PHILIPSBURG:--- Today carries deep meaning for us as a country, and especially for the Ministry of Justice. As we commemorate Constitution Day, we honor the defining moment of October 10, 2010, when Sint Maarten officially became a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. With that milestone, the Ministry of Justice was born, along with the responsibility to build our own systems, shape our institutions, and define justice through the lens of who we are as a people.

At its core, the Ministry of Justice is the guardian of safety, stability, and the rule of law. A strong Ministry means a strong Sint Maarten, one where citizens can trust that justice is fair, rights are protected, and communities are safe. It also means a country where visitors feel secure, where our reputation as a welcoming destination is preserved, and where law and order remain the backbone of our society.

Fifteen years later, we reflect on a journey marked by growth, reform, and resilience. The Ministry of Justice was built from the ground up, one law, one institution, one reform at a time. There was no manual or model to follow, only a shared commitment to create systems that serve our people and safeguard our democracy. Through every challenge, the Ministry has become stronger, more coordinated, and more grounded in purpose.

Today, I want to acknowledge all those who came before us: the justice workers who held the line, the civil servants who kept the wheels turning, and the previous Ministers who advanced progress under challenging circumstances. The road was far from smooth, but every effort, whether successful or not,  helped bring us to where we are today.

We now stand as a Ministry that is transforming, strengthening institutions, modernizing systems, and investing in our people. Every milestone, including projects like the new digital immigration platform and the detention sector reform program, reflects our shared commitment to building a justice system that truly serves the people of Sint Maarten.

As we mark this milestone, I extend heartfelt thanks to all who serve within the justice chain, from law enforcement officers and immigration professionals to legal experts, prison staff, and civil servants. Each of you plays a vital role in upholding justice, protecting rights, and keeping our communities safe.

Looking back, one thing is clear: the Ministry of Justice you see today is not the same as it was fifteen years ago. We are stronger, more coordinated, and more determined than ever to keep improving, step by step, project by project, reform by reform.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Wilhelminastraat and the Hendrikstraat, in Philipsburg will be closed on Monday, October 13, 2025.

These temporary road closures will be in effect for vehicular traffic from 8.30 hrs. - 13.00 hrs.  

The closures are in connection with the solemn Public meeting of Parliament commemorating the fifteenth anniversary of the attainment of Country Status of Sint Maarten within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.  

PHILIPSBURG:--- Arch Road, once a bustling hub of nightlife and entertainment, is now a shadow of its former self as businesses grapple with a surge in nighttime crime. Club patrons and their vehicles have become frequent targets of attacks and vandalism, leaving business owners frustrated and fearful for their livelihoods.

One local businessman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, painted a grim picture of the situation. "Our customers are being attacked, their cars are being broken into, and when we call the police, we’re told it’s pointless to arrest the culprits because the jail is full. Within days, they’re back on the streets," he said, his voice tinged with frustration.

The businessman expressed his growing disillusionment with the authorities, suggesting that the lack of action is forcing some to consider taking matters into their own hands. "If we defend ourselves, maybe then the authorities will find space in the jail. But why should it come to that? We’re being hounded by the tax office, our assets are being seized, and yet the government can’t even provide a safe environment for us to operate."

The impact of the crime wave extends beyond the immediate safety concerns. Business owners are also facing bureaucratic hurdles that stifle their ability to grow or even maintain their operations. The businessman pointed to delays at the Ministry of VROMI, where building permits are reportedly being held up without explanation. "We can’t expand, we can’t improve, and yet the Minister responsible still enjoys the confidence of Parliament. It’s baffling," he lamented.

The situation has left many business owners feeling abandoned by the very government they help sustain through taxes. "We’re expected to replenish government coffers, but what are we getting in return? Nothing but crime, red tape, and indifference," the businessman said.

The businessman also called on the St. Maarten government to think outside the box and explore creative solutions to address the overcrowded prison system. "If the great USA didn’t have space for their prisoners but found space in other countries, why can’t we? The government needs to negotiate with neighboring countries to house inmates. And if politicians traveled less and gave up their daily travel allowances, they’d find the money to truly run this country," he asserted, emphasizing the need for bold leadership and fiscal responsibility.

As the situation worsens, the call for immediate and decisive action grows louder. Business owners are urging the government to prioritize public safety, streamline bureaucratic processes, and provide the support necessary to revive the once-thriving Arch Road. Without intervention, the area risks becoming a ghost town, leaving behind shuttered businesses and a community in despair.

HNLMS Van Amstel briefly relieves HNLMS Groningen for regular maintenance. HNLMS Van Amstel was in the region for an international exercise on the American East Coast. After the completion of this exercise, the Amstel departed for the ABC Islands. As soon as the Groningen's maintenance is completed, the Amstel will depart to resume her role as flagship of SNMG1. The Amstel will be active in the Caribbean in the coming week.

The maritime military presence is usually filled by patrol vessels; the change from the OPV (Ocean Patrol Vessel) type to M-Frigate is due to the availability of resources. HNLMS Van Amstel also sailed in the region in September to fill the gap between two station ships.

With the permanent presence of a station ship in the region, the Ministry of Defence contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean Region.