PHILIPSBURG: --- St Maarten is facing a growing crisis as violent crime escalates, yet the island’s budget priorities remain heavily skewed toward corruption investigations. While the Taskforce Bestrijding Ondermijning (TBO) receives substantial funding to tackle financial and economic crimes and corruption, the resources allocated to hardcore criminal activities are woefully inadequate. This imbalance is leaving residents and visitors increasingly vulnerable, as evidenced by a recent spate of armed robberies.

A Budget Focused on Corruption

The Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM Sint Maarten) operates on a modest budget, with recent annual reports highlighting consistent underspending. In 2021, the office was allocated Cg 4.13 million, of which Cg 3.6 million was spent, leaving Cg 528,865 unutilized due to vacancies and adjustments in vacation pay. Similarly, in 2022, the budget was Cg 3.98 million, with actual expenditures of Cg 3.77 million, resulting in an under-spend of Cg 205,820. Personnel costs dominated the budget, with Cg 2.95 million allocated in 2021 and Cg 2.83 million in 2022, leaving limited funds for other critical areas like housing, transport, and general operations.

The reports for 2023 and 2024 lack detailed financial statements, focusing instead on cases, performance indicators, and operations. A 2024 performance indicator references the “outgoing budget PEA SXM,” implying continued budgeted operations, but no totals are provided. Fines collected under the “Paga Bo But” initiative amounted to Cg 203,715 in 2024 from 1,412 settlements. However, asset recovery and confiscation targets, such as the Cg 200,000 goal for 2024, were not fully met due to capacity issues.

Dutch Contributions: A Double-Edged Sword

While the OM Sint Maarten’s local budget is limited, significant funding for law enforcement comes from Dutch contributions to the TBO and the Recherche Samenwerkingsteam (RST). These funds, channeled through the Ministries of Justice & Security (JenV) and Kingdom Relations (BZK), are primarily aimed at tackling corruption, financial crimes, and undermining activities across the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.

For 2025–2027, the Dutch government has allocated approximately €35.5 million annually for TBO and RST operations. This funding is structural and supports investigations into corruption, the involvement of public officials, and financial and economic crimes. Additionally, €1 million per year is earmarked for governance tools to combat undermining criminality, and €17.5 million is allocated to sustainable investigations into financial crimes. Beyond 2027, the remaining RST/TBO budgets will stay within the Kingdom Relations (IV) budget rather than being fully transferred to JenV. Related justice support, including co-financing for prison improvements in St. Maarten, is estimated at €7–13 million annually.

While these contributions are critical for addressing corruption and financial crimes, they do little to address the island’s growing violent crime problem. The focus on corruption investigations has inadvertently left a gap in the fight against hardcore criminal activity, which is becoming increasingly brazen.

Violent Crime on the Rise

St. Maarten’s streets are becoming more dangerous, with violent crime escalating at an alarming rate. Over the weekend, visitors from Barbados were robbed at gunpoint while returning to their hotel after participating in a cockfighting tournament. This incident is just one of many recent armed robberies that have left residents and tourists feeling unsafe. The police have yet to release any information on this latest crime, further highlighting the challenges in addressing public safety.

The OM St. Maarten’s budget for personnel, housing, and general operations is stretched thin, leaving little room for proactive measures against violent crime. Transport and general expenses, for instance, accounted for only Cg 141,000 and Cg 409,000, respectively, in 2022—figures that pale in comparison to the resources needed to combat escalating criminal activities.

A Call for Balance

The structural funding for TBO and RST operations underscores the Dutch government’s commitment to addressing corruption and financial crimes in the Caribbean. However, the growing wave of violent crime in St Maarten demands urgent attention. Without a balanced approach that allocates sufficient resources to both corruption investigations and core crime-fighting efforts, the island risks undermining public trust and safety.

