PHILIPSBURG:--- Following her participation in the 35th Session of the United Nations Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) in Vienna, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling concluded a series of working visits and strategic engagements in the Netherlands from June 8 to 12.

The visit formed part of the Ministry's broader effort to translate discussions and insights gained during CCPCJ into practical engagements with Kingdom partners and institutions, while exploring approaches relevant to Sint Maarten's ongoing justice reform agenda.

Throughout the visit, the Minister met with Dutch Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel, Director-General for Kingdom Relations Barbara Wolfensberger, Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell, State Secretary Claudia van Bruggen, Attorney General Guus Schram, Deputy Director-General of Dutch Customs Mechteld Fletcher, Deputy Director-General Maaike van Tuyll, Deputy Director of FIU-Nederland Robbert Springorum, as well as representatives from correctional institutions, immigration services, customs authorities, and other justice sector partners.

The focus was placed on a number of priority areas for Sint Maarten, including youth crime prevention, firearms trafficking, border management, financial investigations, detention reform, and institutional capacity building.

Particular attention was given to efforts aimed at reducing youth involvement in crime and the illegal flow of firearms. This included initiatives being advanced under the “Preventie met Gezag” approach, aimed at supporting at-risk young males, as well as efforts to strengthen cooperation in tackling organized crime, criminal financial flows, and other forms of cross-border criminal activity.

Border security and Customs modernization were another major focus of the visit. Meetings with Dutch Customs addressed the ongoing Customs Recovery Plan, professionalization of the service, structured training opportunities, and reducing long-term reliance on external support. Progress was also discussed regarding the implementation of the ASYCUDA customs management system. The meetings also examined cooperation under the VGT framework, collaboration with French counterparts, and the use of technology to support border monitoring and enforcement.

The Minister also met with representatives of FIU-Nederland to discuss financial intelligence, anti-money laundering efforts, and Sint Maarten’s preparation for future international evaluations. Discussions highlighted opportunities for technical training, system development, capacity building, and stronger national coordination.

Several meetings addressed detention reform, staffing needs, mental health services, and rehabilitation programmes. Updates were provided on the Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP), including construction progress, rehabilitation initiatives, and ongoing recruitment efforts.

As part of the visit, Minister Tackling visited the Justitieel Complex Schiphol and PI Nieuwegein Correctional Facility. The visits provided insight into detention management, immigration detention procedures, rehabilitation programmes, reintegration planning, and vocational training opportunities for detainees. At PI Nieuwegein, the Minister also met directly with Sint Maarten nationals currently serving sentences in the Netherlands. The conversations provided insight into the challenges of detention abroad, reintegration, maintaining family connections, and preparing for life after release. The Minister reaffirmed that Sint Maarten nationals serving sentences overseas have not been forgotten.

The visit further reinforced ongoing support and cooperation between the Netherlands and Sint Maarten in addressing shared challenges across the Kingdom.

Reflecting on the visit, Minister Tackling stated:

“Whether we are discussing youth crime prevention, border security, financial investigations, or rehabilitation, these are challenges that require strong institutions and strong partnerships. This visit provided an opportunity to assess progress, strengthen cooperation, and identify practical areas where we can continue building capacity and improving outcomes for Sint Maarten. I am encouraged by the continued engagement of our Kingdom partners and their willingness to support justice reform efforts across the justice chain.”

The Ministry of Justice will continue working with local, Kingdom, and international partners to advance reforms in crime prevention, border security, rehabilitation, detention management, and institutional capacity building.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) hosted a high-level coordination meeting on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Philipsburg Police Station, bringing together representatives from KPSM, Immigration and Border Protection Services, Customs, and other personnel within the Ministry of Justice.

The session focused on developing joint strategies, improving information sharing, and identifying areas where combined enforcement and investigative efforts can yield more effective results. Particular attention was given to joint operations, coordinated enforcement actions, information sharing, and investigations that can benefit from a multi-agency approach.

The management teams agreed that the challenges facing the community today require a united response from all relevant authorities. By combining resources, expertise, and operational capabilities, the various departments can better address public safety, border security, crime prevention, and compliance with local laws and regulations.

These coordination meetings will continue regularly to develop strategies, establish priorities, and ensure a unified approach to protecting the people of Sint Maarten. KPSM remains committed to working closely with all justice partners to promote a safer and more secure Sint Maarten for all residents and visitors.

~Road closed after another rider rushed to hospital; Mounting death toll raises urgent questions~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Just one day after a scooter rider was critically injured in an accident near Flow and the Old Post Office parking lot, another serious scooter crash occurred Thursday on Pondfill Road in the vicinity of the Central Bank and the Flow alley, sending yet another rider to the hospital and forcing police to temporarily close one of the island's busiest roads.

The latest accident has intensified growing concerns about the alarming number of scooter-related incidents that continue to plague St. Maarten's roadways.

On Wednesday, a scooter rider ended up trapped beneath a bus following a collision near the Old Post Office area. Emergency personnel rushed to the scene and transported the injured rider to the hospital. Less than 24 hours later, another scooter rider was seriously injured in a separate crash on Pondfill Road.

