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Unlocking the Potential of St. Maarten’s Crime Fund.

~Minister of Justice Tackling Outlines Plans to Utilize the Crime Fund for Community and Crime Prevention Projects~

nathalietackling08092024PHILIPSBURG:--- In a recent press briefing, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling shed light on the underutilized Crime Fund in St. Maarten. This resource holds significant potential for funding crime prevention initiatives and supporting community projects. The Minister addressed questions from the media about the fund’s current status, its potential uses, and the steps being taken to ensure it benefits the people of St. Maarten.

The Crime Fund: A Resource Waiting to Be Tapped

The Crime Fund, which currently holds over four million guilders, has remained largely untapped due to a lack of applications and structured policies. Minister Tackling acknowledged this gap and emphasized the need to create awareness about the fund and its potential impact.

“Up to now, no projects have been funded because nobody applied for funding,” the Minister explained. She noted that the ordinance governing the fund requires projects to have a clear focus on crime prevention, which has limited its use. However, she is determined to change this by reaching out to institutions and organizations that can contribute to crime prevention efforts.

Targeting Youth and Community Projects

Minister Tackling highlighted her vision for funds, particularly its potential to support youth-focused initiatives. “What better place to start with an investment than to invest in projects for our youth?” she remarked. The Ministry is already in contact with the Ministry of Education and other organizations to explore structured programs for young people.

Some of the initiatives under consideration include martial arts programs, collaborations with the St. Maarten Youth Brigade, and other community-based projects aimed at early intervention and crime prevention. These efforts align with the broader goal of addressing systemic issues and reducing youth involvement in crime.

Learning from Regional Partners

During her recent visit to Aruba, Minister Tackling gained valuable insights into how other islands utilize their crime funds. Aruba, for instance, uses its crime fund to supplement the operations of its Ministry of Justice, while Curaçao has a crime fund with 25 million guilders that supports various projects annually.

Minister Tackling is exploring ways to adapt these practices to St. Maarten’s context. She emphasized the importance of leveraging partnerships within the Kingdom to gain technical assistance and strategic policy advice. “We need to use these partnerships and leverage them to gain as much as we can to help the island,” she stated.

Policy and Capacity Challenges

One of the key challenges in utilizing the Crime Fund is the Ministry of Justice's limited capacity to develop and implement effective policies. Minister Tackling acknowledged that the Ministry is stretched thin, with staff focused on day-to-day operations rather than long-term strategic planning.

To address this, the Minister is seeking technical assistance from regional and international partners. Discussions are underway with Aruba, Curaçao, and the Netherlands to secure support for drafting policies and implementing projects. “A lot of times, we see pots of money available, but we can’t write a plan of approach or implement it,” she explained.

Strengthening the Fund’s Framework

As part of the country’s packages, amendments to the legislation governing the Crime Fund are being developed. These amendments aim to establish a committee to oversee the fund, set clear guidelines for its use, and ensure transparency and accountability.

The Minister also envisions reserving a portion of the fund specifically for victims of crime. This would provide financial support to victims and their families, addressing a critical gap in the current system.

A Call to Action

Minister Tackling concluded by encouraging organizations and individuals to submit proposals for crime prevention projects. She reiterated her commitment to ensuring that the Crime Fund is used effectively to benefit the people of St. Maarten.

“The Crime Fund is a resource with immense potential. It’s time we put it to work for our community, especially our youth,” she said.

With plans to strengthen the fund’s framework and increase awareness, the Ministry of Justice is taking steps to unlock the full potential of the Crime Fund, paving the way for a safer and more resilient St. Maarten.

 


Minister Tackling Reflects on International Justice Efforts.

~Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling Highlights Key International Visits to Strengthen St. Martin’s Justice System~

nathalietackling100672025PHILIPSBURG:--- In the press briefing on Wednesday, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling shared insights from her international work visits, which aimed to advance justice sector reforms, deepen cooperation, and secure long-term support for St. Martin’s institutions. These visits, spanning Trinidad, Strasbourg, and the Netherlands, were pivotal in addressing critical issues and fostering partnerships to strengthen the island’s justice system.