The current allocation of resources reflects a troubling disconnect between policymakers' priorities and the realities on the ground. While corruption investigations are undoubtedly important for long-term governance and stability, they cannot come at the expense of public safety. Sint Maarten’s residents and visitors deserve a justice system that is equipped to address all forms of crime, not just those that make headlines in boardrooms.

As St. Maarten grapples with these challenges, it is imperative for local and Dutch authorities to reassess budget priorities. Strengthening the capacity to address violent crime while maintaining the focus on corruption is essential to ensuring a safer and more secure future for the island.

SOUTH REWARD:--- A Milton Peters College school student from the Cay Bay area has tragically passed away, prompting the temporary dismissal of certain students from school on Monday morning.
According to information circulating among parents and community members, the student was enrolled at Milton Peters College (MPC). School officials reportedly informed families that students preparing for CXC examinations would be sent home for the day following confirmation of the student’s death.
Community members stated that the student passed away at home on Sunday. At this time, no illness has been reported, and details surrounding the cause of death have not been publicly disclosed.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the student’s name has not been officially released.
The news has deeply affected the school community, where many students and staff are mourning the loss. Reports indicate that the student also had a sibling attending the same school.
Parents and residents across the island have expressed their condolences to the family during this difficult time.
School officials have not yet released further details, but are expected to provide guidance and support to students and staff in the coming days.
The community continues to offer prayers and support to the grieving family.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Caribbean, often seen as a paradise of sun and sea, is increasingly becoming a battleground for gang wars and drug trafficking. Islands like Sint Maarten and Tortola are grappling with the violent consequences of these criminal networks, leaving local authorities overwhelmed and communities shaken. Recent events have exposed the deep ties between gang rivalries, drug operations, and gruesome murders that span across borders.

The Plumpy Boss Incident: A Catalyst for Violence

Trinibad dancehall artiste Meschach Emmanuel, known as "Plumpy Boss," was shot in Sint Maarten, an attack that has sent shockwaves through the region. A US$100,000 bounty was reportedly placed on his head, allegedly ordered by a high-ranking member of the Sixx gang based in Tortola. Emmanuel, who is out on bail for charges of gang membership and drug trafficking, is said to have been a key figure in promoting the rival Seven gang through his music.

The shooting, which left Emmanuel critically injured with a bullet lodged in his brain, is believed to be part of the escalating warfare between the Sixx and Seven gangs. Intelligence sources have revealed that the order to kill Plumpy Boss came from behind prison walls in Tortola, orchestrated by a figure known as "Killa." This same individual is also linked to other high-profile hits, including the murder of Jamal Walker, aka "Jango," in Trinidad last year.

Quincy Damon Sylvester: A Key Player in the Underworld ( ARLET PETERS ROAD HOMICIDE)

Adding to the chaos is the recent murder of Quincy Damon Sylvester, a Trinidadian drug dealer operating in Sint Maarten. Sylvester, who ran a legitimate-looking PVC pipe business as a front for his drug operations, was killed alongside an American companion in a vehicle that toppled over on Arlet Peters Road. Surveillance footage from the White Rabbit nightclub showed Sylvester being monitored before his death, raising suspicions of a targeted hit.

Sylvester’s connections to the criminal underworld extend beyond Sint Maarten. Sources suggest he had ties to the same networks involved in the Plumpy Boss shooting, further highlighting the interconnected nature of these violent rivalries.

Gang Rivalries Spill Across Borders

The Sixx and Seven gangs, originating in Trinidad, have expanded their influence across the Caribbean, including Jamaica, Grenada, and Sint Maarten. Their rivalry is not only played out in violent confrontations but also in a "musical war," with diss tracks fueling tensions. The gangs’ leaders and financiers, some based as far as the United Kingdom and North America, use their resources to orchestrate hits and expand their operations.

The shooting of Plumpy Boss was seen as a strategic move to weaken the Seven gang by targeting one of its key financial assets and mouthpieces. Similarly, Sylvester’s murder may be linked to his involvement in these criminal networks, as rival factions vie for control.

