PHILIPSBURG: --- Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams recently provided a comprehensive overview of the latest Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO), outlining key discussions and decisions while expressing significant concern over the Dutch government's recent actions regarding the Kingdom's dispute regulation.

A major procedural change highlighted by Wescot-Williams is the new commitment to follow up on decisions from previous IPKO sessions. This measure aims to address what she described as a long-standing lack of continuity, ensuring that agreements made by the four parliaments of the Kingdom are tracked and implemented.

Geopolitical developments, particularly those affecting the Dutch Caribbean, were a central theme. Wescot-Williams noted the "alarming picture" presented to the delegations, stressing the critical need for parliaments to receive timely and direct information on foreign affairs and defense, which are the Kingdom's responsibilities.

The IPKO also addressed the Council of State's report concerning the 70th anniversary of the Kingdom Charter. While the St. Maarten government has formally responded to the council's recommendations, Wescot-Williams indicated that a parliamentary debate on the matter is still pending.

Another critical topic was the aging population across the Kingdom. Wescot-Williams highlighted the value of data and trend analysis from the Netherlands, suggesting that this information could be crucial for Caribbean countries to plan effectively for the demographic shift.

Prior to the main consultation, a tripartite meeting was held between St. Maarten, Aruba, and Curaçao. During this meeting, the countries finalized a letter of support for the BES islands (Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba), signaling a unified stance on regional concerns.

However, a significant point of contention emerged regarding the dispute regulation. Wescot-Williams expressed dismay that the Dutch government abruptly rejected a draft proposal that had been agreed upon by the Caribbean countries. This move contradicts a previous statement from the Dutch State Secretary on May 23, which called for a joint position on the matter. Wescot-Williams called the reversal "remarkable" and formally questioned the Prime Minister about the sudden change in direction.

"Don't let us lose focus based on what the Dutch government is doing," she urged her colleagues, emphasizing the importance of continuing to work at the parliamentary level.

On a related note, Wescot-Williams mentioned her participation in two side events at the United Nations just before the IPKO, where she advocated for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on the advancement of women.

Looking ahead, she outlined a busy schedule for St. Maarten's Parliament. Upcoming meetings will address pressing local issues, including the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS), the situation at utilities company GEBE, and the continuation of debate on the basic bank account law.

The recent nomination process for the chairperson of the supervisory board of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS) has brought matters of governance and procedure into sharp focus. Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams has shared her perspective on the developing situation, highlighting the need for transparency and adherence to established protocols.

The Central Bank serves as the monetary authority for both Curaçao and St. Maarten, making the leadership of its supervisory board a position of critical importance for the financial stability and economic oversight of both countries. The appointment process is therefore subject to intense scrutiny.

PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Wescot-Williams has addressed the public discussion surrounding the nomination, particularly concerning a decision made by the Council of Ministers on September 16th. This decision was based on advice from the Minister of Finance regarding the appointment. While acknowledging the existence and validity of specific articles in the governing statutes, such as Article 25 sub 3, Wescot-Williams suggests that the core of the issue may not be a dispute over the law itself, but rather its application and the surrounding process.

In light of these concerns, Wescot-Williams has recommended that the Minister of Finance put the appointment process on hold. She emphasized that further consultation is necessary, both to ensure transparency and to provide Parliament with an adequate opportunity to address the questions and reservations that have been raised. By pausing the process, she believes all stakeholders will have the chance to properly evaluate the implications of the decision and uphold the integrity of parliamentary oversight.

This development is part of a broader set of pressing issues facing Parliament. A meeting has been requested by several members to discuss "general matters pertaining to the Central Bank of Curaçao and Saint Martin." This request specifically lists several key topics for discussion, including the nomination of the chairperson for the supervisory board. Other items on the agenda include updates on Mullet Bay and the Ennia agreement, indicating a comprehensive effort to address significant financial and governance matters affecting the country.

Wescot-Williams noted that the request for this meeting was accompanied by a reminder, urging for it to be scheduled promptly. She explained the delay, citing the recent Inter-parliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO) and the absence of several MPs. Scheduling the meeting during that period, she reasoned, would have likely drawn criticism for proceeding without full representation.

The MP emphasized the importance of holding these discussions to ensure accountability. The requested meeting on the Central Bank is intended to provide clarity and allow Parliament to exercise its oversight function effectively. The nomination of a new chairperson is not just a procedural step; it has significant implications for the direction and integrity of one of the region's most vital financial institutions.

