WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---The Ennia debacle is a glaring example of corporate greed and systemic failure, leaving taxpayers in both Curaçao and St. Maarten to foot the bill for a financial catastrophe that should never have occurred. The recent developments in the case, as reported by Antilliaans Dagblad, highlight the ongoing struggle for justice in a saga that has drained hundreds of millions from these communities.

Under the ownership of Hushang Ansary, Ennia was systematically looted, with vast sums siphoned off, leaving the insurance group in financial ruin. This financial disaster has not only crippled Curaçao but has also deeply affected St. Maarten, where the fallout equally burdens residents. Despite the gravity of the situation, the justice systems in both territories have been hamstrung by a lack of capacity and expertise, delaying any meaningful progress in holding those responsible accountable. This is an insult to the taxpayers who have been forced to rescue the company, bearing the financial burden of others' misconduct.

The public outcry in 2023 reignited attention on the case, prompting a request for assistance from the Netherlands. Dutch authorities, including the Recherche Samenwerkingsteam (RST), are now actively involved in investigating the full scope of the Ennia scandal. This marks a significant step forward, as the Netherlands' expertise and resources could finally bring the accountability that has been sorely lacking. However, delays in providing concrete resources and answers only prolong the agony for those seeking justice. The lack of urgency in addressing this issue is a slap in the face to the people of Curaçao and St. Maarten, who deserve swift and decisive action.

The civil proceedings have already exposed the extent of the wrongdoing, with former executives and Ansary himself facing liability for unlawful withdrawals and payments. Yet, the absence of criminal convictions underscores the systemic failures that allowed this crisis to fester. The justice minister's assertion that capacity issues should not hinder investigations rings hollow when years have passed without significant progress.

This case is not just about Ennia; it is a litmus test for the integrity of institutions in Curaçao, St. Maarten, and the Netherlands. The taxpayers who bailed out Ennia deserve more than empty promises and bureaucratic delays. They deserve accountability, transparency, and a commitment to ensuring that such a travesty never happens again. With the Netherlands and the RST now fully engaged, there is hope that justice will finally be served—but the clock is ticking. Justice delayed is justice denied.

PHILIPSBURG:---  As part of the ongoing implementation of the integrity program established by the Board of the Dutch Caribbean Chiefs of Police, under the leadership of the Chief of Police of Sint Maarten, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) conducted an essential week of training and a symposium from August 11 to August 15, 2025. This initiative, developed by the integrity platform of the Association of the Dutch Caribbean Chiefs of Police, aims to enhance internal investigation protocols and strengthen standards among the police forces of the Dutch Caribbean.

In its second year, the Integrity Program focuses on establishing consistent integrity standards for police forces across Sint Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, and the Caribbean Netherlands. The project includes a series of training sessions designed for leaders within the police forces to ensure alignment with the integrity and transparency objectives.

KPSM leadership, including the Chief of Police and other senior officials, engaged actively in the training. Over the past year, various sessions have been conducted for police leaders, ensuring that all personnel, from top management to rank-and-file officers, are united in their commitment to integrity and transparency. More than 110 KPSM officers and other participants took part in this week of training, fostering a collaborative approach to internal investigations and accountability, resulting in a stronger, more professional police force.

The week culminated in a symposium featuring high-level participants from the Ministry of Justice, including department heads, the Prosecutor’s Office, unions, and other distinguished guests. The Honourable Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, actively participated and endorsed this crucial initiative, significantly contributing to the success of the training program.

The symposium included expert presentations from Mr. J. Rosales and Mr. O. Bouman, who shared valuable insights into the implementation of the Integrity Protocol. The Integrity Protocol is a vital component of a broader regional initiative to uphold a high level of integrity and enhance collaboration among the police forces of Sint Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, and the Caribbean Netherlands. By establishing clear, shared protocols, the police forces aim to:

- Increase the quality and transparency of internal investigations.

- Foster the exchange of best practices among investigators across borders.

- Ensure fairness and consistency in legal practices throughout the region.

- Leverage collective knowledge and resources to improve police operations.

- Promote accountability and compliance within the police forces.

The ultimate goal is to build a police force that is not only trusted by the public but is also characterized by internal strength, transparency, and accountability.

The Police Force of Sint Maarten extends its deepest gratitude to the  Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling for her unwavering support and participation in this initiative, as well as to the Chief Prosecutor and the unions for their ongoing collaboration. Special thanks are also due to the instructors, Mr. J. Rosales and Mr. O. Bouman, whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in making this training a success.

KPSM Press Release.

The 3-day summit is aimed at boosting island competitiveness in the fast-evolving world of AI

 Willemstad, Curacao:---The first-ever AI Islands summit will take place in Curaçao from August 27 to 29, bringing together visionary leaders to explore the transformative power of AI for island economies. This landmark event is the result of a strategic collaboration between the Curaçao Investment & Export Promotion Agency (CINEX) and Islandpreneur International.  AI Islands 2025 (www.aiislands.co) will be held at the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) and will gather over 100 leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers and investors.

