THE HAGUE – Novatech Solutions, a provider of illegal online gambling games received a fine of close to 25 million euros from the Dutch Games of Chance authority KSA. Novatech is based in Curacao. The company was fined for recruiting customers in the Netherlands while it did not have a permit to do so. There is a legal maximum of 10 percent for these fines. Otherwise the fine could have been 100 million euros or higher. “Such a fine would have been more fitting for this violation, said KSA-chairman Michel Groothuizen in a report published on dossierkoninkrijksrekaties.nl. Based on the…
Author: The Publisher
Authorities from the Dutch and French sides of the island formalized a new step in cross-border law enforcement cooperation on Tuesday with the signing of a treaty allowing maritime “hot pursuit” during anti-drug trafficking operations in the waters surrounding Sint Maarten and Saint Martin. The agreement was signed at the police station in Cole Bay by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and French Minister of Overseas Territories Naïma Moutchou. The ceremony brought together senior officials from both administrations and maritime law enforcement agencies. Among those present were Governor Ajamu Baly, Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling, French state representative Cyrille Le Vély and President of the Collectivité of Saint Martin Louis Mussington. …
The long-delayed Soualiga Marketplace reconstruction project has been redesigned again, pushing the estimated cost to Cg. 2.851 million—more than double the original contract sum of Cg. 1.236 million—according to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten. The Democratic Party minister provided the update during a public meeting of Parliament on Wednesday, outlining a new phased construction plan for the Philipsburg vendor marketplace. Once construction begins, the project is expected to take about nine months to complete. The latest proposal represents the third redesign of the Soualiga Marketplace project, which has been revised several times under successive ministers responsible for the TEATT portfolio. The initiative originated under former…
The Collectivity of Saint-Martin has announced temporary road closures and parking restrictions in Marigot on Sunday, March 15, for the annual cycling event “Le Grand Prix de l’Ouverture.” The race, organized by the Territorial Cycling Committee of Saint-Martin, will bring together more than 80 young athletes. According to the official decree issued by the President of the Collectivity, the road closures will be implemented from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on the day of the event to ensure the safety of participants, spectators, and property. From 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Boulevard du Docteur Hubert Petit and the roundabout at…
The Prefecture of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint Martin announced that several tests of the FR-Alert “cell broadcast” system will be conducted over the coming weeks to ensure the effectiveness of the island’s population alert system. The FR-Alert system allows real-time notifications to mobile phone users in areas of potential danger, providing guidance on how to stay safe. These tests, coordinated by state services, aim to evaluate the performance of the alert system under realistic conditions. On Thursday, March 12, a “silent” technical test will be conducted by mobile operators. While the operation is configured to remain largely invisible and inaudible on most devices, some phones…
Lissabon case highlights growing cryptocurrency use and shadow economy in St. Maarten PHILIPSBURG—The high-profile Lissabon case involving former Member of Parliament Rolando Brison has drawn renewed attention to the growing role of cryptocurrency in St. Maarten’s economy and the challenges authorities face in monitoring digital financial activity. Brison, the former leader of the United People’s (UP) party, is accused of passive bribery and abuse of office as Member and Chair of Parliament. During court proceedings he addressed questions about cryptocurrency transactions referenced in the case, explaining that he trades in several digital currencies and that Bitcoin Cash is particularly popular among users on the island. The…
THE HAGUE – The Dutch Council of State has issued a positive advice about the initiative law that regulates disputes between countries in the kingdom. The draft law was submitted for advice by Aruba’s Minister Plenipotentiary. The crucial point of the advice is that rulings on disputes do not always have to be binding. The Dutch government would only have to adhere to advice about judicial disputes. If the argument is of a political character the Dutch could still ignore an advice, but only if it presents serious objections. The obligation to establish a dispute regulation is part of the…
PHILIPSBURG – The public prosecutors office demands a 2-year prison sentence against former parliamentarian Rolando Brison. In 2023 Brison was a member of parliament for the United People’s Party (UP) when he was arrested after making a passionate plea for the introduction of cryptocurrency as legal tender in Sint Maarten. According to prosecutors, Brison received between $50,000 and $60,000 from Robbie dos Santos for this effort. Prosecutors also demand a 5-year ban on holding public office and restitution of more than $52,000 in illegally obtained funds. Brison’s paymasters are allegedly Robbie dos Santos, the founder of Robbie’s Lottery and Sunil…
Caribbean St. Tosia becomes a situation comedyby Cdr Bud Slabbaert A weary U.S. mid-career TV producer arrives in St. Tosia expecting a small, simple assignment about island artisans. After fifteen years in Los Angeles’ formulaic situation comedy development hell, rewrites, canceled pilots, he’s numb to creativity. But St. Tosia hits him like a tropical storm. He discovers a vibrant island culture, unexpected comedic talent and natural humor. Inspired by the locals’ daily lives and wit, he ends up creating a story which transforms into international hit sitcom that reshapes Caribbean representation on global television. St. Tosia greeted Evan Carter with…
PHILIPSBURG — The dismissal of Anthony Carty from his position as director of Bureau Telecommunication and Post (BTP) per April 15, 2024 was justified, the Court for Civil Servants Affairs stated in a recent ruling. Therefore, Carty’s appeal against an earlier ruling failed. The court found Carty again guilty of neglect of duty, failure to report side activities and incompatible commercial activities. Already in 2015 a critical report from the General Audit Chamber noted that Carty did not have a performance contract, had hardly any responsibilities and had carte blanche with the BTP-budget. His outrageous salary, estimated to be around…
