PHILIPSBURG:---  The Court of First Instance has sentenced a family friend to 50 months in prison for serious offences committed against an eight-year-old girl. The suspect was acting as a babysitter at the time of the incident and was found guilty of acts that severely violated the child’s personal and physical integrity.
A key element in the case was forensic evidence. DNA material belonging to the suspect was found on the victim’s clothing, which played a decisive role in corroborating the child’s statement and establishing the suspect’s involvement.

A central legal issue in the proceedings was whether the proven acts qualified as “sexual penetration” under criminal law. The Prosecutor argued that the nature and impact of the acts, as experienced by the victim, met the legal threshold for this qualification.

The Court agreed with the Prosecutor’s position. It ruled that the offence constituted sexual penetration within the meaning of the law. The Court further referred to established Supreme Court jurisprudence, which holds that certain forms of sexual conduct can be legally equated with sexual intercourse due to the seriousness of the violation of sexual integrity (HR 18 May 2010, LJN BK6910).

In addition to the prison sentence, the victim’s compensation claim was partially granted. The Court awarded US $5,000 in non-material damages and US $115 in material damages. A compensation order and statutory enforcement measures were also imposed.

Offences of this nature represent one of the most serious forms of criminal behaviour, according to the Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten OM SXM. Crimes committed against children, particularly by individuals in positions of trust, cause long-lasting harm and undermine the fundamental sense of safety within families and communities.

OM SXM emphasized that the justice system will continue to treat such cases with the highest priority and will pursue accountability to ensure the protection of vulnerable victims.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Service (CPS) calls on the population to step-up mosquito prevention measures after every rainfall event.

The proactive elimination of mosquito breeding sites is a cornerstone of effective public health management, serving as the first line of defense against the spread of debilitating diseases such as Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya.

By identifying and removing sources of stagnant water—ranging from discarded containers to clogged gutters—communities can drastically reduce the population of Aedes aegypti at their source.

Ultimately, maintaining a "clean and dry" environment is not merely a household chore; it is a vital civic responsibility that safeguards the most vulnerable members of the population and ensures a healthier, more resilient community.
Mosquitoes breed in small amounts of standing water, especially in containers around homes and businesses (e.g., buckets, plant saucers, discarded items, tires, clogged gutters).
Mosquitoes are often active during the daytime, with biting frequently occurring outdoors in shaded areas and it can spread through transport and trade when eggs/larvae are moved in water-holding items.
Eliminating breeding sites is the most effective way to reduce mosquito populations. We urge everyone to take the following actions at least once per week: Tip it, toss it, cover it.
Empty and scrub containers that hold water: buckets, coolers, flowerpot saucers, pet bowls, vases, toys, tarps. Properly dispose of unused items that collect rainwater.
Cover water storage. Ensure cisterns, drums, and barrels are securely covered with tight lids or fine mesh. Clean drains and gutters. Remove leaves and debris to prevent water from pooling.
Manage tires and bulky items. Store tires under cover or disposing of them properly—tires are a high-risk breeding site. Businesses and property managers, construction sites, tire shops, marinas, and rental properties are asked to intensify weekly checks and maintain premises free of standing water.
Mosquito control cannot be achieved by government services alone. It requires sustained action by households, communities, and businesses across the entire island.
By working together, we can reduce breeding sites, lower mosquito populations, and protect residents and visitors.
To report any concerns with mosquito breeding or for any assistance, contact CPS’ vector control team by phone +1(721) 520-4161, 542-1222/1570, or 914.
Vector control can also be contacted by email at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

POINTE a PITRE:---:--- The Caribbean aviation landscape faces a critical turning point as Air Antilles, a key regional carrier, enters a decisive phase in its fight for survival. Following months of operational paralysis and mounting financial pressure, the airline's future now rests in the hands of the Commercial Court of Pointe-à-Pitre.

With operations grounded and 114 employees facing uncertainty, the stakes could not be higher.

