Starting in September 2026, Leiden University in The Hague will begin establishing a new Knowledge Centre for Kingdom Relations. In addition to bringing together researchers and developing education on Kingdom relations, the goal is to contribute to the public debate and foster greater mutual understanding and better cooperation within the Kingdom. With support from Campus Den Haag, the first steps can be taken this coming autumn. The project team consists of Wouter Veenendaal (project leader), Tanja Fraai (communication and network advisor), and an education and research officer to be recruited shortly.

 Of and for all parts of the Kingdom

The Knowledge Centre will explicitly be of and for all parts of the Kingdom and is intended to provide space for both Caribbean and European-Dutch researchers in various disciplines. Knowledge that is currently fragmented across institutions and scientists in the different countries and islands of the Kingdom can thus be consolidated and be made accessible. The Knowledge Centre also aims to offer opportunities to scientists who currently have limited scope for conducting research.

Governance Issues

The focus will be on political and governance issues. How is our Kingdom structured politically? Which administration is exactly responsible for what? And how are these administrative roles fulfilled in dossiers such as socio-economic development, (international) security, climate change, and migration issues?

Need for Knowledge and Training

The Knowledge Centre meets a growing need for knowledge and training regarding the Kingdom. Project leader Wouter Veenendaal, holder of the Special Chair in Kingdom Relations: “Since the start of my Chair two years ago, I have noticed that there is an enormous demand for knowledge about the Kingdom on both sides of the ocean. This is evident from the popularity of the postgraduate course on Kingdom Affairs, but also from the many requests from institutions dealing with Kingdom relations. The high demand for knowledge and expertise regarding the Kingdom illustrates that there is a strong need for a Knowledge Centre.”

Collaboration

The Hague University of Applied Sciences, which co-offers the course on Kingdom Relations, is an important partner. The collaboration between the University and the University of Applied Sciences makes it possible to directly link scientific insights to practice. The cross-pollination between practice and science will also become an important guiding principle for the Knowledge Centre.

Naturally, collaboration will also be sought and expanded with Caribbean knowledge institutions and independent researchers, so that they too can become co-owners of the Knowledge Centre. Sue-Ann Lee, Rector of the University of Aruba: “The Knowledge Centre is an important step to further strengthen each other through connection, collaboration, and joint knowledge development. For researchers and educational institutions within the Kingdom, including the University of Aruba, this offers opportunities to bring contextual knowledge, research, and education closer together, contribute further to nation building, and work together in a future-oriented manner towards stronger Kingdom relations.”

Leiden University, more specifically the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSW) at the Campus The Hague, will host the Knowledge Centre. All institutions dealing with Kingdom relations are located in The Hague, so it is logical to establish the Knowledge Centre in this ‘Kingdom City’.

Expanding the Network

The first step in establishing the Knowledge Centre is expanding the network on both sides of the ocean. Tanja Fraai will become the Knowledge Centre’s communications and network advisor. She looks forward to forging further connections: “Knowledge is valuable and constantly evolving, so it is wonderful to be able to help build a place where that knowledge comes together and is available to everyone.”

Education and Research Officer

As the third member of the team, an education and research officer will be recruited to assist in taking the logistical and organizational steps for the establishment of the Knowledge Centre. The vacancy for this position is expected to be published in the coming weeks.

University and faculty

The establishment of the Knowledge Centre for Kingdom Relations is made possible with support from Campus The Hague and will become part of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University. Bart Barendregt, Dean of the Faculty: “The major issues of our time call for social sciences that extend beyond European-Dutch society alone. This Knowledge Centre offers a valuable opportunity to learn, together with fellow scientists and knowledge institutions from the Caribbean part of the Kingdom, from other perspectives on governance, citizenship, climate, sustainability, and the impact of historical power relations.”

The Knowledge Centre will officially open its doors in September 2027.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Office of Disaster Management (ODM), headed by Fire Chief/National Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, is appealing to residents and businesses across Sint Maarten to begin preparations for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which officially begins on June 1 and runs through November 30.

In 2025, two tropical storms caused some minor impacts to the country, namely Erin which passed approximately 107 miles northeast of the island in August, and Jerry which passed 90 miles north-northeast in October.

Forecasts indicate the possibility of a below-normal activity for the season with 13-named storms of which six could become hurricanes and of those two could become major hurricanes.
ODM is therefore urging the community to adopt a proactive approach by ensuring homes, businesses, and families are adequately prepared well before any storm threat develops. ODM’s message to the community is clear: “Be Prepared,” as it only takes one to make it a bad season for the country.

Residents are encouraged to review and restock their Disaster Supply Kits, ensuring they contain enough essential supplies to sustain household members for at least seven days after the passage of a hurricane.

