~ MP Lewis calls for the heads of the Minister of Justice and the Chief Commissioner of Police~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Vice Chairman of the Justice Committee, Lyndon Lewis, is raising serious concerns regarding the functionality and usefulness of the police substations located in key areas such as Cole Bay, Simpson Bay, and the reportedly designated station in Maho. These substations—fully funded by the Government of Sint Maarten—were established to ensure swift responses to criminal activity and to serve as a preventive measure through increased police visibility.

MP Lewis is questioning why these substations are not being used for their intended purpose, especially at a time when violent incidents continue to unsettle both residents and visitors.

“I am shocked, angry, and deeply disturbed by the unruly videos currently circulating,” Lewis stated, referring to the brazen robbery that took place in one of Sint Maarten’s busiest and most iconic tourist districts. “What happened should never have occurred. Many of our beloved guests and residents who were present—or who have seen the videos—are now traumatized.” "I also understood that a police vehicle was also parked in the vicinity of the casino, unoccupied, just a couple of feet away from where the robbery was committed."

Maho, known for its vibrant nightlife, especially on weekends, should always maintain a strong police presence to deter criminal activity and ensure the safety of everyone in the area. However, the absence of an active and staffed substation has raised questions about operational oversight and resource management.

Adding to the distressing series of events, MP Lewis highlighted reports of a break-in and robbery at Robbie’s Lottery the very same night. Additionally, a local businessman, the owner of Lotus Nightclub, was reportedly held at gunpoint that same weekend. “I can go on and on with examples of these senseless robberies that continue to plague our communities,” Lewis said. “These incidents emphasize why these substations must be open and active at all times.”

MP Lewis expressed deep concern over the increasing sense of fear spreading throughout communities as violent crimes continue to escalate. He is once again calling on the Minister of Justice to urgently address these issues and take decisive action before the situation worsens.

“If this is a job that the Minister cannot handle, then I believe the honorable thing to do is to resign immediately and allow someone capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of the office to take over,” Lewis stated firmly.

"The chief of police is directly responsible for the safety and security of this island. I understood that the resignation of police officers since the current chief of police took office in 2015 is great. One may ask why this is. If the job of chief of police is becoming challenging, then there is time for new blood; ten years is enough."

MP Lewis vows to continue advocating for the safety and security of all residents and visitors of Sint Maarten. He urges the government to treat this matter with the utmost urgency.

~Calls for Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling’s Resignation Grow Louder Amid Crime Surge and Government Inaction"~

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten’s crime crisis continues to spiral out of control, with the owner of Lotus Nightclub in Simpson Bay becoming the latest victim of a brazen armed robbery. The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, December 5th, around 9:00 PM, has left residents and business owners outraged and fearful as violent crime reaches unprecedented levels.
According to reports, the nightclub owner was held at gunpoint by a suspect who not only robbed them but also stole their vehicle. This shocking act of violence is just one in a string of recent robberies that have shaken the island. Early Saturday morning, Robbie’s Lottery main office was targeted in another robbery, and later that day, a jewelry store in the Maho area was attacked by a group of armed individuals dressed in black. The suspects smashed glass displays, looted the store, and fled the scene in a gray vehicle heading toward Lowlands. Adding to the chaos, a KFC restaurant was also smashed and robbed, further underscoring the brazen nature of these crimes.
Despite the alarming rise in crime, the government’s response has been marked by silence. Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, who has faced growing criticism for her inability to address the island’s security crisis, has yet to make a public statement. Calls for her resignation are mounting, with residents and business owners accusing her of failing to protect the people of St. Maarten. After one year in office, Tackling’s tenure has been defined by a deteriorating justice system, unfulfilled promises to justice workers awaiting their LBs and back payments, and a crime rate that shows no signs of slowing down.
Adding to the public’s frustration is the absence of most elected officials, including several members of parliament and the Prime Minister, who are currently in the Netherlands. Their decision to leave the island during such a critical time has been met with widespread condemnation, as citizens feel abandoned by their leaders in the face of escalating violence.
Business owners, already struggling to recover from economic challenges, are now forced to contend with the added burden of protecting their livelihoods from criminals. Residents, too, are living in fear, with many questioning whether the government has any plan—or even the will—to restore safety and order.
The silence from the government is deafening, and the people of St. Maarten are demanding answers. How many more robberies, assaults, and acts of violence must occur before action is taken? Until the government steps up to address this crisis, the island remains gripped by fear, with no end to the chaos in sight.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Inspectorate of Taxes has announced that taxpayers previously granted an extension until Wednesday, December 31, now have until Monday, January 5, 2026, at 2:00 PM, to file and pay their 2024 Profit Tax Return, if applicable.

