Willemstad, January 6, 2026 – The Government of Curaçao has announced the reappointment of a high-level representative to the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C., following a decision by the Council of Ministers. This move comes in response to dynamic geopolitical developments and strategic priorities in areas such as economics, tourism, justice, and security.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, who also serves as Minister of General Affairs, has appointed Mr. Jérôme Beeldsnijder as the Plenipotentiary Minister of Curaçao at the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Beeldsnijder, born in Suriname and raised in Tera Kòrá, Curaçao, brings a wealth of experience to the role. After completing his secondary education on the island, he pursued studies at the Royal Military Academy (KMA) in the Netherlands. His distinguished career includes service as a professional officer and multiple deployments to the former Yugoslavia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he participated in special operations and collaborated with international intelligence agencies.
In addition to his military background, Mr. Beeldsnijder has held leadership roles as the director of National Security Services in both Sint Maarten and Curaçao. His extensive experience in managing complex situations, international decision-making, and strategic networking will be instrumental in advancing Curaçao's national interests.
As Plenipotentiary Minister, Mr. Beeldsnijder will focus on strengthening Curaçao's strategic relationships within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and with international partners. His efforts will prioritize security, geopolitical developments, justice, economic cooperation, and global positioning. His deep understanding of international security issues and his robust network within defense and security structures align closely with Curaçao's current and future priorities in the region.
Mr. Beeldsnijder will officially begin his duties in Washington, D.C., on February 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Mr. Mitchell Boyd will serve as Acting Director of the Curaçao Security Service.
On behalf of the government and the people of Curaçao, Prime Minister Pisas extended his best wishes to Mr. Beeldsnijder for success in his new mission representing the nation.

 CITED: https://gobiernu.cw/nl/nieuw/herintroductie-vertegenwoordiger-van-curacao-te-washington-d-c/

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis is urging the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, and Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, Patrice Gumbs, to ensure that Fort Amsterdam, one of Sint Maarten’s most important historical monuments, is included in any upgrading and beautification initiatives undertaken by their ministries.
Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631, is among the island’s last remaining historic monuments. Constructed to protect the Dutch colonial outpost and seaport, it is recognized for its strategic location overlooking Great Bay and Little Bay and for being the site of the failed Dutch attempt to retake the fort from the Spanish in 1644.
Today, Fort Amsterdam is a popular tourist attraction, offering both historical insights and scenic views. However, MP Lewis expressed strong dissatisfaction with the monument's current state of neglect. During our visit, some Divi employees and tourists took the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with the upkeep of our national historic monument. MP Lewis also spoke to Ma,x an environmental protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) researcher, who explained to the MP that the degradation of the Fort can have a significant negative impact not only on tourism but also to the Brown Pelicans, who uses the area as a nesting site, which is known to be the last nesting site of our national bird.
“It is quite embarrassing to see that one of our most popular tourist sites—attracting guests from around the world to experience and learn about our history—is facing deterioration and neglect. We must do better at maintaining and safeguarding our national historic monuments. As the Minister who oversees our culture, I urge you to take this situation seriously before Fort Amsterdam falls into a state that can no longer be revived,” MP Lewis stated.
MP Lewis also called on the Ministers to look to Fort Louis on the northern side of our island as an example, where continuous maintenance and upgrades are carried out to preserve its historical and cultural value.
“If our neighbors can prioritize the preservation of their historic sites, then surely we, too, can ensure that Fort Amsterdam receives the respect, investment, and care it deserves,” he added.
MP Lewis reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the protection and promotion of Sint Maarten’s cultural heritage, urging immediate action to prevent further decline of Fort Amsterdam. “This site is historically and ecologically important, and the Ministers responsible must do their job and preserve our national treasure. MP Lewis concluded.

PHILIPSBURG: ---  The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has concluded a week of intelligence-led operations, resulting in multiple arrests, the recovery of stolen vehicles, and a clampdown on traffic violations. The targeted actions, which ran from December 29, 2024, to January 5, 2025, were part of the force's ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and maintain order across the territory.

Strategic Deployment at Known Hotspots

Using intelligence gathered over recent months, KPSM officers adjusted their deployment strategies to focus on known hotspots. This data-driven approach allowed focused surveillance and preventive searches aimed at disrupting criminal activity. Throughout the week, officers conducted 17 vehicle inspections and subjected 75 individuals to preventive searches under the Weapons Ordinance to ensure public safety.

