~High-Profile Corruption Rulings Shake Sint Maarten~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Recent judicial rulings in Sint Maarten have sent a powerful message regarding accountability in public office. The convictions of former Member of Parliament (MP) Frans Richardson highlight a significant crackdown on corruption, revealing complex webs of bribery, fraudulent invoices, and the misuse of public funds.
These cases, known legally as the "Aquamarine" and "Emerald" investigations, serve as a stark reminder of the legal consequences awaiting those who abuse their positions of power.
The Case Against Frans Richardson
Frans Richardson, the founder of the United St. Maarten Party (USp) and a former influential MP, found himself at the center of two major investigations: Aquamarine and Emerald.
The Aquamarine Investigation
In the Aquamarine case, the court found Richardson guilty of accepting bribes and leveraging his political influence for personal gain. Between 2013 and 2019, while serving on the parliamentary committee for Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Richardson accepted approximately $94,800 in bribes.
These payments came from a construction company, Taliesin, in exchange for contracts to repair and maintain the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) building. Additionally, Richardson used his supervisory role over the BTP to orchestrate a contract for a company called ACTIS to manage Sint Maarten’s numbering plan.
The conflict of interest was clear. Richardson was a shareholder in Caribbean Value Estate (CVE), which in turn held shares in ACTIS. This arrangement allowed him to pocket $18,250 in dividends directly resulting from the government contract he helped secure.
The Emerald Investigation
The Emerald case further deepened Richardson's legal troubles. In this separate investigation, he faced penalties amounting to $370,000. His defense team attempted to argue for a lower repayment amount, citing that he had already paid significant income taxes on these funds. However, the court dismissed this, noting that tax levies do not negate the obligation to repay illegally obtained assets.
The Penalties:
For his role in the Aquamarine case, Richardson was sentenced to pay $107,050 to the country. In the Emerald case, the repayment order stands at $370,000. Failure to pay these amounts results in approximately three years of additional detention. Beyond the financial hits, Richardson received prison sentences totaling over four years combined across the cases and a ban on being elected to public office.
Judicial Firmness and Broader Implications
The rulings against Richardson represent more than just individual punishment; they signal a shift in Sint Maarten's judicial landscape.
The courts remained firm against pleas of "limited ability to pay," establishing that financial inability is not a valid excuse for retaining the proceeds of crime. The Supreme Court of the Netherlands recently upheld the core of these convictions, solidifying the message that the legal system will pursue corruption to the highest level.
For the public in Sint Maarten, these outcomes offer a mix of frustration and hope. The frustration stems from the scale of the theft—millions of dollars diverted from public infrastructure and services. However, there is hope in the enforcement of justice. The imposition of lengthy bans on holding public office or management roles aims to cleanse the system, ensuring that those who violate the public trust cannot easily return to positions of power.
As the country moves forward, these cases stand as a precedent. They demonstrate that regardless of political status or corporate title, the misuse of public funds carries severe, life-altering consequences.

All other complaints in the appeal were also dismissed, making the conviction and sentence final.

Final Outcome

The Supreme Court's decision confirms the conviction and the imposed penalties, including the prison sentence and the ban on holding public office.

For more details, the full judgment is available on rechtspraak.nl.

Flashback on the cases:

High-Profile Corruption Rulings Shake Sint Maarten.
Recent judicial rulings in Sint Maarten have sent a powerful message regarding accountability in public office. The convictions of former Member of Parliament (MP) Frans Richardson highlight a significant crackdown on corruption, revealing complex webs of bribery, fraudulent invoices, and the misuse of public funds.
These cases, known legally as the "Aquamarine" and "Emerald" investigations, serve as a stark reminder of the legal consequences awaiting those who abuse their positions of power.
The Case Against Frans Richardson
Frans Richardson, the founder of the United St. Maarten Party (USp) and a former influential MP, found himself at the center of two major investigations: Aquamarine and Emerald.
The Aquamarine Investigation
In the Aquamarine case, the court found Richardson guilty of accepting bribes and leveraging his political influence for personal gain. Between 2013 and 2019, while serving on the parliamentary committee for Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Richardson accepted approximately $94,800 in bribes.
These payments were made by a construction company, Taliesin, in exchange for contracts to repair and maintain the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) building. Additionally, Richardson used his supervisory role over the BTP to orchestrate a contract for a company called ACTIS to manage Sint Maarten’s numbering plan.
The conflict of interest was clear. Richardson was a shareholder in Caribbean Value Estate (CVE), which in turn held shares in ACTIS. This arrangement allowed him to pocket $18,250 in dividends directly resulting from the government contract he helped secure.
The Emerald Investigation
The Emerald case further deepened Richardson's legal troubles. In this separate investigation, he faced penalties amounting to $370,000. His defense team attempted to argue for a lower repayment amount, citing that he had already paid significant income taxes on these funds. However, the court dismissed this, noting that tax levies do not negate the obligation to repay illegally obtained assets.
The Penalties:
For his role in the Aquamarine case, Richardson was sentenced to pay $107,050 to the country. In the Emerald case, the repayment order stands at $370,000. Failure to pay these amounts results in approximately three years of additional detention. Beyond the financial hits, Richardson received prison sentences totaling over four years combined across the cases and a ban on being elected to public office.
Judicial Firmness and Broader Implications
The rulings against Richardson represent more than just individual punishment; they signal a shift in Sint Maarten's judicial landscape.
The courts remained firm against pleas of "limited ability to pay," establishing that financial inability is not a valid excuse for retaining the proceeds of crime. The Supreme Court of the Netherlands recently upheld the core of these convictions, solidifying the message that the legal system will pursue corruption to the highest level.
For the public in Sint Maarten, these outcomes offer a mix of frustration and hope. The frustration stems from the scale of the theft—millions of dollars diverted from public infrastructure and services. However, there is hope in the enforcement of justice. The imposition of lengthy bans on holding public office or management roles aims to cleanse the system, ensuring that those who violate the public trust cannot easily return to positions of power.
As the country moves forward, these cases stand as a precedent. They demonstrate that regardless of political status or corporate title, the misuse of public funds carries severe, life-altering consequences.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The criminal case known as “Jasmine” involving former Member of Parliament and ex-VROMI Minister Christophe Emmanuel is scheduled to be heard in court on February 2 at 9:00 a.m.

