PHILIPSBURG:---  The legal community in Sint Maarten is shaken by a disciplinary complaint filed against a Senior Attorney who verbally assaulted a client on the steps of the Joint Court of Justice.

The complaint, filed by Mr. Terence Jandroep (the Claimant and Covid Survivor), is of unprecedented severity because a Court Registrar Staff Member irrefutably witnessed the attorney's unprofessional conduct.

IRREFUTABLE PROOF: OBLIVIOUS TO THE LAW

The core of the complaint states that the attorney, during a confrontation on Wednesday, completely abandoned professional decorum and aggressively accosted the Claimant.

• No Prior Contact: It is critical to note that the Claimant and the Attorney had no prior relationship and had never met before this sudden incident, underscoring the Attorney's immediate, unprovoked professional contempt.
• The Unseen Official: The moment of misconduct was witnessed by a Court Registrar Staff Member who was opening the Court's glass door right next to the attorney. The Attorney was so consumed by his anger that he overlooked the Judicial Official. This occurred on Wednesday, the 22nd of October at approximately 13.25.
• The Quote: The attorney allegedly uttered the final, contemptuous words: “I have nothing to discuss with you. I don't like you,” in a fit of rage.

This level of professional blindness and loss of control transforms the disciplinary complaint from an allegation into an established fact of contempt for the institutional setting.

The attorney’s firm was hired by St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) to represent the organization in a long-standing liability case as the “second” legal counsel.

THIRD COMPLAINT AND THE CULTURE OF EXCLUSION

The complaint gains a compounding and systemic nature due to two highly damaging elements:

1. Disciplinary Pattern: The attorney is the third legal professional from the same prominent European Dutch law firm established in Sint Maarten to face disciplinary action in a short period. This suggests a severe failure of internal oversight and of the firm's ethical culture.
2. Cultural Claim: The Claimant asserts that the attorney’s behavior stemmed from a ‘Discomfort’ with his Afro-Caribbean ethnicity. This is underscored by the fact that the mentioned law firm structurally lacks minority Partners in Curaçao and Sint Maarten, raising the suggestion that the SMMC’s legal representation originates from a homogeneous, elite circle (also known as the OLD BOYS Club) that fails to show respect for the island’s diverse population.

EXPLOSIVE CONFLICT OF INTEREST REVEALED: SMMC COMPLICITY
Adding a critical layer of institutional corruption, it has been revealed that a Partner in the attorney's law firm (First Counsel in the case from Curacao) also serves as the Dean of the Bar Association in Curaçao.

This structural arrangement creates a profound conflict of interest and suggests a potential strategy to prevent or neutralize disciplinary prosecution. Worse, SMMC was fully aware of this conflict-of-interest evidence and knowingly fueled this corrupt setup by retaining the firm to safeguard its “Protective Custody” Status.

This turns the matter from simple misconduct into institutional complicity in attempting to bypass the legal oversight process. The immediate intervention of the Minister of VSA (the political body overseeing SMMC) is now crucial to neutralize this deeply rooted corrupt arrangement and protect the integrity of the government.

The Claimant has issued an ultimatum to the SMMC and the law firms: suspend the attorney immediately, or face further institutional action.

CALL FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION

This scandal places enormous pressure on the integrity of the legal profession and the accountability of public institutions. We demand immediate action:

1. Ministerial Intervention: The Minister of VSA must immediately intervene to order the SMMC to terminate both firms' mandates and accept the settlement to mitigate the political fallout from this confirmed corrupt setup.
2. SXM  Dean of the Bar (Deken): Dean Barry must act swiftly and decisively. Given the irrefutable witness, the pattern of disciplinary failure, and the structural corruption, a Suspension for the attorney is considered the only proportionate punishment necessary to safeguard the integrity of the Bar Association.
3. SMMC Board: The SMMC must immediately distance itself from these law firms. Retaining legal counsel associated with institutional arrogance and proven misconduct is politically untenable and damages public confidence in healthcare.
4. The Court of Justice: The Court has already taken appropriate action by placing the Claimant’s case on the roll for a Hearing with unprecedented speed. This demonstrates that the Court acknowledges the gravity of the situation and seeks to resolve the chaos.
5.   Independent Public Inquiry and Claimant Protection: An independent inquiry led by external investigators must review the Bar Association’s handling of complaints in Curacao, the SMMC’s conflict-of-interest arrangements, and the wider culture of exclusion within the legal sector. Immediate protection must be granted to the Claimant and all witnesses, preventing intimidation, retaliation, or procedural manipulation during the investigation.

