PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) has come under intense scrutiny as a major fraud investigation unfolds, implicating one of its employees in a scheme that allegedly siphoned thousands of dollars from customer accounts. Despite the gravity of the situation, WIB has chosen to remain tight-lipped, offering no comment when approached by SMN News.
In a brief statement, WIB’s spokesperson, after consulting with the bank’s management, declined to address the allegations or provide any reassurance to its customers. This silence has only fueled public outrage, as customers demand accountability and transparency from the financial institution.
Adding to the growing concerns, it has been revealed that banks on St. Maarten, including WIB, do not have insurance in place to protect their customers from such fraudulent activities. This alarming fact was confirmed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during a recent assessment of transparency practices on the island. The lack of insurance leaves customers exposed to significant financial losses, with little to no recourse in the event of fraud.
The ongoing investigation, led by the detectives and fraud departments of the Korps Politie Sint Maarten (KPSM), has already resulted in the freezing of several accounts. Police Spokesman Joe Josepha confirmed that the police is conducting a very broad investigation but refrained from providing specific details.
Sources indicate that the scheme involved an employee transferring large sums of money—up to $15,000 at a time—to accomplices, who then funneled the funds to the employee’s boyfriend in Sint Eustatius. The boyfriend was apprehended in St. Maarten while driving a stolen vehicle, accompanied by another woman who is also alleged to have received stolen funds.
The scandal has left WIB customers questioning the bank’s internal controls and security measures. How could such a scheme go undetected? What safeguards, if any, are in place to protect account holders? The revelation that banks on St. Maarten lack insurance to cover customer losses only deepens the crisis of confidence.
The IMF’s findings on transparency practices further highlight systemic vulnerabilities in the island’s banking sector. The transparency assessment was conducted on the request of Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten.
Without proper insurance or robust oversight, customers are left to bear the brunt of financial crimes, eroding trust in local financial institutions.
WIB’s refusal to comment or provide clarity on the situation is a disservice to its customers and the community at large. This is not just a financial scandal—it is a breach of trust that strikes at the heart of the bank’s relationship with its customers
As the investigation continues, the public will be watching closely. WIB’s silence is not an option. The bank owes its customers’ answers, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring that such a betrayal never happens again. Until then, the shadow of this scandal will loom large over the institution and the island’s banking sector as a whole.
No More Casinos, Public Outcry Warranted.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Darryl York says he is deeply disappointed in the direction signaled by the Government following recent remarks by Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs suggesting that one or two additional casinos may enter the market.
“At a time when families are struggling, when the cost of living continues to rise, and when many of our people are searching for financial stability, the idea that expanding the casino footprint is even being entertained is troubling,” MP York stated.
The Minister indicated that St. Maarten already has a significant casino presence and that any expansion must be weighed against fairness, compliance, and social impact. She further urged a stronger community role from the casino sector, highlighting the need for more visible contributions tied to responsible gambling, support for residents facing hardship, and broader community-oriented initiatives.
MP York strongly disagrees with this approach.
“We cannot outsource the protection of our people to casinos,” he said. “It is not the responsibility of casino operators to safeguard our citizens from gambling addiction and financial ruin. That responsibility belongs to the government.”
He continued: “If we are now discussing social responsibility, hardship, addiction, and compliance, then that is already an acknowledgment that there is a social cost attached to this industry. So why would the solution be more casinos?”
MP York pointed out that St. Maarten already has one of the highest concentrations of gambling establishments per square kilometer anywhere in the world.
“We must ask ourselves honestly: has this made our people wealthier? Has this strengthened our social fabric? Or has it deepened cycles of financial desperation for many?”
He referenced concerns raised in oversight discussions regarding the social and economic impact of gambling, noting that many residents are already financially strained.
“People are searching for financial hope, but casinos are not where they will find it,” he said. “When individuals who are already struggling are exposed to easy access gambling, the consequences can be severe not only for them, but for their families.”
The Member of Parliament also expressed concern about what he described as mixed messaging from the Government.
“We have seen the Government promote Christmas events at casinos and normalize gambling as entertainment for the entire community. That sends the wrong signal. We should not be marketing gambling as a celebration, especially in a society where many are financially vulnerable.”
MP York further pointed to international examples where stronger safeguards exist.
“In the Netherlands, locals must show identification to enter casinos, and there are systems preventing individuals who are registered in debt from accessing gambling establishments. In The Bahamas, casinos are restricted primarily to tourists. These jurisdictions recognize that their own citizens require protection.”
He added that St. Maarten already has legal mechanisms intended to limit excessive gambling by residents, but enforcement has historically been inconsistent.
“Before we talk about expanding the industry or asking casinos to take on a greater ‘community role,’ we must use the tools that already exist. We must enforce our own laws. We must strengthen responsible gambling frameworks. And we must prioritize public health over profit.”
“A casino license is not an entitlement. It is a discretionary decision of Government,” he stated. “The authority to grant or deny these licenses rests squarely with the Minister, and that discretion must be exercised in the best interest of the people of St. Maarten.”
He urged the Government to act responsibly and decisively.
