MARIGOT:--- The safety of our citizens is an absolute priority for the gendarmerie. The recent arrest of an individual in possession of a firearm once again highlights our unwavering commitment to combating the illegal possession of weapons and dangerous behavior.
On Friday, January 2, in the Quartier d’Orléans, our gendarmes demonstrated quick action and professionalism in response to a refusal to comply. The driver of a scooter, attempting to evade a control, was swiftly apprehended and arrested. During this intervention, a Glock handgun was seized, thereby preventing a potential threat to public safety.
This individual was brought before the Saint-Martin criminal court for immediate trial on January 5. The court handed down a firm sentence of two years in prison with a detention order, underscoring the seriousness of the offense. This procedure was conducted under the direction of the Basse-Terre prosecutor’s office, whom we thank for their effective collaboration.
This operation is part of a broader strategy to enhance security across our territory. The illegal possession of firearms poses a direct threat to public peace, and we remain fully mobilized to address it. Every intervention, every seizure, and every conviction is another step toward a safer environment for all.
I would like to commend the courage and dedication of the gendarmes who, day after day, put their lives on the line to protect the population. Their commitment reflects our mission: to ensure the safety of everyone, tirelessly.
We also call on citizens to remain vigilant and to cooperate with law enforcement. Together, we can push back against insecurity and build a community where everyone can live in peace.
The Saint-Martin gendarmerie will continue to act with firmness and determination. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, and we are resolute in fulfilling our duty with honor and efficiency.

Commandant of the Gendarmerie of Saint-Martin

 WILLEMSTAD, CURACAO:--- The Public Prosecutor's Office has officially dissolved the "Kaso Melkar" case, which will no longer proceed to criminal court, and no suspects have been identified in the investigation.
The case began on August 1, 2023, when RST officials, supported by financial investigators, raided the Melkar office on Jan Noorduynweg.
Despite nearly two years of administrative reviews, no significant findings were uncovered. Investigators also visited other locations, including one in Sunset Heights, with the intent to confiscate documents. However, the financial investigation, overseen by Commissioner Van Vuren, yielded limited results.

The Public Prosecutor's Office initially suspected Melkar of facilitating money laundering activities for its clients. The company, established in 2020 with a MasterCard International license, introduced innovative payment solutions, including a prepaid card system that allowed users to make purchases via QR codes. Despite its promising start, Melkar ceased operations shortly after its launch.
The case has now been closed, with no further actions or updates from the company's director or the authorities.

PHILIPSBURG:---  NOW member of Parliament, (MP) Lyndon Lewis is calling on the Government of Sint Maarten, particularly the Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Dr. Luc Mercelina and Minister of Public Health, Social development, and Labor, Richinel Brug to for an update on the mediation and overall process or progress regarding the longstanding and unresolved issues affecting the Fire and Ambulance departments, following concerns raised by the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union–Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) in parliament last year and most recent.
The union, led by its President, Sharon Cangieter, recently highlighted delays in finalizing a mediation agreement intended to end the Fire Department’s “go-slow” action, as well as outstanding concerns regarding the revised function book and placement process. These matters, according to MP Lewis, should have been resolved a long time ago for these great emergency workers who already have to work under some inhumane conditions.
“Our firefighters and ambulance personnel are among the most dedicated public servants in our country,” MP Lewis stated. “They work through nights, weekends, and holidays to protect our communities, and I think the Prime Minister should understand this as he too was a frontline worker. When their concerns are left unresolved or unanswered, it sends a message that their sacrifices are being taken for granted.” I understand that Minister Brug managed to resolve some issues regarding the ambulance department, and I am grateful to be informed of such.” MP Lewis stated.
MP Lewis is urging the Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Dr. Luc Mercelina, to do his job and put the people first, treat their matter with respect and give it the urgency it deserves, and to make the resolution of these issues a clear priority for 2026, and to put personal differences aside for the betterment of our country. He emphasized that delays in communication, uncertainty surrounding authority to sign agreements, and unilateral actions during ongoing mediation only serve to deepen frustration among essential workers.
“Strong labor relations are built on respect, transparency, and timely engagement,” MP Lewis continued. “Finalizing the mediation agreement and addressing the concerns surrounding the placement process in a fair and consultative manner would be a critical step toward restoring trust.”
“Our emergency responders have always shown up for Sint Maarten in moments of crisis,” he concluded. “Now is the time for leadership to show up for them, decisively, compassionately, and without further delay.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament and Leader of the United People’s Party (UPP), Honorable Omar Ottley, is expressing concern over the obvious disconnection within the current Government. First, we saw the obvious issues made public between the Minister of TEATT and the Minister of Finance during the Soul Beach saga, in which the Minister of Finance removed herself from the position of Acting Minister of TEATT. Now the public is witnessing the ministers of the United Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), one of the largest parties within the current coalition government go at each other with the Minister of VSA siding with his Subject Specialist/Chief of Staff.
“The people of St. Maarten expect leadership and maturity from those entrusted with governing this country,” MP Ottley stated. “A government that is divided against itself cannot effectively lead a country forward. What we are witnessing is an internal dispute being played out publicly, undermining public confidence and diverting attention away from the real issues affecting our people.”
Recent events involving the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) have raised serious questions about URSM's internal governance, communication, and decision-making. MP Ottley emphasized that while disagreements can arise in any political organization, they must be addressed responsibly, internally, and in accordance with proper institutional procedures.
Of particular concern is the reported tension over oversight and control of an approximately USD 8 million trust fund project to construct a new mental health facility, a project of critical national importance.
“Mental health care is not a political chess piece,” Ottley stressed. “Any perception that personal ambition or internal party struggles are taking precedence over the welfare of vulnerable citizens is deeply troubling. This project must remain focused on transparency, accountability, and delivering essential services to the people who need them most.”
MP Ottley called on the public to pay keen attention to their leaders of government. It is plain to see that the coalition was not built on a shared vision but rather with the specific goal of keeping members of the previous government out. Today, the country is suffering from a lack of economic stimulation, a crime crisis, and past due budgets that hinder the government from paying our justice workers legally. “The people of St. Maarten deserve clear leadership, and a government that prioritizes solutions over spectacle,” Ottley concluded.