Guilty by doing nothing
By Hilbert Haar The parliament is supposed to control the government. Right? Says so in the constitution. But the parliament has no clue about the way the government is spending tax payers money – and apparently More...
After twelve years Governor Holiday’s tenure comes to an end
PHILIPSBURG — On October 10, the second 6-year term of Governor Eugene B. (the B stands for Bernard) Holiday comes to an end. During the past twelve years the Governor has functioned as the unflappable representative More...
Audit Chamber is already waiting fourteen months for appointment of third board member
PHILIPSBURG — The General Audit Chamber asked the government in December 2020 – by now more than fourteen months ago – for the appointment of a third board member but in spite of repeated reminders More...
Pels Rijcken analysis: granting long lease has to be in accordance with Didam-arrest
PHILIPSBURG — The government can no longer sell immovable assets exclusively to one party without making the intention to do so public beforehand. The office of the Dutch Country Attorney Pels Rijcken arrives More...
The trouble with dualism in St. Maarten (and in the Netherlands)
PHILIPSBURG — When St. Maarten became an autonomous country in the kingdom of the Netherlands on October 10, 2010, the Island Council disappeared and was replaced by the Parliament as we know it today. The More...
Cooperation, cooperation, cooperation
Former Lt. Governor, former APS Chairman of the Board, former member of the Law Enforcement Council, Managing Director of Seven Seas and present member for St. Maarten on the Progress Committee, Franklyn Richards More...
Minister of Justice Anna E. Richardson: Function Book in the final phase of the legislative process
PHILIPSBURG — The Function Book of the Ministry of Justice is in the final phase of the legislative process towards its completion to become law, confirmed the Minister of Justice, Honorable Anna E. Richardson. More...
How St. Maarten fails to pick up millions in European subsidies – UPDATED
PHILIPSBURG — St. Maarten misses out on millions of European subsidies because the government is unable – or incapable, or unwilling – to write the proper project proposals that would unlock these More...
Integrity Chamber Quick Scan: Police less efficient and sharp decline in quality at the prison since 10-10-10
PHILIPSURG — Political instability and the frequent change of government since 10-10-10 have resulted in organizational instability within the Ministry of Justice. This appears from a Quick Scan the Integrity More...
Political instability hampers functioning Ombudsman
PHILIPSBURG — Political instability is a major challenge, Ombudsman Gwendolien Mossel writes in the introduction to her office’s 2020 annual report. “Responses by government to queries of the ombudsman More...