“I strongly urge the Government not to grant any additional casino licenses. Our priority must be protecting our people, not expanding an industry that carries significant social risks. Before we even consider growth in this sector, we must first ensure stronger enforcement of existing safeguards, proper oversight, and meaningful protections for our residents.”
Sint Maarten Advances Early Childhood Development with New National Curriculum Guidelines.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten has commenced the development of national Early Childhood Development (ECD) Curriculum Guidelines for daycare centers, marking a significant step toward enhancing early learning for young children.
The development of the curriculum guidelines is spearheaded by the Department of Youth and funded by the Tijdelijke Werkorganisatie, Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties (TWO). This initiative forms part of the broader education reforms under the Country Package agreement between Sint Maarten and the Netherlands. The guidelines will assist caregivers in implementing age-appropriate, play-based activities that support children’s learning, social skills, and overall development.
This initiative supports updates to daycare legislation and builds upon the approved National ECD Minimum Standards. Together, these steps contribute to better quality care, clearer standards, and healthier environments for young children.
Daycare centers, educators, and other stakeholders will be consulted during the development process to ensure the guidelines are practical and reflect the local context.
The Government remains committed to investing in early childhood development, recognizing that strong foundations in the early years are essential for lifelong learning.
COVID is still in Circulation. Get Vaccinated. Call/Email for an Appointment.
PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, says it has been six years since when the World Health Organization (WHO) sounded the alarm under international law declaring the outbreak of a new coronavirus diseases -later known as COVID-19- a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The PHEIC was declared over in May 2023.
Sint Maarten recorded its first confirmed COVID-19 case on March 17, 2020. While cases have drastically declined, CPS is reminding the community that COVID is still circulating.
COVID-19 is now one of the diseases routinely monitored on island by CPS. The department continues to execute health promotion and awareness, disease surveillance and vaccination programs.
The next COVID vaccination outreach is scheduled for Friday, February 27 at the CPS Offices at the Vineyard Building Office Park in Philipsburg.
The CPS clinic is open for COVID vaccines for persons aged 12 and older from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Persons are requested to call or email for an appointment by calling 914 (option 4) or 542-1570, or via email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The booster is entirely free of charge and voluntary.
Please bring your vaccination card and a form of Identification (ID) to your appointment.
The community is encouraged to stay up to date on local public health issues by monitoring CPS’ Facebook page (Collective Prevention Services). For any health information, the community can contact CPS at 914.
CBCS Strategic Plan 2026–2028 Driven by Innovation, Focused on Trust.
Willemstad/Philipsburg:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has released its Strategic Plan for 2026–2028. After extensive consultations with employees, the Board of Directors, the Supervisory Board, and external stakeholders, the CBCS listened, learned, and set a joint course.
The plan builds on important milestones achieved in recent years, such as the development of macroeconomic models for Curaçao and Sint Maarten, which, among other things, make it possible to develop fiscal scenarios and balance-of-payments projections. A more focused, risk-based, and intrusive approach to supervision has also been rolled out, enabling shortcomings at institutions to be identified and mitigated in a timely manner. Sustainable solutions have been found for the issues surrounding Ennia and Girobank. Other strategic milestones include the launch of Instant Payments and the successful introduction of the Caribbean guilder on March 31, 2025. In addition, the groundwork was laid for the introduction of the basic payment account, which improves access to payment services. Strong emphasis has also been placed in recent years on enhancing communication and cooperation both internally and externally.
The 2026–2028 strategic plan marks a new phase in the development of the CBCS. A three-year cycle has been chosen to allow for a flexible response to challenges and opportunities.
In a world marked by rapid technological progress, geopolitical uncertainties, and rising societal expectations, the mission of the CBCS is clear: to promote and safeguard the stability and integrity of the monetary and financial system, and the safety and accessibility of payment services.
Guided by the vision “Driven by innovation, focused on trust,” the CBCS is working towards a future in which innovation is embraced, sustainability is embedded and trust is further strengthened. This vision is the foundation of a resilient and inclusive financial sector. The CBCS aims to achieve this by setting carefully chosen objectives that will have an impact at three levels.
1. Focus on the Countries
The CBCS aims to promote well-being in Curaçao and Sint Maarten through independent macroeconomic research and advice. Special attention is devoted to further strengthening monetary policy and its instruments.
Additionally, the CBCS promotes economic sustainability by incorporating climate risks into its supervisory and policy processes, as well as by researching the economic impact of climate risks on financial stability.
2. Sector on the Focus
The CBCS is focused on modernizing the payments landscape to ensure individuals and businesses have access to safe, efficient, and reliable payment services.
Further efforts will focus on strengthening the enforcement of supervisory standards to ensure a future-proof, high-integrity financial sector. It is crucial that individuals and businesses can rely on the soundness and reliability of financial institutions.
3. Focus on the Organization
Internally, the CBCS is also working to future-proof its core functions and internal operations, particularly by adopting a data-driven approach, responsibly deploying artificial intelligence, and prioritizing cybersecurity. These efforts are supported by a culture of ownership, unity, and transparency.
The 2026–2028 Strategic Plan is available on the CBCS website at:
https://www.centralbank.cw/about-the-bank/strategic-plan-cbcs-2026-2028
Willemstad, February 23, 2026
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN