Good Governance and the Didam Arrest: Implications for Sint Maarten

Dear Editor, When discussing good governance, many typically think of government and governmental organizations. Several scientific definitions could be cited, but in daily life, it boils down to a few principles. Good governance encompasses transparency, accountability, responsibility, and the rule of law. For government and its subsidiaries, this More...

TelEm loses appeal against Israeli telecom giant
PHILIPSBURG — Telecom operator TelEm has lost its appeal against a decision that orders the company to pay MER St. Maarten BV, a subsidiary of the Israeli MER Group $561.905 and – after the presentation More...

Appeals court holds Ansary liable for Ennia debacle
WILLEMSTAD — The Common Court of Justice ruled on Tuesday that insurance company Ennia is entitled to at least 153.8 million guilders ($85.9 million) in damages, caused by its major shareholder Hushang Ansary More...

St. Maarten’s judicial professions calling for urgent update legal system
In the light of recent revelations during the installation ceremony of the new Judge Gerben Drenth, it is apparent that the legal system in St. Maarten is in dire need of a comprehensive review and overhaul. With More...

Lacking new Code of Criminal Procedures is worrisome, Chief Prosecutor Buist says
PHILIPSBURG — It is worrisome that after five years there still is no new Code of Criminal Procedure, Chief Prosecutor Hieke Buist said during the installation of Judge Gerben Drenth. She also addressed domestic More...

Attorney pleads for using English language in the courtroom
PHILIPSBURG — Using the English language more prominently in the courtroom will promote equitable access to justice, attorney Caroline van Hees, the Dean of the Bar Association, pointed out in a speech during More...

Judge De Kort urges St. Maarten to update legislation
PHILIPSBURG — Judge Mauritsz de Kort has urged St. Maarten to update its legislation during the installation of St. Maarten’s new judge Gerben Drenth. De Kort mentioned in particular the Bailiff’s Ordinance, More...

Minister Doran gave land in long lease to his brother and to the mother of his children
PHILIPSBURG -- Cadastre documents show that Minister of Public Housing, Urban Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Egbert Doran granted rights of long lease for two parcels of land to his brother Eldrid More...

GEBE has to reinstate Sharine Daniel as Head Internal Auditor, court rules
PHILIPSBURG — Utilities company GEBE has to admit Sharine Daniel to her work as Head Internal Auditor before September 6, the Court in First Instance ruled on Wednesday, August 30. The company had gone to More...

GEBE has to compensate former human resources manager
PHILIPSBURG — Utilities company GEBE is paying a hefty price for the dissolution of its labor contract with human resource manager Clifford Sasso. The Court in First Instance allowed the termination of the More...