PHILIPSBURG: --- St. Maarten’s economy is deeply intertwined with the vibrant energy of its tourism sector. The friendly faces of our people, the beauty of our shores, and the safety of our streets are the pillars upon which our national prosperity is built. However, a recent and alarming wave of robberies is casting a dark shadow over our island, posing a direct threat not just to public safety but to the very economic lifeline of our country.

As Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten expressed grave concerns over the spate of crimes targeting Philipsburg, local supermarkets, and, most disturbingly, multiple hotels. This is more than a series of isolated incidents; it is an economic crisis in the making that demands an immediate and unified response from every corner of our community.

The Economic Ripple Effect of Crime

When a visitor chooses St. Maarten, they are investing in an experience—one of relaxation, enjoyment, and security. Every crime committed against a business, a resident, or a tourist erodes that promise. The consequences are far-reaching and can unravel the economic fabric that supports thousands of jobs and families across the island.

The immediate impact is the trauma inflicted upon victims. Hotel employees and business owners are left to cope with the fear and stress of these encounters, while visitors who experience or witness crime carry those negative memories home. This generates a powerful, damaging form of word of mouth that can deter future travelers far more effectively than any marketing campaign can attract them.

Beyond the human cost, these criminal acts weaken investor confidence. Entrepreneurs and international partners think twice about bringing their capital to a destination perceived as unsafe. This hesitation stalls development, limits job creation, and slows the progress we have worked so hard to achieve. As Minister Heyliger-Marten stated, this poses a direct threat to our only economy.

A Direct Appeal to End the Violence

In a recent address, Minister Heyliger-Marten issued a powerful and direct message to those responsible for the robberies, urging them to consider the devastating consequences of their actions.

"This must stop," she stated firmly. "You are not only destroying your own future—you are damaging the future of the entire country. When you walk into a business or hotel with a weapon, you traumatize workers, frighten visitors, weaken investor confidence, and directly endanger our only economy."

The Minister’s appeal cuts to the heart of the issue: the shortsightedness of these destructive acts. For anyone who believes crime is a means of survival, the message was unequivocal: "You are taking food off everyone else’s table. When tourism stops coming, it is over for St. Maarten." It is a stark reminder that the well-being of every resident is connected to the health of our tourism industry. The call for perpetrators to "do better" is not just a plea, but a challenge to recognize their role and potential within the community they are harming.

A Shared Responsibility: A Call to Action

Curbing this threat cannot be the sole responsibility of the government or law enforcement. Protecting our nation's future requires a collective effort from every segment of society. Minister Heyliger-Marten outlined a three-pronged approach where businesses, families, and the community at large must play an active role.

For the Business Community

While business owners are the victims in this situation, they are also on the front lines of defense. The Minister urged the business community to take additional precautions, not as an admission of fault, but as a necessary step in today's climate. Simple yet effective measures can make a significant difference.

Ensuring all security cameras are fully operational and positioned for clear visibility is crucial. Improving lighting around premises, particularly at entrances and parking areas, can deter criminals. Finally, maintaining heightened vigilance during opening and closing hours—times when businesses are most vulnerable—is essential. Protecting staff and customers must now be a shared priority.

For the Community at Large

The root of crime often lies closer to home than we think. As the Minister noted, "Crime does not begin with government; it starts at home." This is a powerful call for introspection and action within our own families and social circles.

It is a call to talk to our sons, nephews, cousins, and friends. We must have the difficult conversations about right and wrong, about the long-term consequences of short-term gains, and about the collective damage these actions inflict. We must help our young men understand that a path of crime leads not to prosperity, but to the destruction of opportunities for everyone, including themselves.

Protecting St. Maarten Together

The Police Force of St. Maarten continues to work tirelessly to apprehend those responsible and maintain order. Their efforts are commendable, but they cannot succeed in a vacuum. The old saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," can be extended here: it takes a village to protect a nation.

Every resident has a stake in St. Maarten's safety and success. By fostering a culture of accountability, vigilance, and open communication, we can create an environment where crime cannot flourish. Let us come together to safeguard our people, our visitors, and the tourism economy that sustains us all. Our future depends on it.

~Internal Investigation Already Underway.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nationale Algemene Politie Bond (NAPB) unequivocally condemns the alleged use of a police uniform and/or equipment to engage in unlawful activities. Such actions, if confirmed, represent a grave breach of public trust and stand in direct opposition to the values, ethics, and responsibilities upheld by our members and the law enforcement profession as a whole.
The NAPB is committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of conduct. We fully support the immediate launch of an internal investigation to determine the facts surrounding this incident. Any individual found to have misused the police uniform, authority, or public confidence for criminal purposes must be held fully accountable under the law.
“Misrepresentation of law enforcement undermines the integrity of every officer who serves honorably,” said President of NAPB, Marcus Pantophlet. “We will not tolerate behavior that jeopardizes community trust or compromises the safety of the public.”
NAPB remains steadfast in its commitment to ethical policing, community partnership, and maintaining the highest standards expected of those who wear the uniform.

