PHILIPSBURG:--- An unsettling incident at the Simpson Bay detention center has brought serious ethical questions to the forefront of the Ministry of Justice. A Chinese immigrant, detained at the facility, is reportedly the victim of theft, with $450 missing from the personal funds he surrendered upon his arrest. This case raises significant concerns about accountability and integrity within the justice system.
According to sources, senior officials at the Ministry of Justice, including the Minister, were made aware of the theft approximately two weeks ago. Despite this knowledge, no apparent action has been taken to replace the stolen money or hold anyone accountable for the missing funds. This lack of response is particularly troubling as the detainee is scheduled for departure from the island next week, leaving little time for a resolution.
The incident highlights a potential breakdown in the protocols designed to protect the property of individuals in custody. When people are detained, their personal belongings are cataloged and stored for safekeeping. The disappearance of funds under these circumstances points to a breach of trust and a failure of duty by those responsible for the facility's management.
This specific case may also be indicative of broader, systemic problems. Sources suggest that this is not an isolated event and that other unethical matters within the Justice Ministry are being kept from public view. This alleged pattern of concealing issues rather than addressing them undermines public confidence and suggests a culture that lacks transparency.
The theft of a detainee's money, while a seemingly small amount, carries significant weight. It speaks to the vulnerability of those within the justice system and the absolute necessity for officials to act with unwavering integrity. For the system to be perceived as fair and just, it must protect the rights and property of everyone, regardless of their status.
The Ministry of Justice now faces a critical test. Swiftly replacing the stolen funds and launching a transparent investigation to identify the responsible party would be a crucial first step toward restoring faith. Anything less sends a message that such misconduct is tolerated, further eroding the principles of justice and accountability that the community expects and deserves.
Caribbean Analysts Connect the Dots - The Third Regional Network Meeting further unites analysts across the Caribbean.
Santo Domingo:--- More than forty crime analysts and specialists from around twenty Caribbean jurisdictions gathered in Santo Domingo for the third Regional Network Meeting for Crime Analysts (RNA), held under the theme STRATEGIC INSIGHTS: CRIMINAL NETWORKS, FINANCIAL CRIME, DRUG FLOWS AND THE ROLE OF AI (Artificial Intelligence). The event was organized by the Board of Chiefs of Police of the Dutch Caribbean, who emphasized that no island can effectively counter cross-border crime alone and that strong regional cooperation is essential.
The RNA was opened by Leonne van Vlimmeren, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the Dominican Republic; Vice Admiral José Manuel Cabrera Ulloa, head of the Dominican Republic’s Dirección Nacional de Control de Drogas (DNCD); and Raymond Ellis, Chief of Police of Curaçao and representative of the Board of Chiefs of Police of the Dutch Caribbean. Van Vlimmeren described the RNA as ‘a unique forum where analysts build trust, recognize shared patterns and support each other across borders.’ Cabrera Ulloa underlined that organized crime moves swiftly between jurisdictions and that ‘our response must be coordinated, informed and rooted in shared intelligence.’ Ellis added: ‘Analysts turn fragments into clarity. When they connect across islands, criminal networks lose one of their biggest advantages.’
Over the course of three days, analysts from Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, the Dominican Republic, France, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Saint Lucia, Surinam, the Netherlands, Trinidad & Tobago and the United States Virgin Islands delivered their latest analyses. Together, their presentations created a broad regional crime overview, covering firearms incidents, homicide trends, drug flows, youth-involved violence, coastal vulnerabilities, inter-island group dynamics, cyber-enabled crime and the growing influence of digital platforms on criminal behaviour.
The programme also included several expert contributions that helped place these developments in a broader context. Dr. Evan Ellis outlined how geopolitical shifts are reshaping the Caribbean, noting that the region is no longer merely a transit zone but increasingly part of the logistical chain for cocaine and other illicit goods. Experts from the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime (GI-TOC) showed how the Caribbean has evolved into a logistics platform for cocaine storage, repackaging and redistribution, and stressed the link between drug flows and firearms. Technology and intelligence development were addressed by John Bloebaum and Thom Snaphaan, who underlined the importance of clear operational questions and demonstrated how financial crime scripting helps expose laundering and fraud patterns.
Assistant Commissioner Leonardo Brown, head of the Technology Branch of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) presented the development of AI in the JCF. From CARICOM IMPACS, Terrance Roopchan, head of the Crime Gun and Gang Intelligence Unit and the Regional Intelligence Fusion Centre Operations Support Unit, and Dale Joseph, Chief Analyst Cyber of the Cyber Fusion Unit, highlighted trends in firearms trafficking, gang activity and cybercrime. The head of FIU Aruba, Angelo Brete, added a financial perspective, demonstrating how unusual transaction reports reveal laundering patterns across sectors and why understanding financial flows is essential for disrupting organized crime.
