PHILIPSBURG:---  Increasing concern is being voiced regarding the overall performance and direction of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure (VROMI) under the leadership of Secretary General Mr. Kenson Plaisimond, who assumed the position on September 1st, 2024.

The recently issued report by the General Audit Chamber of St. Maarten highlighted significant shortcomings, citing that the Secretary General does not possess the technical expertise required to manage the Ministry or evaluate building permits effectively — one of VROMI’s core responsibilities. Research further indicates that Mr. Plaisimond’s professional background is limited to a Bachelor’s degree in ICT, with no prior managerial experience overseeing a ministry of this scale or complexity.

Staff Morale and Internal Operations Deteriorating

Since his appointment, there has been no Ministry plan, strategic direction, or formal outline presented by the Secretary General on how he intends to address the challenges facing VROMI. Staff members within the Ministry report low morale, lack of motivation, and increasingly heavy workloads, stemming from chronic understaffing and an absence of administrative leadership.

Sources within VROMI describe the internal climate as “uncertain and directionless,” noting that operational matters are often delayed or left unattended.

Deteriorating Public Infrastructure and Delayed Responses

Across the island, residents and businesses continue to express frustration with:

- Proliferating potholes and declining roadway conditions

- Delayed or insufficient repairs to critical infrastructure

- Persistent flooding issues, even during moderate rainfall

- Slow response times to public concerns

Despite the urgency of these matters, there has been no comprehensive strategy communicated by the Ministry on how these challenges will be resolved.

Outstanding Policy Matters Remain Unaddressed

The community also awaits clarity and follow-up on the Deedum Arrest and the Land Issuance Policy, both of which remain unresolved and have yet to be formally presented to Parliament. Stakeholders emphasize that these matters carry significant implications for governance, public trust, and land management across St. Maarten.

Travel Without Tangible Outcomes

Since taking office, Mr. Plaisimond has frequently accompanied the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs Jr., on official travel. However, Ministry staff and the public alike question the lack of measurable results, noting that key problems continue to escalate despite these trips.

A Call for Immediate Action

With escalating operational deficiencies, worsening public infrastructure, and declining staff morale, stakeholders stress that urgent corrective action is needed. Effective leadership, technical competency, and a clear strategic plan are essential to restoring the Ministry’s capacity to serve the people of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday morning, December 8, 2025, the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, together with Chief Prosecutor M. Ridderbeks and the Chief of Police Carl John, held an urgent meeting at KPSM police station during an active, coordinated law enforcement operation.
The visit was timed to support the operational work underway and to receive direct briefings from the teams executing ongoing enforcement actions. Minister Tackling, Chief Prosecutor Ridderbeks, and Chief of Police John met with operation leaders to reinforce the government’s full backing and to ensure they have the resources and interagency cooperation required.
Their presence underscored the Government of Sint Maarten’s commitment to a firm, united, and uncompromising approach to public safety. Both officials expressed appreciation for the professionalism and dedication of the officers involved and reiterated that the safety of residents and visitors remains the government’s highest priority.

𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐜 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐰 𝐄𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐬
On Tuesday, December 9, 2025, Minister Tackling convened an urgent high-level coordination meeting at the KPSM station with the leadership of the Coast Guard, Immigration, Customs, and Police (KPSM).
The purpose of the meeting was to synchronize operational strategies across all agencies, ensuring a unified response and accelerated cooperation in the ongoing fight against criminal activity.
“Effective law enforcement requires unity of purpose,” stated Minister Tackling. “Today’s coordination ensures every agency is aligned, sharing intelligence, and acting together with a clear, common strategy to protect our communities.”
Additionally, the Minister made clear that the Justice Chain must act as a single, coordinated system, with shared responsibility at every level. She reaffirmed that resilience must come not only from the government, but from the justice chain as a whole.
The meeting solidified the government’s comprehensive approach to public safety, bringing the collective capacity of all law enforcement bodies under a strengthened, unified operational framework.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The police force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) reports the arrest of two individuals following a significant narcotics seizure and the recovery of a firearm, ammunition, and other items connected to suspected criminal activity.
On Monday, December 9, 2025, at approximately 2:00 PM, KPSM officers conducting intensified controls targeting criminal activities throughout Sint Maarten stopped and searched a vehicle in the Middle Region. During a thorough search of the car, officers discovered a large quantity of narcotics and a substantial amount of cash concealed in a black bag.
The driver, identified by the initials I.J.G-M., was immediately arrested and transported to the Philipsburg Police Station for further investigation.
Given the significant quantity of narcotics found in the suspect's possession, KPSM consulted with the Public Prosecutor's Office. Following this consultation, authorization was granted to search the suspect's residence on Arch Road.
During the execution of the house search, officers made several additional critical discoveries:
• One firearm with ammunition and multiple magazines
• Ski masks
• A bulletproof vest
• A large sum of cash
• Various other items believed to be intended for use in criminal activities
All seized items have been confiscated as evidence. A second suspect, identified by the initials R.A.G. and identified as the father of the initial suspect, was also arrested at the residence in connection with violations of narcotics and firearm laws.
KPSM wishes to emphasize its unwavering commitment to combating criminal activity on Sint Maarten. These intensified controls are part of an ongoing, proactive approach to ensuring public safety and security across the island.

"Criminals should take clear notice: KPSM, in close collaboration with our justice partners, will continue to execute our mandate with determination and vigilance. KPSM is dedicated to making and keeping Sint Maarten safe for all residents and visitors."
Both suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues. They face charges related to narcotics possession, illegal firearm possession, and other criminal offenses. Additional charges may be forthcoming as investigators analyze all seized evidence.
The general public should be aware that these types of actions will continue in the coming days.
KPSM urges anyone with information related to criminal activity to contact the police at +1 721-542-2222 or the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM Press Release.

 Pointe Pitre/ Saint Martin:---  Air Antilles has halted all flights following a decision by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) to suspend its operating license. The suspension, which took effect at midnight on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 (Pointe-Pitre time), stems from significant safety concerns raised during a recent regulatory audit.

This sudden grounding has left planes on the tarmac and disrupted travel across the French Caribbean, affecting routes between Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Martin, and Saint-Barthélemy.

Serious Audit Findings

The decision to ground the fleet follows an audit conducted between December 2 and December 4, 2025. The DGAC identified "very significant failures" regarding the airline's safety processes. Regulators specifically pointed out dysfunctions in the carrier's safety management system, concluding that current conditions did not allow the airline to guarantee the security of its passengers and staff.

As a result of these findings, the authority suspended the airline's Air Carrier Certificate (CTA). Under aviation regulations, losing this certificate automatically triggers the suspension of the operating license, meaning the airline is strictly prohibited from conducting flights or selling tickets.

Impact on Passengers

The operational freeze was immediate. The Air Antilles website is currently unable to process reservations, and the airline has confirmed that the suspension is for an undetermined period. While airport sources initially suggested the grounding might last until December 16, the timeline depends entirely on regulatory compliance.

Air Antilles is currently working to manage the fallout for its customers. The airline announced it is taking all necessary steps to assist passengers, primarily by rebooking them on competitor airlines. Travelers are expected to be transferred to Air Caraïbes where possible to maintain connectivity between the islands.

A Turbulent Recovery

This suspension represents a major setback for a carrier that only recently finding its footing. Air Antilles was relaunched in June 2024 following the liquidation of its former parent company, Caire, in August 2023. The revival was made possible through substantial support from the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, which invested approximately €20 million to ensure territorial continuity for the region.

Prior to this grounding, the airline was operating under a temporary license extension granted in October, which was valid until January 31, 2026. The company is still in the process of seeking a new investor to secure its long-term financial stability.

The Path Forward

The future of Air Antilles now rests on its ability to address the regulator's concerns swiftly. The DGAC has granted the airline a one-month deadline to implement corrective actions. If the carrier can demonstrate that it has resolved the organizational and documentary deficiencies highlighted by the audit, its certificate could be reinstated.

In a press statement, Air Antilles management acknowledged the need to finalize these verifications quickly. They expressed hope for a "rapid and durable" resumption of flights once safety standards are fully met.