HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG:--- Today, His Excellency Governor Ajamu Baly received the Governing program from the Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), Democratic Party (DP), Soualiga Action Movement (SAM), and Party for Progress (PFP). This program outlines the policy plans and priorities for the current governing term following the swearing-in and appointment ceremony on November 26, 2024. Present at the signing were Mr. Luc Mercelina (URSM Leader), Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams (DP Leader), Mr. Cecil Nicholas (SAM Deputy Leader), and Ms. Melissa Gumbs (PFP Leader). This governing program reflects the coalition's commitment to addressing the challenges Sint Maarten faces and promotes the well-being of its citizens.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On the morning of March 19, 2025, members of the Pelican Team, specializing in the fight against cross-border crimes, executed an operation at the Princess Juliana International Airport. During the operation, a 50-year-old Customs Officer, identified by the initials M.M.M. ( Michael Maduru), was arrested under suspicion of serious criminal activity.
The Customs Officer is suspected of being involved in the in-transit and export of illegal substances. Additionally, the officer is believed to be part of a criminal organization, taking bribes, misusing their position, and engaging in money laundering activities.
The arrest follows an ongoing investigation into illicit activities at the airport. The suspect is currently being held at the police station for questioning.
The Police Force of Sint-Maarten remains committed to maintaining the integrity of its institutions and continues to work diligently to combat cross-border crime and corruption.
Further details will be provided as the investigation progresses.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Orco Bank reaffirmed its commitment to the Sint Maarten community through its continued sponsorship of Sundial School's staff team-building activities. This sponsorship underscores the bank's belief in the importance of investing in educators and fostering a positive and collaborative learning environment.
The team-building activities are designed to strengthen working relationships among Sundial School staff, boost morale, and encourage the development of innovative ideas to enhance the school's educational programs and work environment. Orco Bank recognizes that a strong and cohesive faculty is crucial to providing students with a high-quality education.
“We at Orco Bank believe that investing in our educators is investing in the future of Sint Maarten. Sundial School plays a vital role in shaping the lives of our young people, and we are proud to support their efforts to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment. These team building activities are essential for fostering collaboration and ensuring that our teachers have the tools and support they need to succeed.” – Mrs. Judy King - Richardson, Country Manager for Orco Bank Sint Maarten.
This sponsorship is part of Orco Bank’s broader commitment to supporting education and community development initiatives in Sint Maarten. The bank recognizes the vital role that education plays in building a strong and prosperous future for the island.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

Under the leadership of its President Louis MUSSINGTON, the Collectivité of Saint Martin will host the 76th Plenary Meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) on March 19 and 20, 2025, at the Secrets Resort & Spa Hotel in Anse Marcel. During this major event, the Collectivité of Saint Martin will become an Associate Member of the OECS on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 4:30 p.m., in the presence of 11 Heads of Government, including two French regions, all members of the OECS.

On March 19th and 20th, the Overseas Collectivité of Saint Martin will embrace Caribbean cooperation and, more broadly, "territorial diplomacy." Saint Martin's accession ceremony on March 19 and the 76th Plenary Meeting of Member States on March 20 will take place at the Secret Resort & Spa, attended by representatives of the 11 OECS Member States: Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, Antigua & Barbuda (excused), with St. Martin soon joining.
Under the chairmanship of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Hon. Philip J. PIERRE, and the Executive Director of H.E. Dr. Didacus JULES, the OECS is a key intergovernmental international organization, established on June 18th, 1981, dedicated to regional integration in the Eastern Caribbean.

Ahead of the accession ceremony, President Louis Mussington and H.E. Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, hosted a citizen dialogue on Monday, March 17th, at the Maison des Entreprises (St Martin Chamber building) to explain the role of the OECS as a genuine Caribbean economic space, as well as the strategic cooperation challenges and benefits for Saint Martin joining the OECS.

As the President Louis Mussington stated:
"Saint Martin must position itself within its sphere of influence and make its voice heard among the Caribbean islands. Regional and international cooperation is now at the heart of economic strategies, and St Martin must be able to thrive and take part in the collective reflections of member states on key issues such as Education, Social Action, Disaster Risk Prevention, Security and biodiversity protection.”.

The 76th Plenary Meeting of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) will officially commence with the opening ceremony and the accession of Saint Martin on Wednesday, March 19th, at 4:30 p.m. The accession ceremony will be broadcast live on the OECS YouTube page and the Facebook pages of OECS and the Collectivité of St Martin. A cultural program showcasing of the territory’s heritage will accompany the official proceedings.

The Collectivité of Saint Martin, its elected representatives, and the OECS members invite the people of St Martin and residents of neighboring islands to follow this major event for the future of Saint Martin and eastern Caribbean cooperation.