PHILIPSBURG:--- As per the Constitution of Sint Maarten, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, marked the beginning of a New Parliamentary Year 2025-2026 for the Parliament of Sint Maarten.

On this occasion, a Solemn Plenary Session was convened at 10.00 hrs. with a speech by His Excellency the Governor, Ajamu Baly, LL.M, on behalf of the Government.

Each year, Parliament focuses on a theme that plays a pivotal role throughout the ceremony and reception of the day. This year was no exception, as the theme established is "Building digital trust: exploring a national AI strategy and further development of an Open Parliament".

As customary, the solemn meeting was followed by a military parade through the streets of Philipsburg, which featured the Marine Detachment on Sint Maarten, the Sint Maarten Police Force, the Royal Marechaussee, the Customs Force, the Coast Guard, the Voluntary Corps Sint Maarten, and the Sint Maarten Youth Brigade, all parading through the streets of Philipsburg.

The students of Group 7 from the Marie Genevieve Primary School, as well as those from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, were invited this year to view the parade at Cyrus Wathey Square and interact with the dignitaries present.

This year, the reception following the ceremonial meeting was hosted by the Hon. President of Parliament, Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, at the Monumental Louisan Augusta Illidge Hall - Brick Building in the Methodist Church Complex on Back Street. During the reception, Mr. Jean-Marc Augusty was announced as the recipient of the President of Parliament Award 2025.  

Each year, during the reception on the occasion of the Opening of the new Parliamentary year, the Parliament of Sint Maarten recognizes individuals or organizations that contribute significantly to the community at large, based on the chosen theme. Ms. Ife Badejo, Mr. Ricky Sydney, Mr. Gregory Richardson, the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, the FAVE School Board, as well as the Social Health Insurance (SZV) were recognized for their vision, commitment and accomplishments in advancing Artificial Intelligence and Technologies. These individuals and institutions, through usage and application have established themselves as Sint Maarten's AI Ambassadors, having an impact across local, regional and global platforms. In recognizing these AI and Technology Ambassadors, the Parliament of Sint Maarten wishes to encourage the community to embrace AI tools, digitalization and technology in a responsible manner.

The Parliament of Sint Maarten takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders and invited guests for their participation and for making the Opening of the New Parliamentary Year 2025-2026 a success.  

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, September 11, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling represented Sint Maarten at the semiannual Judicial Four-Party Consultation (JVO), joining Minister Shalten Hato of Curaçao, Minister Arthur Dowers of Aruba, and the Netherlands’ Minister of Justice and Security, Foort van Oosten. The discussions addressed key justice and security priorities across the Kingdom, including forensic care, youth crime, detention capacity, and border control. Minister Tackling expressed gratitude for the productive exchange and looks forward to continued collaboration with Kingdom partners, noting that these discussions are vital to building a stronger and more resilient justice system for Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Federation of Labour (WIFOL) is facing a storm of controversy as its long-standing president, Theophilus Thompson, comes under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement, lack of accountability, and questionable practices that have left union members outraged.

Thompson, who has held the position of president since 1984, has reportedly failed to call for general elections during his tenure, raising concerns about transparency and democratic governance within the union. According to information reaching SMN News, Thompson’s leadership has been marked by a series of troubling actions that have cast a shadow over the integrity of WIFOL.

Allegations of Misuse of Union Property

One of the most damning accusations against Thompson involves the misuse of the union’s building on Pondfill Road. Sources allege that Thompson has been renting out the property for personal gain, yet has failed to provide any accountability for the funds collected. The building, which was mortgaged in 1998 by Thompson, is a valuable asset of the union, and its alleged exploitation for personal benefit has sparked outrage among lifetime members and stakeholders.

The WIFOL board, which has been criticized for its dormancy and lack of oversight, is being accused of enabling Thompson’s actions by failing to hold him accountable. This inaction has allowed the president to operate unchecked, further eroding trust in the union’s leadership.

Involvement in Residency Permit Operations

Adding to the controversy, Thompson is also alleged to be involved in the operations of requesting residency permits for foreigners. Reports suggest that he and another union leader have been unscrupulously utilizing the letterhead of the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) to facilitate these requests, raising serious legal and ethical questions. The unauthorized use of the WICLU letterhead not only undermines the organization's credibility but also exposes it to potential legal repercussions.

Union Members Demand Answers

The allegations have galvanized lifetime members of WIFOL, who are now actively investigating Thompson’s actions and the overall operations of the union. These members are determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable for any wrongdoing. The lack of transparency and the apparent misuse of union resources have left many questioning the future of WIFOL under its current leadership.

A Call for Accountability

The unfolding scandal has put a spotlight on the urgent need for reform within WIFOL. Members are calling for immediate action, including a thorough investigation into Thompson’s activities, the reinstatement of democratic processes, and the implementation of stricter oversight measures to prevent further abuses of power.

As the investigation continues, the reputation of WIFOL hangs in the balance. The union, which has long been a pillar of labor advocacy in the Windward Islands, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust and restoring its integrity in the eyes of its members and the public.

For now, all eyes are on Theophilus Thompson and the WIFOL board as they grapple with the mounting pressure to address these serious allegations. The question remains: will justice prevail, or will the union’s legacy be tarnished beyond repair?

WILLEMSTAD:--- On Thursday evening, September 11, HNLMS Van Amstel moored in St. Anna Bay in Willemstad. She will be active in the Caribbean in the coming period. The M-frigate will thus bridge the gap between HNLMS Friesland and HNLMS Groningen in the area. The maritime military presence is typically provided by patrol vessels; the transition from the OPV (Ocean Patrol Vessel) type to the M-frigate is due to resource availability. HNLMS Van Amstel has previously sailed in the region, most recently in 2017 for a three-month period.

After the handover, HNLMS Friesland will depart for the Netherlands for scheduled maintenance. The next station ship, HNLMS Groningen, could not immediately take over the duties due to the delays in her own scheduled maintenance. To bridge the relief period, HNLMS Van Amstel arrived today. The Ministry of Defence aims to establish a permanent maritime military presence in the Caribbean with the station ship. The deployable assets depend on available capacities, rotation, and maintenance schedules.

HNLMS Friesland served as a station ship in the Caribbean for five months. During this period, the ship intercepted over 13,500 kilograms of contraband. With the permanent presence of a station ship in the region, the Ministry of Defence contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean.