St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Minister of Justice, Lyndon C.J Lewis addresses increase in gun violence.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Minister of Justice and Minister of Education, Youth, Culture, and Sport has issued a statement addressing the recent increase in gun violence on the island. This follows a series of troubling incidents that have raised concerns within the community.

"The KPSM has begun their investigation into the recent surge in gun violence," said Minister Lewis. "To the victims, I offer my strength and prayers to you and your family, and I wish you a speedy recovery. In some recent cases, others have succumbed to their injuries, and to their loved ones, I extend my deepest sympathies during this time of grief."

Minister Lewis acknowledged the distress and concern these events have caused among the residents of Sint Maarten and emphasized the importance of community safety. "As your Minister, I continue to make the safety and security of our community my top priority. Sint Maarten has always prided itself on being a safe community for all. It is my duty to ensure that safety continues for our children and our children's children."

In a direct message to those involved in the violence, Minister Lewis urged, "As Minister of Justice, I condemn gun violence. You are not only destroying your life but also the lives of others, our community, and the bread and butter of our economy—our tourism industry. I urge you to think before you act, as you will face prosecution to the full extent of the law."

Minister Lewis also addressed the broader community, acknowledging the need for swift action and the ongoing efforts to bring those responsible to justice. "We understand the urgency and the need for swift action. The relevant bodies are continuing their investigation to bring those involved to justice. However, while we pursue justice, we must also remember the values that define us. Let us not be consumed by hatred or fear. Instead, let us find strength in our unity and compassion."

In conclusion, Minister Lewis called for community vigilance and support for law enforcement. "I call upon each one of you to remain vigilant and to support our law enforcement agencies in their investigation. Justice will be served. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable. And together, we will heal and move forward."

CBCS Draws Lessons from Girobank N.V. Case.

~Comprehensive supervisory overhaul implemented since 2021~

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) is releasing a Lessons Learned report, following the investigative report on Girobank N.V. published by Deloitte (Netherlands) on July 21, 2023. Deloitte’s report outlines the findings of its investigation into the affairs of Girobank from 2013 to 2019. The CBCS has analyzed these findings, identified valuable lessons, and implemented necessary changes and measures.
The Lessons Learned report highlights the key insights gained by the CBCS. Notably, in early 2021, the CBCS fundamentally transformed its supervisory approach, adopting a more focused and intrusive stance. The aim of this enhanced supervision is to swiftly bring non-compliant institutions in line with legal standards, thereby minimizing adverse impacts on customers and society. Additionally, the CBCS has shifted from a reactive to a proactive supervisory approach, intervening at the first sign of elevated risk rather than waiting for actual violations. To support this proactive approach, the CBCS is executing a multi-year program to update and tighten the standards laid down in Curaçao and Sint Maarten’s supervisory framework, elevating it to international levels.
In addition to these broader supervisory reforms, the report also includes specific lessons learned with regard to the sale of Girobank’s shares, ongoing supervision, and interventions and enforcement. Also mentioned is the need for additional financial crime expertise, including capabilities for conducting forensic investigations.
After Deloitte’s investigative report, the CBCS consulted external (criminal law) attorneys for their opinion on filing additional charges. Based on their advice, which considered previous filings, no further actions are deemed necessary. The CBCS has adopted this recommendation.
The full Lessons Learned report is available on the CBCS website at: https://www.centralbank.cw/publications/notes-analyses/analyses.

Willemstad, July 8, 2024
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

APS Presents 2023 Annual Report to Minister of Finance.

apsfinancialstatements08072024 PHILIPSBURG:--- On July 3, the Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS) presented its 2023 annual report to the Minister of Finance. Ms. Nathalie Tackling (Chairperson) and Mr. Oscar Williams (Director) met with the Minister to discuss the significant financial growth and strategic developments of the pension fund throughout the year. The presentation highlighted APS’s commitment to enhancing services and benefits for its valued participants.

Financially, 2023 was a remarkably positive year for APS. Mr. Williams stated, “The value of our investment portfolio saw a substantial increase due to favorable developments in international financial markets, alongside a rise in the actuarial interest rate. These factors combined to improve APS’s financial position, resulting in an increase of over 10 percentage points compared to 2022. By the end of 2023, the coverage ratio stood at 109.09%.”

Regarding local investments, APS dedicated significant effort in 2023 to establish a robust organization for objectively assessing and realizing local investments. The Sint Maarten Investment Company (SMIC) evaluates financing requests and proactively seeks potential investments within Sint Maarten. Ms. Tackling explained that this setup enhances efficient workflow and effective risk management. APS aims to build a solid local investment portfolio that adheres to the pension fund’s investment guidelines, leading to successful and profitable projects in Sint Maarten.

Ms. Tackling emphasized, “The APS board remains committed to continuous improvement. We will keep enhancing our expertise, optimizing our governance processes, and making informed decisions to benefit our participants. Our focus will also be on sustainable growth, innovation, and delivering tangible benefits to our participants. We are dedicated to being a reliable and forward-thinking partner to all our stakeholders.”

Saint Martin Man Sentenced to Five Years in Prison for Narcotics Trafficking and Possession of Firearm by Illegal Alien.

JOHNSTOWN, Pa.:--- A Saint Martin citizen unlawfully residing in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, was sentenced in federal court to 60 months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release on his convictions of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, heroin, and cocaine, and

unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan announced today.

Senior United States District Judge Kim R. Gibson imposed the sentence on Hector Concepcion, 35.

According to information presented to the Court, from in and around August 2019 to in and around April 2021, in the Western District of Pennsylvania, Concepcion conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of a mixture and substance containing cocaine base in the

form commonly known as “crack” and quantities of heroin and cocaine. Further, in and around July 2021, Concepcion, an illegal alien who is unlawfully in the United States, possessed a firearm and ammunition.

Federal law prohibits anyone who is illegally or unlawfully in the United States or who is an alien admitted to the United States under a non-immigrant visa from possessing a firearm. Concepcion was intercepted on a federal wiretap, obtaining quantities of crack cocaine, heroin, and cocaine that he distributed to others.

Assistant United States Attorney Maureen Sheehan-Balchon prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

United States Attorney Olshan commended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Laurel Highlands.

Resident Agency and Homeland Security Investigations for the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of Concepcion. Additional agencies participating in the investigation included the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, United States

Postal Inspection Service, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, Cambria County District Attorney’s Office, Indiana County District Attorney’s Office, Cambria County Sheriff’s Office, Cambria Township Police Department, Indiana Borough Police Department, Johnstown Police Department, Upper Yoder Township Police Department, Richland Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies.

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

Press Release United States Attorney Eric G. Olshan
Western District of Pennsylvania

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