The vision for AI Islands, as presented by the founder of AI Islands and CEO of Islandpreneur, Ife Badejo, is to strengthen entrepreneurship ecosystems in island nations by equipping entrepreneurs and leaders with AI-powered solutions and creating pathways for global competitiveness. Curaçao is the ideal location for the AI Islands summit, due to its emerging tech hub status, developed ecosystem, and strong commitment to innovation. According to CINEX CEO, Miles Mercera, Curaçao is ready to take its place as a leader in the digital economy. “Partnering with the AI Islands summit allows Curaçao to showcase our vision, connect global stakeholders, and accelerate opportunities for our entrepreneurs,” Mercera explained.

The three-day program will feature high-impact workshops and panels at the CBCS with participation from Islandpreneur’s strategic partners, and keynote sessions led by global and regional thought leaders. Topics will cover leading in the AI age, understanding AI’s impact on finance, the role of AI in government, and strategies to stand out in an AI-driven world. During the workshops, attendees will learn how to automate workflows, build their own bots or agents with Blue NAP Americas, and create apps in under 30 minutes. CINEX will also present its vision and strategy for advancing the digital economy, emphasizing its role as a bridge and connector in the region. "This partnership with CINEX signals the beginning of a multi-year journey,” said Ife Badejo, founder of AI Islands. “Together, we will deliver a transformative experience in 2025, and in addition strengthen the position of Curaçao as a driving force in shaping the future of AI in island economies."

For more information or get passes, kindly visit www.aiislands.co. For updates, connect with Islandpreneur on facebook at www.facebook.com/iamislandpreneur.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a glaring display of political hypocrisy, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and his coalition have once again demonstrated that the concerns of the people are far from their priority. The same coalition members who vehemently opposed a motion to grant relief from GEBE—brought forward by Opposition MP Omar Ottley—are now scrambling to justify their inaction and deflect blame. Their actions, or lack thereof, are a direct insult to the very citizens they were elected to serve.

A History of Hypocrisy

The facts speak for themselves. In October 2024, Prime Minister Mercelina, along with Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and MP Viren Kotai, voted against  MP Omar Ottley’s motion, which sought to provide much-needed relief to the people. Wescot-Williams, in a move that reeks of political theater, requested that her coalition partner, Prime Minister Mercelina, return to Parliament within two weeks with the relevant data on GEBE and proposed relief measures.

Other members, including former GEBE COO turned MP Veronica Webster-Jansen, and MP Sjamira Roseburg, also voted against the motion. Their reasoning? It wasn’t about the merits of the motion or the needs of the people—it was simply because an opposition MP presented the motion. 

Two weeks passed, and when pressed for answers, Mercelina dared to ask if Members of Parliament were serious. The real question is: Is the Prime Minister serious about serving the people?

Fast forward to June 23, 2025, when MP Omar Ottley presented a second motion, this time supported by eight Members of Parliament: MP Omar Ottley, Egbert Doran, Ardwell Irion, Francisco Lacroes, Lyndon Lewis, Darryl York, and Ludmilla De Weever. Despite the clear intent to address the struggles of the people, coalition members Sarah Wescot-Williams, Franklin Meyers, Viren Kotai, Demar Labega, Reyhyon Peterson, Veronica Webster Jansen, and Sjamira Roseburg voted against the motion.

Their reasoning? It wasn’t about the merits of the motion or the needs of the people—it was simply because an opposition MP presented the motion. This petty, partisan behavior is not just disgraceful; it’s dangerous. It underscores a complete disregard for the struggles of the people they were elected to represent.

The GEBE Debacle: A Legacy of Neglect and Deception

GEBE, the utility company at the heart of this controversy, has long been a source of frustration for consumers. While GEBE has not admitted that its fuel clause calculation is flawed, the RAC/BTP report has highlighted significant issues with these calculations. Instead of addressing these concerns transparently, the government chose to redact critical portions of the report, including the fuel clause calculations.

What are they hiding? And why?

To make matters worse, the review report allegedly conducted by GEBE on the RAC/BTP findings has not been made available to the public or to Parliament. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. How can lawmakers and consumers trust any of these reports when the government refuses to provide clarity? Who exactly conducted the review of the RAC/BTP report, and why is this information being withheld?

For years, those in government—both past and present—have known that consumers were being overcharged, yet they did nothing. This continued neglect and secrecy only deepen the public’s mistrust. The people deserve answers, not more redacted reports and empty promises.

A Prime Minister Without Accountability

Prime Minister Mercelina’s leadership—or lack thereof—has been nothing short of disastrous. He called on the Supervisory Board of Directors (SBOD) to resign but failed to explain why he pressured the Council of Ministers into appointing Jefferyson Paris as the Chief Operations Officer (COO). This move raises serious questions about his motives and his commitment to good governance. Is Mercelina more interested in consolidating power than in addressing the real issues facing the country?

The Prime Minister’s dismissive attitude toward Parliament and the people is a glaring reminder of why trust in politicians is at an all-time low. His coalition’s decision to vote against relief for GEBE consumers, coupled with their refusal to provide transparency, is a betrayal of public trust.

The coalition’s actions—or inactions—speak volumes. They have shown that they are more interested in political posturing than in solving real problems. The people of this country deserve better. They deserve leaders who will put their needs first, who will fight for transparency, and who will hold themselves accountable.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and his coalition have failed the people. It’s time for them to stop hiding behind redacted reports and empty promises. The people are watching, and they will not forget.