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.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In an in-depth radio interview on Thursday morning, Member of Parliament (MP) Sjamira Roseburg provided a thorough analysis of the contentious appointment process for the new chairman of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) Supervisory Board. Leveraging her decade of experience as an attorney, Roseburg unpacked the legal nuances of the situation, calling for a return to procedure, good governance, and transparent communication.

A Lawyer's Perspective on the Law

MP Roseburg began by framing her position through a legal lens, stating, "I will always use my legal background to guide me." She emphasized that while laws can be debated, some procedures are clear and binding. At the core of her argument is the Central Bank's charter, which she believes lays out a specific, multi-step process for appointing a chairman to safeguard the institution from political interference.

She detailed this process:

1. Recommendation: The Supervisory Board itself must first make recommendations.
2. Nomination: Based on these recommendations, a formal nomination is made.

3. Joint Appointment: Finally, the countries of Curaçao and Sint Maarten jointly appoint the candidate.

Roseburg explained the rationale behind this structure: to ensure the board is composed of independent experts with diverse profiles, thereby protecting the integrity of the Central Bank. "You don't want someone in your company that has maybe affiliation with other people... you want to secure the core business," she noted.

The Issue of the Temporary Board

A critical point raised by Roseburg is the current composition of the Supervisory Board, which consists of five temporary members. She questioned why these members have remained in a temporary state since their court-mandated appointment in 2021 and what the current Minister of Finance plans to do about their status.

Roseburg traced the history, explaining that progress was stalled due to the need for legislative amendments related to screening laws, which were finalized in late 2023. While the previous minister could have acted, the matter now falls to the current administration. "Before we go to the chairmanship," she argued, "what is going to be done with those members?"

She insisted that the government must decide whether to make these members permanent or replace them. "With the same urgency that is very important to have a chairman, we should have the same urgency in appointing the temporary members," she asserted.

Addressing the "Five-Sixths" Requirement

Roseburg also addressed the argument that the board cannot proceed because it lacks the required "five-sixths" (5/6) majority of its full seven members. She offered a different interpretation, suggesting the focus should be on the principle of majority consent rather than a rigid number. "If you have four of the five members...all the members that fully agree, what's the issue then?" she questioned, indicating her belief that a path forward is legally possible if handled correctly.

Communication Breakdown and Proposed Solutions

A major concern for the MP is the apparent disconnect between the Ministry of Finance and the CBCS Supervisory Board. She condemned the trend of institutions communicating through the media, which creates public confusion. "If there is any misunderstanding or there is no communication, then you need to go back to the table and communicate," she advised.

To resolve the impasse, Roseburg suggested bringing in a neutral third party. "Let me have a corporate specialist look at this matter," she proposed, suggesting a lawyer from Aruba or the Netherlands to "avoid all the bias" and provide an independent, legally sound recommendation on the correct procedure to follow.

On the Candidate and the Minister's Actions

While Roseburg is pleased to see the Minister of Finance take initiative in securing a chairman for Sint Maarten, she cautioned that the process must align with the law. She clarified that her issue is not with the chosen candidate but with the procedure. "What I'm not happy with is the fact that how we are looking at the law," she stated, emphasizing that a chairman from Sint Maarten does not give the country "full control" but rather a role within a collaborative board.

Regarding the candidate, Mr. Jairo Bloem, Roseburg was candid when speaking publicly on the matter. "I wouldn't have done it personally," she said. She believes a proposed candidate should remain unbiased and avoid getting involved in the political arena to maintain the perception of independence crucial for the role.

Ultimately, MP Roseburg called for all parties to step back from political maneuvering and focus on the law. "Let's make sure that at least with two topics let's not play politics: let's use GEBE and let's for now use the Central Bank," she urged. Her message was clear: the stability and integrity of the Central Bank are paramount, and the only way to protect them is by following the established rules for the benefit of all people of Sint Maarten.

COLE BAY:--- Motorworld has reached another significant milestone with the successful launch of GAC in both Barbados and Grenada. Courtesy Garage in Barbados and Hubbard’s Motor in Grenada—both divisions of GEL Auto—have been appointed as the exclusive authorized dealers for their respective markets.

In Barbados, the brand was officially introduced at a Mix and Mingle launch event held on Friday, September 26^th at the Graduation Tents, Cave Hill Campus, University of the West Indies (UWI).

“This is truly a momentous occasion for Courtesy, and we are proud to introduce this exciting new brand,” said Andrez Greene, General Manager at Courtesy. “We have listened to the market and brought an outstanding product line of four SUVs, ranging from family-sized to compact models. Our line-up includes ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles and EVs (Electric Vehicles), with hybrids to follow in the near future.”

Shortly after, Grenada hosted its GAC brand launch at The Grenada Trade Center in Grand Anse on September 27^th. Guests had the opportunity to view key models, including the GS3 Emzoom and the Emkoo, and experience them firsthand through on-site test drives.

“The launch of GAC in Grenada is not just about new vehicles; it’s about shaping the future of mobility on our island,” said Christopher Dowden, Manager of Hubbard’s Motor. “With advanced design, unmatched warranties, and Hubbard’s trusted service, we’re ensuring Grenadians have access to world-class automotive solutions, built for both today and tomorrow.”

Motorworld’s Managing Director, Tariq Amjad, along with members of the Motorworld Team, attended both events to support the new territories.

“This is another exciting step forward,” said Amjad. “I am proud to expand our distribution of GAC to now include right-hand-drive vehicles as well. Over the next year, GAC will continue its expansion throughout the Caribbean, and it is a dream come true to see such a strong automotive network headquartered in St. Maarten.”