PHILIPSBURG:--- Kadaster St. Maarten is now officially GIS Ready, following the deployment of its in-house Geographic Information System (GIS) platform. This milestone reinforces Kadaster’s commitment to digital transformation, improved service delivery, and spatially enabled land administration.

Developed in close collaboration with GIS4C B.V., the new system includes the implementation of ArcGIS Enterprise, ArcGIS Pro, Drone2Map, and on-premise GIS infrastructure. In addition to the technical setup, GIS4C also provided intensive training to cross-departmental staff, ensuring that the knowledge gained is embedded throughout the organization.

“This is a turning point for Kadaster,” said Managing Director Benjamin Ortega. “With our GIS foundation in place, we can now streamline internal operations, deliver more accurate spatial data, and support our clients including government, utility companies, legal entities, and the general public with modern digital services.”

As part of Kadaster’s commitment to youth development and knowledge-sharing, one student from Milton Peters College (MPC) who interned at Kadaster was invited to take part in the GIS training. The organization is actively exploring further collaborations with local schools and educational institutions to give more students hands-on exposure to GIS and how it can be integrated into new and emerging technologies.

The new GIS platform enhances Kadaster’s ability to visualize and analyze land parcel data in real time. It supports improved spatial planning and emergency response, and makes it possible to integrate geographic data directly into day-to-day workflows. The system also strengthens Kadaster’s capacity to collaborate with clients through dynamic, map-based services.

To better tailor these services, Kadaster is introducing a new approach to client segmentation based on GIS usage. “A Clients” include users who need view-only access to spatial data, such as notaries, law firms, and the general public. “B Clients” are those who require limited interaction with spatial datasets. “C Clients” include government agencies and technical partners who need full access to GIS capabilities for planning, analysis, and decision-making.

Kadaster’s GIS initiative is part of a broader strategy to modernize its digital services. In the coming months, the organization will introduce drone-based mapping and aerial data collection as a new tool for land surveying and analysis. Further training and capacity building efforts are also planned, along with the rollout of enhanced GIS-based services for the public. Kadaster is also seeking strategic partnerships with infrastructure and utility stakeholders to expand the use of GIS in national development.

A consultation process is currently underway to gather input from internal teams and external stakeholders. This feedback will help refine the GIS roadmap and ensure that the platform continues to evolve in line with service needs and the national vision for digital transformation.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is currently investigating an armed robbery that occurred at approximately 11:33 a.m. on Monday, July 7, 2025, at Sunshine Supermarket, located on Genip Road in St. Peters.

According to initial reports, an unknown male suspect entered the establishment and, under threat with a firearm, demanded cash from the cashier. The suspect managed to flee the scene with an estimated amount of $200 from the cash register. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during the incident.

KPSM’s detective department is actively investigating this matter. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information that could assist in identifying the suspect is urged to contact the police station or call the anonymous tip line at 9300.

The Sint Maarten Police Force continues to encourage all businesses to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. The safety of the community remains a top priority, and the public’s assistance is vital in bringing those responsible to justice.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On July 6th, 2025, during the hours of 04:00 am, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) responded to a report of a public disturbance involving multiple individuals on A.J.C. Brouwer Road, in the vicinity of Premier Supermarket.

Upon arrival at the scene, officers encountered a chaotic situation with several persons engaged in a verbal altercation. Investigations revealed that the fight was a direct result of a stolen scooter, which had been taken from the area of Port de Plaisance and later resulted in A.J.C. Brouwer Road.

The primary objective of the responding officers was to de-escalate the conflict and restore calm among the agitated crowd. In connection with the stolen scooter that initiated the disturbance, a male suspect with the initials R.W., aged 21, was arrested for stolen property. While actively working to bring the situation under control, a vigilant police officer observed suspicious behavior from one of the individuals present.

Further observation led the officer to discover an extended firearm magazine containing three rounds of ammunition that was placed in between a wooden pallet in the area by the suspect in questioned. The suspect, identified by the initials J.R.L. (22), was immediately apprehended.

PHILIPSBURG:---  On July 7^th, 2025, following recent disturbances caused by individuals recklessly operating scooters and motorcycles in the Maho area, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has intensified traffic controls island-wide, with a special focus on scooter and motorcycle riders.

The primary focus of these controls was to ensure that all scooter and motorcycle riders possessed the necessary and proper documentation for their vehicles and themselves.

As a result of these comprehensive checks, seven (7) scooters and motorcycles were confiscated by KPSM. These vehicles were impounded due to the riders' inability to provide the proper and required documentation. Furthermore, the KPSM urges all scooter and motorcycle riders not to flee from police controls, as this poses a significant risk to public safety and can lead to additional severe legal repercussions.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten emphasizes the importance of adhering to all traffic laws and regulations. Riders are reminded that operating a scooter or motorcycle without the correct documentation is a serious offense that can lead to fines, confiscation of the vehicle, and other legal consequences.

KPSM reminds all scooter and motorcycle owners that to legally operate their vehicles on public roads, they must carry the following documents and meet the following requirements:

• Valid driver’s license
• Valid insurance document
• Proof of paid road tax
• Vehicle inspection document
• Bill of sale or proof of ownership
• Displayed license plate
• Mandatory use of a helmet

KPSM will continue to carry out frequent traffic checks to ensure compliance with road laws and to address public disturbances caused by improper use of scooters and motorcycles and urges all road users to operate their vehicles responsibly and ensure that all required documents are up to date to avoid fines, confiscation of vehicles, or legal consequences.

KPSM Press Release.