A Timeline of Turbulence

The trouble began in earnest on December 8, 2025. Following an audit by the French Civil Aviation Authority (DGAC) that highlighted safety management dysfunctions, the airline’s Air Transport Certificate was suspended. This regulatory grounding halted all flights and imposed an immediate ban on ticket sales.

For an airline, being grounded is catastrophic. Without revenue flowing in, fixed costs quickly erode cash reserves. By late January 2026, the financial strain had become insurmountable.

The Decision to File for Insolvency

Faced with the inability to meet financial obligations, Louis Mussington, President of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin and representative of the public shareholder, made the difficult decision to file for insolvency (cessation of payments).

In a solemn internal letter addressed to the staff, Mussington expressed "deep regret" over the move. He was careful to separate the company's financial failure from the efforts of its workforce.

"I fully measure the anxiety and questions that this announcement will arouse," Mussington wrote to the employees. "I want to assure you that this decision does not in any way call into question the value of your work, your involvement, or your attachment to Air Antilles. You have carried this company with seriousness and dignity to the end."

The Legal Process: Reorganization vs. Liquidation

On January 22, 2026, the airline's management and employee representatives appeared before the Commercial Court of Pointe-à-Pitre. The court has taken the matter under advisement and is scheduled to deliver its verdict on February 2, 2026.

The court essentially has two paths forward:

1. Judicial Reorganization (Redressement Judiciaire): This is the preferred outcome for the shareholders. It would allow the company to restructure its debts and operations under court supervision, potentially saving jobs and preserving the airline.

2. Liquidation: If the court deems the business unviable, it could order the liquidation of assets, effectively ending the airline's existence.

Adding pressure to this timeline is the expiration of the company's provisional operating license on January 31, 2026. Failure to renew this license would likely lead to a shutdown, regardless of the court's financial ruling.

The Human and Economic Toll

Beyond the legal proceedings, the human impact is significant. The 114 employees of Air Antilles have been living in limbo since the grounding in December. The psychological toll was acknowledged by union representatives, including Brieuc Hardy of the National Union of Airline Pilots, who attended the court hearing.

Public Investment at Risk

The crisis also poses a significant risk of public funds being lost. The Collectivity of Saint-Martin has invested heavily in the carrier since its previous takeover in late 2023.

• Total Investment: Approximately €19-€20 million in public money has been injected into the airline.

• Strategic Importance: Air Antilles is not just a business; it is a vital connectivity tool for the region, serving Saint-Barthélemy, Saint-Martin, Guadeloupe, and Martinique.

Despite the recent struggles, the airline demonstrated its market demand in 2025. Before the grounding, it transported over 121,000 passengers and generated roughly €18 million in revenue. These figures suggest that the business model has potential if the regulatory and management issues can be resolved.

A Glimmer of Hope?

While the situation is dire, there remains a path to survival. Reports indicate that a consortium of investors is finalizing a takeover offer. This proposal is expected to be presented to the Commercial Court as part of the argument for judicial reorganization rather than liquidation.

For the shareholders, particularly the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, reorganization is the only way to safeguard the millions already invested. Louis Mussington remains hopeful that the court will see the viability of a restructured airline.

Conclusion

The fate of Air Antilles will be decided on February 2. The decision will determine whether a vital regional link can be restored or if the Caribbean will lose a major player in its aviation network. For the employees, passengers, and public investors, the coming days will be filled with anxious anticipation.

GALISBAY, SANDY GROUND – A minor suspected of committing an armed robbery was taken into custody by gendarmes on the morning of Thursday, January 22. The arrest followed a dedicated judicial operation in the Galis Bay and Sandy Ground area.
The individual is accused of involvement in an armed robbery where a weapon was used. This morning's operation was the culmination of an investigation aimed at identifying and apprehending the person responsible for the crime.
Legal proceedings concerning this case are now underway. The Basse-Terre prosecutor's office is directing the judicial process to ensure all legal protocols are followed.
This arrest highlights the gendarmerie's ongoing commitment to public safety. Officials have reiterated their full mobilization in the fight against the proliferation of illegal weapons on the island. These efforts are a core part of their mission to ensure the security of all residents and visitors. Further details on the case will be released as the legal process continues.