STATIA:--- Earlier today, the Statia Government received an official update on the progress of the implementation of the Burgerservicenummer (BSN), a key administrative first milestone for the island’s integration into digital government services.

In attendance for the update session (from left to right) Malvern Dijkshoorn, Island Secretary, Nadine Busby, Unit Manager Census, Reuben Merkman, Island Commissioner; Sharon Hassell, Deputy Island Governor; Rajshree Soekhoe, Implementation Manager of the BSN project and Maarten van Kesteren Program Manager for the introduction of BSN.

The visit by the BSN implementation team focused on providing clear insights into the ongoing work, milestones achieved, and next steps in the rollout of the BSN on Statia.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐒𝐍?
The Burgerservicenummer (BSN), or Citizen Service Number, is a unique personal identification number used in the Netherlands for interaction with government services. The introduction of the BSN on Statia aims to be the first step towards digital government services. With a BSN, residents can apply for the DigiD login tool and in the future increasingly arrange matters with the government online.

Pond Island:--- The TelEm Group of Companies acknowledges recent public discourse surrounding its financial status and firmly refutes misleading information being circulated.

The company says inaccurate portrayals are creating unwarranted harm at a time when management and personnel are making substantial progress in restoring economic stability, improving service delivery, and regaining stakeholder trust.

“The public deserves to know clearly and accurately that TelEm is not leaderless or adrift but is under the active and capable guidance of a dedicated management team that has been working diligently and responsibly to restore profitability and long-term stability. There is no void in leadership, only a deep commitment to action, accountability, and transformation,” says TelEm Group management in a strongly worded release.

Strategic Leadership Driving Real Progress

Management says while financial challenges exist, strategic leadership within the company is driving real progress.

“Many of the rumors and commentary in the public domain have been taken out of context—or are simply false. These statements have created confusion and undermine all honest efforts being made at a time when unity and transparency are critical,” continues management.

The company chiefs say they are building a leaner, stronger TelEm—one that reflects St. Maarten's pride and potential.

“While some seek to derail progress with misinformation, our focus remains on results, transparency, and resilience.”

Pointing to significant developments already in motion, management points to a number of key improvements that are delivering tangible benefits to customers and strengthening the company’s core infrastructure, including:

• SMPR-1 Undersea Fiber Cable Now Live: The SMPR-1 undersea fibre cable is fully operational and actively carrying traffic. This key development enhances capacity and significantly reduces the cost of third-party bandwidth.
• Recent Outage Transparently Addressed: A recent service outage was traced to malfunctioning legacy equipment. The issue has been addressed and publicly communicated, and the company is accelerating modernization efforts to eliminate such risks moving forward.
• Mobile Network Modernization: Ongoing upgrades to the 3G and LTE platforms are delivering better service reliability and laying the foundation for 5G deployment in 2025.
• Island-Wide Internet Expansion: Infrastructure upgrades to TelEm’s ISP core will improve mobile internet coverage across the island's Dutch and French sides.
• Power System Enhancements: TelEm has completed critical power and backup system upgrades at essential sites like the SMITCOMS building and Earth station.
• Fiber-to-the-Home (FttH) Growth: The FttH initiative continues to expand across St. Maarten, connecting more homes and businesses to world-class fibre-optic internet and solidifying TelEm’s position as the island’s leading fibre provider.

  Financial Restructuring with Transparency

The company acknowledges legacy financial obligations, including an arbitration judgment, but emphasizes that these challenges are part of an already active and transparent restructuring process.

 “We’ve made difficult but necessary decisions and are moving forward with clarity and resolve,” management states.

TelEm Group management says they understand that trust is earned through consistent action and transparency. They note that while recovery will take time, the company is focused on regaining the confidence of customers, partners, and the broader St. Maarten community.

“The telecom industry moves fast. TelEm hasn’t always kept pace, but we are correcting that now. We’re focused on operational excellence and on delivering the services our customers expect and deserve,”

“We continue to extend our most profound appreciation to our customers for their loyalty and patience during this transitional period. The continued support of everyone is the foundation of a stronger future,” states the company.

Essential Worker Permits Receive Priority Processing

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice is making strides in addressing the significant backlog of residency and landing permits, particularly for essential workers such as medical staff at the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and teaching staff at various schools. Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving these pressing issues, which directly impact the well-being of medical and educational institutions.