The case will be heard before the Court of First Instance in Sint Maarten and forms part of an ongoing investigation by the Public Prosecutor’s Office into alleged bribery and corruption during Emmanuel’s tenure as Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI).
Prosecutors allege that Emmanuel accepted payments and other benefits in exchange for favorable treatment in government contracts and decisions. Emmanuel has consistently denied wrongdoing.

The upcoming hearing is expected to address procedural matters and the continuation of the judicial process. It remains unclear whether substantive arguments will be heard at this stage.
The “Jasmine” investigation is one of several high-profile corruption cases involving former public officials in Sint Maarten and continues to draw public attention.
Further updates are expected following the February 2 court session.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Monday, January 26th, 2026- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) informs the general public of a partial road closure on Cannegieter Drive in Cay Bay as part of the Concrete Hard Road Resurfacing Project 2023–2024.
The affected section covers approximately 170 meters, extending to the intersection with Cay Bay Road. Road works commenced on Monday, January 26th, 2026, and will take place daily from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The works are expected to last approximately two (2) weeks, weather permitting.
Residents in the area have been informed accordingly. A detour route has been established, and traffic guidance will be provided on-site, with workers assisting road users as needed to ensure safety and accessibility.
Key Information Recap:
Project: Concrete Hard Resurfacing Project 2023–2024

Location: Cannegieter Road, Cay Bay

Closure Type: Partial road closure

Affected Length: 170 meters (up to the intersection with Cay Bay Road)

Start Date: Monday, January 26, 2026

Working Hours: Daily, 7:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Duration: Approximately 2 weeks

Traffic Measures: Detour in place; traffic guided by workers on site
The Ministry of VROMI kindly asks motorists and residents to exercise caution, follow all posted signage, and adhere to instructions from traffic personnel while traversing the area. The Ministry thanks the public for their continued patience and cooperation as efforts to improve road infrastructure continue.
For further information on the Concrete Hard Road Resurfacing Project 2023-2024, please contact the Department of New Works at 542-4292 ext 2402.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Flow partnered with RISE Foundation to provide extended support to vulnerable families through the Foundation’s Project Hope initiative, delivering assistance that continues beyond the holiday season and into the new year.
Project Hope is a targeted community initiative that supports families experiencing financial, medical, or social hardship during one of the most challenging times of the year. The initiative is structured to provide relief over multiple months, recognizing that the pressures families face do not end after the holidays.
As part of this initiative, RISE Foundation collaborated with Leaders for Change Foundation, which worked closely with community families and conducted an initial needs assessment to identify those most in need of support.
Through Flow’s sponsorship, more than 40 families received non-perishable food supplies in December, helping reduce household expenses during the holiday season. In addition, Flow provided shopping vouchers allocated for January and February, ensuring continued assistance during the early months of the year.
This partnership allowed us to extend support beyond the holidays and into the new year, which is when many families feel the pressure most,” said Chiaira Bowers of RISE Foundation. “Flow’s support made it possible to respond in a practical and dignified way.”
Following the needs assessment, the vouchers were specifically targeted to senior beneficiaries within the selected families, reflecting the identified priority needs.
RISE Foundation expresses sincere appreciation to Flow for stepping up to fill this critical need. Flow’s support played a key role in transforming Project Hope into a multi-month relief effort rather than a one-time intervention.
Special recognition is extended to Flow’s marketing team for championing the initiative and actively seeking meaningful ways to support vulnerable families across the island. Their commitment and collaborative approach were instrumental in expanding the project's reach and impact.
RISE Foundation values Flow’s partnership and looks forward to continued collaboration in initiatives that strengthen families and uplift communities across St. Maarten.