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Great police work SXMScubaman 1 hour ago "Three Suspects Arrested in Connection with a Series of Armed Robberies in Cay Hill, Cul-de-Sac, and Philipsburg Areas
The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has arrested three suspects in connection with a series of armed robberies targeting supermarkets, restaurants, and guesthouses in the Cul-de-Sac, Philipsburg, and Cay Hill areas over the past two weeks.
At approximately 8:00 PM on June 8th, 2026, Central Police Dispatch received multiple emergency calls reporting an armed robbery in progress at a Chinese restaurant in the Cay Hill area. Preliminary information indicates that two suspects, dressed in dark clothing, entered the establishment and, under threat of a firearm, robbed the restaurant before fleeing the scene.
Officers were further informed that the suspects matched the description of individuals who had allegedly committed an armed robbery at a restaurant on Bush Road the previous day.
Following the report, police units immediately initiated an area search. During the operation, officers received information that the suspects were traveling in a small blue or red vehicle. Shortly thereafter, officers observed and intercepted a small blue vehicle on Blyden’s Drive in the Cul-de-Sac area.
Upon conducting a control of the vehicle, officers encountered a female occupant inside. A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of a small quantity of narcotics, several items of black clothing, and a firearm. The female suspect, identified by the initials G.R.C.B., 21 years old was immediately arrested, and the firearm and clothing were confiscated.
During questioning, the suspect indicated that she had been in the company of two male family members who were located in a nearby apartment.
Officers proceeded to the apartment next door, where they encountered two male suspects matching the description of the individuals involved in the earlier armed robbery at the Chinese restaurant.
The suspects, identified by the initials H.A.S.-G. (19 years old) and N.Z.P.-P. (14 years old), were both arrested without incident and transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where they are currently being held for questioning.
KPSM reminds parents, guardians, and the wider community of the importance of maintaining awareness of the activities and associations of minors under their care. Situational awareness and early intervention play a key role in preventing young persons from becoming involved in criminal activity and ensuring their safety and positive development within society.
The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are actively determining the full involvement of the suspects in the recent series of armed robberies.
KPSM commends the swift and coordinated response of its officers, which led to the successful apprehension of the suspects and the recovery of key evidence.
Anyone with additional information related to these incidents is urged to contact KPSM at +1 (721) 542-2222, or call the tipline at 9300 See less"

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Dinner in the sand at Mary's Boon? GaryB Yesterday at 07:57 PM Anyone know if they are still doing this?

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Dinner Wednesday Night, Ti Palm or Maison Mere? Anna_and_Frank 06/08/2026 10:35 PM We are staying in Orient, and out of these two restaurants, which one do you prefer? Are we missing something big? We are eating at L'Astrolabe tonight.

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Virgin Gorda prepared meals bukovsrp 06/08/2026 09:50 PM Anyone know if someone does prepared meals on Virgin Gorda?
I know we can get a chef to cook in Villa, but really just
wanted something quick on arrival day.
Thanks.

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Dust and Sargassum nevar37 06/08/2026 02:16 PM We arrive tomorrow for a one-week charter. Any impact from the dust and sargassum?

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Trip so far freedomfighter 06/08/2026 01:25 AM Staying at a villa overlooking Happy Bay and Friars Bay. We are very pleased so far! Here is a link:

https://vrbo.onelink.me/ItNz/cptrqodx

Restaurant opinions so far:
Friars Bay Beach Cafe: Good food, great service, chill vibe, no sargassum
Oasis Restaurant, Oyster Pond: Worth the drive. Great food, great service, awesome live music.
L’Atelier, Orient Village: One of our favorites. Awesome steaks, poached egg app is amazing, service is top notch.
LaPiment, Orient Village: Was once a favorite. This time, overcooked fish, mediocre service, a disappointment. Won’t go back.
Aloha, Orient Beach. Today was our third visit. This is going to sound crazy, but they may have provided the BEST overall experience. The food is AWESOME, the cocktails are AWESOME, The service is AWESOME! We are Americans. Sunday is the day that the French are dining out. We were warmly greeted by four members of the staff today. Going back tomorrow!

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Sargassum update, French side freedomfighter 06/08/2026 01:03 AM We have been on the island since last Wednesday, staying in a villa overlooking Happy Bay and Friars Bay. There is zero sargassum in the water or on the beach at those two locations.
We have also spent time on Orient Beach. There has been very little sargassum in the water or on the beach from Coco to the south end of the beach. There are stacks of decaying sargassum in between the resorts and beach bars. It looks like the sargassum is being pushed to the vacant spots and piled up there. From Coco north to Mont Vernon the piles of sargassum are huge and the smell is disgusting! Even at Coco it’s pretty bad. When walking Orient, we turn around at Coco and head back the other way. Heading over to Ma Doudou tomorrow. Will check out the situation at the Ferry pickup to Pinel then.

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Credit card for car rental insurance SXMScubaman 06/07/2026 08:59 PM Since Barclays converted to Citi and Citi no longer will cover the Collision on car rentals what card do you use that covers the Collision?

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Stumbling across the finish line. wabid 06/06/2026 08:04 PM Packing and putting together our final details for our arrival on the 10the. I am bumbling and stumbling towards the finish line, which is the threshold of our Apt. at the SBR.

I am doing my best to make the least stressful departure as possible. You see, I traveled extensively in my career and my colleagues would jokingly call me the "anal retentive traveler". Extensive notes, printed reservations, Mapquest maps. (for the kids following at home... Back in the day we used Mapquest. Which is like Google Maps...but on PAPER!). As time marched on, Everything eventually was consolidated to my Palm Pilot (Smartphone that did not make phone calls) and now my Mobile. The habit has not left me.

Last time we visited, it was my 6 year old's first visit and we were joined by nieces, nephews, parents. Way outside my "zone" of perfection

. Too many connecting flights, short layovers, and so many spinning plates.

This year. Simplicity. Afternoon flight from Madison, WI, to PHL, overnight at the airport hotel, and the next morning a simple walk to the morning flight to SXM. Fingers crossed.

Moving on.... My wife asked about something this morning about Zbest. We were discussing how much cash we are bringing and she remembered that Zbest was very appreciative of anyone who brought US $1 bills to them and offed free coffee etc. for certain amounts. Is that still a thing?

Anyhow looking forward to next week. And, maybe...just maybe, you will get a arrival report on Wednesday.

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