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.

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.”

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.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten extends its warmest congratulations to the Government of the Netherlands on the successful formation of a new coalition administration led by Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
Prime Minister Jetten and his cabinet were officially sworn in by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander at the Royal Palace Huis ten Bosch in The Hague, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Dutch governance during what the King described as uncertain times.
Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina extended heartfelt congratulations to his Dutch counterpart on assuming office as the youngest Prime Minister in the Netherlands history.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend sincere congratulations to Prime Minister Rob Jetten on his appointment and the formation of the new coalition government. Leadership in times of uncertainty requires courage, clarity, and collaboration. We wish Prime Minister Jetten and his cabinet every success as they begin this important work.”
The new minority coalition government, comprised of D66, CDA, and VVD, brings together experienced leadership at a time when steady governance and constructive dialogue are essential.
Prime Minister Mercelina noted the longstanding constitutional partnership within the Kingdom and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation.
“Sint Maarten values its enduring relationship within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. We look forward to engaging with Prime Minister Jetten’s government in a spirit of mutual respect and shared responsibility. Together, we must continue to address the pressing challenges of our time, from economic resilience and sustainable energy transition to sound public finances and regional stability.”
Prime Minister Jetten previously served as Minister for Climate and Energy and has been recognized for his commitment to forward looking policy. Prime Minister Mercelina expressed optimism about strengthening collaboration on sustainability and climate resilience, areas of particular importance to Small Island Developing States like Sint Maarten.
“As a Small Island Developing State, Sint Maarten remains acutely aware of the impacts of climate change and global economic volatility. We are confident that under Prime Minister Jetten’s leadership, there will be opportunities to deepen cooperation in advancing renewable energy solutions, climate resilience, and sustainable development across the Kingdom.”
The Government of Sint Maarten reaffirms its commitment to constructive engagement with the new Dutch administration and looks forward to continued dialogue on matters of shared priority, including financial reform, energy security, and the wellbeing of all citizens of the Kingdom.