Trinidad: Combating Financial Crimes

Minister Tackling began her international engagements with a trip to Trinidad on May 26th to attend the 60th plenary of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF). The meeting assessed St. Martin’s progress in combating money laundering, terrorism financing, and related financial crimes. The evaluation, covering the period from 2019 to 2023, measured both technical compliance and effectiveness.

“The evaluation showed improvement in several areas, but it also made clear that we still have a lot of work ahead of us,” Minister Tackling stated. She emphasized the importance of targeted actions to strengthen supervisory bodies, align strategies with regional partners, and advance the national risk-based action plan. The next report is due in May 2026, and the Minister assured the public that her team is committed to making significant progress.

Minister Tackling highlighted the importance of attending the plenary in person, noting that it provided valuable insights into how other countries address financial crimes. “Financial crime is not just a technical issue; it’s about trust, safety, and opportunity for our people,” she remarked.

Strasbourg: Upholding Human Rights

From June 10th to 12th, Minister Tackling traveled to Strasbourg to address the Committee of Ministers for the Council of Europe. This marked the first time a St. Maarten Minister of Justice attended the session in person, a move that the Council widely appreciated.

The discussions centered around the Corallo case, a 2018 judgment by the European Court of Human Rights concerning detention conditions in St. Martin. Minister Tackling reaffirmed St. Maarten’s commitment to compliance, not just in word but in action. She provided updates on the new prison project, collaboration with the UN, and the restoration of key programs.

“More importantly, our work is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about restoring dignity and institutional trust in the prison itself,” she stated. The Minister also held meetings with various Council of Europe bodies, including the Committee for the Prevention of Torture and the Directorate of Human Rights, to explore further cooperation.

The Netherlands: Strengthening Partnerships

During her visit to the Netherlands, Minister Tackling engaged in high-level discussions about justice sector programs and strategies. She also combined this visit with her trip to Strasbourg, maximizing the opportunity to address multiple issues.

The Minister expressed gratitude to the Dutch Ambassador and the delegates of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their assistance during her trip. She emphasized the importance of leveraging partnerships within the Kingdom to address shared challenges.

A Unified Vision for Justice

Minister Tackling concluded her reflections by emphasizing that these international engagements are not isolated events but part of a broader strategy to strengthen St. Maarten’s justice system. “Each trip was a deliberate step toward reinforcing the justice system that our people deserve—one rooted in transparency, accountability, dignity, and resilience,” she said.

With the 2025 budget approved, the Minister is optimistic about delivering the reforms and improvements necessary to build a justice system that effectively serves the people of St. Maarten.

St. Maarten Tourism Bureau Opens Call for Local Content Talent.

~ Calling All Creatives! ~

stb25062025PHILIPSBURG: The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) is officially inviting local content creators to submit proposals as part of its dynamic new marketing push, aimed at authentically showcasing the destination through the eyes and voices of its own people.

From videographers to photographers, graphic designers to social-media influencers, and copywriters to traditional media professionals, this is your opportunity to bring your creative power to the forefront of St. Maarten’s tourism identity!

Under the Bureau’s innovative IP Tourism strategy, STB is developing a powerful destination-content library to be used across digital campaigns, international promotions, media outlets, and public relations initiatives. This content will not only tell St. Maarten’s story. Still, it will also be branded, trademarked, and monetized as long-term intellectual property (IP), generating lasting value for the destination and well-deserved recognition for our creatives.

“We want the world to see St. Maarten through local eyes,” stated May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism. “We believe in homegrown talent and are investing in creatives who live and breathe the culture and vibrancy of this island.”

This initiative is more than content creation; it’s about building careers, generating economic opportunity, and embedding authenticity in how we market our beautiful island to the world.