Taxpayers who fall under this extension are urged to take note of this updated deadline and ensure timely filing and payment to remain in compliance.

The 2024 Final Profit Tax Return and 2024 Final Profit Tax Form are available on the Government of St. Maarten’s website at www.sintmaartengov.org/Ministries/Finance/Pages/Profit-Tax-Forms.aspx and through government’s online services platform at onlineservices.sintmaartengov.org.

Filing must be completed at the Tax Administration Office located at the Vineyard Building. Payments can be made via bank transfer (XCG: WIB 324800-03 or RBC 820000005425048; USD: WIB 324800-05 or RBC 8200000430930461) or in cash, debit, or credit at the Receiver’s Office cashiers on Pond Island.

Additionally, the Sint Maarten Tax Administration informs the public that its offices, including the Receiver’s Office cashiers, will be closed for the holiday season from Wednesday, December 24, to Friday, December 26. The offices will close again from Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to Friday, January 2, 2026. Regular operations will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026.

For inquiries, additional information, or assistance, please contact the Tax Administration by phone at 542-2143, 542-3782, 542-3839, or 542-3840, or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina has formally submitted a request to the Government of the Netherlands seeking support to address longstanding challenges within Sint Maarten’s police facilities. The request, directed to the State Secretary of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations, Mr. Eddie van Marum, emphasizes the importance of improving the infrastructure to ensure public safety, effective policing, and adherence to human rights standards across the Kingdom.

In his correspondence, the Prime Minister noted that Sint Maarten’s police facilities have faced systemic issues for many years, with deficiencies that predate both Hurricane Irma and the country’s constitutional transition in 2010.

“Sint Maarten’s police facilities are not designed or equipped in a manner that allows KPSM to meet its responsibilities under national and International law fully,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina stated, “Addressing these long-standing infrastructural shortcomings is essential to strengthening public safety and ensuring compliance with applicable human rights standards.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged the significant support previously provided by the Netherlands, particularly following Hurricane Irma, when repairs and improvements were financed through the Trust Fund and the Ministry of Interior Affairs and Kingdom Relations. 

Despite these efforts, the progress reports associated with the Plan of Approach for the police and detention sectors continue to highlight substantial challenges.

“Fifteen years of monitoring through the Plan of approach process shows that although steps have been taken, key issues persist,” PM Dr. Mercelina noted.

“The most recent progress report again highlights concerns about KPSM’s ability to attract and retain personnel and to operate sustainably under the current conditions.”

A critical part of the Government’s request concerns the condition of the main police station, which is significantly affected by leaks, mold, and structural deterioration. These issues have also raised compliance concerns under national labor law and European human rights standards.

The temporary holding cells at the station—linked directly to requirements under the Plan of Approach—have been the subject of repeated concerns by the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT). Ongoing repairs funded by the Netherlands are progressing, but independent engineering assessments have indicated that much larger investments will be required to bring the entire police station to an acceptable standard.

“Recent engineering assessments estimate that roughly USD 6.5 million would be needed to address the holding cells and the full building,” the Prime Minister explained.

“Given these figures, it is reasonable to assess whether constructing a new police station may be a more effective long-term solution.”

The Government of Sint Maarten expressed appreciation for the strong cooperation with the Netherlands, particularly the positive developments in the detention sector where construction of a new prison is expected to begin soon.

“Our joint work in the detention sector demonstrates that sustained collaboration yields tangible results,” PM Dr. Mercelina noted.

“We look forward to continuing this constructive approach as we consider solutions for the police facilities.”

“This is a Kingdom matter, and with shared responsibility comes shared action. Sint Maarten stands ready to work closely with the Netherlands on a sustainable and meaningful solution,” he concluded.