As Parliament prepares to convene on this and other issues, the focus remains on ensuring that all actions taken are transparent, lawful, and in the best interest of the people of St. Maarten. The discussions surrounding the CBCS chairperson appointment underscore the delicate balance of power and the essential role of parliamentary oversight in maintaining good governance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Joint Court of Justice has upheld the careful and consistent approach taken by Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling in handling requests for early conditional release (VI). In its ruling of September 25, 2025 (HAR-85/2025), delivered by a three-judge panel, the Court dismissed an inmate’s appeal, making clear that early release is not an individual right but an exceptional measure applied only under specific circumstances.

The Court recognized that the Minister exercises this authority responsibly and without arbitrariness, guided by objective criteria. Priority is given to inmates proportionally closest to their regular VI date, ensuring a fair and transparent process. The Court made clear that early release cannot be claimed at fixed percentages of a sentence, such as 44% or 60%, as was argued in the appeal.

Minister Tackling welcomed the ruling as a strong endorsement of her clear and principled approach:

“It is reassuring to see that the judiciary, as an independent third party, validates that the policy on early conditional release is applied carefully and equally to all inmates. The ruling underscores that the decisions we take are in line with the law, the intent of the legislature, and without regard to personal status.”

Under Article 1:31 of the Criminal Code, inmates may be considered for conditional release after serving two-thirds of their sentence. In exceptional circumstances, such as acute prison overcrowding, this threshold may be adjusted, but only within lawful and carefully defined limits. Article 1:37 gives the Minister the authority to consider earlier release in such cases. Each request is carefully vetted, requiring written advice from the Central Probation Board (CCR) and input from both the Prison Director and the Probation Office (J&IS). The Minister cannot grant early release randomly, ensuring that all decisions remain impartial, regulated, and lawful.

The ruling also echoes the Minister’s stance on electronic monitoring (EM). While EM may be used as a special condition under Article 1:32 of the Penal Code, it is not a substitute for prison time. Its use requires proper risk assessments, comes with significant costs, and is reserved only for specific circumstances.

With the decision of the three judges, the Court of Appeal has once again confirmed that early conditional release is not an entitlement but a carefully managed instrument applied only when necessary. Minister Tackling emphasized that this ensures fairness, equal treatment, and legal certainty for all inmates, while safeguarding the integrity of the justice system.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise proudly celebrated its Change of Board Ceremony over the weekend, marking a new chapter of service, fellowship, and impact. The highlight of the evening was the installation of Sidharth “Cookie” Bijlani as President for the 2025–2026 Rotary year—a leader whose 21-year journey within the club exemplifies Rotary’s guiding principle of Service Above Self.

New Board 2025-2026:

President/Fundraising Director - Sidharth Cookie Bijlani, Secretary/President Elect/ Public Image Chair – Malcolm Jacques, Treasurer/ Foundation Chair - Angela Gordon, Immediate Past President / Service Project Chair – Jharna Dialani, Vice President - Dolly Sadarangani-Ahuja, 2^nd Vice President & SA: Bernadette Davis, Membership Chair - Valda Hazel, Leadership Chair/ Facilitator - Marcellia Henry, Youth Director / Wellness Chair - Jina Mamtani-Mahbubani, Vocational Service Chair –Prerna Goklani, International Service Chair – Sneha Rajani, Disaster Relief Chair – Irma Gumbs

Since helping charter the club in 2004, President Bijlani has become a cornerstone of Rotary in Sint Maarten. Over two decades, he has served with distinction in roles including International Service Director, Fundraising Director, Leadership Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Past President, and now President, leaving a legacy of leadership rooted in fellowship, ethics, and action.

During his tenure in these roles:

• As International Service Director, he forged global connections and championed Rotary’s fight to end polio.
• As Fundraising Director, he mobilized vital resources to drive community initiatives.
• As Leadership Director, he mentored youth and inspired future Rotarians through RYLA.
• As Secretary and Treasurer, he ensured seamless operations and accountability.
• In 2024, serving as Secretary under President Jharna Dialani, he played a pivotal role in helping the club secure the prestigious Diamond Award at the District 7020 Conference, a testament to the power of collective achievement.

President Bijlani’s impact-driven legacy has touched countless lives through:
Breakfast & Eyeglasses Programs providing essential support for children
Back-to-School Drives empowering more than 200 students annually
Advocacy for the International Day of Peace
Relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Irma, along with technology support for students during the COVID-19 pandemic

Looking ahead, President Bijlani’s theme for the Rotary year, “Unite for Good,” sets a clear direction: fostering resilience, advancing education, and preserving Sint Maarten’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

A Message from President Cookie:
“Sunrise Squad, let’s make Sint Maarten SPARKLE! Together, we’ll build resilience, champion education, and safeguard our heritage—from preserving treasures like Fort Amsterdam to empowering tomorrow’s leaders.”

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise invites the community to join President Bijlani and fellow Rotarians in their mission to Unite for Good—transforming service into lasting change for Sint Maarten and beyond.