Notable Incidents and Arrests

Several key incidents marked the week's operations. In one case, an individual was arrested at a hotspot for non-compliance and verbal assault. The suspect repeatedly refused to provide identification to officers and became verbally abusive. After resisting arrest, the individual was subdued and taken to the police station.

In another significant action, officers recovered a stolen Hyundai H-100 pickup truck. During a preventive search, police noted that the vehicle's ignition had been forced. A check confirmed the truck was reported stolen from the French side of the island. The driver was arrested on suspicion of possessing stolen property, and the vehicle was seized.

A second stolen vehicle, a Suzuki APV van, was also recovered. Officers observed the van driving suspiciously and signaled it to stop. The driver, identified as known suspect D.N., fled the scene. The abandoned vehicle was later located, and a check with Central Dispatch confirmed it was stolen. The rightful owner was contacted, and the van was returned.

Focus on Traffic Enforcement

KPSM also took firm action against traffic violators, with a particular focus on scooter documentation and license plate visibility. Officers impounded 13 scooters whose operators could not produce valid ownership or insurance documents. It was noted that several of these operators had previously retrieved their impounded vehicles without regularizing their paperwork, leading to their scooters being impounded a second time.

Additionally, two drivers were arrested for document forgery after they were found using fraudulent insurance documents.

Police are also reminding the public about license plate regulations. Officers will continue to conduct controls on vehicles with license plates obscured by dark plastic coverings or other materials. These coverings, which make vehicle identification difficult, are illegal. Drivers found in violation will be instructed to remove the covers and may face further enforcement action.

A Continued Commitment to Safety

The week-long operation yielded four total arrests, the recovery of two stolen vehicles, and the impounding of 13 scooters. The KPSM emphasized that these targeted actions are not a one-time event but part of a sustained commitment to crime prevention, traffic safety, and the enforcement of the law throughout Sint Maarten. The public can expect these operations to continue as the police force works to ensure a safe environment for all residents and visitors.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union-Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU), led by President Sharon Cangieter, has called on Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs Dr. Luc Mercelina to address several unresolved issues affecting the Fire Department urgently. In a letter dated January 5, 2026, the union expressed concerns over delays in finalizing a mediation agreement and other outstanding matters, emphasizing the need for immediate action to restore trust and resolve ongoing labor disputes.
The mediation agreement, submitted to the Ministry of General Affairs on December 22, 2025, was intended to end the Fire Department's "go-slow" action. However, the union has yet to receive a response or acknowledgment of receipt, leaving its members feeling disrespected and neglected.

The letter highlights the critical role of firefighters and ambulance personnel, who work tirelessly without the luxury of holiday breaks, and underscores the urgency of resolving their grievances.
President Cangieter noted that, while the appointed mediator was on vacation during the holiday period, she had remained available for the signing of the agreement. However, the lack of clarity regarding whether the Deputy Prime Minister was authorized to sign on behalf of Dr. Mercelina has further delayed progress. The union expressed disappointment over the perceived lack of seriousness in addressing the matter.
In addition to the mediation agreement, the union is seeking a response to a letter dated December 3, 2025, concerning the placement process outlined in the "Revised Function Book for the Fire Department and ICT." The union has requested that the placement process be halted due to significant uncertainties and a lack of clarity regarding procedures.
The Ministry's issuance of a letter during the ongoing mediation process has raised concerns about the government's commitment to meaningful consultation and to respecting the firefighters' cause.
The union has called for the signing of the mediation agreement by January 7 or 8, 2026, to formally conclude the "go-slow" action. It also reaffirmed that all matters related to the mediation and negotiations should be addressed within the agreed framework and not unilaterally implemented.
President Cangieter, who will be off-island, urged the government to finalize the matter before her departure. She emphasized that further delays would only exacerbate the strained situation and called for urgent attention to ensure clarity, fairness, and sound labor relations.
The letter was copied to key stakeholders, including the mediator, members of the Fire and Ambulance Department negotiation teams, and senior government officials.
As the Fire Department continues to await resolution, the union remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for its members' rights and ensuring that their concerns are addressed with the seriousness they deserve.