The 17th Edition of the MEDays Forum, held from November 26–29, 2025, under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, convened world leaders at a critical moment of geopolitical uncertainty. Organised under the theme “Fractures and Polarization: Reinventing the Global Equation,” the Forum featured a distinguished delegation from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), including Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, The Honourable Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, and The Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada. Their participation was partly facilitated by the Embassies of the Eastern Caribbean States in the Kingdom of Morocco, reflecting a growing commitment to deepening cooperation with the African continent.

The MEDays Forum is widely recognised as one of Africa’s leading policy platforms, particularly as Morocco advances major initiatives such as the Atlantic Initiative and broader development strategies across the continent. This year’s theme resonated strongly with current global dynamics defined by fractured multilateralism, rising polarization, economic headwinds, and accelerating climate impacts. For the Caribbean delegation, these issues are deeply relevant, as small island developing states remain highly vulnerable to systemic global disruptions.

Prime Minister Mitchell, speaking at the opening ceremony and later on the Africa–Atlantic Cooperation panel, emphasised that for small island states the impacts of climate change and global instability are not abstractions but lived experiences that repeatedly disrupt development. He urged a revitalised multilateral system and noted that the historic Africa–Atlantic–Caribbean trade route, once defined by the trauma of the transatlantic slave trade, should now be reimagined as a modern pathway of partnership, purpose, and shared opportunity.

In the closing ceremony, President Burton and Prime Minister Browne delivered complementary reflections grounded in their national experiences. President Burton drew on Dominica’s Kalinago heritage to highlight the wisdom of indigenous knowledge and the importance of mutual respect and cultural understanding in solving today’s challenges, stressing the need for coordinated action and accessible finance for vulnerable states. Prime Minister Browne spoke candidly about the mounting “poly-crisis” constraining small islands, calling for urgent financial reform, vulnerability-based metrics, and the meaningful inclusion of small states in decisions on climate, trade, technology, and security. Together, their interventions expressed a distinctly Caribbean call for global solidarity, equity, and a more responsive and resilient global order.

His Excellency Ian M. Queeley, Ambassador of the Embassies of the Eastern Caribbean States in Rabat, expressed satisfaction with the strong OECS showing at MEDays 2025. He noted that the participation of high-level Caribbean officials demonstrates the region’s recognition of Africa as a strategic partner and added that the Forum provided a valuable opportunity for OECS leaders to engage Moroccan officials and explore new avenues of cooperation. He reaffirmed the Embassies’ commitment to continued collaboration with MEDays organisers to ensure sustained and high-quality OECS participation.

The contributions of the OECS delegation underscored the critical role small states must play in shaping global transformation. Their presence reaffirmed the Caribbean’s commitment to strengthening Africa–Caribbean cooperation and contributing to a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient global order.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Medwork B.V. hosted its first Reintegration Workshop on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the University of St. Martin. The afternoon event was well attended, drawing more than 40 Human Resource practitioners who are often responsible for ensuring the successful reintegration of staff members returning from medical leave. Jeffrey "Dr. Soc" Sochrin of Island 92 (91.9) FM served as the event's moderator.

Dr. Joanne Siebel, the workshop organizer, brought together a full team that understands the importance of successful, holistic employee reintegration. Speakers included Attorney Jojanneke Deelstra, Dr. Joanne Siebel, Human Resource Professional Adelena Chandler, and Reintegration Coach Lenneke Sandkuijl. Each addressed the seminar attendees on their respective areas of expertise as they relate to effective employee reintegration. The team also introduced the first “Guideline for Reintegration,” designed to help Human Resource professionals and managers achieve successful reintegration. This guideline outlines the reintegration process for employees returning to work after illness or injury, in accordance with Sint Maarten’s labor laws. It provides employers, employees, and advisors with a clear approach to reintegration, emphasizing mutual responsibilities, legal obligations, and structured interventions. Key topics include the reintegration process, the employer's and the employee's obligations, exceptional circumstances, and practical guidelines for compliance with reintegration duties. This guideline was provided to all attendees.

Dr. Siebel stated, “We are quite pleased with the turnout for this first session on reintegration, and we look forward to delivering other seminars in the future to promote occupational health and well-being on Sint Maarten”.