Disaster kits should include non-perishable food, drinking water, medications and prescriptions, a non-electric can opener, first-aid supplies, flashlights, extra batteries, and a battery-powered radio. Persons are also advised to have extra cash available, as ATM services and electronic payment systems may not function during extended power outages.

ODM further reminds residents to secure important documents such as passports, identification cards, driver’s licenses, and insurance papers in waterproof containers or bags. Motorists are encouraged to fuel vehicles ahead of any storm threat, while homeowners should verify that home and vehicle insurance policies are current and adequate.

Families with infants and young children should ensure their disaster kits include baby formula, diapers, powdered milk, bottles, medications, moist wipes, and diaper rash ointment. Additionally, sanitation and hygiene supplies remain important and should include hand sanitizer, soap, disinfecting wipes, cleaning products, and reusable cloth face coverings.

As part of hurricane preparedness efforts, ODM is also advising the public to inspect properties and complete necessary maintenance activities now. Residents should trim tree branches near homes, remove weak or dead limbs, clean yards of loose debris, and inspect roofs and storm shutters to ensure they are secure and functioning properly.

Persons whose homes are not hurricane-ready are encouraged to make alternative arrangements with family or friends ahead of time.

The community is urged to become familiar with hurricane hazards and preparedness measures by visiting the Government website (www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane) Government Hurricane Preparedness Page, where residents/visitors can download the “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide” and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”

ODM also encourages the public to stay informed throughout the hurricane season by listening to the Government radio station SXMGOV 107.9 FM for official updates before, during, and after a storm.

Weather updates, emergency information, and national addresses by the Prime Minister, who serves as Chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), can also be followed via the Government’s Facebook platform @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather information and forecasts, residents are advised to monitor the Meteorological Department of Sint Maarten (MDS) and its official Facebook page: www.meteosxm.com or visit Facebook.com/sxmweather/

ODM reminds the community that it only takes one hurricane to make it a devastating season. Preparing early and remaining vigilant are essential steps in protecting lives, property, and the country as a whole.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Sint Maarten Fire Department proudly announces the successful completion of an advanced fire service leadership and emergency management program by Section Head Repression and Senior Officer, Sherwin Villarreal, through the Nederlands Instituut Publieke Veiligheid (NIPV) in the Netherlands.

Villarreal, who has served with the Sint Maarten Fire Department for approximately six years, began the 18-month study program in mid-September 2024.

The training focused on a broad range of critical areas, including fire service leadership, incident command, crisis management, operational coordination, risk assessment, emergency response strategies, communication during incidents, and practical emergency management scenarios.

The program combined both theoretical and practical components, designed to strengthen leadership capabilities and operational decision-making within emergency services.

According to Villarreal, the decision to pursue studies through NIPV was driven by a commitment to continuous professional development and a desire to further strengthen the Fire Department’s ability to serve the community.

“Continuous education and training are essential in our profession to ensure that we provide the highest level of service and safety to the community,” Fire Officer Sherwin Villarreal stated.

Reflecting on the experience, Villarreal described the program as transformative both personally and professionally. He explained that while operational response remains a central aspect of firefighting, the training encouraged a broader strategic approach to emergency management and organizational development.

“The program forced me to think beyond simply responding to emergencies and to focus on building a department that is prepared for future challenges we may not yet have faced,” he noted.

Villarreal further emphasized that the knowledge gained from the program will contribute to strengthening the department through improved structure, clearer operational protocols, enhanced accountability, and a stronger culture of professional development.

He also highlighted the importance of aligning the Sint Maarten Fire Department with international standards and regional best practices while strengthening cooperation among frontline services and neighboring islands.

Fire Chief Clive Richardson of the Sint Maarten Fire Department, commended the achievement and reaffirmed the importance of investing in training and professional growth for emergency personnel.

Such investments contribute directly to improving public safety, emergency preparedness, and the overall resilience of the country.

Sherwin Villarreal expressed gratitude to the Sint Maarten Fire Department and all those who supported his educational journey.

He also shared a message of encouragement to the people of Sint Maarten and the wider Caribbean region. “Nothing is impossible. Regardless of where you come from, what obstacles stand in your way, or what level you are at, it can be done.

“I hope this achievement inspires others to pursue excellence without hesitation and serves as an example that through determination, faith, and hard work, great things are achievable.”

