PHILIPSBURG:--- On March 10, 2026, at the Cole Bay Police Station, on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Minister of Interior and Overseas Territories, on behalf of the French Republic,

Maritime agreement/treaty/cooperation was signed.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercilina and the French Minister of Overseas Territories, Ms. Naïma Moutchou, signed the treaty regarding “Hot Pursuit during Maritime Counter Drug Operations in the Vicinity of Saint Martin and Sint Maarten.”  

Present were the Governor of St. Maarten, Ajamu Baly, Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, the French side Prefect (Préfet), Cyrille Le Vély, and President of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin, Louis Mussington, among other dignitaries and invited guests.

Following remarks by French Minister of Overseas Territories Naïma Moutchou, Prime Minister Luc Dr. Mercelina addressed the gathering and reaffirmed the significance of the moment.

“Today we formalize an important agreement between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Republic of France regarding the mutual right of pursuit during maritime counter-drug operations in the waters surrounding Saint Martin and Sint Maarten,” the Prime Minister stated. “This moment is more than a signing ceremony, it is a clear and powerful statement of cooperation, trust, and shared responsibility.”

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina highlighted the unique nature of the island and the need for close collaboration between both sides.

“Our island is unique in the world, two nations, two systems, two administrations, yet one people living side by side on a single island. That reality brings opportunities, but it also brings responsibilities. When it comes to protecting our borders, safeguarding our communities, and combating transborder crime, cooperation is not optional, it is essential.”

The Prime Minister explained that the agreement strengthens the legal framework that allows authorities to act decisively at sea.

“This treaty equips the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and the French Maritime Authority with the necessary legal instruments to pursue vessels engaged in illegal activities across maritime boundaries when circumstances demand it,” he said.

“In practical terms, criminals who attempt to exploit jurisdictional boundaries will no longer find refuge in the waters between our two territories. Our law enforcement partners will now have enhanced capacity to prevent, investigate, and prosecute violations of national laws, particularly those related to maritime drug trafficking.”

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina also noted that drug trafficking has far-reaching consequences for communities.

“Drug trafficking is not simply a maritime issue. It threatens our youth, destabilizes our communities, and undermines the safety and prosperity that our people deserve. By strengthening our maritime cooperation, we strengthen the security of our island.”

He further emphasized that the treaty closes operational gaps that criminals have previously attempted to exploit.

“In essence, today we are closing procedural gaps that criminals once tried to exploit,” he stated.

Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling opened the ceremony by welcoming the dignitaries and guests, and reflecting on the long history of cooperation between the French and Dutch sides of the island. She noted that since the signing of the Treaty of Concordia in 1648, two nations have shared one landmass where communities, economies, and cultures have grown together across what is often an invisible border.

The Minister explained that the treaty extends that same spirit of cooperation to the maritime domain, where criminal networks have at times taken advantage of jurisdictional boundaries. She noted that this treaty closes a gap criminals have too often relied upon.

She also recognized the many professionals and institutions who worked behind the scenes to bring this agreement to fruition and expressed her appreciation to the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard and French maritime authorities, whose daily cooperation at sea gives real meaning to agreements such as this one."

The French Maritime Authority, Capitaine de fregate Frederic Ollive gave a short speech then handed over to his counterpart to expound on the current situation of the Dutch Coast Guard of St. Maarten, Kapitein Ing. Randy Paskel.

The French Minister of Overseas Territories, Ms. Naïma Moutchou spoke afterwards, then the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, the Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina, expressed his pride in this day whereby both sides formalized an agreement in a clear and powerful statement of cooperation, trust, and shared responsibility.

The prime minister said that though two nations, two administrations, this reality brings opportunity and as well as responsibility to protect our borders and stop transborder crime.

This allows legal framework, the prime minister said, provide both the Dutch and French side maritime authorities with legal instruments to pursue criminal activities across maritime borders.

Combating criminal activity is not just a drug issue but it also affects our community. So this agreement strengthens our community.

After his speech, there was the signing of agreement documents between the Prime Minister Dr.  and French Minister of Overseas Territories, Ms. Naïma Moutchou.

A toast was then occasioned to animate the signing.

The treaty establishes legal cooperation between the two authorities in  maritime. Signatories have permission to enter/go after each other’s territorial sea during their patrols to conduct surveillance operations, exchange of operational information related to drug and other forms of trafficking in their jurisdictions.

