PHILIPSBURG --- The LARIMAR investigation which began some years ago and wrecked-havoc on St. Maarten began on Monday in the Court of First Instance. Based on the proceedings it already showed that Ronald Maasdam the Dutch Consultant that worked for Windward Roads and other companies made a deal with the Prosecution for a lighter punishment.
LARIMAR investigation deals with corruption, bribery and money laundering involving top politicians The session started at 2 pm and the prosecutor has presented the prosecution's case against the first suspect, Ronald Maasdam.
Via live-streaming video from The Hague in the Netherlands, already Maasdam's attorney, Robbert de Bree, is questioning the status of the dossier regarding his client's involvement and pointing out the fact that certain documents are missing from the dossier.
According to the prosecution, Maasdam has to be heard as he has signed an agreement with the prosecution for a lower punishment.
The second suspect in the LARIMAR investigation is suspended Member of Parliament, Theodore Heyliger, who is scheduled to hear the case against him presented this afternoon at 4 pm. However, sources say Heyliger checked in to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) awaiting to undergo surgery this afternoon. However, Heyliger left the SMMC last week Tuesday afternoon (May 21st) when the Appeals Court decided to let him go on several conditions, one being that he must present himself during the hearing. Heyliger already had a surgery to remove a small tumor on his kidney. So far details on the pending surgery have not been forthcoming especially since Heyliger was seen conducting his business operations as usual last weekend.
Heyliger’s attorney Peppie Sulvaran did not make it on time for the hearing on Monday as it was understood that his flight from Curacao had a delay.
Initial reports indicate that the prosecution is indicating links between the LARIMAR investigation and the EMERALD investigation, which has to do with the investigation at Port St. Maarten and it's managing company, the Harbour Group of Companies, whereby the Port Director Mark Mingo, Checkmate Security Director O’Neal Arrindell and member of Parliament Frans Richardson are implicated as suspects.
The prosecution has presented allegations that several invoices from Windward Roads have been found at the port pertaining to the Emerald investigation. However, from the initial presentation, it seems that the prosecution is not quite fully prepared in this case. It looks like in their haste to present their case the prosecution is not yet ready as the defense attorney continues to poke holes in the case.
According to the summarized information presented, the prosecution holds the contention that Windward Roads offered They Heyliger bribes in excess of millions in cash, hundreds of thousands in free work on his house and even by extending financial lines of credit. It is expected that more will be presented as the case continues to be investigated before reaching the final stage of completion. Key witnesses still have to be heard and presented in this investigation.
The questions remain now whether the court hearing at 4 pm will be heard if Heyliger is not present to hear the charges levied against him. The possibility that Heyliger will be re-arrested in order to secure his appearance in court is a serious likelihood given the conditions of his release for medical reasons.
SMN News will bring you more updates on the ongoing trial.
