Philipsburg: ---- Commissioner Louis Laviest had his first day in court yesterday afternoon. The commissioner dressed in a grey suit with a white shirt and a blue checkered tie was surrounded by his entire family circle including his staff. The commissioner was charged with fraud, forgery and bribery in relation to his Culture Club fund. Prosecutor Martin Hemlaar represented the prosecution in reading out the charges that are brought against the former labor and social affairs commissioner.
The judge asked Laveist if he had more witnesses to be heard or if he had anything in particular to say about the indictment but Laveist responded with a stern no. The case is now postponed to April 8. Prior to closing the session the judge for the second time asked Laveist for if he had anything to say since he Laveist would not be given a second opportunity to say anything and again the commissioner said no.
His attorney Remko Stomp spoke on behalf of Laveist before the judge ruled that the case is now postponed to April 8.
Outside of the court house Laveist stood with his relatives as they further discuss what took place in the packed court room. During that time several persons from the community came to show support to the embattled commissioner including island council man Petrus Leroy de Weever. 
Attorney Stomp told reporters all their witnesses have been heard already and that the defense had been ready to proceed with the case for a long time. He said yesterday's hearing is what can be described as director's hearing which also declared the case open. The case he said can go anywhere from here since both sides can request to hear more witnesses. Stomp said based on the list of charges against his client is a like a circus in his opinion. As for Culture Club he said the commissioner had that foundation long before he became commissioner and the foundation was financing a lot of social projects on St. Maarten.