PHILIPSBURG:--- RBC Royal Bank N.V. announced today its renewed investment in community, through its continued sponsorship of the St. Maarten Little League for this year’s season. This commitment underscores RBC’s ongoing dedication to initiatives that empower youth and foster talent on the island. “We are thrilled to mark our 23rd year supporting this event, which stands as a vibrant testament to youthful spirit and sporting excellence here in St. Maarten,” explained Lisandra Havertong, Assistant Branch Manager, RBC. This year, approximately 550 boys and girls, aged 4 to 18, including those from the French side of the island, are anticipated to participate in the softball and baseball program. Havertong stated that the growth in participation is a testament to Little League’s success. “Our support extends beyond just promoting sports. It’s about embracing what sports represent - excellence, teamwork, diversity, and commitment - values that hold true for RBC, its employees, clients, and communities. This alignment is a key reason behind our decades-long sponsorship of Little League in St. Maarten,” Havertong added. RBC recognizes St. Maarten’s Little League Foundation, volunteers, supportive families, and fans, thanking them for their unwavering commitment and support. As anticipation builds, St. Maarten’s Little League teams are eagerly preparing to showcase their skills in upcoming local and international tournaments. Their ultimate goal is to vye for a spot in the Little League Baseball World Series, this August in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel Brug, is calling on all business owners and employers in St. Maarten to uphold their legal and ethical obligations by refraining from hiring undocumented workers and ensuring full compliance with labor and immigration laws.

This message comes at a crucial time as the Ministry continues to receive increased reports of illegal employment practices, particularly within the construction, hospitality, domestic services, security, and employment agency sectors.

“We cannot turn a blind eye to informal labor practices that exploit vulnerable individuals and undermine fair business competition,” stated Minister Brug. “This is about protecting our labor market from unsafe, unfair, and illegal practices—and safeguarding the dignity of every worker.”

Legal Framework and Consequences

Employers are reminded that the employment of foreign nationals without valid work permits is a direct violation of the “Landsverordening Arbeid Vreemdelingen” (National Ordinance on the Employment of Foreign Nationals). Violations may result in significant legal penalties, including on-the-spot fines. With approval from the Prosecutor's Office, the Labor Inspectorate will soon be authorized to issue on-the-spot fines for violations, once the necessary operational and staffing arrangements are finalized. These fines may only be administered by Inspectors designated as Extraordinary Police Officers (BAVPOL)."

Ongoing Enforcement and Interagency Coordination

The Labor Inspectorate continues to conduct targeted inspections in collaboration with Immigration and Border Protection Services and other relevant authorities. These joint efforts aim to proactively identify and address non-compliant labor practices across various sectors.

“Hiring undocumented workers not only exposes employers to legal consequences—it also weakens labor standards by denying individuals their right to fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to social protections,” added Minister Brug.

Encouragement to Comply and Report Violations

The Ministry urges all employers who currently engage undocumented workers to immediately seek guidance from the Labor Department on how to regularize employment arrangements and transition toward compliant practices.

Additionally, members of the public are encouraged to report suspected cases of illegal employment to the Labor Inspectorate. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality.

To report suspected cases of illegal employment (confidentially), contact:

Labor Inspectorate 

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Emergency line: 1721 5247247

For general guidance on employment regularization or labor compliance, contact:

Labor Affairs - Employment Services Unit

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1721 542542-3704 / 542-3702 / 542-3544

The Ministry of VSA remains firmly committed to building a labor market rooted in legality, fairness, and accountability, for the protection of both businesses and workers