Couple still awaiting trial after failed bid to recuse judge The Court of First Instance has delivered its judgment in the high-profile “Jasmine” corruption case, convicting former Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Christopher Emmanuel and businessman Alex Dijkhoffz, while acquitting contractor Jean Bartlett of all charges. Emmanuel was sentenced to 29 months of unconditional imprisonment and banned from holding public office for five years. The court found him guilty of passive bribery and abuse of office. Dijkhoffz received a 12-month prison sentence for active bribery, with the court concluding that he knowingly sought to influence the minister’s decisions in building permit processes. Bartlett, former owner of the no longer…
Author: The Publisher
Caribbean Voice at 39th Parlatino Assembly. Panama City, Panama – March 27, 2026 – Member of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams represented Sint Maarten at the 39th Assembly of the Latin American and Caribbean Parliament (Parlatino), where regional leaders gathered under the theme: “For the Sustainability of Latin America and the Caribbean in a Changing World.” During the Assembly, a significant development was the Board of Directors’ approval to present a proposal to establish an interim commission focused on the Caribbean region of Parlatino. This initiative is expected to strengthen the voice and participation of Caribbean member states within the organization. Addressing the…
PHILIPSBURG – A dispute between Suëna Laville-Martis and Prime Minister Luc Mercelina op January 7 and the subsequent actions of governor Ajamu Baly has resulted in a legal advice from constitutional expert Arjen van Rijn that is devastating for the governor. Laville-Martis had a dispute with Mercelina on January 7. The prime minister first took disciplinary measures and later Laville-Martis, chef of the cabinet at the ministry of Public Health (VSA) was suspended. The national decree to suspend her was submitted to Governor Baly on January 13. Instead of signing the decree, the governor requested a meeting of the Council…
Philipsburg, St. Maarten – March 27, 2026 — Management of VIPservices.sx announces that its website recently experienced a disruption following a coordinated distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, which resulted in the temporary crash of the website server. Upon immediate investigation, it was confirmed that while the attack affected website availability, no client data was compromised at any time. VIPservices.sx does not store sensitive client information, including personal data or credit card details, on its website. As such, clients and partners can be assured that their information remains fully secure. Management has taken swift action to address the incident and is currently migrating…
Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes has raised concerns about the effectiveness of current road safety enforcement measures in Sint Maarten, noting that the present approach is not sufficiently addressing the root of the problem. “If someone can replace a confiscated motorcycle almost immediately, then the system is not solving the problem,” Lacroes stated. No helmet, no road tax, no insurance required, no drivers license and no age check! He pointed to the ongoing practice of confiscating motorcycles during police controls, while individuals remain able to easily purchase replacement bikes without sufficient checks on licensing, insurance, or compliance. This, he…
Philipsburg, St. Maarten — Science Week 2026, held March 9 to 21, 2026, brought together students, educators, professionals, and community stakeholders in a dynamic celebration of curiosity, innovation, and discovery under the theme “Innovate for Wellbeing.” The week of activities highlighted the growing interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) across the island, while also reinforcing the importance of innovation in addressing real-world challenges and improving community wellbeing. Science Week officially launched with an inspiring opening ceremony featuring addresses by Dr. Rolinda Carter, President of the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation; Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina; and Minister…
Philipsburg, St. Maarten — The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation is proud to announce that SXM Tech Tides, the island’s first robotics team to compete at a regional level, has achieved an impressive 2nd place finish among teams from eight countries at the OECSRA (now ECRIA) Super Regional Robotics Challenge, held in St. Kitts, earning both the Code Mastery Award and the Digital Engagement Award. Students Jacob Boxshall of Learning Unlimited Preparatory School and Akash Pillai of St. Maarten Academy represented the 10-member team and delivered an outstanding performance on the regional stage. Their robot, the Soualiga Seaside Sweeper (SSS-37),…
Sint Maarten, March 21, 2026 Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes is urgently calling on the Government of Sint Maarten to eliminate the double application of Turnover Tax (TOT) on fuel prices, an unnecessary and inflation-driving practice that is directly contributing to the record-high costs currently burdening residents at the pump. Recent price buildup data published by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic & Telecommunication (TEATT) confirms once again that Turnover Tax is being charged twice: This practice results in Sint Maarten residents paying Turnover Tax on top of Turnover Tax, a multilayered burden that amplifies fuel price increases…
PHILIPSBURG — Member of Parliament Darryl T. J. York is urging the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) to take immediate action to adjust taxi tariffs following the sharp increase in fuel prices now impacting drivers across St. Maarten. Effective March 22, gasoline prices have jumped by approximately 24.6%, while diesel, heavily used by commercial operators, has surged by 39.7%, placing significant strain on taxi drivers and the broader transport sector. York emphasized that this call is not sudden or reactionary. He has been raising concerns about taxi pricing since January, when formal inquiries were submitted to…
THE HAGUE – The court of appeal in The Hague has confirmed a ruling issued by a lower court on January 17, 2024 against the operators of online gambling sites. These companies demanded that the court declare actions taken by the Dutch Authority on Games of Chance and the Dutch public prosecutor’s office be declared unlawful because they violate the free movement of services within the European Union. Like the lower court, the Court of Appeals acknowledged that a prohibition on offering online gambling limits that free movement, but it also ruled that the ban on offering such services are…
