KRALENDIJK, Bonaire — Bonaire's only commercial aloe vera plantation could soon disappear after the Public Entity Bonaire (OLB) moved to terminate the lease on agricultural land that has been home to the island's only commercial aloe operation for more than two decades, raising concerns about heritage preservation, agricultural policy, and the future of local production.

The plantation, operated by Onima Aloe N.V., has been cultivating aloe vera since 2002 and is home to approximately 15,000 aloe vera plants. The company says the OLB intends to reclaim the agricultural parcel despite the land itself being officially designated for agricultural use, with plans to allocate it to a non-agricultural function involving the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar).

Owner Jaap Ensing argues that the decision threatens not only his business but also an important part of Bonaire's cultural and economic heritage.

A Crop Rooted in Bonaire's History

Aloe cultivation has been part of Bonaire's identity since the 19th century, serving as an important contributor to the island's economy for generations. The traditional knowledge of harvesting aloe, extracting its gel, and producing aloe-based products remains a living craft, carried on today through Onima Aloe's operations.

The company produces its aloe products entirely on Bonaire, supplying local retailers, tourism businesses, wellness providers, small entrepreneurs, and long-time residents. According to Ensing, the complete production chain—from cultivation and harvesting to processing, manufacturing, and sales—takes place locally, creating jobs while supporting economic diversification and sustainable production.

Owner Rejects Claims of "Inactivity"

The dispute centers on the OLB's allegations that the agricultural parcel has been inactive.

Ensing strongly disputes that characterization, explaining that aloe vera is a drought-resistant, climate-adapted crop that naturally undergoes extended dormant periods during which little visible activity occurs.

He says the plants require minimal water and, once irrigated, quickly become ready for harvesting. Processing is then carried out at the company's laboratory located on Kaya Pos di Amor.

According to Ensing, what authorities describe as inactivity is simply a normal characteristic of aloe cultivation and should not be mistaken for neglect.

No Consultation, Says Entrepreneur

Ensing says he was caught completely off guard by the government's actions.

According to him, he received no prior warning, consultation, or opportunity to present his case before being served by a bailiff and finding the property closed off. He further claims there has been no discussion of alternative solutions or compensation for the investments made in the plantation, the anticipated production losses, or the costs of relocating the business.

Questions Over Government Policy

The proposed termination has prompted broader questions about the consistency of Bonaire's agricultural and sustainability policies.

Critics argue that replacing an active agricultural enterprise on land specifically designated for farming with a non-agricultural use appears to contradict government objectives promoting local food and product production, climate-resilient agriculture, economic self-sufficiency, and the preservation of Bonaire's cultural heritage.

Ensing has formally requested that the OLB reconsider its decision and conduct what he describes as a fair balancing of interests, taking into account not only the plantation's economic contribution but also its historical and cultural significance to Bonaire.

If the lease is ultimately terminated, the island risks losing its only commercial aloe plantation—ending a tradition woven into Bonaire's agricultural history for well over a century.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Detectives of the Police Force of St. Maarten (KPSM) have launched an investigation into yet another armed robbery after two masked gunmen held up a supermarket on Union Road in Cole Bay on Wednesday night before fleeing toward the French side of the island.

The robbery occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, July 15, when the two armed suspects entered the supermarket and confronted the cashier. According to preliminary police information, the suspects threatened the cashier with a firearm before making off with an undisclosed amount of cash.

After committing the robbery, the suspects quickly fled the scene on a scooter parked nearby. Police said the pair was last seen riding in the direction of the French border, once again highlighting the challenge law enforcement faces when criminals use the open border to facilitate their escape.

KPSM patrol officers, detectives, and members of the Forensic Department responded shortly after the alarm was raised. Investigators processed the crime scene, gathered forensic evidence, and began interviewing witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation.

Police have not yet released descriptions of the suspects or disclosed the amount of cash stolen.

