In 2016, France adopted Law No. 2016‑138 on fighting food waste (often called the “Garot Law,” linked to Guillaume Garot). It wrote a clear priority order into the Environment Code: prevent waste first, then use unsold food that is still safe for people (donation or processing), then animal feed, and only after that composting or turning it into energy. It also created a concrete duty for large food retailers. Stores above the 400 m² threshold must offer to sign a donation agreement (a formal convention) with one or more approved food aid charities, so edible unsold food has a real…
Author: The Publisher
InterCaribbean Airways made a celebrated return to St. Maarten on Monday, marking the occasion with an inaugural flight and a ceremony at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA). The event coincided with International Women’s Day, making the return of the airline especially symbolic as the flight was operated by an all-female crew. The ceremony drew a wide array of aviation and tourism leaders, including InterCaribbean Airways Chairman Lyndon Gardner, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Trevor Sadler, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Craig Chapple, and airport leadership, such as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Michael Lake, COO Emile Levons, and Director of Operations Michael Peters. Representing the tourism sector were May-Ling Chun of the St. Maarten…
In a continued effort to strengthen crisis preparedness, operational leadership, and regional cooperation within the Dutch Caribbean, the Police Force of Sint Maarten has successfully completed an intensive Staff and Crisis Management (SGBO) training program. The week-long training, held from Monday, March 2 to Friday, March 6, 2026, at the Philipsburg Police Station, was delivered by expert instructors from the Netherlands Police Academy (Nederlandse Politie Academie – NPA). This training forms part of a broader strategic development project under the framework of the College van Korpschefs, which aims to enhance crisis management structures, harmonise operational procedures, and strengthen cooperation among…
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed on Thursday that the suspect wanted in connection with the alleged theft of more than US $46 million in cryptocurrency from the United States Marshals Service was arrested on St. Martin during a joint international law enforcement operation. In a statement posted on the social media platform X (Twitter), Patel said the suspect, identified as John Daghita, was taken into custody overnight by the elite intervention unit of the French Gendarmerie in cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Patel’s post quickly gained traction online, and by midnight it had received approximately 2.6 million views…
CONCORDIA–A small fire broke out near the Fresh Food Market at the intersection of Rue de Concordia and Rue Antoine Lake on Wednesday, initially raising concerns among residents. Authorities confirmed that the blaze involved a pile of garbage and did not threaten nearby homes or businesses. Residents in the area acted quickly, attempting to put out the fire before emergency crews arrived. Their efforts helped prevent the fire from spreading until fire response teams reached the scene. The Shift Leader of the Fire Department stated that the cause of the fire is still unknown and will require further investigation. Police Territorial officers, including Officer…
MARIGOT–A suspect wanted in connection with the theft of approximately US $46 million in cryptocurrency was arrested in a private residence on St. Martin during a joint overnight operation involving French and United States law enforcement authorities. The arrest was carried out by the elite Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (GIGN), based in Guadeloupe, together with the Section de Recherches of the Gendarmerie in Saint-Martin and agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Authorities identified the suspect as John Daghita, a 22-year-old U.S. citizen from Virginia who is considered a primary target in an investigation into the alleged theft of tens of millions of dollars in digital assets. According…
MARIGOT–The Collectivité de Saint-Martin has announced the launch of the eighth term of the Conseil Territorial des Jeunes de Saint‑Martin (CTJsm) for the 2026–2028 period. The official installation of the new youth council will take place on April 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the deliberation hall of the Collectivity building in Marigot. Created in 2008 as a participatory democracy initiative, the youth council allows young people between the ages of 14 and 25 to take part in public life. The CTJsm serves as a platform for youth to develop and implement projects of public interest while representing the concerns and perspectives of young residents of…
In light of recent public statements and the public concern that has followed, I wish to provide clarity regarding the construction of the new building of the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC). I fully understand the concerns raised by Members of Parliament and by the community. The construction of our new hospital is one of the most significant national infrastructure projects currently underway, and transparency and accountability remain essential. Since the beginning of 2026, I have been in close and continuous contact with the management and Supervisory Board of SMMC, as well as with Social & Health Insurances SZV. Several meetings have been…
The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM)takes this opportunity informs the general public on certain measures being taken in connection with the commencement of the 46th edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, which will take place from March 5th to March 9th, 2026. During the Regatta period, KPSM will implement several road safety and traffic management measures to ensure the safety of all road users and to secure the free flow of traffic, particularly along Union Road, which is expected to experience increased traffic due to Regatta-related activities. Traffic Diversion – Union Road (Weekend Measures) During the Regatta weekend,…
The Dutch police forces of the Dutch Caribbean, united under the College van Korpschefs, hereby announce the launch of a coordinated Interinsular Gun Buyback and Firearm Surrender Action. This joint initiative is a collaborative effort of the police organizations of the Dutch Caribbean and is supported by the Public Prosecutor’s Offices of Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Aruba, and the Caribbean Netherlands, including Bonaire, Saba, and Sint Eustatius. One Approach For the first time, all islands within the Dutch Caribbean will simultaneously conduct a firearm surrender and buyback program. The main objective of this coordinated action is to provide individuals who are…
