Dutch Quarter:--- In the wake of two tragic incidents of gun violence within the Dutch Quarter community, I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families affected and to all who are grieving in the wake of these devastating events. This violence, which has taken the life of one young man and left another in critical condition, is a stark reminder of the urgent need for peace and security in our neighborhoods.
In the early hours of Monday morning, police responded to a report of gunfire in the Garden of Eden area at approximately 3:30 a.m., where they discovered a male victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim, currently in critical condition, was rushed to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for treatment. This incident comes shortly after the tragic shooting of R. York on Sunday morning on Madrid Road, where York, a dedicated employee of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), lost his life in front of his home.
I recognize the pain, fear, and disruption that these acts of violence have brought upon the community. I stand with the residents of Dutch Quarter and all of St. Maarten as we work to combat the violence affecting our neighborhoods and to bring justice to those responsible. Law enforcement, including detectives and forensic teams, are actively investigating these cases to gather evidence, and we are committed to updating the public as more information becomes available.
In this time of crisis, I appeal to all citizens of St. Maarten to stand united against the violence impacting our community. We all have a role to play in building a safer St. Maarten by being vigilant, offering support to those affected, and cooperating fully with authorities to bring perpetrators to justice. If you have any information related to these incidents or others, I urge you to come forward and assist the police in their efforts. Every voice and every piece of information matters as we work together to protect our community.
As both the Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport, I am deeply committed to ensuring our youth have access to safe, supportive environments that steer them away from violence. Together, we must foster a culture of respect and resilience, creating a St. Maarten where every individual feels safe and valued.
Let us all come together in this time of mourning and take steps toward a peaceful and secure future for St. Maarten.
Hon. Lyndon C.J. Lewis
Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Education, Youth, and Sport