The Colombian-educated Risk Analyst has exposed the corruption of the elite. It is now up to the responsible authorities to prove that the Rule of Law applies to everyone in Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---Two suspects have been arrested in connection with an armed robbery that took place earlier this week in front of Horizon View Hotel, authorities confirmed on Friday.

According to the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), detectives spotted a vehicle matching the description of the getaway car used in the October 22 robbery while patrolling the Middle Region area. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the occupants reportedly tried to flee, leading to a brief pursuit.

The chase ended near Saint Barts Drive, where officers successfully intercepted the vehicle. Two men were taken into custody, and a firearm believed to have been used in the robbery was confiscated.

The original incident occurred around 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, when a suspect exited a gray vehicle, brandished a gun, and forcibly removed a gold chain from a tourist waiting in front of the hotel. The assailant then fled the scene in the same vehicle.

Detectives continue to investigate the case to determine whether additional suspects were involved.

“Those who commit crimes will face consequences,” KPSM said in a statement, emphasizing that “no one is above the law.”

Police are urging residents and businesses to remain alert and to report any suspicious activity.

“Community cooperation is key,” the statement continued. “If you see something, say something.”

The robbery — one of several reported incidents downtown this month — has sparked frustration among business owners and shoppers, who say they are increasingly concerned about safety in Philipsburg’s commercial district.

“It’s upsetting that this is happening right in front of hotels and shops,” said one store owner on Front Street. “We rely on tourism, and this kind of thing scares people away.”

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten at +1 (721) 542-2222 (extensions 204 or 205) or submit anonymous tips via the KPSM Tip Line 9300. For emergencies, call 911.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance,  Marinka J. Gumbs, met with APS Director Mr. Oscar Williams and Board Member Mr. Robert Jan-James.

During the meeting, the representatives provided a general update on APS’s ongoing operations, investment activities, and plans for the upcoming year. The discussion also touched on the fund’s new location and corporate governance.

Minister Gumbs expressed appreciation for the open dialogue, stating, “Maintaining close collaboration with APS is essential to ensuring the long-term stability of our pension system and safeguarding the interests of our pensioners.”

The Minister looks forward to continued updates and cooperation with APS as part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to sound financial management and oversight.

PHILIPSBURG:---   Following the overwhelming success of its inaugural event, Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS) is proud to announce the 2nd edition of the APS Walkathon: “Walking Towards a Healthy Future”, taking place on Saturday, November 29, 2025. The walk starts and ends at the APS Parking lot at the Government Administration Building.

Last year’s walkathon saw over 100 enthusiastic participants come together for a morning of movement, community, and wellness. This year, APS is excited to build on that momentum and welcome even more walkers to join the cause of promoting a healthy and active lifestyle across Sint Maarten.

“We were truly inspired by the turnout and energy of our first walkathon,” said APS Managing Director Oscar Williams. “It showed us that our community is ready to embrace wellness and togetherness. That’s why we are thrilled to bring it back for a second year and make this a yearly event in November.”

The 6K walk will once again feature:

• A dynamic warm-up session
• A fun cooldown Zumba experience
• Healthy breakfast options
• Goodie bags for all participants

The walkathon is open to all ages and fitness levels, and APS encourages families, friends, and colleagues to walk together in support of a healthier future.

“This initiative is more than just a walk,” Williams added. “It’s a movement, one that strengthens community bonds and encourages lifelong healthy habits. We are excited to see familiar faces and welcome new ones this November.”

Participation is free, but registration is required. Registered participants can collect their walkathon t-shirt at the APS office starting Wednesday November 26, 2025.

Let’s keep walking towards that healthy future - together!

For more information on the route and/or to register, visit our Facebook: Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten – APS or Instagram: apsxmorg-Algemeen Pensioenfonds SXM or scan the following QR code: