PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ombuds institutions of the Kingdom of the Netherlands recently met in Aruba for their annual meeting. One of the topics discussed during the meeting was the Aruban Ombudsman. The process to appoint the Aruban Ombudsman is in an advanced stage and an appointment is expected during the first quarter of 2024. Another important subject that was deliberated upon is the existing challenges the countries face regarding undocumented immigrants. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti and the interrelated detention and forced repatriation are especially a concern. In this regard, it is important to recall the statement of support issued by the International Ombudsman Institute (IOI) in May of this year for the Ombudsman (Office for the Protection of the Citizen) of Haiti. In said letter the IOI expressed its concern about the acts of violence that have been taking place, particularly the acts of looting, vandalism, arson, and murders recorded both in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince and in other regions of the country during the last months.

The IOI’s 13th World Conference which will be hosted by the National Ombudsman of the Netherlands in the Hague from May 13-17, 2024 was also discussed. The annual meeting was followed by presentations, by the three Ombudspersons, at the University of Aruba to law students and other legal professionals. The Ombudsman of Curaçao, Keursly Concincion, on the occasion of World Children’s Day, spoke on the protection of the child against violence, abuse, and neglect. The Ombudsman of Sint Maarten addressed complaint handling and the standards of proper conduct and the National Ombudsman, Reiner van Zutphen, presented on the subject of the Venice Principles and the role of the Ombudsman in a democratic system of government. The Venice Principles are the codification of a set of constitutional and legal principles specifically devoted to the institution of the Ombudsman established by the Venice Commission (European Commission for Democracy through Law), which is an advisory body of the Council of Europe, composed of independent experts in the field of constitutional law.
During the visit to Aruba, the Ombudsmen also met with His Excellency the Governor of Aruba, Alphonso Boekhoudt, and the Honourable Prime Minister of Aruba, Ms. Evelyn Wever-Croes.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Motorworld’s Annual Christmas Car Show will be taking place this coming Saturday on December 2nd at the Motorworld showroom in Cole Bay starting from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Since the first edition in 2012, the Christmas Car Show has served as a signature event at the dealership. This year will be no different. Motorworld is the authorized dealer of reliable quality brands including Hyundai, Changan, Volkswagen, Audi, Mazda, Honda, Ford, Isuzu and more! Every vehicle in the fleet will be discounted by at least $1,000 with the special discounts increasing up to $5,000 off on selected models.

Besides these impressive discounts on the fleet, on-the-spot bank financing will be provided at the Car Show by participating banks Windward Islands Bank, RBC Bank, PSB Bank, and FCIB FirstCaribbean International Bank.

“We’re thankful for the participation of our local banks to make this event a success for our customers. We really want to encourage the public to take advantage of the special interest rates and affordable finance packages made available to them at our Christmas Car Show,” shares Tariq Amjad, Managing Director, Motorworld Group of Companies.

Customers can get pre-approved on their car loan during the Car Show by their bank of choice and should ensure to bring the required documents for a smooth process. The list of documents can be found on Motorworld’s website motorworldgroupsxm.com or on their social media pages. New car owners will also have the peace of mind that their first two monthly payments will be guaranteed, with up to 3 months’ payments covered by Motorworld and participating banks.

Additionally, customers will also receive a gift of choice with their purchase, and can choose from a 50” 4K Samsung Smart TV, Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy A54 or a 15” Laptop.

“Motorworld’s Christmas Car Show is set to be a day to remember for everyone who visits the showroom on December 2nd,” says General Marketing Manager, Earlynna George. “It’s our goal to make car shopping an enjoyable experience for everyone who attends the Christmas Car Show. Live entertainment, activities for the kids, and complimentary food and drinks will all be provided. A perfect opportunity to welcome the Christmas spirit.”

The general public is invited to stop by this Saturday at Motorworld in Cole Bay for car shopping fun starting at 8:00 AM sharp. Explore the available inventory, take advantage of the fantastic offers by participating banks and join the Motorworld team for this Christmas shopping experience.

PHILIPSBURG:---  After a lengthy extradition proceeding in the United States, the two men convicted by the Court of Appeal in March 2022 for the 2018 fatal shooting outside adult entertainment club El Capitan in Sucker Garden were transported to Sint Maarten on Saturday and are now detained in the Pointe Blanche Prison awaiting the ruling of the Supreme Court (Hoge Raad).
The two convicts in the “Thorium” case were arrested by United States law enforcement in September 2022. The arrests were made at the request of the Office of the Attorney General of Curacao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. The two were arrested in Fulton County, Georgia.
The two men were released from prison in early 2020 after the Court of First Instance ruled that they acted in self-defense when they shot and killed a man and seriously injured another during an altercation at El Capitan, on December 31, 2018. The Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten OM SXM appealed the verdict of the Court of First Instance.
The verdict of the Court of Appeal overturned the 2020 decision of the Court of First Instance. D.O. was convicted to 20 years imprisonment and S.R. to 18 years. The arrest of the two men was ordered immediately by the Prosecutor’s Office after the verdict was rendered in March 2022, however, neither was in court at the time. They have been sought by justice authorities ever since. The search was carried out first by the Police Force of Sint Maarten KPSM with international authorities going on the alert for the fugitives. International legal cooperation led to the arrest and extradition of the fugitives.
OM SXM will oversee the execution of the sentences of the two convicts.

Prosecutor's Office Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG  (DCOMM):--- The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) Hon. Rodolphe Samuel, is pleased with the progress being made at the Oranje School.
There are several repair and upgrade works currently being executed at the Oranje School, and these repairs are to be completed by December 31, 2023.
The contractor who has been assigned the Roof Repair work would have to work during school hours in order to meet the deadline mentioned.
Taking the safety of the students into consideration, all the students could not remain in school at the same time. For this reason, the Minister in consultation with stakeholders has decided that some of the students will have to switch to remote learning until the Christmas vacation.
Therefore, there will be no school for the students of Groups 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 on Monday, November 27th, and Tuesday, November 28th, 2023.
These students will receive instruction online (at home) as of Wednesday, November 29, 2023. All teachers are expected to be in school for a meeting on Monday, November 27, 2023, where they will receive further instruction.
The teachers and students of groups 6, 7, and 8 will continue with face-to-face instruction as usual at the school.