The region, SXM strategic location,  remains a point of transit of narcotics and weapons moving from South America toward North America and Europe requiring constant surveillance and high-speed interception capabilities. There are continued maritime counter-drug/illegal activities operations taking place with high-speed chases of Go-fast vessels. The aim is to stop smuggling, particularly of cocaine and marijuana and guns/weapons.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Prosecutors have been granted authorization this week to proceed with the prosecution of Member of Parliament Raeyhon Peterson of the Party for Progress (PFP) following an alleged physical altercation outside an adult entertainment venue that drew significant public attention.
The decision comes after the Common Court of Justice approved the Attorney-General's request, allowing prosecutors to proceed with the case under the procedures required for sitting Members of Parliament.
The incident reportedly occurred outside a nightclub in the Simpson Bay area, where a dispute inside the establishment escalated into a confrontation outside the venue. Video footage of the altercation circulated widely on social media at the time, prompting public debate and calls for clarification regarding the events.
Authorities had previously launched an investigation into what was described as a public disturbance involving Peterson and other individuals. Because Peterson is a sitting Member of Parliament, prosecution could not proceed through the normal legal process.
Under Article 123 of the Constitution of St. Maarten, prosecutors must first obtain authorization from the Common Court of Justice before pursuing criminal prosecution against a parliamentarian for a serious criminal offense, referred to as a misdrijf.
With the court’s approval now granted, prosecutors are permitted to take formal legal steps in the case. These may include issuing a summons for the MP to appear in court, requesting pre-trial measures, or initiating a formal judicial investigation.
The case has generated considerable public interest due to Peterson’s position as an elected official. Despite the court’s decision allowing prosecution to proceed, no determination of guilt has been made, and the matter will now move forward through the judicial process.

Further developments are expected as the case progresses through the courts.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on March 11, 2026.

The Public meeting is scheduled for Wednesday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) will be in attendance.

The agenda points are:
1. The U.S.-China and related countries trade war and its broader economic implications
2. The role of large-scale events, such as Soul Beach Music Festival, in boosting tourism and business growth
3. The prolonged delay in the construction of the vendor marketplace, initially set to begin in August 2024, and its impact on small businesses (IS/ 768/2024-2025 dated March 26, 2025)
This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP D.T.J. York, and MP A.M.R. Irion.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the courthouse in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org; www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the high-stakes "Lissabon" case, what the public has been presented with is not the story of clear-cut corruption, but rather a prosecution built on shaky ground. Demands for prison sentences and a sweeping ban from public office for former MP Rolando Brison, alongside accusations against Johan Alex Dijkhoffz, Robby Dos Santos, and Sunil Gehani, have dominated headlines. Yet, a deeper look at the defense’s arguments exposes a prosecution that is alarmingly thin on evidence and heavy on speculation. The case relies on misreading political communications, misunderstanding financial realities, especially those involving modern crypto assets, and favoring inference over documented fact. These flaws are not just procedural missteps; they undermine the very foundation of justice by risking conviction without solid proof.

On the stand, Rolando Brison passionately addressed the court, stressing that the prosecution’s allegations not only target him personally but pose a fundamental threat to St. Maarten’s democracy and the unique culture of accessible, people-centered politics that define the island. “Your honor, I asked you for a little time, a few minutes, because there is something I think only I in this building can explain, that no lawyer can probably explain: What it is like to be an MP,” he began. Unlike in larger jurisdictions with multiple layers of government, Brison explained that in St. Maarten, all citizens rely on a small group of 15 MPs as their sole elected representatives. “Every citizen, businessperson, and organization is coming directly to you with their problems or concerns all the time… I made myself even more accessible than most: I hosted a radio program every Friday throughout my career, where the public could call in and raise concerns and get my direct phone number.

Brison made it clear that there was no privileged access for the accused co-defendants—everyone on the island had his ear, and no one, including Alex, Robbie, or Sunny, received any special treatment. He challenged the narrative that he pressured ministers or civil servants, noting that no evidence or testimony existed of such conduct. “That’s not my style,” he told the court.

Turning to his legislative work, Brison highlighted his pioneering initiative starting with the 2018 proposal to sell UTS shares to fund the police, and later, the vital push for crypto regulation and the Consumer Banking Protection Act. He argued that the very type of legislation he championed—transparent regulations for crypto trading and clear taxation—would have made criminal investigations easier and more reliable for both the prosecution and the defense. He expressed frustration that such regulatory progress had not yet been achieved, resulting in continued speculation and missed opportunities for proper oversight and tax collection.

Defending his financial conduct, Brison confirmed that all his crypto transactions took place via his phone, which was available to investigators for blockchain verification—something he asserted would have shown legitimate, verifiable trades with Robbie and Sunny. He reiterated his pride in serving St. Maarten, lamented his career being interrupted by his arrest, and closed with a firm expression of faith in the justice system: “…I have my trust in the justice system to ensure that not just their story, but my truth is seriously considered.”