STB encourages all interested professionals and freelancers to respond to the Request for Quote (RFQ) by July 18, 2025. To receive the full Scope of Work (SOW), and to submit your proposal, please email Marketing Officer, Mr. Luis Hurtault at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Proposals should include a brief company background and portfolio, a valid Chamber of Commerce excerpt and CRIB number, a clear outline of the services you offer (e.g., photography, video production, graphic design), your rate card or project-fee structure, and your availability and project timeline.

For additional inquiries, contact STB at +1-721-549-0200.

Let’s Talk Art 2024: Where Creativity and Economy Collided in Spectacular Fashion.

letstalkart25062025PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, June 21st, Motorworld transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity, music, and meaningful dialogue as the Let’s Talk Foundation hosted the third edition of Let’s Talk Art under the theme “Where Creativity Meets Economy.” This unforgettable evening brought together creatives, artists, performers, entrepreneurs, and advocates of the Orange Economy to celebrate the powerful intersection of art, culture, and economic empowerment.

The experience began with the Creative Art Tunnel, where guests were welcomed by a curated exhibition featuring works by Zillah Duzon (Jolie Duzon), Anna Sophia Drosd, Lisandro Suriel, Lucinda Audain (La Rich), Ras Mosera, and Tessel Verheij. Each artist offered a distinct visual narrative that sparked conversation and set an inspiring tone for the night.

As attendees entered the main venue, they were met with music from DJ Kilo, whose selection of local music created an atmosphere of cultural pride and energy. His set was followed by a live saxophone performance from Kurt Common, adding a warm and melodic backdrop as the crowd settled in.

A powerful panel discussion anchored the evening. Moderated by MC King Vers, the panel included Edna Evans of the Sint Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association, tourism expert Regina Labega, visual artist and cultural researcher Lisandro Suriel, Nicole de Weever, founder of Art Saves Lives, and singer Malaika Maxwell. Together, they emphasized the importance of recognizing the value of creative work and called for greater community support of artistic and cultural development. They reinforced the message that creativity should be recognized not only for its expressive value but also as a driver of economic opportunity. Education, they noted, must integrate creativity, economics, and cultural awareness to empower future generations and contribute to the island’s sustainable development.

Following the discussion, the evening came alive with performances that reflected the richness of Sint Maarten’s artistic talent. Sherlon Clark Ferdinand, known as Nolrez, energized the crowd with his infectious soca performance. Shawn Wilkinson delivered heartfelt original songs, and Stephen Rodney, or Strech, captivated listeners with spoken word poetry that explored identity and experience.

The program also featured two presentations aimed at empowering creatives. Cultural consultant and grant specialist Laura Bijnsdorp shared practical guidance on grant writing, offering artists the tools to pursue funding opportunities. Elona introduced the EVEN platform, a direct-to-fan music service that provides creators with daily earnings, audience data, and flexible pricing, giving them greater control and sustainability in how they distribute their work.

The night concluded with Elona’s live debut of her EP The Vulnerable Hour. Backed by a talented group of young musicians Kirby Louis Jeune on drums, Jeremy Royer on bass, Shawn Wilkinson on keys, and Kurt Common on guitar her performance blended storytelling and melody in a way that left a lasting emotional impact on the audience.

Let’s Talk Art continues to prove that it is more than an event. It is a platform for growth, collaboration, and innovation. This third edition reaffirmed the importance of building awareness and momentum within the Orange Economy, and it showcased the essential role artists and creatives play in shaping the future of Sint Maarten. If you missed it this year, make sure to follow the Let’s Talk Foundation and be ready for the next edition an experience where creativity truly meets opportunity.

Tax Administration Ends ANG Cash Payments June 30.

ns424062025PHILIPSBURG:---  The Sint Maarten Tax Administration hereby informs the general public that as of Wednesday, July 2, 2025, cash payments in Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG) will no longer be accepted at the Receivers Office.

Beginning July 2, 2025, only the official currency, the Caribbean Guilder (XCG), will be accepted for guilder transactions.

We strongly encourage all taxpayers to take note of this important deadline and make the necessary arrangements to ensure a smooth transition.

For more information or assistance, please contact the Tax Administration at 542-2143, 542-3782, 542-3839, or 542-3840, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..


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