WILLEMSTAD:---In a unique setting, personnel from all five police forces of the Dutch Kingdom have gathered in Curaçao for the pilot project War Room Kingdom Strategy. This initiative also includes participation from the Detective Cooperation Team (RST), the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (KMar), and the Caribbean Coast Guard (KWCARIB). This extraordinary initiative was launched to strengthen the joint approach to tackling transnational and subversive crime.

The War Room is led by the coordinator of the Inter-Island Information Coordination Platform (IICP) - a structural partnership between participating agencies and the Public Prosecutor focusing on intelligence coordination. The coordinator is supported by the liaison officer from the Dutch National Police and the coordinator of the Caribbean Information Coordination (ICC-NL).

The term war room originates from the military domain, referring to a central hub for strategic planning and operational coordination. In this pilot, the concept takes on new meaning: over a two-week period - from March 31 to April 11, 2025 - analysts and intelligence specialists will work intensively to map and analyze criminal networks operating across the Kingdom. These joint intelligence products may be the foundation for criminal investigations or other interventions. At the same time, the pilot functions as a hands-on training opportunity for newly appointed analysts within the Caribbean police forces and the RST.

On behalf of the Council of Police Chiefs, the War Room was officially opened by Chief of Police Raymond Ellis of the Curaçao Police Force (KPC) and Ans Rietstra, head of the RST. According to Ellis, the initiative marks “a new phase in cooperation within the Kingdom.” The War Room setting, he emphasized, is no coincidence: “The fight against organized crime resembles a modern form of warfare. It unfolds in our ports, airports, on the streets, and online. Our adversaries are increasingly well-organized, collaborate effortlessly across borders, employ advanced technologies, and possess strong intelligence capabilities. This means that we also have to become more organized, push the boundaries of cooperation, and strengthen our own intelligence position.” The head of the RST expressed her appreciation and full support for the pilot, stating her confidence that the War Room would yield valuable insights and concrete results.

This initiative demonstrates that law enforcement agencies across the Kingdom are not only committed to jointly combating organized crime, but are also actively taking coordinated action. It’s more than just a pilot—it is a powerful signal of unity and a shared sense of urgency in the fight against subversion. The approach being developed over these two weeks is expected to form the foundation for a long-term, structural, and collaborative strategy.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has taken a decisive step to tackle one of St. Maarten’s most pressing challenges: the ongoing brain drain. On Wednesday, at the Council Minister's press briefing, he announced a comprehensive initiative to attract skilled professionals and young academics back to their homeland. With various financial and logistical incentives, this program reflects the government's determination to build a stronger, more self-sufficient workforce and promote national development.

A Strategic Plan to Bring Local Talent Home
One key aspect of this initiative is its broad range of benefits aimed at easing the transition for St. Maarteners considering returning. Among the incentives are financial relocation assistance, government-funded travel, temporary accommodation support, and even partial forgiveness of student loans. This package is tailored to address the needs of returning professionals and students, demonstrating the government’s commitment to encouraging their return.
“As we work to build our nation, we need to ensure that we have the right professionals in place,” Prime Minister Mercelina stated. “Our government is investing heavily in bringing our talents home by offering these incentives. We acknowledge that salaries here may not match those in the Netherlands, but we are committed to easing the transition for professionals returning to St. Maarten.”

Financial Relocation Assistance
The program offers direct financial support through relocation allowances to assist with the cost of moving. Married professionals will receive ANG 3,750, while single returnees will receive ANG 2,000. Families with children will benefit from an additional ANG of 250 per child, helping to cover resettlement costs for families of all sizes.

Fully Covered Travel Expenses
Relocating across borders comes with several hidden costs, but this initiative completely covers travel expenses. Professionals will be provided with economy-class airfare and extra baggage allowances of 10kg per adult and 5kg per child under 12. This support removes financial barriers tied to long-distance travel, making a return home more attainable for many.

Housing and Logistical Support
The government will provide temporary accommodation for six weeks upon arrival to ensure returnees have a comfortable start. Financial support will also be available for crucial logistical needs, such as obtaining personal identification documents and transporting vehicles and household goods. This includes covering the costs of freight containers up to 40 feet for vehicles and 20 feet for household belongings.

Addressing Wage Gaps with Salary Adjustments
One of the significant deterring factors for professionals leaving well-paying positions abroad is the potential salary disparity. The government is introducing a 15% salary adjustment allowance to address this. This compensation will cushion the income gap, fostering economic stability for those leaving higher-paying jobs overseas.

