PHILIPSBURG: --- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) confirmed the arrest of two individuals on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in connection with an ongoing fraud investigation. The suspects, a male and a female, are currently in police custody for questioning as authorities intensify efforts to uncover the full extent of the fraudulent activities.
The arrests come at a time when the Windward Islands Bank (WIB) is under intense scrutiny following revelations of a major fraud scheme involving one of its employees. According to reports, the employee allegedly siphoned thousands of dollars from customer accounts, transferring sums as large as $15,000 to accomplices. These funds were then funneled to the employee’s boyfriend in Sint Eustatius, who was apprehended in St. Maarten while driving a stolen vehicle. Another woman, also implicated in the scheme, was arrested alongside him.
WIB’s Silence Fuels Public Outrage
Despite the gravity of the situation, WIB has remained silent, offering no comment or reassurance to its customers. This lack of transparency has sparked public outrage, with many questioning the bank’s internal controls and security measures. Customers are demanding accountability and answers as the scandal continues to unfold.
Adding to the concerns, it has been revealed that banks in Sint Maarten, including WIB, lack insurance to protect customers against financial losses from fraud. This alarming fact was highlighted in a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment, which exposed systemic vulnerabilities in the island’s banking sector. Without proper insurance or oversight, customers are left financially exposed, further eroding trust in local financial institutions.
KPSM’s Commitment to Justice
KPSM has assured the public of its commitment to investigating all reports of fraud and safeguarding the community against financial crimes. Police Spokesman Joe Josepha confirmed that the investigation is broad and ongoing, with several accounts already frozen as part of the probe. However, specific details remain undisclosed to protect the integrity of the investigation.
A Breach of Trust
The WIB fraud scandal is not just a financial crisis but a breach of trust that has shaken the community. Customers are left questioning how such a scheme could go undetected and what safeguards, if any, are in place to prevent future incidents. The bank’s refusal to address the allegations only deepens the crisis of confidence.
As the investigation progresses, the public will be watching closely. WIB’s silence is no longer an option. The bank owes its customers transparency, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring that such a betrayal never happens again.
CAY HILL:--- Twenty-two students have recently completed the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) Accelerated Registered Nursing Course (2023–2025) and are now officially recognized as Registered Nurses (RNs). The two-year program, which began in November 2023, was coordinated and facilitated by Nrs. Antonio Pantophlet, SMMC’s In-Patient Care and Education Manager, in collaboration with the Instituto pa Formashon Den Enfermeria (IFE) of Curaçao. The program falls under IFE’s accreditation, which is recognized in the Netherlands. This graduation marked the 6th group that has successfully advanced through SMMC’s accelerated RN program.
PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten is mentioned multiple times in a sweeping release of documents made public by the United States Department of Justice in connection with the case of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.