PHILIPSBURG:---  The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) successfully executed a series of targeted enforcement operations across the island from Monday, January 12, through Sunday, January 18, 2026. The KPSM Team, working alongside the Uniformed Patrol Division (BPZ), deployed strategic controls at identified high-risk locations to combat criminal activity and restore order to our communities.

During these operations, officers took four individuals into custody for various criminal offenses:

• Stolen Vehicle Recovery (Arlet Peterson Road): A suspect was apprehended during a traffic stop while operating a stolen white Kia Picanto. Additionally, several scooters were impounded for traffic violations, including a lack of proper documentation (license, insurance, registration, road tax) and failure to wear helmets.
• Shooting Investigation (Armed Suspect Arrested): A suspect linked to a shooting incident was arrested. A subsequent search of the individual's residence yielded two air rifles, one paintball gun, and a shotgun cartridge.
• Illegal Weapon Possession (Carolita Road): During a routine traffic control, officers arrested a male suspect for carrying a concealed alarm pistol in a waist bag.
• Drug Possession and Assault on Officers (Kimsha Strip): A suspect was arrested for possession of narcotics, verbal assault on officers, refusal to obey lawful orders, and violent resistance. The arrest occurred in a challenging environment where the suspect became combative in the presence of a hostile crowd.

KPSM officers also executed high-visibility operations at known hotspots, including the Petro Plus Gas Station. The location was secured, and all persons on-site were subject to preventive searches. Officers addressed dangerous and unlawful behaviors, including smoking near fuel pumps, public disturbances, and excessive noise violations.

Weekly Enforcement Summary

• 160 vehicles stopped
• 45 vehicles searched
• 180 individuals frisked
• 4 arrests made
• 4 scooters impounded
• Multiple targeted controls executed at crime hotspots

KPSM remains steadfast in its commitment to enforcement operations across all districts of Sint Maarten. These actions are vital for public safety and will continue until order is fully restored and criminal behavior is eliminated.

KPSM reminds the public that any disruption of public order, threats against officers, or violence toward law enforcement will be met with immediate and decisive action. Disrespect and non-compliance will not be tolerated.

The Sint Maarten Police Force calls on every resident to help make the island safer. We urge you to report suspicious activity, comply with lawful orders, and support your police force.

GUADELOUPE/ SAINT MARTIN:--- Air Antilles, a prominent airline serving the Caribbean, is facing a critical financial crisis that has brought its operations to a standstill. With its fleet grounded for over a month and cash reserves rapidly depleting, the company has turned to the Tribunal of Commerce in Pointe-à-Pitre for a lifeline. A decisive hearing is scheduled for Thursday, January 22, 2026, which will determine the airline's future.

Financial Turmoil and Operational Halt

The financial health of Air Antilles has been deteriorating, leaving the company unable to sustain its operations. Amine Tadhadit, the Deputy General Manager of the airline, recently revealed in an exclusive interview with RCI that the company does not currently have the funds necessary to ensure its survival. This admission came as the airline's planes remain grounded, further exacerbating its financial struggles.

Legal Action and Employee Concerns

In a bid to address its dire situation, Air Antilles has filed a cessation of payments with the Tribunal of Commerce. This move follows an extraordinary meeting held last week between the airline's management and employee representatives. The filing has set the stage for Thursday's hearing, where the court will consider options such as a continuation plan, judicial recovery, or liquidation.

The uncertainty surrounding the airline's future has left employees and stakeholders deeply concerned. The outcome of the hearing will not only impact the company's workforce but also the broader Caribbean community that relies on Air Antilles for regional connectivity.

A Pivotal Moment for Caribbean Aviation

As the hearing approaches, all eyes are on the Tribunal of Commerce in Pointe-à-Pitre. The decision made on January 22 will have far-reaching implications for the airline, its employees, and the region it serves. Whether through a recovery plan or other measures, the hope remains that a resolution can be found to secure the airline's survival and ensure the continuity of its vital services in the Caribbean.

This moment marks a critical juncture for Air Antilles, as it navigates one of the most challenging periods in its history. The coming days will reveal whether the airline can overcome its financial struggles and take to the skies once again.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran is raising concerns over what he describes as a lack of communication from Minister of ECYS, Melissa Gumbs, regarding the future of the Sister Marie Laurence School.

While acknowledging that the demolition of the former school building was a necessary and long-awaited step, MP Doran says the process appears to have stalled at precisely the moment when clarity is most needed. Since the demolition several months ago, he notes, there has been no public update from the Minister on when reconstruction will begin or how the project is expected to move forward.

“The demolition marked progress,” Doran stated. “But progress without follow-through is not enough. Once that phase was completed, the logical next question is when construction starts, and on that, the Minister has been silent.”

Doran pointed out that the school building permit was issued in 2023, during his tenure as Minister, to avoid administrative bottlenecks and allow the project to advance smoothly. Against that backdrop, he is now seeking answers on the preparatory work carried out since demolition and on what is causing the apparent delay in moving to the construction phase.

The MP is also pressing for clarity on the project's financial side, particularly regarding the widely discussed 10 percent down payment to a foreign contractor for school construction. Although the Minister has indicated that the contractor is no longer involved, Doran says this does not automatically close the matter.

“We understand that the contractor is no longer part of the discussion,” he said. “But a significant amount of funds was already paid. It is only reasonable to ask how that situation affects Sister Marie Laurence School and what it means for planning and timelines going forward.”

In that context, Doran also expressed the hope that local contractors were given a fair and genuine opportunity to bid for the reconstruction of the school, emphasizing that local participation and capacity-building should be an integral part of major construction projects on Sint Maarten.

MP Doran has since written formally to the Minister of ECYS outlining these concerns and is now awaiting a formal response.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Corporate sponsorship for Contestant #3, Breyenne Brown, is off to a strong and promising start as she prepares for the Senior Carnival Queen Show 2026, scheduled for April 20th at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village, during Carnival’s landmark 55th edition.
Since November of last year, Breyenne Brown and her team have been reaching out to the business community through sponsorship letters, sharing a journey rooted in pageantry, cultural pride, and community representation. That journey gained meaningful momentum with the support of Penha, who came on board as a corporate sponsor.
Through the leadership of Ms. Sharine Duncan, Commercial & Marketing Coordinator, Penha’s partnership reflects a commitment to supporting pageantry, celebrating Carnival, and empowering women through purposeful collaboration.
“My team and I are truly grateful to Penha for believing in my journey,” said Breyenne Brown. “Their support represents encouragement, partnership, and the importance of community involvement.”
Speaking on Penha’s involvement, Ms. Sharine Duncan shared, “Supporting Breyenne is about celebrating pageantry, culture, and the spirit of Carnival. As we mark the 55th edition of Carnival, Penha is pleased to support initiatives that honor tradition, empower women, and bring our community together. We wish Breyenne every success as she continues her journey.”
As preparations continue toward April 20th, Breyenne Brown’s journey reflects the power of collaboration and the positive impact of corporate support in strengthening cultural and community-driven initiatives.