At the heart of this trial, Brison’s testimony brings home a crucial reminder: due process and fairness are not optional—they are essential. When the justice system allows assumption to stand in for evidence, it threatens the rights of every citizen, taints democratic governance, and sets a dangerous precedent for the rule of law in St. Maarten. The decision will be rendered on April 29th, 2026.

A Defense Built on Facts, Not Inference

The prosecution’s case against Rolando Brison is constructed from several key accusations that, under scrutiny, begin to crumble. The defense methodically dismantles these claims, replacing inference with documented facts.

• Financial Misunderstandings: A central pillar of the prosecution's argument is Brison's financial activity, or perceived lack thereof. The claim of unexplained wealth falls apart when one understands the realities of cryptocurrency in St. Maarten. With local banks like Republic Bank restricting crypto trading, over-the-counter (OTC) transactions are a necessity, not a sign of illicit activity. The prosecution’s failure to conduct a proper forensic analysis of Brison’s crypto wallets, despite having access to them, points to an incomplete investigation. Furthermore, claims about his housing were definitively refuted with rental agreements proving he was a legitimate tenant, not the recipient of a favor.

• Criminalizing Politics: The prosecution has presented text messages with political advisor Johan Alex Dijkhoffz as proof of a "quid pro quo" arrangement. However, the defense argues this is a dangerous misreading of political communication. The messages show the intense, often aggressive rhetoric common in crisis governance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They reveal discussions on coalition management and policy, not bribes for official acts. In fact, the evidence shows Brison resisted pressure from his advisor, demonstrating independence rather than corrupt compliance. There is no explicit statement agreeing to exchange an official act for payment.

Unpacking the Allegations Against Co-Suspects

The cases against the co-suspects reveal similar reliance on assumption over proof.

• The "Sunny" Gehani Theory: The argument that public comments on Bitcoin Cash (BCH) were a scheme to benefit Sunny Gehani ignores market realities. Global cryptocurrency markets are far too vast to be influenced by a local official's statements. Brison’s advocacy was for regulation and tax compliance, which contradicts the idea of a simple pump-and-dump scheme. The defense clarifies that funds provided by Gehani were for legitimate logistics and travel for the SXM Festival, a detail even the prosecution's own documents acknowledge Gehani stated.

• The "Robby" Dos Santos Connection: The prosecution alleges that Brison’s work on the Consumer Banking Protection Act was a favor for Robby Dos Santos. This narrative is contradicted by public records showing Brison championed this legislation in the public interest long before any alleged deal. The law addresses a critical need for St. Maarten's unbanked population. Similarly, an accusation involving a hotel stay was shown to be a request for a standard discount, with Brison paying his own way. The defense maintains that what the prosecution sees as bribery was, in fact, routine OTC crypto trading, evidenced by a pattern of transactions with standard fees.

What's at Stake for St. Maarten?

The "Lissabon" case is more than a trial of four individuals; it is a test of our justice system. While combating corruption is essential for maintaining public trust, that trust is equally damaged when investigations rely on weak inferences and fail to conduct thorough due diligence, especially concerning complex topics like digital finance.

For justice to be served, the prosecution must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt with concrete evidence, not with interpretations of tone or by criminalizing the normal, albeit sometimes messy, functions of political life. As the court hearing ends at this stage, the public and the judiciary must demand a standard of proof that upholds the principles of fairness and due process for all. The integrity of our government and our justice system depends on it.

This case serves as a crucial reminder of the delicate balance between accountability and overreach within the judicial system. While holding individuals in positions of power to a higher standard is essential, it is equally important to ensure that investigations and prosecutions are conducted without bias or undue influence. Any deviation from these principles risks undermining public confidence in the justice system and the broader democratic framework. Transparency and adherence to due process are not just legal necessities but fundamental pillars of a society that values fairness and equality under the law.

Crucially, the very foundation of the prosecution's argument against Brison and Dos Santos collapses when one considers Article 3 of the Consumer Banking Protection Act. This provision explicitly states that individuals with a criminal conviction for money laundering are categorically excluded from obtaining a basic bank account under the law. Given Robby Dos Santos's prior conviction, he was never eligible to benefit from the legislation in question. This glaring legal barrier, enshrined in the law itself, renders the narrative of a tailored legislative favor wholly implausible and demonstrates just how fundamentally the prosecution's case has been undermined by the facts.