VKS officers about to go out for patrol on March 22. This was to remind businesses to close at 6:00pm.
PHILIPSBURG--While much has been said about the Royal Dutch Marine Corps and the St. Maarten Police Force KPSM enforcing business closures and the 24-hour curfew – all measures instituted by Prime Minister and Chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Silveria Jacobs to halt the local spread of coronavirus COVID-19 – comparatively little is spoken of the role of the St. Maarten Volunteers Corps VKS in supporting the enforcement of these measures.
Before the total lockdown was implemented, VKS loaned several of its officers to police to assist in enforcing mandatory business closures across St. Maarten.
Currently, VKS has made 12 officers available to law enforcement on a daily basis – four officers per shift. These officers assist police and the marines in manning the borders and during patrols to enforce the 24-hour curfew. These activities run in conjunction with VKS’ main role of securing the Pointe Blanche prison.
