GREAT BAY--The Ministry of Justice has requested additional law enforcement assistance from the Netherlands and local security partners as authorities move to strengthen the Police Force of St. Maarten (KPSM) in response to an increase in armed robberies, firearm-related incidents and other violent crimes.

GREAT BAY--The Dutch government has avoided an immediate collapse following hours of crisis talks on Friday, November 13, but the future of Prime Minister Rob Jetten's minority coalition remains uncertain as party leaders prepare for further negotiations on Sunday. The political crisis was triggered by a dispute over the Netherlands' 2027 tax plan, which passed the House of Representatives despite opposition from the VVD, one of the three parties forming the government.

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Egbert Doran has raised concerns about the increasing number of St. Maarten civil servants leaving the island, questioning what is driving experienced government employees away and whether sufficient action is being taken to address the situation.

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Dimar Labega has called for an end to political interference in professional appointments and government operations, warning that St. Maarten cannot overcome its severe administrative capacity problems while political considerations continue to take priority over qualifications, experience and professional judgment.

GREAT BAY--One day after there was no quorum for a vote, Parliament on Friday unanimously approved the two-year extension of the Mutual Arrangement for Cooperation on Reforms and the accompanying Country Reform Package between St. Maarten and the Netherlands, allowing the reform cooperation to continue through April 2029.

GREAT BAY--The American Cancer Society (ACS) has issued its most specific prostate cancer screening guidelines in more than 15 years, recommending that Black men begin annual prostate cancer testing at age 45, while men at average risk should undergo screening every two years beginning at age 50.