WILLEMSTAD:--- At the request of the Governor of Curaçao, Defense provided hard military assistance in Curaçao from June 22 to July 5. This assistance took place in the context of facilitating a hearing location and the intensive security measures surrounding the hearing in the so-called Themis case. The hearing was held at Suffisant Marine Barracks and was characterized as a high-profile and high-risk event. Various military units, such as the Marine Squadron Carib, the Company in the West, Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Service Defense and the Royal Military Police supported the Curacao Police Force.

Due to the seriousness and sensitivity of the case, the safety measures associated with Alert State C, a heightened state of readiness, have been applied. Intensive security and surveillance are deployed 24 hours a day, both at and around the barracks. This included patrols inside and outside the premises and surveillance of the airspace above the naval barracks.

First for enforcement action against drones

A special aspect of this operation was the deployment of the Marine Corps Counter-UAS team. For the first time, this unit was not only deployed for detection and shielding, but was also actually authorized to take enforcement action. This meant that drones that entered the airspace above Suffisant Marine Barracks, which had been declared a no-fly zone, were jammed and thus put out of action. On average, 10 drones are neutralized in this way per day.

A total of approximately 120 soldiers, police officers and civilian employees are deployed per day to ensure safety. In addition, approximately 30 people were present every day who were involved in the substantive handling of the case: court officials, the Public Prosecution Service, lawyers, the suspect, surviving relatives, family members, press and other visitors.

Defense's deployment took place in close cooperation with local security partners and proceeded without significant incidents. This has made an important contribution to the safe conduct of a case that is receiving national and regional attention. Providing military assistance falls under the third main task of Defense in the Caribbean.

Empowering Local Farmers and Fishermen with 12 Weeks of Intensive Training

PHILIPSBURG:---  Qredits proudly launched its first Agriculture Business Academy on July 3, 2025, in Sint Maarten—a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the island’s agricultural and fishery sector through a blend of business and agricultural education. With 19 motivated participants (most of them existing entrepreneurs in the sector) in attendance at the launch, the program will span 12 weeks, offering practical training in farming, agri-innovation, entrepreneurship, business finance, and sustainable practices.

This pioneering program is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) and funded by Temporary Work Organization (Dutch Ministry of Kingdom Relations) and organized by Qredits Sint Maarten and SOFIN (Social Finance Consulting). The Agri Business Academy represents a collaborative effort to drive food security, economic empowerment, and agricultural innovation in Sint Maarten.

The program is offered free of charge to all participants, removing financial barriers and ensuring that any committed individual with a passion for agriculture has the opportunity to benefit from expert training and support.

Participants will receive instruction from two respected local experts: Mrs. Lucrecia Lynch and Mr. Denicio Wyatte, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in agriculture and business development. Their guidance will be instrumental in equipping participants with the practical tools and insight needed to build sustainable agribusiness ventures.

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be eligible to apply for a unique Qredits loan of max $ 50,000 with an interest rate of 2%. This program is specifically designed to support new and existing agribusiness and fisheries ventures, underscoring Qredits’ commitment to creating real, long-term opportunities for local entrepreneurs.

The Agri Business Academy was officially opened by Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten from TEATT. “As Minister of TEATT, I am proud to support this initiative that not only builds capacity in agriculture but also strengthens our economy and promotes food resilience,” stated the Minister. “Empowering our people through knowledge and opportunity is the cornerstone of our sustainable development goals, and this academy is a bold step in that direction.”

The program is being managed by Elwin Groenevelt, Founder of Qredits and now CEO of SoFin, who played a key role in bringing the agricultural projects to life on Aruba, Curaçao and Bonaire and now on Sint Maarten. “We believe in the power of entrepreneurship as a tool for social and economic transformation,” said Groenevelt. “This Academy will not only help participants build viable business plans, but it will also contribute to innovation and food security on the island. ”

Also present at the launch was Bernise Stoffer, representing  RVO as the Project Manager for the E6 Country Packages on behalf of the Dutch Ministry via Temporary Work Organization (Landspakket), who emphasized the program's alignment with broader Kingdom goals: “This academy reflects a shared vision across the Kingdom to empower entrepreneurs, promote sustainable agriculture, and build stronger, more resilient communities in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom.”

Participants in the program range from new farmers and fishermen to existing agricultural and fishery business owners, all driven by a common goal: to grow and thrive in the food sector. With expert facilitators, hands-on workshops, personalized coaching, access to affordable financing, and no cost to enroll, the Academy is poised to make a lasting impact on Sint Maarten’s economy and food systems.

PHILIPSBURG---  The Minister of Finance, Marinka J. Gumbs, was presented with a historical commemorative book on the Netherlands Antillean Guilder (NAf) and a collector’s set featuring the new Caribbean guilder coins and banknotes.

This symbolic handover marks a significant moment in the monetary history of the countries Sint Maarten and Curacao, representing the official transition from the Netherlands Antillean Guilder to the Caribbean guilder. With the end of the co-circulation period on June 30, 2025 the Caribbean guilder is now the sole legal tender in circulation.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP), in collaboration with the Office of Disaster Management (ODM), is launching a certified drone training program to strengthen disaster response capabilities on the island.

The training is specifically designed for the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) members.

The three-day session starts on July 7 and continues on July 8 and 9^th at the Fire Department in Cay Hill.  

The training will certify participants in operating their drone based on procedures for safe drone flights.

Interim Director of BTP/Coordinator Emergency Support Function (ESF) 2, Judianne Labega-Hoeve, said, “As a committed EOC member, we continuously train for various disaster scenarios. Equally important is ensuring that all EOC members are well-equipped and prepared to respond effectively.

“That’s why BTP, together with the Office of Disaster Management, initiated this certified drone training. Drones have proven to be valuable tools in disaster response, supporting damage assessments, search and rescue, security, infrastructure monitoring, and more.

“We are proud to contribute to strengthening disaster management capabilities on Sint Maarten.”

The theoretical modules cover the following topics: Laws and regulations, including national aviation rules, privacy laws, no-fly zones, and radio communication; Airspace and navigation, encompassing airspace classifications, weather and environmental factors, and basic aerodynamics; Drone technology, which includes types of drones and their uses, sensors and payloads, control systems, and incident prevention.

The practical modules cover Preparation and Planning: Mission planning, risk assessment, and pre-flight checks; Control and Maneuvering: Basic and advanced flight techniques, emergency procedures, and troubleshooting; Maintenance and Safety: Routine maintenance, safe storage and transport, and post-flight inspections.