Theo Heyliger arrested in Larimar investigation
GREAT BAY — Suspect T.H. (48) was arrested by the Anti corruption Taskforce (TBO) this morning, February 19, 2019. The suspect has been placed in pre-trial detention. More information will provided later today.
Update from the spokesperson of the TBO team:
In connection to an ongoing criminal investigation, suspect T.H. (48) was arrested on Tuesday, February 19, 2019. Additionally the suspect’s home was searched. The arrest derives from the investigation “Larimar”, which delves into corruption, money laundering and the acceptance and payment of bribes in the construction sector on Sint Maarten. Several arrests and house searches have been conducted in interest of this investigation. The investigation is still ongoing. The Court of First Instance has to give permission to prosecute the suspect.
StMaartenNews.com will be publishing an analysis in a subsequent publication.
Update:
The road to UD-leader Heyliger’s potential downfall
Opinion: “A real reason for concern”
###
The United Democrats (UD) party issued the following statement today as well:
Philipsburg St. Maarten, February 19, 2019 – The leadership and members of the United Democrats Party (UD) are deeply saddened by the arrest of our leader MP Theodore Heyliger on February 19, 2019. It goes without saying that the arrest is a major blow to the UD and we consider this a dark day, not only for the party, but especially for Theo’s wife and children and St. Maarten in general. Grisha, the boys and his extended family are in our constant thoughts and prayers.
It is an ordeal we wish no one, but the impact of Theo’s arrest will be felt far and near. In Parliament, we of the UD, will have to ensure that the people’s interest will continue to be center stage, despite this serious setback we are facing.
We will carefully follow the developments surrounding MP Heyliger’s arrest and we will uphold the mantra of innocent until proven guilty. We must, also for the benefit of our country, have faith in the justice system and we can only hope that fair justice will prevail, regardless of prejudices, real or perceived.
St. Maarten is at crossroads in so many respects and the arrest of MP Heyliger is surely not helpful in this regard. It is still very early in the process and we implore everyone to not be hasty in jumping to conclusions.
As more details and information become available, the UD will inform its membership and the St. Maarten people in general about the course the party is taking.
###
Press Release COM:
Council of Ministers takes note of the arrest of Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger
PHILIPSBURG – The Council of Ministers, has taken note of the arrest of Member of Parliament Theodore Heyliger on Tuesday morning February 19th. The Council of Ministers recognizes that we all must allow room for the wheels of justice to turn and for Mr. Heyliger to have his day to defend himself.
The Council of Ministers wishes Mr. Heyliger, his family, friends and colleagues much strength during this period of uncertainty that they face.
Meanwhile, we of the Council of Ministers, wish to ensure the people of St. Maarten that we will continue to work diligently on the task at hand of managing the daily governmental affairs of this country. We will continue to forge forward with the rebuilding of this nation. This task requires us all to unite and focus on one common goal. That goal being stability and progress for our island St, Maarten. Our commitment will remain primarily to the people of this country that we have the honor of serving.
###
Related articles:
The road to UD-leader Heyliger’s potential downfall
Opinion: “A real reason for concern”
https://stmaartennews.com/?s=theo