The latest incident adds to the continuing concern over armed robberies involving scooters, a recurring pattern in several recent crimes. The use of scooters has made it easier for suspects to move quickly through traffic and cross into the French side before officers can intercept them.

Investigators are now urging anyone who was in the vicinity of Union Road around 8:45 p.m. Wednesday evening to come forward if they observed suspicious persons or vehicles or possess surveillance footage that could assist the investigation.

KPSM is asking anyone with information to contact the Police Force of St. Maarten at +1 (721) 542-2222 or provide anonymous tips through the 9300 Tip Line.

Police stressed that even seemingly minor details could prove crucial in identifying the suspects and bringing those responsible before the courts.

~Justice System Faces New Scrutiny as OM Admits It Does Not Track Releases Linked to Detention Shortages.  Lack of prison space continues to reshape the justice system, but no one can quantify the impact.~

PHILIPSBURG — The Prosecutor's Office has acknowledged that it does not maintain records of how many criminal suspects have been released from pre-trial detention due to the ongoing detention capacity crisis at the Pointe Blanche prison, raising fresh questions about transparency and the true impact of the country's correctional system on public safety.

The revelation came in response to questions about the number of suspects released due to overcrowding and the number of custodial sentences executed.

In a written response, the Prosecutor's Office explained that its case registration system is designed solely to record information necessary for criminal investigations and prosecutions.

"Information that is not required for the investigation or prosecution of a case is not recorded," the Prosecutor's Office stated.

As a result, officials say they cannot provide statistics on the number of suspects released because the prison lacked available detention space, since the reason for release is simply not captured in their registration system.

The admission is significant because over the past several months the Prosecutor's Office has repeatedly confirmed that suspects have been released due to the severe shortage of detention space at the Pointe Blanche House of Detention.

The issue gained renewed public attention following the release of Dr. Danny Dennaoui, whose pre-trial detention was suspended after prosecutors cited the lack of available prison space. Earlier, the undocumented Jamaican national accused of causing the fatal crash that claimed the life of scooter rider Ryan Gumbs was transferred to Immigration and deported after being released from pre-trial detention, with his criminal case still pending before the courts.

Those cases have led to broader questions that the public is now asking.

Exactly how many armed robbery suspects have been released from pre-trial detention before their court dates because there was no prison space? How many of those suspects have since been convicted, yet remain outside prison because there is still no room to execute their custodial sentences?

How many suspects involved in jewelry store robberies have been released and subsequently deported before standing trial?

Have suspects charged with rape or child molestation ever been released from pre-trial detention because of the detention crisis? If so, how many?

And how many convicted offenders are currently waiting outside prison for a cell to become available so they can begin serving sentences already imposed by the Court?

At present, the Prosecutor's Office says it cannot answer those questions because that information is simply not recorded in its case registration system.

Immigration transfers also not Recorded

The Prosecutor's Office also confirmed that when detainees are released because of limited prison capacity, prosecutors may first serve the indictment before transferring the suspect to Immigration and Border Protection if there are indications the individual may not have lawful residency status.

However, officials acknowledged they also do not record the immigration status of suspects within their case registration system.

Consequently, authorities cannot provide statistics showing how many released suspects were subsequently transferred to Immigration or removed from St. Maarten.

No figure for outstanding prison sentences

The lack of available data extends beyond pre-trial releases.

The Prosecutor's Office further disclosed that it cannot provide an exact number of custodial sentences that remain unexecuted because of the prison crisis.

Officials acknowledged that delays in executing prison sentences existed even before Hurricane Irma in 2017 but have become dramatically worse after the storm destroyed approximately 40 percent of Pointe Blanche Prison's detention capacity.

According to the Prosecutor's Office, outstanding prison sentences currently range from several weeks to several years, illustrating the growing backlog facing the country's justice system.

Growing Transparency Questions

The Prosecutor's Office emphasized that its registration system was never designed to track administrative decisions unrelated to criminal prosecution.

Nevertheless, the disclosure is likely to intensify debate over accountability within the justice system.

