~ Former MP Cloyd Marlin Offers Support in Honoring the Late Leader ~

PHILIPSBURG:--- With a heart full of respect and sorrow, Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has formally submitted a request to the Honorable Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers on April 1st, 2025, urging them to consider granting the late Mr. Troy Washington the posthumous title of Official CEO/Manager of NV GEBE.

Mr. Washington, who served as the Temporary Manager of NV GEBE, tragically passed away while still actively leading the company and during the process of formalizing his appointment as permanent CEO. MP Doran described his leadership as steadfast, humble, and deeply rooted in service to the people of Sint Maarten.

“Troy Washington stepped into the role not for accolades or applause, but because he cared deeply for his country,” MP Doran stated. “He worked under immense pressure and never wavered in his commitment to restoring confidence in GEBE. It is only fitting that we honor his legacy with the very title he was in the process of earning.”

In his letter to the Prime Minister, MP Doran also requested that the Government explore the legal possibility of the posthumous appointment to ensure that any benefits or entitlements due to Mr. Washington in his permanent role could still be considered for his grieving family.

“This is not about titles,” Doran said. “It’s about dignity, about acknowledging a man who gave his all even when it wasn’t easy and especially when it wasn’t popular.”

Former Member of Parliament and close friend Cloyd Marlin has also voiced his full support for this recognition. In a heartfelt tribute, Marlin reflected on Washington’s commitment to his role and the deep impact he made.

“Troy once told me, ‘I just hope one day they recognize how hard I worked.’ Well, today I say to you, Troy—yes, we recognize you. We see your sacrifice, your strength, and your steady leadership. You were appreciated, and you will never be forgotten,” said Marlin.

MP Doran concluded by saying, “Let this be more than a symbolic gesture. Let it serve as a national reminder that those who serve with heart, even in silence, are seen, are valued, and are remembered. May Troy Washington’s name be etched not just in documents but in the memory of a grateful people.”

May his legacy continue to inspire all who serve this country with integrity and love.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Ardwell M.R. Irion, in his capacity as Chairman of the Finance Committee of Parliament, has formally requested a committee meeting with the Minister of Finance, the Honorable Marinka Gumbs. The purpose of the meeting is to address two key areas critical to the country’s financial administration and development.

The first area of focus is the current status and projected timeline of the national tax reform process. This includes any proposed legislative and administrative changes to modernize Sint Maarten’s tax system.

The second area concerns the Tax Office's operational condition. Specific points of discussion include staffing levels, service delivery, revenue collection capacity, low staff morale, and digital transformation progress. The meeting is also expected to address concerns about the recent wave of resignations among top civil servants, which may further impact continuity and institutional knowledge within the department.

MP Irion emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency and open communication on matters that impact national development and economic resilience. “It is important for Parliament to stay informed about the ongoing efforts and challenges related to tax reform and administration,” Irion stated.

The requested meeting is intended to support constructive dialogue and ensure that the committee is well-informed as it continues its oversight responsibilities. MP Irion also highlighted the relevance of understanding how these reforms align with fiscal policy goals and broader efforts to support the most vulnerable within the community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), with support from the Ministry of Education Youth  Culture and Sports (ECYS) is excited to announce of the building and training phases for the Hydroponics Train-the-Trainers Pilot Project in Schools, which commenced at the start of the new school term in January 2025. This innovative initiative is made possible by the Green Overseas (GO) Programme, funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by Expertise France.

The project aims to enhance climate resilience and food security in St. Maarten by training individuals to become proficient trainers in the development and management of hydroponic systems—a sustainable and resilient agricultural technique tailored for the island’s needs.

The result of this project will be the installation of hydroponic systems at eight schools (8) across St. Maarten, including six primary schools and two secondary schools. The participating schools are:

• Martin Luther King Jr. School
• Regina School
• Magda School
• Borgia School
• Seventh-day Adventist School
• Sundial School
• Dominique School

The lead consultant for the project is Ms. Kristina Adams, founder of Adams Aqualife, a Barbados-based company with over 20 years of expertise in hydroponics systems. Ms. Adams has successfully implemented similar projects in Barbados and just recently in Anguilla, and other Caribbean islands. Her selection followed a transparent, independent tendering process that was published both locally and regionally.

Ms. Adams will work closely with participants, including teachers, school staff, and selected community members, to equip them with the skills and knowledge required to establish and operate hydroponic systems. The overall goal is to create a network of trainers who can further disseminate this knowledge throughout St. Maarten.