The Ministry has implemented a priority processing agreement for essential worker applications to ensure expedited handling. Immigration officials communicate directly with institutional representatives to address issues and provide updates. Minister Tackling has personally taken a hands-on approach, processing and validating over 1,000 permits herself. Working evenings and weekends alongside immigration staff, she has sought to reduce the backlog significantly.

However, challenges remain. Some delays are tied to applicants' incomplete payment processes. For example, a recent case involved a medical professional whose landing permit was held due to a pending deposit. Immigration authorities emphasize that all required payments must be completed before permits can be issued.

A new digital immigration management platform is being introduced to improve the system. The system aims to enhance efficiency and transparency by allowing applicants to track their application status online and reducing unnecessary delays caused by manual intervention.

Former Minister of Justice Raises Concerns Over KPSM Payments

While the Ministry has been addressing the permit backlog, other concerns regarding justice workers have been raised. Former Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis recently issued a press release highlighting non-payment issues affecting Immigration and Border Protection Services (IBPS). These concerns include outstanding salaries and overtime payments allegedly due to administrative deficiencies within the Immigration Department.

Minister Tackling has acknowledged these grievances and provided updates to clarify the situation. According to the Ministry, all outstanding salaries for the Immigration Border Protection System (IBPS) staff were settled as of March 26, 2025. However, retroactive overtime adjustments, dating back to January 1, 2023, remain pending and are being addressed as part of the finalization of national decrees.

Steps Toward Organizational Improvement

The Ministry of Justice remains focused on improving its operational efficiency, not only by addressing payment and permit issues but also by reviewing internal workflows and staff performance. Efforts are currently underway to reorganize the immigration system, ensuring smoother processing and better service delivery.

For now, applicants awaiting permits are advised to ensure they have met all payment requirements, while justice workers are encouraged to stay informed as the Ministry continues to address unresolved payment issues. Minister Tackling has reiterated her commitment to tackling these challenges head-on, setting reforms in motion to ensure long-term improvements in the nation’s immigration and justice systems.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice has confirmed its awareness of the pressing challenges currently facing Point Blanche Prison. Issues such as staffing shortages and operational strains have put the facility under significant pressure, raising concerns among both prison staff and the public about safety, security, and medical care standards.

Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has addressed the matter, emphasizing the Ministry’s commitment to resolving these difficulties. “We are aware of the concerns, and while there is still work to be done, we are taking steps to improve the situation from within,” Minister Tackling stated. She added that stabilizing operations and ensuring the safety of both inmates and staff remains a top priority.

Staffing Challenges and Safety Implications

One of the most critical issues at Point Blanche Prison is the staff shortage. Like many correctional facilities worldwide, this has led to increased workloads for the current team and has the potential to impact the prison's overall security. The operational strain poses challenges not just for prison security but also for maintaining a safe and functional environment.

To address these concerns, the Ministry is cooperating closely with prison management. Internal measures have been swiftly implemented to tackle immediate issues and lay the groundwork for long-term improvements. While specifics of these measures have not been disclosed, the Justice Ministry has assured the public of its focus on safety and stability.

Medical Care and Nursing Availability

Another area of concern has been inmate health care, particularly with regard to medication and nursing schedules. Minister Tackling confirmed that the prison’s medication inventory is currently up to date and closely monitored to ensure inmates can access the care they need. This step signifies an effort by the Ministry to prioritize basic health services, even as it works through broader challenges.

Nursing staff, meanwhile, remain on duty according to their scheduled shifts and are also on call for emergencies, according to the Ministry. However, recent reports mentioned a vacancy in the medical team. This gap, acknowledged by the Ministry, is actively being addressed to avoid any disruptions in health care services. “Our focus remains on stabilizing operations,” Minister Tackling underscored, reflecting the Ministry's intent to minimize any negative impact of staffing vacancies on inmate care.

A Path Forward

While the concerns at Point Blanche Prison are significant, the Ministry of Justice appears determined to respond with both urgency and strategy. Minister Tackling’s statements and the measures being taken indicate a clear recognition of the operational hurdles at hand.

The Ministry has reiterated its commitment to maintaining a safe and secure environment, not just for staff but also for the inmates under its care. Regular monitoring and updates will be provided to keep stakeholders informed of progress. Although there is still considerable work to be done, the Ministry’s efforts signal a step in the right direction toward restoring stability and confidence in Point Blanche Prison’s operations.

The Justice Ministry’s ability to address these challenges effectively will likely remain a subject of close public scrutiny in the weeks to come.