PHILIPSBURG:--- Theodore “Theo” Emanuel Heyliger was once a central figure in Sint Maarten’s political and business landscape: a lawmaker, a behind-the-scenes dealmaker, and a man many credited with shaping development around the island’s lucrative cruise-port precinct. In 2024–2025, however, a string of criminal and civil rulings transformed his legacy — and left him both a convicted prisoner and the subject of a nine-figure civil judgment. This profile examines who Heyliger is, how he operated, the cases that brought him down, and what his convictions and the October 28, 2025, court verdict mean for Sint Maarten’s politics and development sector.

From prominence to prosecution: a brief biography

Heyliger rose to prominence through a combination of political office and business involvement in port-area real estate. Over many years he accumulated influence among decision-makers responsible for approvals and concessions at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Terminal and adjacent commercial zones — territory where tourism dollars and retail rents generate significant profits. That influence, allied to close ties with local developers and intermediaries, left him well placed to shape which projects moved forward.

Observers say Heyliger’s style was typical of small-state political entrepreneurship: cultivating access, broker deals, and mobilizing both political and commercial networks to deliver projects — and, at times, payments — through a web of companies and lease constructions.

The criminal convictions: Larimar and related matters

Prior to the civil ruling that made headlines on October 28, 2025, Heyliger was convicted in criminal proceedings relating to bribery and money-laundering (often reported under the umbrella of the “Larimar” investigations). Those criminal cases resulted in a multi-year prison sentence; reporting indicates Heyliger was ordered to commence a custodial term at Pointe Blanche. The criminal proceedings focused on alleged payments and intermediated rental arrangements that prosecutors said masked illicit transfers to individuals in positions of influence.

Criminal courts judge elements of proof beyond a reasonable doubt; civil courts apply a lower threshold. The fact that Heyliger was found criminally liable in separate proceedings gave public prosecutors and civil plaintiffs concrete documentary and testimonial material to draw on in later civil claims.

The Zebec civil verdict: USD 92.1 million

On October 28, 2025, the Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten issued a detailed written judgment in a high-profile civil suit brought by Zebec Development N.V. The court found that Heyliger committed an onrechtmatige daad (unlawful act) by abusing his power in relation to the Dutch Village project at the cruise terminal and that his conduct caused Zebec to suffer substantial loss. As a result the court ordered Heyliger to pay USD 92,100,000 in damages plus statutory interest, and it declared these parts of the judgment immediately enforceable.

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The civil proceedings canvassed a complicated factual matrix: competing development agreements, a prior settlement with another developer (SMQDC), lease and sublease arrangements involving companies such as Harbour Arcade, PF Skyline and Diamond International, and so-called “key money” clauses that the court scrutinized as potential conduits for illicit payments. The court accepted that irregular payment flows and rent arrangements existed and that Heyliger benefitted from them, but it drew a narrower legal conclusion about who could be held civilly liable. In short, the court pinned personal responsibility on Heyliger but declined to hold Ocean Drive Properties N.V. (ODP) and certain business principals liable because Zebec had not met the evidentiary standard as to those parties’ direct causation of the contract termination.

How he operated — the patterns identified

Across the criminal and civil records, a pattern emerges:

• Use of intermediary entities and layered lease/sublease agreements to shift funds and create “key money” obligations that benefited parties linked to Heyliger.
• Influence over port approvals and consent processes, where a single powerful official could affect which developer obtained the prized retail parcels at the cruise terminal.
• Opportunistic capture of high-value retail rights adjacent to cruise operations — a zone where being first or preferred translates into substantial long-term revenue.

The court found that some payments were effectively rewards for creating or channeling opportunities, and while it stopped short of finding every commercial actor guilty of collusion, it concluded Heyliger had abused his role to the detriment of Zebec.