~Investigation, prosecution, and the growing public distrust in the justice system.~

PHILIPSBURG: --- Every time a Minister or Member of Parliament in St. Maarten becomes the subject of a criminal investigation, public debate erupts almost instantly. Some residents argue that politicians benefit from “class justice,” while others claim prosecutors and police are unfairly targeting elected officials.
The truth, according to St. Maarten’s Constitution and criminal procedures, lies somewhere in between.
Politicians in St. Maarten do receive additional legal protection — but they are not immune from criminal investigation or prosecution.
Under Article 123 of the Constitution of Sint Maarten and the National Ordinance on the Prosecution of Political Office-Holders, Ministers and Members of Parliament can still be investigated, questioned, arrested, and subjected to searches or seizures where criminal law permits. However, before formal prosecution can begin, the Prosecutor-General must first obtain permission from the Joint Court of Justice.
That judicial checkpoint was designed to prevent politically motivated prosecutions in a small island society where criminal proceedings against elected officials can destabilize government and undermine voter confidence.

NOT IMMUNITY — BUT AN EXTRA-LEGAL STEP
The special procedure applies specifically to ministers and Members of Parliament. It does not automatically extend to political advisers, party leaders, candidates, or former officials.
The distinction is important because many residents mistakenly believe elected officials cannot be investigated without prior court approval.
That is incorrect.
Investigations can begin without the Joint Court’s authorization. Police and prosecutors may conduct ordinary investigative work, including searches and evidence collection, before the formal prosecution stage is reached.
Since 10-10-10, several high-profile politicians have faced prosecution, including Patrick Illidge, Silvio Matser, Chanel Brownbill, Frans Richardson, Theodore Heyliger, Claudius Buncamper, Maria Buncamper-Molanus, Rolando Brison, Christopher Emmanuel, and Akeem Arrindell. The prosecution involving former Commissioner Louie Laveist began before constitutional reform.

WHY THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION MATTERS
The distinction is more than a legal technicality.
Under St. Maarten’s Constitution, certain criminal proceedings can directly affect a politician’s ability to remain in office.
Ministers and MPs may automatically be suspended if they are placed in pre-trial detention for serious crimes or later receive prison sentences. Final convictions can result in dismissal from office or loss of a parliamentary seat.
An investigation alone does not trigger suspension.
That is precisely why the formal prosecution stage carries such constitutional significance.

JOINT COURT CLARIFIED THE LAW IN 2016
For years after 10-10-10, legal uncertainty surrounded the interpretation of the word “prosecution” in the National Ordinance.
Did prosecutors require court approval before every major investigative action — such as searches, seizures, or wiretaps — or only before formal prosecution?
The issue became controversial because some legal experts believed the Ordinance appeared to conflict with constitutional equality principles.
In 2016, the Joint Court of Justice clarified the matter.
The Court ruled that special permission from the Joint Court is not required merely to carry out investigative actions such as searches or seizures. The Court reasoned that requiring prior approval for every investigative measure would undermine criminal investigations, particularly where secrecy is essential.
According to the Court, formal prosecution requires judicial authorization — but ordinary investigative police work does not.
In simple terms, investigations may proceed before the special prosecution procedure is completed, but formal prosecution may not.

PUBLIC CONCERNS ABOUT “CLASS JUSTICE” CONTINUE
Despite those legal clarifications, public distrust remains widespread.
Many residents continue to question whether politicians are treated differently from ordinary citizens, especially when investigations move slowly or produce no visible results.
The Law Enforcement Council previously reviewed whether the Prosecutor’s Office in St. Maarten gives preferential treatment to high-profile suspects. According to the Council, there was no evidence proving systematic “class justice.”
However, the Council identified another serious issue: limited law enforcement capacity.

SHORTAGE OF POLICE AND INVESTIGATORS
Recent figures presented by Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling, "Justice Minister of St. Maarten, reveal severe staffing shortages throughout the justice chain.
The Ministry of Justice has 968 approved positions, plus 22 at the Court of Guardianship, but only 494 positions are currently filled.
At the Police Force of Sint Maarten, only 203 of 333 positions are occupied. Approximately 140 officers serve as executive police officers, while only about 80 officers are assigned to street patrol duties.
The Landsrecherche — responsible for investigating integrity crimes and official corruption — officially has 40 positions, but only 13 are filled, including just 11 detectives.
Those shortages help explain why investigations often move slowly and why prosecutorial decisions are frequently criticized.
The pressure becomes even greater during Carnival and other major events, when police resources are stretched across the island and neighboring territories assist with crowd control.

THE BOTTOM LINE
The law in St. Maarten does not place politicians above the criminal justice system.
Ministers and Members of Parliament can be investigated like any other citizen. The key difference is that before formal prosecution begins, the Prosecutor-General must first obtain authorization from the Joint Court of Justice.
That safeguard exists because criminal prosecution against elected officials can have immediate political consequences, including suspension from office.
The legal balance established in Sint Maarten attempts to preserve two competing principles: equal treatment under criminal law and protection against politically motivated prosecution.
Whether the public believes that balance is functioning fairly remains another matter entirely.

• SMN NEWS reports on justice staffing shortages
• Sint Maarten Parliament budget documentation
• Law Enforcement Council findings on prosecution practices