Additional Batch Identified Following Internal Review

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice confirms that all originally established batches under Phase One of the Landbesluit (LB) process were fully compiled and validated in December 2025, in accordance with the commitment made to justice workers and the public by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025.

During an update provided on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, the Minister of Justice outlined the work completed by the Ministry, emphasizing that the Ministry’s institutional responsibility within the LB process has been fulfilled in full and within the agreed timeframe.

The Minister reiterated that the Ministry of Justice’s role in the LB process is limited to the complete and accurate compilation and validation of employee files. This responsibility has been executed as promised. The subsequent phases of the LB process fall under the authority of other government institutions and are proceeding in line with established procedures.

Scope of the Ministry’s Mandate

The LB process consists of several mandatory institutional phases, each executed by a different authority. The Ministry of Justice is responsible for compiling a complete employment dossier for each employee, including appointments, promotions, function changes, and prior decisions.

Due to the historical nature of the records, this work could not be carried out electronically. Ministry staff manually compiled and cross-checked data from three, and in some cases four, legacy HR systems spanning multiple years. This intensive and detailed exercise was completed in December 2025, as committed. Once compiled and validated, the files enter the formal approval chain, which includes processing by DIV, review by the Ministry of Finance (FBB), and final approval and signing by the Governor.

“Every file represents a complete and carefully verified employment history, compiled to ensure accuracy, fairness, and legal certainty for each worker,” the Minister stated.

Clarification on the Emergence of Batch 18

The Minister further clarified that the emergence of what is now referred to as Batch 18 is the result of an internal review conducted in December 2025.

While Parliament had previously been informed that all eligible employees had received placement letters, this internal review identified that a limited number of files were still outstanding. This was due, in part, to incomplete identification and follow-up in earlier phases of the process.

In addition, and importantly, the review also revealed substantive issues within the function book itself. These include functions that currently exist in practice but were removed from the function book, as well as functions that were assigned incorrect scales, in some cases at a level that is not consistent with the actual scope of duties. These discrepancies directly affect the legality and accuracy of placement decisions.

Because placements must be based on a correct and formally established function book, individuals affected by these discrepancies cannot be placed until the function book is amended. The Ministry of Justice is currently working closely with P&O Central to correct these errors in a structured and lawful manner.

These combined issues came to light on December 17, 2025. As a result, Batch 18 therefore consists of a group of employees whose files are affected either by remaining identification gaps, function book discrepancies, or both. These cases require additional review and coordination before they can proceed through the formal LB process.

Batch 18 is currently being managed by the respective HR departments within the Ministry of Justice and will require several additional weeks to complete in order to ensure accuracy, legality, and fairness for all affected employees.

The Minister has also mandated a formal committee to review and handle all objections filed in previous years against placement decisions. Over the past six months, this committee has worked diligently to assess each case on its individual merits and to provide well-reasoned recommendations. This process underscores the importance of ensuring that each placement decision is both factually accurate and legally sound, in order to prevent further objections, appeals, or reversals in the future.

Status of the Remaining Original Batches

It is important to emphasize that all originally established batches under Phase One have been compiled and validated and are currently within the formal approval process. Batches 14 and 15 have already been distributed, while Batch 16 is at the Governor for final approval and Batch 17 are presently under review at the Cabinet of the Minister of Finance and will be forwarded to the Governor for final approval once that review is completed.

Jubilee Payments

Jubilee payments for 69 justice sector employees are in progress. Several departments have already received ministerial sign-off, with remaining cases awaiting the Governor’s signature. Completion is expected in the short term.

Coast Guard Personnel Progress Updates

The Ministry of Justice also confirmed that the function book and employment regulations for the Coast Guard have been finalized. This represents an important step in strengthening the personnel framework.

 In addition, on January 8th, Minister Tackling officially distributed 20 Landbesluiten (LBs) to Coast Guard personnel, addressing long-standing cases that had remained outstanding for several years, with some dating back to 2018. This action brings overdue matters one step closer to completion and reinforces the Ministry’s commitment to resolving historical backlogs within the justice chain.

“No worker has been, or will be, forgotten. No case will be ignored,” the Minister concluded. “While not all steps fall under the Ministry of Justice’s authority, we remain fully engaged, supportive of the remaining phases, and committed to keeping workers informed until the entire process is completed.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Finance announces the approval of the Basic Bank Account legislation, a major step toward expanding financial inclusion and ensuring that all residents have access to essential banking services.
The legislation originated in March 2022, when Member of Parliament Rolando Brison introduced a motion and initial draft aimed at guaranteeing the right to a basic bank account. Following extensive review and parliamentary discussion, the draft was formally submitted in December 2023 and finalized after continued debate throughout 2024 and 2025. The Ministry of Finance formally advanced the legislation in April 2025 as part of its broader financial inclusion agenda.
The Minister recognized Mr. Brison’s role as initiator, while emphasizing the importance of cooperation beyond political lines. “It does not matter who initiated this legislation. What matters is that it is good for the people we are elected to serve,” the Minister stated.
“When something benefits our people, we must put political differences aside and work together.”
Highlighting the impact of the law, the Minister added: “A basic bank account is not a privilege, it is a necessity,” the Minister said. “This law opens doors, restores dignity, and allows more people to fully participate in our economy.”
This law ensures that no resident of Sint Maarten is excluded from basic financial services and reflects our commitment to governing in the interest of all.

PHILIPSBURG:---  In a recent address to the community, Member of Parliament and Leader of the United People’s Party (UPP), Honorable Omar Ottley, has called for urgent action to dismantle the glass ceiling that has hindered local employees in the government and public sector. Over recent years, many dedicated public servants have expressed feelings of stagnation, frustration, and favoritism, citing a lack of growth opportunities and the perception that their potential has been capped.

“Too many of our capable locals feel as though they have reached their maximum potential within the government and public sectors,” said MP Ottley. “It is disheartening to see so many individuals leave what used to be an attractive field of employment. We need to recognize the immense value that our local workforce brings and ensure that they are given the opportunities to thrive.”
Recent appointments within the government-owned utility company, GEBE, have raised serious concerns about the inclusion of local expertise. Reports indicate that qualified locals are too often being overlooked, prompting questions about the criteria used in these decisions. The MP has also received complaints from employees at other government-owned companies on St. Maarten, where they feel that favoritism is undermining the very principles of fairness and equal opportunity.

“It is time for a comprehensive review of our hiring and promotion practices,” Ottley emphasized. “We must prioritize innovation and indexation, ensuring that our workforce is equipped with the skills needed to meet today’s demands. Outdated skills can no longer be the norm. It is imperative that we invest in training and development programs that empower our locals to not only meet but exceed the expectations of their roles.”
“We need a government that reflects the community it serves a government that actively seeks to elevate local talent and ensure that everyone has a fair shot at success.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, is pleased to announce “Senior Connect”, a one-day event designed to bring seniors and service providers together in a welcoming and accessible setting.
Senior Connect will take place on Friday, February 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Government Administration Building parking lot. The event is free of charge and open to all seniors and their families.
Senior Connect aims to make access to care and support services easier, more engaging, and more impactful by creating a direct link between seniors and organizations that provide essential services. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions, receive information, and connect directly with service providers in one convenient location.
A wide range of service providers will be present, including those active in:
• Social services
• Healthcare
• Home care
• Physical activity and wellness
• Recreation and daycare
• Support groups
• Transportation and related services
Minister Brug emphasized the importance of initiatives such as Senior Connect, stating that ensuring seniors are informed, supported, and connected remains a priority for the Ministry. “I continue to reiterate that our seniors deserve clear access to information and services that support their health, independence, and quality of life. Senior Connect is about bringing those services closer to them and strengthening the support network around our elderly community,” the Minister stated.
The Ministry encourages seniors, caregivers, and family members to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about available services and resources.
For more information, the public is encouraged to follow official government communication channels and Minister Brug’s social media page.