PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has apprehended a 52-year-old male suspect, identified by the initials R.A.A.R., in connection with arson incidents that took place in the Cole Bay area in January 2025. The arrest occurred on Thursday, January 22, 2026, following an extensive investigation.
The arson incidents on January 15 and 16, 2025, led to the issuance of an arrest warrant. Police officers on patrol in the Sucker Garden area spotted the suspect and detained him without incident.
During a routine safety search at the time of the arrest, officers discovered an object resembling a firearm in the suspect’s possession. The item was promptly confiscated and secured as evidence.
The suspect was transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where he is currently being held for questioning as the investigation continues.
KPSM has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice, emphasizing that the passage of time does not hinder their resolve to solve serious crimes. This arrest underscores their dedication to holding offenders accountable, no matter how much time has passed.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has successfully apprehended and extradited a fugitive suspect involved in a jewelry store robbery that took place on September 5, 2025.

The suspect, J.J.B., a 37-year-old male, fled Sint Maarten immediately after the crime in an attempt to evade justice. However, his escape was short-lived. Through tireless investigative efforts and seamless collaboration with regional law enforcement agencies, KPSM located, arrested, and returned the fugitive to Sint Maarten to face justice.

J.J.B. is currently in custody at the Philipsburg Police Station, where he will remain as the investigation continues.

KPSM extends its gratitude to its regional and international law enforcement partners for their swift action and steadfast cooperation, which were instrumental in securing this arrest. These partnerships are vital in combating cross-border criminal activity.

This arrest sends a clear and powerful message: those who commit crimes in our community and attempt to flee will find no refuge. KPSM and its partners will pursue you relentlessly, across borders and oceans, to ensure justice is served.

The Sint Maarten Police Force remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding our community and holding criminals accountable—wherever they may try to hide.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The daily commute in St. Maarten has become a showcase of chaos and neglect. On this 37-square-mile island, residents and visitors alike are trapped in a transportation nightmare, a problem that has been building for years while those in power look the other way. The frustration is boiling over, and it's time to call out the failures that have led us to this gridlocked state.

Every day, we witness the blatant disregard for road safety. Bus drivers, in a constant battle for fares, stop dead in the middle of the road to let passengers on and off. They effectively block traffic, preventing competitors from overtaking them and creating dangerous situations and infuriating delays for everyone else. This isn't just poor driving; it’s a symptom of a system with no oversight and no consequences.

The tour industry adds another layer to this dysfunction. All-terrain quads, designed for hillsides and rugged paths, are now a common sight on public roads, herded by tour guides who halt traffic to keep their convoys together. We also see three-wheeled vehicles, utterly unsuited for our steep hills, struggling to climb slopes and causing long tailbacks. One has to ask: Who is issuing the licenses for these operations? It appears the Department of Economic Affairs has failed to conduct even the most basic due diligence, handing out permits without considering the suitability of the vehicles or their impact on our roads. The fact that many of these licenses reportedly land in the hands of former politicians and their families only deepens the sense of injustice.

Let's not forget the massive tour buses—especially the double-decker giants—many of which are linked to sitting politicians and their relatives. These oversized vehicles don’t just clog our already narrow streets; they make a bad situation worse. Their towering size exacerbates congestion, blocks drivers’ views at intersections and crosswalks, and introduces new safety hazards on roads that were never designed for such heights or turning radii. On tight corners and crowded lanes, double-decker buses become moving obstacles, making it even harder for emergency vehicles and everyday commuters to get through. The same questions of conflict of interest and preferential treatment arise.

Then there is the issue of heavy equipment. A ban was once in place to keep these large vehicles off public roads during peak hours. This ban was sensibly lifted after Hurricane Irma to aid in the cleanup and rebuilding efforts. However, years have passed, and the island is largely rebuilt. Did the minister who lifted the ban forget to reinstate it? Or was it left as a permanent exemption to benefit connected individuals? The result is the same: more oversized vehicles on the road when traffic is at its worst.

