From left are: First runner up of the Miss Essence and Mind International 2025 pageant Miss Antigua and Barbuda Kia Kirwan, winner Miss St. Kitts and Nevis Kadijah Mulley and second runner up Miss Trinidad & Tobago Tineka Francois.

PHILIPSBURG--Miss St. Kitts and Nevis Kadijah Mulley was crowned Miss Essence and Mind International 2025 on Saturday night at the Aleeze Convention Center, following a spirited competition that celebrated confidence, creativity, and empowerment under the theme “United in Essence, Strong in Mind.”

The suspects abandoned their vehicle on Front Street and escaped on foot toward the Boardwalk, where two scooters were waiting.

PHILIPSBURG--Saturday afternoon in the center of Philipsburg turned into chaos when three armed men stormed Oro Diamante jewelry store on Front Street, just steps away from the Courthouse. The robbery, which took place around 5:00pm on October 25, sparked a large-scale police operation that continued late into the night.

The gun found in the car is believed to have been used during the robbery on Tuesday.

PHILIPSBURG—St. Maarten Police Force KPSM has arrested two suspects in connection with the armed robbery that took place in front of a hotel on Front Street on the evening of Tuesday, October 22. The arrests mark a major breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.

PHILIPSBURG--The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is preparing to officially begin construction of the new prison facility in Pointe Blanche, marking a major step forward in St. Maarten’s long-awaited justice sector reform. Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling made the announcement during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing.

VSA Minsiter Richinel Brug and GEBE Transition Manager Thomas Roggendorf (both centre) with VSA’s DLASS representatives and GEBE staffers.

PHILIPSBURG--Government and NV GEBE have launched a one-year pilot programme to provide up to XCG 50,000 in monthly utility bill relief for vulnerable members of the community.