The Strain on Local Resources

The small and understaffed detective department in Sint Maarten faces an uphill battle in addressing these crimes. Despite their limited resources, local authorities have shown determination in bringing perpetrators to justice. However, the transnational nature of these criminal activities underscores the need for greater regional cooperation.

A Call for Action

The rise in gang violence and drug trafficking across the Caribbean demands a coordinated response. Law enforcement agencies must work together to dismantle these networks and prevent further bloodshed. The recent collaboration between Sint Maarten and Trinidadian police is a step in the right direction, but much more needs to be done.

As the Caribbean fights to reclaim its reputation as a haven of peace and beauty, the resilience of its people and the commitment of its authorities will be crucial in overcoming these challenges.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Food Safety division of the Inspectorate VSA is responsible for assuring that foods prepared and sold in Sint Maarten are fit and wholesome for human consumption. Food for consumption that is not prepared under hygienic conditions can cause severe gastrointestinal complaints, e.g., weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe allergic reactions.

The CTPC (Cross-contamination, Temperature Abuse, and Pest Management) project was launched in June 2025, during which the food safety division focused on inspecting businesses, with an emphasis on the aforementioned safety points. The decision to select these areas of concentration was based on a risk-based inspection assessment conducted in May 2025.

 The division of Food Safety of the Inspectorate has adopted a strategy to start informing the public of the latest inspection findings as far as food safety is concerned, to make people more aware of preparing safe food. The results of inspections conducted by the food inspectors employed at the inspectorate will be published quarterly.

The table below shows the results from June 2025 to December 2025.

The most common violations encountered were the following :

Cross Contamination

Super Markets                                  15%

Buffets                                                   6%

Bakeries                                                 6%

Super Markets with buffets           8%

Bars with food                                    3%

Food Stands                                         3%

Temperature Abuse

Super Markets                                    7%

Buffets                                                   4%

Bakeries                                                 0%

Super Markets with buffets           2%

Bars with food                                    0%

Food Stands                                         6%

Temperature Control

 Super Markets                                  36%

Buffets                                                 28%

Bakeries                                                 1%

Super Markets with buffets         12%

Bars with food                                    0%

Food Stands                                         9%

Cleanliness

 Super Markets                                  12%

Buffets                                                   8%

Bakeries                                                 3%

Super Markets with buffets          6%

Butcheries                                            3%

Bars with food                                    2%

Food Stands                                         2%

Expired products

 Super Markets                                     8%

Super Markets with buffets           6%

Food Stands                                         8%

Pest

Food Stands                                         1%

Super markets & distributors stand out with the highest issues in temperature control (36%) and cross-contamination (15%).

Buffets also show notable problems in temperature control (28%), cleanliness (8%), and cross contamination (8%).

Bakeries have relatively low counts but still show cross-contamination (6%).

Bars with food show two issues across categories, including cleanliness and cross-contamination. (All violations have been corrected to date. Cross-contamination (3%) and cleanliness (2%)

Butcheries report no temperature or contamination issues, but have cleanliness concerns (3%).

Stands show a mix of issues across categories, cross-contamination (3%), temperature control (9%), temperature abuse (6%), and a small presence of pests (1%).

Super Markets with food stand out with the highest issues across the board, and therefore will require stricter monitoring, temperature control (12%) , Expired products (6%), Cleanliness (6%), and cross-contamination (8%) are prevalent.

The owners of the food establishments that were issued warning letters were also informed that, in case of a lack of appropriate measures to correct the violations or a recurrence of the violations, they will be prosecuted in full force by the law. 

The Food Safety inspectors, VSA, will continue to be very vigilant during their inspections.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to visit us at: W.G. Buncamper Road #33, Vineyard Building, 2nd floor, upstairs, the tax office, from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM. The public is encouraged to call the Inspectorate at  +1-721-520-8113 / +1+721-520-6397 during working hours and report situations that appear to be unhygienic and or when experiencing complaints.  You can also contact us via e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..