PHILIPSBURG:--- The Pointe Blanche Prison, a cornerstone of St. Maarten's justice system, has become a glaring symbol of dysfunction, mismanagement, and misplaced priorities. With over 300 individuals languishing on a waiting list to serve their sentences, the island's justice system is teetering on the brink of collapse. Meanwhile, dangerous criminals are being deported to live freely in their home countries, while non-violent offenders, including politicians and white-collar criminals, are left to rot behind bars. This is not just a crisis of capacity—it is a crisis of justice.

A System Buckling Under Pressure

Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling admitted to the dire state of the prison system but offered little in the way of concrete solutions. The overcrowding at Pointe Blanche has forced the Prosecutor’s Office to make impossible decisions, such as deporting armed robbers to make room for rapists. These are not decisions that inspire confidence in the justice system; they are decisions that highlight its failure.

The Minister’s acknowledgment that she does not have access to critical data, such as the exact number of people on the waiting list to serve their sentences, is deeply troubling. How can a system function effectively when its leaders are operating in the dark? The lack of transparency and accountability is a slap in the face to the citizens of St. Maarten, who deserve a justice system that works for them, not against them.

Early Release: A False Hope or a Mismanaged Solution?

The early release program, often touted as a potential solution to the overcrowding crisis, has been shrouded in confusion and secrecy. Minister Tackling has repeatedly stated that early release is not the solution, citing legal constraints. However, this claim does not hold water when compared to the practices in Curacao and the Netherlands, which operate under the same rules and regulations. Both jurisdictions have successfully implemented early release policies to alleviate prison overcrowding, yet St. Maarten remains paralyzed by inaction.

The Minister has admitted to using a policy that allows for early release after serving 60% or even 50% of a sentence, but she has failed to provide any transparency about how this policy is applied. Who is eligible for this discount? What criteria are used to determine eligibility? These are questions that remain unanswered, leaving the public in the dark and fostering a sense of mistrust.

The lack of transparency is particularly egregious given the dire consequences of the current system. Recently, three armed robbers were released just three days before their court dates and deported to Trinidad due to a lack of cell space. Why were these individuals prioritized for release over inmates who have already served more than 50% of their sentences? Why is ankle monitoring, a solution successfully used in Curacao and the Netherlands, not being implemented in St. Maarten? These are questions that demand answers.

In Curacao, the overcrowding issue was addressed by granting all inmates who demonstrate good behavior an additional 15% discount on their sentences. This means that inmates serve 2/3 of their time, plus an extra 15% discount, allowing for a more humane and efficient system. Why has St. Maarten not adopted a similar approach? The Minister’s refusal to provide clarity on her policies only deepens the public’s frustration and erodes trust in the justice system.

A Tale of Two Justices

Perhaps the most egregious aspect of this crisis is the glaring disparity in how justice is administered. Foreign criminals who commit heinous acts, such as armed robbery and attempted murder, are deported to live freely in their home countries. Meanwhile, individuals convicted of non-violent crimes, such as vote-buying, are left to languish in prison or on a waiting list. This two-tiered system of justice is not only unfair but also deeply damaging to the social fabric of St. Maarten.

Some detainees have already served their sentences but remain incarcerated due one reason or another. These individuals have paid their debt to society, yet they are being denied their freedom because of administrative incompetence and a lack of political will to address the root causes of the crisis.

The Human Cost of Inaction

Overcrowding at Pointe Blanche is not just a logistical issue; it is a humanitarian crisis. The conditions at the prison are deplorable, with inmates crammed into spaces that are unfit for human habitation. The psychological toll on those waiting to serve their sentences, as well as on those who have already served their time but remain incarcerated, is immeasurable.

Minister Tackling’s recent trip to the Netherlands to plead for assistance highlights the desperation of the situation. However, her admission that other countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands are also at maximum capacity underscores the need for St. Martin to take ownership of its problems. Relying on external help is not a sustainable solution.

A Broken System

The current system is riddled with inconsistencies and favoritism. Reports suggest that individuals who are on the “good side” of the Prosecutor’s Office are released quickly, while others are left to languish. This lack of a proper and transparent policy has created a system where justice is not only delayed but also denied.

The foreign detention center, which the Minister has pointed to as a potential solution, has been deemed by judges to not meet acceptable standards. This raises further questions about the Minister’s understanding of the situation and her ability to address it effectively.

A Call to Action

The time for excuses and half-measures is over. The government of St. Martin must take immediate and decisive action to address the overcrowding crisis at Pointe Blanche Prison. This includes:

1. Investing in Infrastructure: The construction of additional prison facilities must be expedited to alleviate the current overcrowding.
2. Reforming Sentencing Policies: Non-violent offenders should be given alternative sentences, such as community service or house arrest, to free up space for dangerous criminals.
3. Implementing Transparent Policies: The Ministry of Justice must provide clear and transparent guidelines on the early release program, including eligibility criteria and the decision-making process.
4. Adopting Proven Solutions: St. Martin should look to Curacao and the Netherlands for best practices, such as ankle monitoring and additional sentence discounts for good behavior.

The people of St. Martin deserve a justice system that is fair, transparent, and effective. The current state of affairs is a betrayal of those principles. Minister Tackling’s acknowledgment of the problem is a start, but words are not enough. It is time for action—bold, decisive action—to restore faith in the justice system and ensure that St. Martin remains a safe and just society for all.

Willemstad:---  The amount Curaçao spends on healthcare is relatively high. In 2023, this amount was approximately 14.7 percent of the GDP, much higher than, for example, Aruba (8.7%) or Sint Maarten (6.5%). This jeopardizes expenditure on other policy areas and leads to high tax and premium burdens. As investigated by the CBCS, the aging of the population further increases the pressure on the healthcare system. It is anticipated that a solution for the CMC’s financial issues will also lead to additional costs for the country. Therefore, Curaçao must make choices. Taking measures now to increase efficiency in healthcare may reduce some of the pain in future years.