The central message throughout the meeting was clear: regional threats demand regional responses. Analysts noted that firearms circulate between islands, youth groups connect across borders through social media, drug routes adapt quickly under pressure and cyber-enabled crime exploits gaps in coordination. The RNA helps close those gaps by strengthening personal connections, accelerating communication, improving access to analytical methods, and enabling a shared understanding of emerging patterns.
The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the Board of Chiefs of Police to continue developing the RNA as a permanent annual platform. As CARICOM IMPACS noted during their session: ‘Collaboration does not cost anything, but fragmentation does.’ The 2026 edition of the RNA is expected to be organized in close cooperation with regional partners.
Justice Ministry Rocked by Scandal: Civil Servant Implicated in Illegal Drug Sales.
PHILIPSBURG:--- A major controversy has emerged from within the Sint Maarten government, raising serious questions about the integrity of the Ministry of Justice. Evidence has surfaced that appears to show a civil servant working directly within the cabinet of the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, involved in the underground distribution and sale of potentially illegal and dangerous substances—specifically, peptides such as Retatrutide (GLP-3)
These substances are not approved by major health authorities, including the FDA and EMA, and are not authorized for human consumption, treatment, or clinical use. In fact, a straightforward search confirms that Retatrutide and similar peptides are only in the research phase and remain illegal to sell, administer, or distribute under pharmaceutical laws.
Screenshots from a private chat conversation detail a discussion about these peptides and further implicate the civil servant in direct sales. An individual identified as a cabinet staff member of the Minister of Justice admits to being "on peptides," claiming to have "every peptide," and most tellingly, stating, "I even end up selling them, because people kept asking me." Such an admission is not a matter of rumor but a clear acknowledgment of distributing substances outside the bounds of medical or legal oversight.
Alarmingly, the health risks are not theoretical. The conversation reveals acute awareness of the dangers when the individual warns, "BPC has caused several anaphylactic reactions," and advises that precautions be taken in such cases." This demonstrates willful disregard for the safety of others and knowledge of legal consequences. Worse still, recent cases in St. Maarten have already linked illegal peptide use to diagnoses of pancreatitis—further proof of the immediate real-world harm caused by such underground trafficking.
The implications for the nation's healthcare system are dire. Every adverse reaction attributed to unregulated and illegal substances like these not only puts lives at risk but also places a heavy, unnecessary financial burden on the already strained healthcare infrastructure. Emergency interventions for anaphylaxis and the treatment of pancreatitis are costly and resource-intensive, diverting personnel and funds away from other critical care needs. The unchecked distribution of hazardous research chemicals threatens public health, erodes trust in our medical systems, and taints the reputation of Sint Maarten as a nation of law and order.
While Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has dismissed the matter as "rumors and conjecture," the evidence presented is definitive. This is not idle speculation but a documented breach of law and ethics at the very heart of our justice system. The public has every right to demand accountability and answers, not evasions or minimization.
In light of these developments, there is an urgent need for open discussion and transparent action. We call on the Prime Minister—not only as the nation’s leader but as a medical doctor—to publicly address the very real health risks and financial implications this poses to Sint Maarten. The people deserve a full accounting of how such egregious behavior was able to occur within the government and what steps will be taken to prevent it from ever happening again.
Anything less than a thorough, independent investigation and immediate corrective measures is unacceptable. The time for dismissing these issues has passed. The citizens of Sint Maarten demand accountability, transparency, and a renewed commitment to justice and public safety.
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina Strengthens Ties with Suriname During Official Visit.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina recently returned from an official visit to Suriname, where he represented St. Maarten during the 50th anniversary celebrations of Suriname's independence, known as Srevidenci 50. The visit, which took place from November 21st to November 28th, was marked by high-level meetings, cultural exchanges, and discussions aimed at fostering stronger bilateral relations between the two nations.
Celebrating Suriname’s Independence
Dr. Mercelina was invited as a guest of honor to participate in the festivities commemorating Suriname’s independence. The Prime Minister attended an extraordinary session of the National Assembly, a military parade, and a cultural program showcasing Suriname’s rich heritage. He described the experience as an honor and highlighted the event's importance in strengthening ties between St. Martin and Suriname, particularly given the large Surinamese diaspora residing in St. Martin.