Between January and February 2025, training modules were delivered to participating schools and community personnel, followed by the stocking of plants. The building phase of the project commenced with two schools, setting the foundation for implementation. The first harvest was successfully achieved at the end of February and early  March. In April 2025, training and systems finalization will resume and all schools are scheduled to begin stocking seedlings into their systems.

By the conclusion of this project, St. Maarten will have significantly boosted its capacity to produce locally grown, healthy foods via the hydroponic method. The initiative will not only complement the participating schools’ feeding programs but also, in time, benefit local communities by reducing the reliance on imported foods and strengthening food security on the island.

The Ministry of TEATT remains committed to fostering sustainable development and innovation in St. Maarten’s agricultural sector, ensuring a greener and more resilient future for the Island.

For further information please contact the Ministry of TEATT at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“I’m here to clear my name, Brison tells the court."

PHILIPSBURG:---  In today’s regiezitting (pre-trial hearing) in the case against former Member of Parliament Rolando Brison, the judge granted all of Brison’s requests, delivering what legal observers consider a good turn of events for Brison’s case. Central to this ruling was the judge’s decision to compel the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) to provide the full context of WhatsApp conversations involving Brison—messages the OM had previously presented in snippets allegedly to cast the MP in a negative light. The ruling could mark a setback for the prosecution and a pivotal moment for Brison, who has long insisted on his innocence and looked forward to a chance to clear his name in court.

The hearing, held on April 07, 2025, stemmed from the “Lissabon” investigation, which saw Brison arrested in March 2023 on suspicion of bribery and abuse of office. Released after less than 24 hours, Brison has spent the intervening years hoping for the OM to either drop the suspicion or bring it to trial so that he can finally counter their claims and not wait many years, as others have had to suffer in the current legal system. Today’s regiezitting, a procedural step to set the stage for the upcoming trial, showcased Brison’s strategy of transparency and evidence-based defense—and it seems to have paid off.

WhatsApp Context: An important ruling for Brison

The significant ruling for Brison came when the judge agreed to his request that the OM disclose the entirety of his WhatsApp conversations rather than the selective excerpts the prosecution had relied upon. Brison’s legal team argued that the OM cherry-picked snippets to distort the narrative, stripping away crucial context that would exonerate him. They explained how isolated messages could be misconstrued without the full conversational backdrop during the hearing.

Despite reservations from the OM, such as too much documentation or that the defense should choose exactly what period or specific messages, the judge sided with Brison and allowed the full context to be shared. Some legal analysts see this as rare, particularly in political cases where selective evidence has often been used to build a public perception of guilt before trial. “This is a big deal,” one lawyer noted. “Many judges in the past have denied such requests. This is now forcing the OM to show their full hand and could unravel their case if the context supports Brison’s version of events. And I don’t think he would ask for them if they would not benefit his case.”

No Witnesses

Suprisingly, it appears the OM has no relevant witnesses to their charges against him. In past political cases in Sint Maarten and the Netherlands—such as those against Theo Heyliger or Frans Richardson—the OM typically lined up witnesses to bolster claims of corruption, often relying on testimony to paint politicians as guilty. Yet, in Brison’s case, the absence of witnesses raises questions about the strength of the prosecution’s evidence.

Brison’s Bittersweet Stand

In a brief but poignant statement to the judge, Brison captured the duality of his emotions. “It’s bittersweet to be here,” he said. “I regret that the OM has chosen to paint me in an untrue light, but I’m happy to finally have the opportunity for an independent judge to review the evidence on my side.” He emphasized his relief at avoiding the fate of other high-profile cases that drag on for many years, leaving reputations in limbo. “I’m looking forward to clearing my name,” he added. “That’s what I’m grateful for.”

This stance echoes Brison’s broader strategy, as reported in our prior coverage. Unlike many politicians who opt for silence or settlement, Brison has consistently pushed for a courtroom reckoning, confident that the facts—his transparent dealings, documented transactions, and legislative record—will vindicate him. Today’s proceedings might suggest that this confidence may be well-placed.

What’s Next?

Today’s ruling could shift the momentum toward Brison as the trial looms. The OM now must comply with the judge in providing the complete WhatsApp records that may weaken its position and, without witnesses, prop up its claims. For Brison, the regiezitting is a validation of his push for transparency and a chance to turn the tables on an investigation that has already cost him politically and personally—he lost his re-election bid following the 2023 arrest. Of course, it can be a long time before any further hearings, and it is still possible that the OM reconsider the charges, as they have so many other cases that they seem to be putting more emphasis on. It’s still unknown exactly when or what happens next. SMN News will continue to monitor this case closely.