PHILIPSBURG:--- A major controversy has emerged from within the Sint Maarten government, raising serious questions about the integrity of the Ministry of Justice. Evidence has surfaced that appears to show a civil servant working directly within the cabinet of the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, involved in the underground distribution and sale of potentially illegal and dangerous substances—specifically, peptides such as Retatrutide (GLP-3)
These substances are not approved by major health authorities, including the FDA and EMA, and are not authorized for human consumption, treatment, or clinical use. In fact, a straightforward search confirms that Retatrutide and similar peptides are only in the research phase and remain illegal to sell, administer, or distribute under pharmaceutical laws.
Screenshots from a private chat conversation detail a discussion about these peptides and further implicate the civil servant in direct sales. An individual identified as a cabinet staff member of the Minister of Justice admits to being "on peptides," claiming to have "every peptide," and most tellingly, stating, "I even end up selling them, because people kept asking me." Such an admission is not a matter of rumor but a clear acknowledgment of distributing substances outside the bounds of medical or legal oversight.
Alarmingly, the health risks are not theoretical. The conversation reveals acute awareness of the dangers when the individual warns, "BPC has caused several anaphylactic reactions," and advises that precautions be taken in such cases." This demonstrates willful disregard for the safety of others and knowledge of legal consequences. Worse still, recent cases in St. Maarten have already linked illegal peptide use to diagnoses of pancreatitis—further proof of the immediate real-world harm caused by such underground trafficking.
The implications for the nation's healthcare system are dire. Every adverse reaction attributed to unregulated and illegal substances like these not only puts lives at risk but also places a heavy, unnecessary financial burden on the already strained healthcare infrastructure. Emergency interventions for anaphylaxis and the treatment of pancreatitis are costly and resource-intensive, diverting personnel and funds away from other critical care needs. The unchecked distribution of hazardous research chemicals threatens public health, erodes trust in our medical systems, and taints the reputation of Sint Maarten as a nation of law and order.
While Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has dismissed the matter as "rumors and conjecture," the evidence presented is definitive. This is not idle speculation but a documented breach of law and ethics at the very heart of our justice system. The public has every right to demand accountability and answers, not evasions or minimization.
In light of these developments, there is an urgent need for open discussion and transparent action. We call on the Prime Minister—not only as the nation’s leader but as a medical doctor—to publicly address the very real health risks and financial implications this poses to Sint Maarten. The people deserve a full accounting of how such egregious behavior was able to occur within the government and what steps will be taken to prevent it from ever happening again.
Anything less than a thorough, independent investigation and immediate corrective measures is unacceptable. The time for dismissing these issues has passed. The citizens of Sint Maarten demand accountability, transparency, and a renewed commitment to justice and public safety.