Official
Sigmar Carmelia installed as president of the Common Court of Justice
The Hof van Justitie said Sigmar Carmelia was installed as the new president of the Common Court of Justice on Friday 16 October.
Friday 16 October 2026
Everything we published that day, by section. Times are island time (AST).
20 storiesGovernment
4 stories
In brief
KPSM says senior officers completed leadership training
KPSM says several senior officers completed a leadership programme aimed at supporting operational-level work.
In brief
Netherlands plans anti-ship missile capability for Caribbean
The Netherlands plans to add anti-ship missiles to its Caribbean military capability, alongside a permanent Marine Corps company in Curaçao.
Official
Mercelina meets Dutch foreign affairs minister in The Hague
The Government of Sint Maarten says Prime Minister Dr. Luc F. E. Mercelina met Dutch Minister Tom Berendsen on Friday 16 October.
Crime & Court
4 storiesIn brief
Theo Heyliger released from prison after serving 1,102 days
Former MP Theo Heyliger was released on Friday 16 October, his wife said, as the Justice Ministry cited detention capacity constraints.
Official
KPSM urges parents to stay involved as investigation continues
KPSM urged parents and guardians to monitor and support their children while an investigation continues.
In brief
Police arrest 16-year-old after attempted Backstreet break-in
Police said a 16-year-old male was arrested after an attempted break-in at a Backstreet business in Philipsburg early Friday 16 October.
In brief
KPSM reports robbery at Sucker Garden Road business
KPSM said two unidentified suspects took an undisclosed amount of cash from a Sucker Garden Road business on Thursday 15 October.
Business
7 storiesIn brief
CCISM E-Weekend offered digital consultations for Saint-Martin businesses
CCISM’s E-Weekend 2026 featured 12 exhibitors, two masterclasses and 30-minute consultations for local entrepreneurs.
In brief
PJIA, airline handlers review operations before 2026/2027 high season
Princess Juliana International Airport said it met with airline handlers to review fueling, gates, passenger processing and parking.
In brief
2027 YLAI Fellowship applications open to entrepreneurs in Sint Maarten
The U.S. Consulate General Curaçao has opened seven fully funded 2027 YLAI fellowships for eligible entrepreneurs, with applications due 8 November.
In brief
Winair to operate at least three weekly Montserrat flights through 2029
Winair and the Government of Montserrat signed a three-year agreement for scheduled service between Sint Maarten and Montserrat.
In brief
Sint Maarten US citizen air trips rose 51.2% in September, analysis says
Tourism Analytics reported 5,954 more US citizen air trips to Sint Maarten in September 2026 than a year earlier.
In brief
Caribbean cruise forecast points to 21 million passengers by 2031
Tourism Economics forecast Caribbean cruise passenger volumes could reach about 21 million by 2031 at an FCCA conference in San Juan.
In brief
Air Caraïbes plans daily Guadeloupe flight to PJIA from 8 January
Air Caraïbes says it will begin daily flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Princess Juliana International Airport on 8 January 2027.
Community
5 storiesIn brief
USM hosts menopause discussion with health professionals
USM held a public menopause discussion on Thursday 15 October, covering symptoms, treatment options and emotional well-being.
In brief
Three islands sign slavery-legacy research agreement
Sint Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius signed an agreement on Friday 16 October for genealogical and scientific research on slavery’s legacy.
In brief
Let’s ACT programme closes after supporting nine cultural projects
More than 60 guests attended the Let’s ACT Final Showcase in Cay Hill on 15 October, marking the close of a two-year programme.
In brief
Naatya Arts Center trio to perform in Guadeloupe
Thrisha Nankani, Aparna Samaga and Tamanna Sharma will represent Naatya Arts Center at a Guadeloupe event on Saturday 17 October.
In brief
St. Dominic Grade 4 students visit Parliament
Twenty-two St. Dominic Primary School Grade 4 students visited Parliament on Thursday 15 October for a learning session.