Since St. Maarten gained its new country status in 2010, the number of vehicles has exploded. Hundreds of rental cars from both sides of the island flood our roads daily. Yet, in all that time, how many new roads have been built to handle this massive increase in volume? The answer is embarrassingly few. Promises from politicians to alleviate traffic congestion have proven to be hollow. Those who once criticized former leaders for "tunnel vision" now seem to have no vision at all, as potholes multiply and traffic jams stretch for miles.

Amidst this motorized chaos, a different kind of movement is gaining traction. The local bicycle crew, a growing community of cycling enthusiasts, is actively promoting two-wheeled transport as a viable solution to the island's gridlock. They organize group rides and advocate for a more pedal-powered lifestyle, demonstrating that not every journey requires a car. However, their commendable efforts are consistently undermined by the island's hazardous infrastructure. With a severe lack of dedicated bike lanes, cyclists are forced to navigate the same congested and crumbling roads as cars and buses, putting their safety at risk. Despite these dangers, their presence on the streets serves as a powerful symbol of resilience and a glimpse into a greener, more sustainable future for St. Maarten's transportation.

The daily grind of navigating St. Maarten's roads is more than an inconvenience; it is a direct result of failed governance, a lack of planning, and a system that seems to prioritize personal connections over public welfare. The people of St. Maarten are tired of the empty promises and the visible decay of our infrastructure. We are stuck in traffic, and it's time to hold those in charge accountable for this mess.

Simpson Bay"---  Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Peters as Operations Director, effective immediately. A proud son of St. Maarten, Mr. Peters brings more than a decade of hands-on aviation experience, deep institutional knowledge, and a proven commitment to operational excellence, safety, and teamwork.
Michael Peters’ journey at PJIAE began in 2011 as a summer employee, where early exposure to airport operations sparked a lasting passion for aviation and tourism. What started as a temporary role quickly evolved into a clear career path. While continuing to work part-time with the Operations Department, Peters pursued his studies in the Netherlands, earning a degree in Aviation Operations.
In 2015, he returned to St. Maarten to complete his final internship at PJIA, determined to contribute to the growth and development of the country’s main gateway. His dedication and performance led to his appointment as Operations Coordinator in 2016. Over the next six years, Peters distinguished himself through strong leadership, technical expertise, and a steadfast focus on safety and compliance.
Following this, he was promoted to Safety & Security Compliance Advisor to the Director of Operations and, in early 2025, took on the additional role of Acting Security Manager, successfully overseeing security operations alongside his compliance responsibilities.
As Operations Director, Michael Peters now oversees Airside and Landside Operations, the Airport Fire Department, and the Security Department, with responsibility for more than 170 staff members across these critical operational areas.
The airport’s Chief Operating Officer Mr. Levons expressed full confidence in Peters’ appointment:
“Michael has consistently demonstrated the right combination of operational expertise, leadership, and integrity. He understands this airport inside and out, and he has earned the trust and respect of his

teams. I have full confidence in his ability to fulfill this role and to continue strengthening our operations with the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and professionalism.”
Reflecting on his leadership approach, Peters emphasized the importance of collaboration in a complex airport environment:
“Teamwork and collaboration are fundamental to safe and efficient airport operations. No meaningful results can be achieved in isolation. Effective collaboration across departments enhances situational awareness, rapid problem-solving, and ultimately safeguards the safety, efficiency, and overall experience of both passengers and staff.”
Beyond formal qualifications, Peters strongly believes that work attitude, discipline, and willingness to grow are essential drivers of long-term success. His career path stands as a powerful example to young professionals on the island that while education opens doors, it is commitment, integrity, and perseverance that truly shape a future.
With this appointment, Princess Juliana International Airport reaffirms its commitment to developing local talent and ensuring strong, experienced leadership at the heart of its operations.