Prosecutor requests prison sentences in ‘Lissabon’ case.

rolandobrison16062024PHILIPSBURG:--- Former Member and Chairman of Parliament Rolando Brison, together with co-suspects Johan Alex Dijkhoffz, Robby Dos Santos, and S Sunil G., are before the Court of First Instance this week following an extensive investigation into alleged bribery involving the former MP and Chairman of Parliament.
Rolando Brison is suspected of soliciting and accepting bribes during his tenure as an MP and, in part, during his time as Chairman of Parliament. The co-suspects are alleged to have paid the bribes.
The Prosecutor has requested prison sentences ranging from 12 to 24 months. In addition, the Prosecutor has requested that Roland Brison be disqualified from holding public office for a period of five years. In addition, the Prosecutor has demanded that Rolando Brison repay a total of US$ 52,190.35 for unlawfully obtained assets.

The “Lissabon” investigation was started in February 2023 by the Kingdom Cooperation Team RST under the direction of the Central Team of the Attorney General's Office of Curaçao, St. Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba.

It is in the interest of Sint Maarten society that there be clarity about the alleged corrupt conduct of a person in the public administration.

For a well-functioning democratic society, it is essential that residents have confidence in their government. Official corruption is a phenomenon with many manifestations and mainly occurs at the interface of public and private interests. Corruption can permanently disrupt a society: it undermines the integrity of the government and fosters false trade competition.

For those reasons, the Central Team takes signals of such corruption extremely seriously and, if necessary, has an in-depth investigation carried out.

The court hearing continues on Tuesday, March 10.

 

SMN News will bring the full article, citing both sides, tomorrow evening.


KPSM Investigates Stabbing Incident on Welgelegen Road.

stabbingfillin24102012PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a stabbing incident that occurred around 12:00 p.m. on Monday, March 9, 2026, on Welgelegen Road.
Central Dispatch received multiple reports of a fight between two women in the area. Responding officers arrived promptly at the scene, where they found one of the women suffering from multiple stab wounds. The other individual involved in the altercation was also present and was immediately taken into custody by the police.

The injured victim was transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for treatment. The suspect, who also sustained injuries during the altercation, was later taken to SMMC for medical attention. Following treatment, the suspect was transferred to the Philipsburg Police Station, where she remains in custody as the investigation continues.

The motive behind the incident is still unclear, and authorities are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the altercation. KPSM is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information to come forward. Witnesses can contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or provide information anonymously via the tip line at 9300.

Two Suspects Arrested and Firearms Confiscated Following Police Control in Simpson Bay Area.

arrest09032026PHILIPSBURG:--- Officers of the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) arrested two individuals in the early morning hours of Sunday, March 8, 2026, after responding to a report of a suspected gunshot in the vicinity of Airport Road near Kimsha Beach. During the police control, two firearms were encountered and confiscated, and additional suspected narcotics were also discovered.

At approximately 3:35 a.m., officers of KPSM responded to a report received by the police dispatch center regarding a suspected gunshot heard in the area of Airport Road near Kimsha-Beach.

Further information received from dispatch indicated that, the suspect vehicle was believed to be a gray Volkswagen Polo. While patrolling in the Kimsha Beach parking area, officers were subsequently informed that the vehicle had been seen parked in front of by an establishment close to PJIAE Airport Road.

Upon arrival at the location, officers observed the vehicle parked and two individuals were seen in and around the vehicle. Officers immediately instructed the occupants to show their hands and exit the vehicle. Both individuals complied with the officers’ instructions and were separated while officers conducted further investigative procedures.

During a lawful search of the vehicle, officers discovered a bag on the passenger-side floor containing a handgun. A second handgun was subsequently located underneath the driver’s seat. In total, two firearms were encountered and confiscated during the police control. Both individuals were informed that they were suspected of violating the Firearms Ordinance of 1930 for possession of firearms without a valid permit and were placed under arrest at approximately 4:00 a.m.

During the arrest and subsequent search, officers also discovered a small plastic bag containing a white substance resembling cocaine and a pill resembling ecstasy on one of the suspects. Additionally, a black inside holster was found in the possession of the other suspect. The suspected narcotics will be tested and weighed, and the results will be documented in a separate report.

The firearms and other items were seized for further investigation. Detectives from the KPSM Forensic Department later processed the scene and took possession of the firearms as evidence.

Both suspects were transported to the Philipsburg Police Station, where they arrived at approximately 5:00 a.m. for further processing and to be presented to a prosecutor.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten continues to investigate this incident. Anyone who may have information relevant to this case is urged to contact the police station at +1 (721) 542-2222 or the anonymous Tip Line at 9300.

The Committee of Country’s Expenditures of Parliament to meet regarding discussion on a proposed list of audit reports received from the General Audit Chamber.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee of Country’s Expenditure (CLU) of Parliament will meet on March 10, 2026.

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents

2. Discussion on letter received from the General Audit Chamber with a proposed list of audit reports for parliamentary discussions (IS/583/2025-2026 dated January 21, 2026)
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the courthouse in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

Successful Drag Racing Test & Tune Event.

dragrace09032026PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Automotive Federation is proud to announce the tremendous success of our Drag Racing Test & Tune event held yesterday on Souliga Road. The event began at 8:00 AM and concluded at 12:00 PM, attracting a great turnout of racers, supporters, and spectators.
One of the highlights of the event was the strong participation from both cars and motorcycles, with racers coming from both sides of the island, demonstrating the shared passion for motorsports throughout St. Maarten and St. Martin.
Safety remained the Federation’s top priority, and the strict safety precautions implemented throughout the event were clearly evident. The St. Maarten Automotive Federation commends all racers for their discipline, professionalism, and full compliance with the safety measures, which contributed greatly to the smooth execution of the event.
Many racers had the opportunity to test their reaction time off the starting line using the Christmas Tree starting lights. For several participants, this was their first experience using this system, but by the end of the session many had significantly improved and performed exceptionally well.
The Federation also noted the presence of tourists visiting the island, some of whom were car enthusiasts who stopped by to observe the event. Their interest highlights the potential for motorsports to contribute positively to sports tourism and entertainment on the island.
The St. Maarten Automotive Federation remains committed to its mission of keeping the sport of drag racing alive on the island while continuing to advocate for the development of a proper race track where racers can compete safely and professionally.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the Drag Race Association and its members for coming out and actively participating in the event. Your presence and collaboration continue to strengthen the motorsports community on the island.
The Federation would also like to express sincere gratitude to the Minister of VROMI, the Minister of Justice, and the entire Police Force for their continued support and cooperation, which plays a vital role in making these events possible.
Finally, we thank all racers, officials, volunteers, supporters, and spectators who came out and made this event a success. Your continued support is essential as we work together to build and grow the sport of motorsports in St. Maarten.
St. Maarten Automotive Federation


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