to visiting the various defense units, Minister Brekelmans will hold discussions with the Governors, Prime Ministers, and Island Governors of the Caribbean countries and islands. These meetings will focus on the current situation in the Caribbean region, shared priorities, and mutual cooperation.

SAINT-MARTIN:---  In response to recent public safety incidents, the Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin has issued an immediate temporary ban on the use and sale of certain fireworks. The measure, announced on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, aims to curb dangerous behaviors during the New Year celebrations.

The decree strictly prohibits individuals from purchasing, selling, transferring, transporting, or using consumer fireworks classified under categories F2 and F3. This restriction applies across the entire territory of Saint-Martin and is effective immediately from December 30, 2025, through January 4, 2026.

According to the Prefecture, the decision follows a series of troubling events over recent nights where law enforcement officers were targeted with mortar fireworks. Officials described this behavior as unacceptable and emphasized the severe risks posed not only to the targeted officers but also to the individuals firing the devices, many of whom are minors.

"In order to guarantee the safety of people and property at the end of 2025," the press release stated, the administration felt compelled to intervene. The goal is to prevent accidents and maintain public order during a period traditionally marked by high festivity.

Law enforcement agencies have been fully mobilized to ensure strict compliance with the new regulations. The Prefecture warns that failure to adhere to the ban will result in sanctions.

While the administration recognizes the desire to celebrate the New Year, they are calling on the public to prioritize safety. The official statement urged residents to "reconcile celebrations and respect for safety rules so that the party remains a party."

For further information regarding this decree, the communication office can be reached at 06 90 71 53 73.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the early morning hours of Monday, December 30, 2025, just before 3:00 AM, officers of the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM) and personnel from the Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire in Ebenezer.

Upon arrival, emergency responders found the residence fully engulfed in flames. A preliminary assessment confirmed that all residents had safely evacuated the property before emergency services arrived.

Fire Department personnel acted swiftly to bring the blaze under control, preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring properties. One resident was subsequently treated at the scene by ambulance personnel for smoke inhalation.

The Forensic Department and Fire Department are currently conducting a joint investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

KPSM Press Release.