THE HAGUE:--- On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the Ministers of Justice of Aruba, Curaçao, the Netherlands, and Sint Maarten gathered in The Hague for the Judicial Four-Party Consultation (JVO). The meeting, a follow-up to the June session in Aruba, resulted in new agreements that strengthen Kingdom-wide cooperation.

Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling used the platform to ensure Sint Maarten’s challenges and contributions remained central to the discussions. Detention was a key focus given the difficulties at Point Blanche Prison. Minister Tackling welcomed Aruba’s offer of support and emphasized that such exchanges reflect the Kingdom’s strength in solidarity, noting her vision for Sint Maarten to contribute similarly once the new prison is fully operational in 2028. The Ministers also agreed on the urgency of convening a Kingdom-wide Taskforce on Detention to identify priority actions. Alongside this, they signed agreements on cooperation in forensic care, including new training programs for professionals working with forensic patients and detainees.

Another outcome was the signing of an agreement officially ending the outdated guardianship arrangement under which Dutch guardians were automatically assigned to minors moving from the islands to the Netherlands. The change ensures fairer treatment and greater recognition of local child protection services.

Youth crime prevention, first introduced to the JVO agenda by Sint Maarten, remained high on the agenda. Minister Tackling strongly advocated for a prevention-first strategy, stressing that long-term societal challenges can only be reduced through early interventions. She pledged to work closely with the Ministries of Education and Public Health, Social Development and Labor to ensure the issue is tackled across government, not only within Justice.

At Minister Tackling’s invitation, Professor Marieke Liem of Leiden University presented findings from the Dutch Caribbean Homicide Monitor. For Sint Maarten, the data confirmed disproportionately high homicide rates compared to Kingdom partners, though lower than the wider Caribbean average. The Ministers recognized the gravity of the challenges that Sint Maarten is experiencing and its connection to the lack of detention capacity. All Ministers expressed their support to Minister Tackling to address these challenges.

The Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to training local prosecutors. Sint Maarten’s own candidate, Ms. Royanna Baly, was featured in the program, which strengthens local judicial capacity and ensures that justice systems remain rooted in the communities they serve.

Minister Tackling further stressed the urgency of tackling subversive crime, calling for a shared Kingdom understanding of the term. She noted that the definition must also include crimes that directly affect citizens, such as robberies and violent offenses, and warned that when these crimes go unpunished due to detention shortages, public trust in the rule of law is eroded. Tackling highlighted the continued threat posed by illegal firearms and the importance of addressing how such weapons enter the country.

This theme will be further explored during the next JVO, which Sint Maarten will host from January 14–16, 2026. Minister Tackling expressed confidence that the agreements and outcomes achieved in The Hague mark important steps toward building a stronger and more resilient justice system across the Kingdom.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee of Justice of Parliament will meet on September 16, 2025. 

The Committee meeting, which was adjourned on August 28, 2025, will be reconvened on Tuesday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:

Discussion with the Nationaal Algemene Politiebond regarding pressing justice-related concerns that are currently affecting its membership and the broader public service environment (IS/1280/2024-2025 dated August 5, 2025) 

Members of the public are also invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. 

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently investigating a tragic traffic accident that occurred on the Causeway Bridge at approximately 5:00 PM today.

Preliminary reports indicate that the rider of a scooter lost control of the vehicle while crossing the bridge, struck the center concrete divider, and was subsequently thrown into the oncoming lane of traffic. The rider then collided with an approaching vehicle traveling from the airport direction.

Emergency personnel, including paramedics and police officers, responded promptly to the scene. Despite being transported for urgent medical treatment, the scooter rider has sadly passed away from injuries sustained in the accident.

Family members of the victim were present at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) tonight following the tragic news.

The KPSM Traffic Department has launched a full investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the crash.

Authorities are urging all motorists to avoid the Causeway Bridge area as investigators continue their work. The police will provide further updates as more information becomes available.

KPSM extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim during this difficult time.

PHILIPSBURG:--- N.V. GEBE is proud to commemorate its 65th anniversary, marking more than six decades of dedicated service in providing electricity and water services to the people of St. Maarten. Despite facing challenges, this major milestone is a reflection of NV GEBE's enduring commitment to powering progress, supporting community development, and adapting to the ever-evolving needs of the nation, with a dedication to service and sustainability.

The 65th anniversary represents a proud legacy of resilience, service, and growth. It is a moment to honor the journey that began in 1959 and to recognize the generations of employees, leaders, and customers who have shaped GEBE into the cornerstone of utility service on St. Maarten with a sense of pride. It is also a time to look forward, to innovate, to modernize, and to elevate NV GEBE's services in the years to come.

GEBE has been at the heart of St. Maarten’s development, playing a critical role in powering homes, businesses, schools, healthcare institutions, and the island's overall economic development. 

From the early days of limited infrastructure to today’s extensive electricity and water distribution networks, NV GEBE has continuously grown with the island. Although along with growth, there can be diverse challenges, NV GEBE remains steadfast on the company's vision for progress. Through investments in new power generation technology, improved infrastructure developments, technological advancements, modernized water distribution systems, and ongoing expansion of the grid, NV GEBE has continued to rise and conquer each challenge resulting from the growing demand of a constantly evolving population and economy.

Over the years, several key initiatives have stood out at NV GEBE. One of the most impactful was the rapid restoration of electricity and water services following the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017. Despite significant damage, our team worked tirelessly to reconnect communities and businesses, proving NV GEBE’s resilience and dedication. Other notable initiatives include our school outreach programs to engage and educate the next generation and ongoing efforts toward integrating renewable energy solutions to build a more sustainable future. 

To our valued customers: thank you for your trust, patience, and partnership throughout the years. This 65th anniversary is as much yours as it is ours. To our dedicated employees: thank you for your countless years of service. Each and every one of you forms a crucial component of NV GEBE's dedicated services to our community with resilience and pride. 

We acknowledge the challenges and are committed to learning, improving, and growing with you. Our promise remains steadfast: to provide reliable, safe, and efficient utility services with integrity and care.

Looking ahead, GEBE is focused on modernization, sustainability, and customer service. We are committed to building a smarter utility company that meets international standards while staying rooted in community values.

To mark our 65th anniversary, NV GEBE will be celebrating with our customers by sharing commemorative items at our offices. As NV GEBE celebrates this milestone, we also take this moment to reaffirm our commitment to the community that we serve. We ask for our   customers' enduring patience and understanding while NV GEBE is undergoing a period of transformation that will shape the next chapter of utility services on St. Maarten. 

Our motto, "the power to serve," is not just a slogan; it is a commitment we live by every day. We do not take this responsibility lightly. With every challenge we face and every improvement we pursue, we remain steadfastly focused on serving the people of St. Maarten with integrity, reliability, and care. The journey continues, and so does our dedication to powering a brighter, more sustainable future for all.