Without records identifying how many suspects have been released due to prison overcrowding—or how many convicted offenders remain free while awaiting imprisonment—it becomes increasingly difficult for policymakers, Parliament and the public to measure the full impact of St. Maarten's long-running detention crisis.

The inability to answer these questions also makes it impossible for the public to fully understand how many serious offenders may have benefited from the lack of detention capacity, or the extent to which the prison crisis has affected prosecutions, sentencing, immigration decisions, and the execution of court-ordered prison terms.

The issue comes as construction has finally begun on the new Point Blanche Prison, a project Government says is essential to restoring detention capacity and strengthening the administration of justice.

Until that facility becomes operational, however, the questions remain.

How many suspects have been released because there was no room? How many convicted criminals are still waiting to serve their sentences? And how many serious offenders have remained at liberty because St. Maarten simply does not have enough prison space?

The Prosecutor's Office maintains that its current registration system fulfills its legal purpose of supporting criminal investigations and prosecutions but acknowledges that it does not collect statistical data on releases related to detention capacity or on immigration actions taken following those releases.

~Court of Guardianship Expands Public Education, Child Safety Programs and Legal Awareness Campaign.~

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Justice is stepping up its efforts to protect St. Maarten's most vulnerable citizens by launching an expanded public education campaign aimed at preventing child abuse and neglect before young people become victims—or enter the juvenile justice system.

Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling announced Wednesday that the Court of Guardianship is leading several new initiatives designed to strengthen child protection, educate parents and professionals, and raise public awareness of children's rights and family law.

The minister emphasized that while law enforcement remains an essential function of the justice system, prevention is equally critical in reducing crime and safeguarding the country's future.

"We often speak about enforcement, but one of the best ways to reduce crime is by reaching our young people before they ever come into conflict with the law," Tackling said during the Council of Ministers press briefing.

As part of that strategy, the Court of Guardianship recently hosted participants from the Ujima Summer Program, where students received interactive presentations on children's rights, the juvenile justice system, the consequences of criminal behavior, and the importance of making responsible life choices.

The outreach initiative is intended to help young people better understand both their legal rights and their responsibilities while encouraging positive decision-making at an early age.

In addition, the Court of Guardianship has partnered with Prominent Women to launch a three-part legal education series addressing issues affecting families throughout St. Maarten.

The sessions will focus on child abuse and neglect, parental authority and custody, divorce, child support obligations, and the various services available through the Court of Guardianship.

Justice officials believe these topics affect thousands of families across the country and hope the program will provide residents with practical legal information while encouraging families experiencing difficulties to seek assistance before problems escalate.

The ministry has also introduced the first edition of its Child Safety Code Newsletter, a new publication intended for teachers, healthcare workers, counselors, social workers and other professionals who work directly with children.

The newsletter provides updated guidance on recognizing and responding to suspected cases of child abuse and neglect while offering information on the Child Safety Code and other resources available to professionals.

Justice officials are encouraging schools, daycare centers, medical professionals, and youth organizations to subscribe to and stay informed about the latest child protection procedures.

The ministry has also expanded opportunities for young people interested in public service by welcoming Business Outreach and Placement (BOP) students into several Justice Ministry departments, including Human Resources, Finance, Judicial Affairs, the Front Office and the Court of Guardianship.

Two of those interns have been assigned specifically to assist with community outreach and public education initiatives, helping the Court expand awareness of its services across the community.

Tackling said investing in young people is not simply about providing internships but about preparing the next generation of justice professionals while strengthening confidence in the country's legal institutions.

She concluded that justice is far more than police investigations and courtroom proceedings.

"It is investing in our youth, educating families, strengthening our institutions, modernizing government services, preventing crime before it occurs, and when necessary, enforcing the law professionally and fairly," the minister said.

With child abuse, neglect and juvenile delinquency remaining ongoing concerns throughout the region, the Ministry of Justice says its expanded prevention campaign reflects a long-term commitment to protecting children, supporting families and building safer communities across St. Maarten.