Student Loan Forgiveness
The initiative offers an attractive incentive for returning students who have benefited from government study financing. Graduate returnees are eligible to receive an annual 10% student loan forgiveness, up to a maximum of 50%. This measure rewards students who bring their expertise back to the island after completing their education abroad.

Nation-Building Through Talent Repatriation
Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized that these efforts are about more than just financial support. “This initiative is not just about financial incentives,” he explained. “It’s about proving to our people that their expertise is valued and that we are serious about nation-building.”
The government firmly believes that reversing the brain drain is not only an economic necessity but also a moral one. St. Maarten is taking bold steps toward self-reliance and fostering sustainable development by prioritizing the return of skilled professionals and academics.

The Broader Impact
This initiative marks a pivotal point in St. Maarten’s development. It highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening its workforce and sends a powerful message that the expertise of its people is deeply valued. Investing in its citizens makes the nation take a decisive step towards a brighter, more prosperous future.
With these ambitious measures in place, the island beckons its people home, offering financial incentives and a chance to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the country they call home. Prime Minister Mercelina’s vision of a united, thriving St. Maarten is becoming a reality, one professional at a time.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the general public and residents of Cole Bay that road works will commence on Rubber Tree Drive from today, Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025, as part of the Concrete Hard Resurfacing Project 2023-2024. The works will require a half-road closure between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. daily and are expected to last approximately two weeks.
The construction will be carried out alternately, allowing a road width of 2.5 meters at a time. Residents will be permitted to park along the roadside where feasible throughout the entire stretch of the affected road. However, additional inconveniences may arise during and immediately after the concrete pouring process, temporarily restricting access to immediate residences, except in cases of emergency.
The project will be executed by Windward Roads Infrastructure, and the Ministry urges all motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and be mindful of the workers on-site.
Half Road Closure Details:
Date: Starting April 2nd, 2025, for approximately 2 weeks.
Time: 7:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Rubber Tree, Colebay
Type of Closure: Half Road Closure
The Ministry of VROMI appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve the road infrastructure in Cole Bay. Further updates will be provided as necessary. For more information, please contact the Department of New Works at 542-4292 ext 2388.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs (CDFHA) department is pleased to announce the start of its fourth annual “Get Ready, Get Prepared” information sessions on hurricane preparedness. These informative sessions will be held from Tuesday, May 6th to Monday, June 9th, 2025, at the Government Administration Building, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Furthermore, the information sessions aim to (1) Increase awareness regarding the different dimensions of hurricane preparedness and (2) Equip participants with knowledge, tools, and skills to engage in advanced planning and preparation for the fast-approaching 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season. The topics and weekly schedule are as follows:

• Tuesday May 6, 2025:
1) “Tropical Storm Development” by the Meteorological Department” St. Maarten
• Monday May 12, 2025:
1) “First Aid/CPR by the Windward Islands Emergency Medical Services” (WIEMS)
2) “Shelter Management” by Community Development, Family & Humanitarian Affairs
• Monday May 19, 2025:
1) “Evacuating minors after a storm” by Court of Guardianship
2) “Safety & Security” by Korps Politie St. Maarten (KPSM)
• Monday, May 26,2025:
1) “Enhanced Vulnerability Capacity Assessment” by The Leaders for Change Foundation
• Monday, June 2,2025:
1) “Food Safety” by Stef Logix
2) “Insurance” by Insurance Company of the West Indies
• Monday June 9, 2025:
1) “Using local traditions & values to prepare, cope and heal” by the St. Maarten Foundation of Psychologists and Orthopedagogen.(SFPO)
Additionally, the interactive sessions will be facilitated by experts in hurricane preparedness and disaster response and participants have the chance to enter a raffle to win one of our many gift items. Their engaging presentations will offer helpful tips and up-to-date information meant to empower and safeguard one's family, organization, and community. This, in turn, will enable attendees to immediately apply what they’ve learned at home, in the community they serve, and in their respective organizations. The information sessions are free of charge and designed to engage and empower key community partners, including Community Councils (CCs), Faith-Based Organizations (FBOs), Semi-Public entities, and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Community Leaders. Participants who attend at least 80% of the sessions will receive a Certificate of Participation. For more information or to register, send us an email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.,Facebook@cdfhasxmgov or call +1721-5204315; St. Peters Community Help Desk +1721-5203418; Dutch Quarter Community Help Desk 1721-5207651. Registration ends on Friday, May 2, 2025.