PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) informs all residents and visitors that parking regulations will be strictly enforced in the Mullet Bay area from Friday, April 18, through Monday, April 21, 2025, during the Easter holiday weekend.

KPSM understands that the Easter weekend is a time for families to gather and enjoy the beach. In light of the expected high volume of visitors to Mullet Bay, KPSM will implement strategic traffic and parking controls to ensure public safety and a smooth traffic flow.

Key points to note:

Parking along Rhine Road is strictly prohibited.

Designated parking areas will be indicated, and KPSM personnel will actively monitor Rhine Road throughout the weekend to enforce the parking regulations.

Vehicles parked illegally or obstructing traffic—especially those parked in undesignated areas of the Mullet Bay Golf Course—will be towed at the owner's expense.

Importantly, the Mullet Bay Golf Course management has granted limited permission for vehicles to park in specific, authorized areas on their property. These designated zones will be identified for public use.

KPSM kindly urges the public to comply with allotted parking locations and follow the guidance of officers on-site. Your cooperation helps us ensure a safe, enjoyable Easter weekend for everyone.

KPSM, Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG – The controversy surrounding Member of Parliament (MP) Raeyhon Peterson has deepened following an alleged physical altercation outside the Red Diamond Exotic nightclub on Tuesday night. The incident, which reportedly began inside the venue, has sparked widespread public discussion about the conduct of elected officials.

Eyewitness claims initially suggested that Peterson, reportedly intoxicated at the time, became engaged in a heated argument with an individual identified as "Boy Boy," which then escalated into a physical confrontation. However, Peterson has since taken to Facebook to address the allegations, categorically denying that he was intoxicated during the incident. In a detailed post, Peterson asserted that he was not the altercation's instigator. Instead, he claimed that he was attacked by an unknown gypsy driver outside the venue.

Despite Peterson's statement, further reports have emerged, suggesting that the individual involved in the altercation is well known to the MP. According to sources, the person had even campaigned for Peterson during the last elections. These revelations have added another layer of complexity to the incident, raising additional questions about the connections between those involved.

On Wednesday and Monday, Peterson was absent from parliamentary meetings, with some speculation attributing his absence to injuries sustained during the altercation. Adding to the unfolding events, reports revealed that Peterson has since left the island. The reasons for his departure remain unclear, with no confirmation on whether it is tied to the incident or the ongoing investigation.

Initially, law enforcement reported that no formal complaint had been filed. However, an inquiry was launched to ensure all legal protocols were observed due to Peterson's status as a licensed firearm holder.

Police confirmed on Tuesday that an official complaint involving a Member of Parliament has been lodged, though the specifics remain undisclosed.

As investigations continue, public discourse around this incident has intensified, focusing on officials' behavior and accountability in their professional and personal lives. Peterson has yet to elaborate publicly beyond his Facebook post, leaving many awaiting further clarification and updates as authorities move forward with their inquiries.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As part of the “Stop, Drop, and GO” Firearm Amnesty Programme, one unlicensed firearm—a .24 caliber Midnight Special—was voluntarily surrendered to police on Monday morning. This act signals active participation in the efforts to reduce gun violence and promote community safety.

The next Amnesty Day is Wednesday, April 16, 2025, and law enforcement urges the public to make use of this opportunity to turn in illegal firearms and ammunition. Financial compensation for weapons and tips leading to weapon(s) recovery is offered.

The KPSM and the Prosecutor’s Office strongly encourage especially parents and guardians to take an active role in getting weapons out of the hands of their children and off the streets. Actively check to ensure your children do not have a weapon that may endanger their lives as well as others.

Also, parents and guardians are urged to talk to their children and others about the dangers and legal consequences of possessing an illegal weapon. An unlicensed firearm in a minor’s hands can destroy their future—legally, socially, and emotionally. Preventing access to weapons can save lives and open the door to brighter futures.

The Sint Maarten Police Force KPSM and the Prosecutor's Office Sint Maarten launched the “Stop, Drop, and GO” Firearm Amnesty Programme on April 14, running through May 2, 2025. This initiative aims to reduce the number of illegal firearms in the community and enhance public safety through voluntary surrender. This programme is supported by the Ministry of Justice.

Supported by the Minister of Justice, the programme offers financial rewards of up to Cg. 895 / US $500 for surrendered weapons and qualifying tips. The designated drop-off location is the Opal Building on Union Road in Cole Bay on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the amnesty period. Drop-off time is 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Firearm Surrender: No questions will be asked when firearms are surrendered to the police.

Anonymity is guaranteed unless the firearm is found to be linked to a criminal offense. All weapons received will undergo forensic examination. The amnesty also applies to anyone wishing to turn in an unwanted firearm.

Trained personnel will be on-site to receive weapons safely.

Firearms must be delivered unloaded, in a sealed bag or box.

No questions will be asked, with some exceptions.

Proof of Surrender: Participants will receive a receipt without their identity being recorded.

Anonymous Tips: Individuals who provide information about the location of illegal firearms via the police tip line (9300) may also be eligible for financial compensation. Eligibility will depend on whether a firearm or ammunition is recovered because of the tip.

All reports and surrenders will be handled with the utmost confidentiality, ensuring the safety and privacy of participants.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In October 2024, the NRPB, on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, awarded a contract to demolish and reconstruct the Sister Marie Laurence school in the Middle Region, following a public procurement procedure in compliance with World Bank regulations. As  part of the Fostering Resilient Learning Project, the contract also included demolition works for the Charles Leopold Bell school in Cole Bay and the old library building in Philipsburg.

Unfortunately, the selected contractor has been unable to mobilize within the required timeframe, creating challenges for the project’s progress. Consequently, the contracted works and associated timelines could no longer be guaranteed within the remaining lifetime of the FRLP. Therefore, in consultation with the Government of Sint Maarten and the World Bank, the NRPB has decided to relaunch the previously awarded works. This process will begin with a separate national procurement for demolishing the three buildings under the project. Retendering the construction works for the Sister Marie Laurence school will commence soon thereafter.

Starting April 15, 2025, eligible contractors can submit a competitive bid on one or multiple lots for the demolition in the coming four weeks. The NRPB encourages contractors to request bid packages and deliver competitive bids. Collaboration and joint ventures between smaller contractors are permitted and encouraged.

With this decision, the Government and the NRPB aim to ensure the timely execution of construction activities, which is critical to realizing the objectives of the Fostering Resilient Learning Project.