Building Bridges: Key Meetings and Initiatives
The Prime Minister’s visit extended beyond the celebrations, as he seized the opportunity to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in critical areas such as food security, health, energy, commerce, and aviation.
- Meeting with Suriname’s President
Dr. Mercelina held a one-on-one meeting with Her Excellency Jennifer Geerling-Siemens, President of Suriname. The leaders discussed expanding Caribbean cooperation in climate resilience, energy transition, and trade. They also explored alternative trade routes to mitigate the impact of the ongoing U.S. tariff war. - Engagement with the Business Community
The Prime Minister met with the Suriname Chamber of Commerce to explore private sector partnerships. Discussions focused on tourism collaboration and supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to drive economic growth in St. Martin. - Port Visit and Logistics Insights
A visit to Suriname's port provided Dr. Mercelina with valuable insights into logistics, supply chain management, and port operations. He expressed interest in applying these learnings to improve St. Martin’s port infrastructure. - Health Sector Collaboration
Dr. Mercelina met with Suriname’s Minister of Health to discuss the contributions of Surinamese medical professionals in St. Martin. The two leaders explored the possibility of exchange programs to strengthen healthcare services further. - Energy and Aviation Opportunities
The Prime Minister visited Staatsolie, Suriname’s state-owned oil company, to learn about their advancements in oil exploration and energy diversification. He also engaged with Suriname Airways to discuss enhancing regional air connectivity and potential commercial alignments with St. Martin.
Gratitude and Cultural Appreciation
Dr. Mercelina expressed his admiration for the hospitality and friendliness of the Surinamese people, as well as their exceptional culinary traditions. “The quality of food in Suriname is awe-inspiring,” he remarked, extending his gratitude to the Surinamese diaspora in St. Martin for their continued contributions to the island’s cultural fabric.
Upcoming Visit to the Netherlands
Following his visit to Suriname, Dr. Mercelina announced his upcoming trip to the Netherlands to participate in the 36th Inter-Expo Congress. The event will bring together leaders from Curaçao, Aruba, St. Martin, and the Netherlands to discuss progress and future improvements within the Kingdom. Dr. Mercelina will also hold one-on-one meetings with the Prime Ministers of the Netherlands, Curaçao, and Aruba to address regional tensions and other pressing matters.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
Dr. Mercelina’s visit to Suriname underscores his commitment to fostering stronger regional partnerships and exploring opportunities for collaboration that benefit St. Martin. From trade and tourism to healthcare and energy, the Prime Minister’s efforts aim to position St. Martin as a key player in the Caribbean’s economic and diplomatic landscape.
Business Hoops Announces Official Pool Draw for 2026 Tournament.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The stage is officially set for Business Hoops 2026, taking place January 28th – February 7th, 2026. The highly anticipated Pool Draw was conducted on Tuesday, December 2nd at the L.B. Scotts Auditorium at 8:00 PM, where all 16 participating teams learned their path to championship glory.
Organizers say this year’s draw has produced some of the most competitive and intriguing groups in the tournament’s history, including an immediate rematch between the 2025 finalists.
Pool 1 features defending champions Port St. Maarten, SVOBE Schools, last year’s sub-champions Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), and Hilton Grand Vacations.
With Port St. Maarten and Airport meeting in the same pool for the first time, fans are anticipating an intense early showdown between last season’s top two teams.
The second pool brings together four organizations representing essential pillars of the community: WINAIR, the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), the Fire Department (Airport), and the Government of Sint Maarten.
These matchups are expected to deliver strong competitive energy driven by workplace pride and interdepartmental rivalries.
Pool 3 includes NV GEBE, NAGICO Insurances, the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC), and Rainforest Adventures St. Maarten, who claimed third place in 2025.
Rainforest Adventures enters the group looking to repeat last year’s deep tournament run, but will face determined opponents aiming to disrupt their momentum.
Rounding out the draw, Pool 4 consists of Collectivité de Saint-Martin, the St. Maarten Police Department, Menzies Aviation, and Prime.
With a mix of defensive strength and new challengers eager to make a statement, this pool is widely considered one of the most unpredictable.
Only the top two teams from each pool will advance to the next round, making every matchup crucial. With talent stacked across all four pools, fans can expect high-level basketball, electric atmospheres, and unforgettable moments throughout the tournament.
“Business Hoops 2026 is officially underway,” organizers said. “The draw is complete, the path is clear, and teams now know exactly what stands between them and the championship.”
The tournament schedule, team features, and behind-the-scenes coverage will be released in the coming weeks.
Business Hoops continues to grow as one of St. Maarten’s premier corporate sporting events, uniting businesses, public institutions, and the wider community through sport.