PHILIPSBURG:---  The Court of First Instance has ruled in the forfeiture claim (“ontnemingsvordering”) filed by the Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten (OM SXM) against former Member of Parliament A.A. 

In its ruling of October 22, 2025, the Court found there were sufficient indications that A. had both bought votes during the January 2024 parliamentary elections and committed perjury when taking the oath of office before the Governor. However, the Court determined that the salary and transitional allowances (“wachtgeld”) A. received as a Member of Parliament could not be considered illegally obtained profit (“wederrechtelijk verkregen voordeel”), since he had actually performed his parliamentary duties for a time. The Court therefore denied the OM’s forfeiture request.

The case concerns the financial benefits A. received after being elected to Parliament. The Prosecutor’s Office, acting under Article 1:77 of the Penal Code, had sought confiscation of XCG 168,189.58 in salary and allowances, arguing that these payments represented unlawful benefits gained as a direct result of vote buying and perjury linked to his election and swearing-in.

The Prosecutor’s Office does not agree with the Court’s reasoning. The OM considers that, because the vote buying and perjury were directly tied to A.’s election to Parliament, and therefore to his entitlement to salary and benefits, those payments should be regarded as unlawful proceeds of his crimes, and thus subject to forfeiture.

The Prosecutor’s Office will appeal the Court’s decision before the Common Court of Justice.

The underlying criminal conviction against A., handed down on January 8, 2025, for vote buying, also remains under appeal. In that case, A. was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment and a six-and-a-half-year disqualification from holding public office or participating in elections.

OM SXM reiterates its commitment to upholding integrity in public office and ensuring that no one profits from corruption or deceit in the democratic process.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance, Hon. Marinka J. Gumbs, wishes to provide an update on the recent developments regarding the Budget Amendment for 2025 and the ongoing preparation of the Draft Budget for 2026.

The Minister confirms that the Council of Ministers (COM) has officially approved the Budget Amendment for the year 2025. This amendment reflects updates to the national budget to better align with the country’s current economic realities and recent financial developments. It incorporates adjustments related to both revenue performance and expenditure allocations, ensuring that the Government of Sint Maarten remains on track to meet its financial and developmental commitments for the remainder of the fiscal year.

The Budget Amendment 2025 has been submitted to the Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT) for its Article 11 advice, in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Kingdom Law on Financial Supervision (Rft). This process forms part of Sint Maarten’s commitment to sound financial management, fiscal transparency, and compliance with the applicable budgetary framework under the Rft.

As it pertains to the Draft Budget for the year 2026, the Ministry of Finance is currently still in the drafting phase. The objective is to have the 2026 budget approved by the Council of Ministers in November 2025 and subsequently submitted to both the CFT for Article 11 review and subsequently to Parliament for debate and approval.

Minister Gumbs reaffirmed that the Ministry of Finance remains committed to strengthening Sint Maarten’s fiscal position, enhancing efficiency within the public sector, and supporting initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth and improved public services.

Further updates will be provided as both the 2025 Budget Amendment and 2026 Draft Budget progress through their respective review and approval stages.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During the evening hours of Friday, continuing into Saturday night and early Sunday morning, a team of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) conducted a series of coordinated operations across several areas, including the Middle Region, A. Th. Illidge Road, Welfare Road, Maho, and the surrounding districts.

These proactive actions form part of KPSM’s ongoing efforts to maintain safety and security across the country. Officers focused on enforcing laws related to narcotics, illegal firearms, and other criminal activities that threaten community well-being.

In addition to street-level enforcement, the Control Team also inspected several businesses to ensure compliance with established closing hours and operational regulations. These inspections are intended to promote safety and public order within nightlife and commercial areas.

During the course of the operations, officers arrested two individuals who were found in possession of a stolen vehicle. One of the suspects involved is a minor. The vehicle has since been confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation.

KPSM continues to carry out such operations as part of its broader strategy to strengthen police visibility and presence throughout the island. Through these efforts, the Police Force aims to reassure the public, deter offenders, and foster stronger community cooperation.

KPSM is encouraging the public to assist in keeping Sint Maarten safe. If you see something, say something. Members of the community are urged to report any suspicious or criminal activity by contacting the Police Station at +1 (721) 542-2222, or in case of an emergency, call 911. Anonymous tips can also be shared via the KPSM anonymous tip line.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors on the island.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Social & Health Insurances (SZV) proudly announces a major improvement in service for pensioners residing in the Netherlands. Through a newly signed covenant with the Sociale Verzekeringsbank (SVB) of the Netherlands, pensioners will no longer be required to submit a Life Certificate twice a year.

With this agreement, SZV and SVB Netherlands have established a secure file exchange system that allows both institutions to verify, on a monthly basis, if any pensioners have passed away. This development eliminates the need for pensioners in the Netherlands to submit Life Certificates in May and November to SZV, reducing administrative burdens and providing greater peace of mind.

“This partnership with SVB Netherlands is built on years of trust and shared commitment to better serve our clients. By removing the need for the Life Certificate, we are not only simplifying a process but also strengthening the relationship of confidence between our institutions and the people we serve.” – SZV Chief Operations Officer, Reginald Willemsberg.

The successful signing of the covenant was made possible through long-standing collaboration and support from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) and the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary in The Hague, whose collective efforts helped bring this initiative to completion.

While this agreement simplifies one important process, SZV reminds pensioners living in the Netherlands that they must still notify SZV of any changes in their personal details such as a new address, bank account, marriage, or divorce. Additionally, orphans aged 15 and above must continue to submit their school enrollment letter at the start of each new school period to ensure uninterrupted pension payments.

This achievement reflects SZV’s commitment to enhancing client experience through digital innovation, cross-border collaboration, and simplification of processes, key pillars of the organization’s Beyond 3.0 strategy.