The back-to-back accidents come at a particularly painful time for the community. On Thursday, families and friends were laying to rest two scooter riders who lost their lives in separate incidents approximately one week ago. Their funerals served as a heartbreaking reminder of the human cost associated with the ongoing scooter crisis.

The repeated accidents are placing increasing pressure on the St. Maarten Police Force (KPSM), which has long struggled with staffing shortages. Police officers are routinely called upon to respond to traffic collisions, conduct investigations, manage traffic disruptions, and enforce road safety regulations, all while operating with limited personnel.

Authorities have repeatedly voiced concerns about a group of scooter riders estimated to number around 60 individuals who are frequently seen engaging in reckless behavior on public roads. The challenge of monitoring and controlling these riders has become increasingly difficult for the already overstretched police force.

The consequences extend far beyond the accident scenes. Families are left devastated, emergency services are strained, businesses are disrupted by road closures, and the wider community continues to bear the emotional and financial burden of these incidents.

Thursday's road closure on Pondfill Road once again highlighted how a single accident can impact hundreds of motorists and residents. Traffic was backed up as police secured the area and emergency responders attended to the injured rider.

As the number of scooter-related accidents continues to rise, many residents are calling for stronger enforcement measures, stricter regulations, and greater accountability from riders who endanger themselves and others.

For grieving families, however, the debate comes too late. They are left mourning loved ones whose lives ended tragically on the very roads that continue to witness accident after accident.

The question now facing authorities and the community alike is how many more injuries and fatalities will occur before meaningful action is taken to bring the situation under control.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Each year, teachers and non-teaching staff of public and subsidized schools count on receiving their vacation allowance. For many families, this payment helps cover planned expenses, family obligations, and much-needed time to rest and recharge after a demanding school year. It is not a bonus, a favor, or an unexpected benefit. It is a legal entitlement.

Pursuant to the relevant provisions governing vacation allowance, including Article 24 of the ordinance regulating vacation, vacation allowance and exemption from duty for civil servants and teachers, vacation allowance is to be paid once per calendar year in the second half of June.

While the law allows payment at any point in the second half of June, that does not diminish the expectation that a responsible employer be fully prepared to make this payment as early as possible within that period. Vacation allowance is a known and recurring obligation. It should be properly budgeted, calculated, requested, and followed up well in advance.

Yet once again, the Board of Charlotte Brookson Academy of the Performing Arts appears to have failed to ensure that its staff receive this payment when many had reasonably anticipated.

For teachers and support staff who have spent the year educating, guiding, and caring for students, this situation creates unnecessary stress and uncertainty. Employees should be able to rely on their employer to meet its financial obligations without last-minute confusion or unclear explanations.

According to information received, staff were allegedly notified on Monday, June 15, that no funds had yet been deposited for vacation allowance and that the board was actively monitoring the situation. By Tuesday, staff were reportedly informed that the board was in a meeting with Finance because CBA had allegedly not been receiving the correct amount for the last few months.

WITU finds this deeply troubling.

Let us be clear: WITU is of the view that responsibility rests squarely with CBA. As the employer and school board, CBA is responsible for ensuring that the correct calculations are submitted in a timely manner so that the appropriate subsidy can be received to meet its financial obligations to staff. Any discrepancy in subsidy amounts should have been identified, addressed, and followed up on long before the vacation allowance payment period arrived.

Based on the information brought to WITU’s attention, serious questions arise about CBA’s planning, calculations, submissions, and follow-up. A responsible employer should not reach the payment period while still addressing issues related to the correct subsidy amount. Teachers and non-teaching staff should not bear the consequences of administrative shortcomings, inaccurate calculations, delayed submissions, or inadequate follow-up. Those responsibilities belong to CBA.

The issue extends beyond a possible delayed payment. It reflects what appears to be a recurring pattern that leaves employees frustrated and uncertain. Year after year, staff are confronted with the same concerns, the same questions, and the same lack of reassurance. This repeated uncertainty undermines confidence and places unnecessary strain on hardworking professionals who deserve stability and respect.

At a time when educators are already facing increasing demands and pressures, the last thing they should have to worry about is whether their employer will meet its basic financial obligations. This concern must also be viewed against the broader background of other unresolved staff matters, including reports that CBA staff are dealing with issues regarding their registration in the APS pension plan, while pension contributions are allegedly being deducted from their salaries. Respect for teachers and school staff is demonstrated not only through words but through actions. Paying employees accurately, on time, and ensuring that all deducted contributions are properly accounted for are among the most fundamental responsibilities of any employer.

WITU therefore calls on the CBA Board to immediately provide staff with a clear written explanation outlining the status of the vacation allowance, the date the issue was first identified, the actions taken to resolve it, and the exact date on which staff will receive their payment.

CBA staff deserve certainty. They deserve accountability. Most importantly, they deserve to be treated with the respect and dignity owed to the dedicated professionals who continue to serve our schools, support our students, and strengthen our communities.