PHILIPSBURG:---  The tragic police shooting of Rudy Benjamin has left the St. Peter's community in mourning and demanding answers. During Wednesday’s council of ministers0 press briefing, the Minister of Justice addressed questions surrounding the incident, offering condolences to the family and community while emphasizing the ongoing investigation.

The Minister began by expressing sympathy for the family of Mr. Benjamin and the St. Peter's community, acknowledging the trauma caused by the incident. However, the Minister clarified that no updates on the case could be provided at this time, as the investigation is being conducted under the direction of the public prosecutor's office and the National Detectives (Landsrecherche). "As Minister, we are not privy to individual cases," the Minister stated, reiterating that the facts of the case are still being determined.

Questions on De-escalation and Police Response

When asked about the de-escalation measures used during the incident, the Minister admitted to having no knowledge of the specific actions taken by the officers involved. "I wasn’t there. I haven’t seen anything. I don’t know," the Minister said, emphasizing that these details would emerge as part of the investigation.

The discussion also touched on the role of the Arrest Team (ATE) and their involvement in responding to 911 calls. The Minister explained that members of the ATE are also police officers who participate in regular patrols due to the police force's limited manpower. "They don’t just sit in an office and wait until there’s something exciting or somebody has to get arrested out of their house," the Minister clarified, adding that the operational realities of the police force require flexibility in roles.

Community Policing and Trust

Concerns were also raised about the status of Community Police Officers (CPOs) and their role in fostering trust and de-escalation within neighborhoods. The Minister confirmed that CPOs are still functioning in various districts, but did not provide specific details about their involvement in the St. Peter's area.

Calls for Transparency

The Minister’s responses come amid growing public outrage and calls for transparency. Residents and Members of Parliament have demanded the release of camera footage from the incident, questioning the necessity of lethal force and the circumstances leading to the shooting. The community has described Mr. Benjamin as a "jolly" and "hardworking" individual, with many expressing disbelief over the police's actions.

As the investigation continues, the Minister urged the public to remain patient and allow the process to unfold. However, for a community grappling with grief and mistrust, the demand for accountability and justice remains urgent.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a stunning display of evasion, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling faced the press this Wednesday, attempting to spin a controversial new agreement with Suriname as a triumph of “transparency.” Yet, as the briefing unfolded, it became clear that the public was being offered little more than vague assurances and deflected questions.

The Minister confirmed what many have whispered about for weeks: foreign officers are coming to reinforce Pointe Blanche prison. Specifically, a one-year agreement will see a rotation of prison guards from Suriname deployed to Pointe Blanche starting March 1st. While Minister Tackling described this as a necessary "stabilization measure" to support an overworked staff, her refusal to disclose the price tag of this operation raises immediate red flags.

The Cost of Silence

During the Q&A session, SMN News pressed the Minister for answers regarding the cost of the deployment. How much is this initiative costing the taxpayers? What is the total financial impact of pausing payments to the Netherlands in order to fund this arrangement?

Tackling’s response offered little in the way of clarity. While she acknowledged that the paused payments to the Netherlands total 1.2 million euros annually, she steadfastly refused to share the actual operational costs of the Suriname deployment.

"I won't give the number publicly," Tackling stated, offering no valid justification for hiding the figures from the very people paying the bill. She claimed the costs cover housing, insurance, and a "small allowance," but without the hard data, the public is left to wonder if we are getting a good deal or being taken for a ride. Transparency, it seems, only matters when it is convenient.

A Band-Aid on a Bullet Wound

The Minister painted a picture of a prison system in crisis—plagued by "compounded sick leave" and "high workloads." Her solution? A temporary influx of foreign officers. For the next year, two groups of officers from Suriname will rotate through Pointe Blanche. Minister Tackling insists this measure will provide existing staff with much-needed relief, create time for training, and stabilize operations while longer-term solutions, such as local recruitment and updated operational procedures, are put into place.

However, this temporary fix ignores the rot at the core of the system. The Minister admitted that the current "function book" is outdated and that operational manuals are still being updated. We are bringing in outsiders to man a ship that we haven't even finished building the instructions for.

Furthermore, the Minister's promise of local recruitment rings hollow when weighed against ongoing challenges. She stated that there are 15 vacancies budgeted for 2026, but could not confirm how many current prison guards are actually on active duty versus those on sick leave—a point she said would require follow-up with prison HR. This uncertainty raises questions about how effectively the Ministry can recruit and onboard new staff when the current workforce situation remains unclear.

"Locals First" or Just Lip Service?

Minister Tackling was quick to address concerns that this agreement might be taking jobs from St. Martiners. She emphasized that the Suriname officers gain no legal immigration rights and that this is strictly a temporary, stop-gap measure to support current operations. “We don’t want to be dependent on external support,” she stated, reinforcing the intention to build local capacity in the long term.

Yet, actions speak louder than press releases. By prioritizing an agreement with Suriname over immediate and robust local reforms and recruitment efforts, the Ministry sends a discouraging message. While the Minister assures that local recruitment will begin in the coming months, the reality is that foreign officers will be arriving and starting their duties next week.

The Minister urges the public to "drive responsibly" and "celebrate responsibly" during the upcoming Regatta. It is high time the Ministry of Justice applied that same standard of responsibility to its own operations and financial accountability. Until Minister Tackling puts a price tag on this "assistance," the people of St. Maarten have every right to remain skeptical.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has confirmed the arrest of two local male doctors in connection with a serious investigation involving allegations of ill‑treatment and abuse of one of their employees.
The case began after an official complaint was filed with police, prompting detectives to launch an immediate inquiry. Based on the preliminary investigation, both suspects were arrested in the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The two men are currently being held at the Philipsburg Police Station as detectives continue to gather evidence and conduct interviews related to the incident.
KPSM emphasizes that this remains an active and sensitive investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

~Female Employee Arrested in WIB Fraud Investigation~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) has confirmed the arrest of a female employee today, February 24, 2026, as part of an ongoing fraud investigation linked to the Windward Islands Bank (WIB). Unconfirmed sources have identified the employee as Jeanette. This arrest follows the apprehension of another suspect, bringing the total number of individuals in custody to two.

Jeanette is alleged to have orchestrated a scheme to misappropriate thousands of dollars from customer accounts. Reports indicate that funds, including transfers of up to $15,000, were funneled to accomplices, one of whom is believed to be her boyfriend residing in Sint Eustatius. He was arrested in St. Maarten while driving a stolen vehicle.

Public Outrage Over WIB’s Silence

The scandal has sparked widespread public outrage, with customers demanding accountability from WIB. The bank has yet to issue a statement addressing the allegations, further fueling concerns about its internal controls and security measures.

Adding to the unease, a recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) assessment found that banks in Sint Maarten, including WIB, lack insurance to protect customers from financial losses from fraud. This systemic vulnerability has left customers feeling exposed and distrustful of local financial institutions.

Police Investigation Ongoing

KPSM has assured the public of its commitment to uncovering the full extent of the fraudulent activities. Police Spokesman Joe Josepha stated that the investigation is broad and ongoing, with several accounts already frozen as part of the probe. However, specific details remain confidential to preserve the integrity of the investigation.

As the case unfolds, the community is closely watching for updates. WIB’s silence is no longer an option, as customers demand transparency and measures to prevent future breaches of trust.