 According to the IMF, Curaçao spends 20 times as much on laboratory services per capita as the average in the Caribbean. There is overcapacity in this sector, a problem that also seems to be relevant to other parts of the healthcare sector. In Curaçao, an average of 20 prescriptions is written per person, compared to 14 in Aruba and 12 in the Netherlands. Also, expensive brand-name medication is frequently used. In Curaçao, many people make use of (expensive) emergency care, whilst they could have been helped by their general practitioner.

Measures

Curaçao can take measures to make healthcare more affordable. A great number of analyses have been made, and now is the time to implement. Over the past years, too few reforms have actually been implemented.

As recommended in the Country Package, strengthening primary care can reduce the pressure on specialists and hospitals. Stricter rules for referrals and a neighborhood-oriented approach are particularly important in this context. The CMC states that strengthening the gatekeeper function of the general practitioner‘s offices can relieve the pressure on emergency care and prevent people with simple complaints from receiving unnecessarily expensive care. In this context, collaboration within the chain is crucial.

As stated by the IMF, pharmaceutical costs can be reduced by means of switching more often from expensive brand-name medication to cheaper generic options. The country has been trying this since 2019, but so far has been unsuccessful. Revision of the basic health insurance package can also contribute to lowering the costs.

Prevention is better than cure. By providing more preventive care and promoting a healthy lifestyle, healthcare costs can be further reduced. Especially considering the imminent aging of the population, it is important that people age healthily.

Currently, there are virtually no financial incentives in the healthcare system. This makes healthcare accessible, but it also means there are no brakes on healthcare consumption. As the IMF also states, an increase of co-payments for those who can afford them may help moderate healthcare consumption.

The financial situation of the CMC is currently not yet stable. The Cft urges Curaçao to formalize the solution for the CMC as soon as possible and to clarify the (additional) costs.

The Cft emphasizes that these measures will contribute to strengthening the financial health of the healthcare sector as well as of the country.

PHILIPSBURG:---  From Friday, September 26 to Monday, September 29, 2025, delegations from the Parliaments of the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten will be meeting in The Hague for the Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultations (IPKO).

The Interparliamentary Kingdom Consultation is a key event held twice a year, bringing together parliamentary representatives from the four countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Hosted alternately in The Hague and the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, this multi-day meeting fosters dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

The four parliamentary delegations will be discussing several topics that include discussions and presentations.

The program includes a visit to The Hague University of Applied Sciences for an explanation of the Kingdom Affairs course and a conversation with Caribbean students. It also includes discussions on geopolitical developments, vocational education,  the

advice of the Council of State on 70 years of the Charter for the Kingdom; and a presentation by former Chairman of the State Commissions on Demographic Developments (2050) concerning  the ageing populations and its social consequences in the countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

The Interparliamentary Consultations will conclude on Monday, September 29, 2025, with the signing of the agreement list and a joint press conference of the four delegations.

One day prior to the start of the Interparliamentary Consultations (IPKO) on September 25, 2025, the delegations of the Parliaments of Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten will meet in a Tripartite Consultation. During this meeting, the delegations will discuss specific issues affecting these countries, such as the dispute regulation, intensification of regional cooperation, cooperation at the committee level, and geopolitical developments in the region. Preparations will also be made for the upcoming IPKO.

The Sint Maarten delegation participating in the IPKO and Tripartite meetings consists of the following members:

Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament, Delegation leader;

- Mr. Franklin A. Meyers, Vice Chairman of the Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Interparliamentary Relations;

- Mr. Egbert J. Doran;

- Mrs. Veronica C. Jansen-Webster;

- Ms. Lyndon C.J. Lewis;

- Mr. Viren V. Kotai;

- Mr. Omar E.C. Ottley;

- Mr. Raeyhon A. Peterson; and

- Mr. Garrick J. Richardson, LL.M, ML , Secretary General

The Heads of Government of the participating Citizenship Investment Programmes of the Eastern Caribbean States today announced the signing of an agreement to further strengthen the integrity, transparency, and sustainability of the Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CIP) offered by the five Member States through the establishment of a regional regulatory authority.

These reforms were developed through extensive regional and international consultations with CBI industry stakeholders and international partners such as the United States, United Kingdom and the European Commission.

Over the past two years, the OECS Member States of Antigua & Barbuda, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Saint Lucia have engaged in intensive dialogue with global partners and have agreed to the adoption of region-wide principles that reaffirm the legitimacy and necessity of CIP revenues to small island economies.

Key Provisions

The OECS Member States will enact the enabling legislation to establish the Eastern Caribbean Citizenship by Investment Regulatory Authority (ECCIRA)by October 2025. This body will oversee all CBI/CIP activities, ensuring uniform standards, rigorous oversight, and compliance across participating States.

2. Enhanced Security and Due Diligence

3. Transparency and Accountability

4. Compliance and Enforcement

5. Economic Sustainability and Resilience
​A region-wide minimum investment threshold of US$200,000 has been adopted, ensuring the programmes remain credible while continuing to fund critical infrastructure, climate resilience, and social development initiatives.

Engagement with Global Partners

These reforms are the result of continuous and constructive dialogue:

International partners have recognised that dismantling CIP programmes would devastate the economies of small island developing states, which depend on these revenues for fiscal stability, resilience against climate shocks, and post-pandemic recovery.

The governments are united in ensuring that their Citizenship by Investment Programmes meet the highest standards of international transparency and accountability. These reforms demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding global security while preserving a legitimate development tool that is indispensable to the survival and prosperity of their nations.