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Political and institutional ramifications

Heyliger’s fall has several immediate and medium-term implications for Sint Maarten:

1. Rule-of-law signal: A high-profile criminal conviction and a nine-figure civil award send a strong message that political power can carry civil and criminal accountability. That may deter future abuse or at least raise the political and financial costs of them.
2. Procurement and governance reforms: The cases highlight weaknesses in transparency around port leases, approvals, and conflict-of-interest checks. Expect calls for tightened procurement rules, clearer disclosure of beneficial ownership, and stronger audit trails for concessions.
3. Investor uncertainty vs. cleansing effect: In the short term, some investors may be wary of reputational and political risk in Sint Maarten. Over time, however, clearer rules and better enforcement could improve the business climate by reducing the risk of covert manipulation.
4. Enforcement and recovery challenges: Collecting USD 92.1 million from an individual is legally possible but practically hard. Zebec, prosecutors, and creditors will need to trace assets, pursue attachments, and possibly litigate across jurisdictions. That process could take years.

Assessment: legacy and likely next steps

Heyliger’s trajectory — from political insider to convicted felon and civil debtor — is likely to be a defining episode in Sint Maarten’s political history. The civil judgment confirms a public-facing legal determination that his conduct caused severe economic harm to a private developer. Coupled with the criminal convictions, the twin rulings have already reshaped public debate about transparency and oversight in development projects.

What comes next is predictable but complex:

• Appeals are likely. Civil defendants typically appeal large judgments; this will extend litigation and may delay enforcement.
• Asset tracing and enforcement actions. Zebec and prosecutors will pursue available assets; successful seizures could partially satisfy judgments, but recovery at scale is uncertain.
• Policy responses. Lawmakers and oversight bodies will face pressure to adopt reforms to procurement, register beneficial ownership and strengthen anti-corruption units.

Final word

Theodore Heyliger’s case is more than the downfall of one man. It is a case study in how concentrated political influence, opaque commercial arrangements and weak transparency can intersect — and how persistent legal action, both criminal and civil, can unravel that web. For Sint Maarten, the episode offers painful short-term disruption but also an opportunity: to strengthen institutions and ensure that the island’s most valuable assets — its port, its tourism infrastructure, and public trust — are governed with clearer rules and enforceable standards.

PHILIPSBURG: ---  Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling officially introduced the Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP) during Wednesday's press briefing, unveiling a comprehensive initiative aimed at transforming Sint Maarten's entire detention system. The program signals a major shift towards modernizing infrastructure, enhancing rehabilitation, and embedding principles of human dignity and fairness into the country's justice framework.

"After 35 years, our detention facility has outlived its purpose," Minister Tackling stated, referencing the recent anniversary of the prison's opening. "It no longer reflects the standards or the values that we, as a country, believe in. Today, that commemoration becomes a turning point, the beginning of a new chapter for Sint Maarten’s justice system."

The DSRP is an overarching program designed to address every stage of the detention chain, from pre-trial processes to post-detention reintegration. According to the Minister, the initiative will coordinate efforts to build a modern and safe facility, strengthen rehabilitation programs, improve staff working conditions, and ensure detention is managed with accountability.

This reform is a collaborative effort led by the Ministry of Justice on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK) and the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB). A key component of this partnership involves technical expertise from the United Nations.

Minister Tackling detailed the roles of two UN agencies. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) will manage the infrastructure component, overseeing the design and construction of a new, humane detention facility that meets international standards.

She emphasized that local subcontractors and suppliers will play a significant role, ensuring the project also benefits the local economy.

Simultaneously, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) will focus on the "soft" components of the reform. Their work will include developing tailored rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates, enhancing staff training, and strengthening management systems. "Through their expertise, Sint Maarten will have access to best practices from around the world while ensuring that the programs designed fit our local context and needs," Tackling explained.

Despite the international collaboration, the Minister stressed that this is a "locally owned reform, designed for our people, built on our priorities, and implemented under our leadership."

Minister Tackling's vision extends beyond new construction. "This reform is not only about building a new facility, it is about building a fairer, more humane system of justice," she remarked. "I believe the way we treat people in detention says a great deal about who we are as a society. A justice system that only punishes cannot create progress. A justice system that teaches, supports, and rebuilds can."

The program is already in motion. The Minister confirmed that UNOPS has finalized the technical design and planning for the new facility, with groundwork laid to begin construction within the next three months. Furthermore, UNODC teams are currently on-site, conducting

assessments with justice staff to shape the new rehabilitation and capacity-building programs.

In the coming weeks, UN representatives will continue to meet with prison staff, whose insight Tackling described as "essential to making sure this transformation works in practice, not just on paper."

In her closing remarks, Minister Tackling positioned the DSRP as a long-term investment in the people of Sint Maarten. "This is a shared commitment, and it is a good step forward," she concluded. "This is not just the end of a long journey; it is the start of a new standard for how we approach justice in this country."

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, October 25th, the Sint Maarten Lions Club, the Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, and the Sint Maarten Senior Citizen Recreational Foundation came together to host a memorable day of fun, fellowship, and appreciation for the island’s senior citizens.

The joint initiative aimed to honor the elders of the community and remind them that they are valued and cherished. The day began with a scenic island tour, allowing participants to take in the beauty of Sint Maarten, followed by a delightful lunch at the Senior Citizen Center in Hope Estate. Members from all three organizations volunteered their time to serve lunch and engage with the seniors throughout the event.

The afternoon was filled with laughter, games, and entertainment, including trivia, musical chairs, and other interactive activities. Exciting prizes were awarded, and the lively beats of DJ Richi D kept everyone on their feet, dancing to classic old-school hits that brought back fond memories and pure joy.

Lion President Alvin Prescod expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating:

“Seeing the seniors smile, laugh, dance, and feel alive reminds us why we do what we do — which is to serve from the heart with a purpose. As our slogan goes, ‘We Outside – Uniting hearts while serving the community,’ and today was a true reflection of that spirit.”

Donna Morrison-Wilson, Executive Director of Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, also shared her appreciation for the collaboration, saying:

“I am truly elated by the success of this joint initiative. It is an honor to serve our senior citizens and give back to those who have given so much to our community. Collaborations like this remind us of the power of unity, and I look forward to many more initiatives like this in the near future.”

This collaborative effort highlighted the shared commitment of all three organizations to promote compassion, community spirit, and social engagement among Sint Maarten’s elderly population.

The Sint Maarten Lions Club, Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, and Sint Maarten Senior Citizen Recreational Foundation extend their sincere thanks to all volunteers, sponsors, and participants who helped make the event a success.

CAY HILL:--- St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) is proud to welcome Urologist, Dr. Francisco Pinto to its Urology team. Dr. Pinto joins SMMC Urologists, Dr. Ramos and Dr. Rojas, bringing the number of resident Urologists in-service to three; further enhancing healthcare to the community of St. Maarten and surrounding islands.

Dr. Pinto, a board-certified Urologist with over 20 years of experience, officially joins the SMMC medical staff this month. His arrival marks an important step in expanding the hospital’s Urology services, including the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the urinary tract and male reproductive system.

Dr. Pinto completed his medical training at the Central University of Venezuela and has worked at several healthcare institutions across Latin America, including Venezuela and Honduras. He specializes in general urological procedures, the treatment of Lithiasis (kidney stones) using endoscopic methods, and the management of benign prostatic conditions, including TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) and Bipolar Resection. Dr. Pinto has also performed endoscopic procedures for pelvic floor disorders, conducted urodynamic diagnostic studies, and carried out both general urological and oncological surgeries.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Pinto served as Vice President of the Board at the Santiago de León Clinic in Caracas, Venezuela. He was honored with the Dr. Teófilo Moros Medal, awarded by the Miranda State Government of Venezuela in March 1998. Dr. Pinto has also been a continuous member of the American Urological Association for the past 18 years.

“I aim to provide optimal and patient-centered care for the community,” says Dr. Pinto, “I consider myself an empathic person and doctor, so I hope I can impact the community of St. Maarten in a positive way, helping them to improve men’s health, and help decrease the prevalence and severity of urological disease altogether”.

With the addition of Dr. Pinto, SMMC reaffirms its commitment to growing its medical capacity in order to meet the needs of the communities of St. Maarten and the surrounding islands.

SMMC urges patients interested in a consultation to make an appointment by calling the Urology Department at Tel: +(1-721) 543-1111 or 910 ext. 1300 or 1379. Appointments can be made from Monday to Friday between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. SZV patients are requested to obtain a referral letter from their family doctor.