~ Fourth Year of Audit Success Highlights Urgency of Reform ~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Social & Health Insurances SZV has received a clean audit opinion for its 2024 financial statements, continuing its strong track record in financial reporting. For the fourth consecutive year, the unqualified opinion was issued by the Stichting Overheidsaccountantsbureau (SOAB), the government audit bureau, and confirms that SZV’s financial reporting is accurate, complete, and compliant with applicable standards.

“This achievement reflects a sustained team effort,” said Elton Felisie, SZV’s Chief Financial Officer. “We’ve strengthened not only our reporting processes but also internal collaboration and cooperation with external partners.”

While SZV posted a positive financial result in 2024, the surplus was largely driven by non-structural factors. The underlying financial condition of the healthcare funds remains fragile, highlighting the ongoing need for systemic reform to ensure long-term sustainability.

Despite improvements in financial reporting quality, the audit again issued an adverse opinion on the financial compliance of the healthcare funds. Persistent issues remain unresolved, including:

• Medical referrals abroad that fall outside the legal scope of the ZV fund;
• Insurance coverage for elderly residents beyond the statutory pensionable age;
• Insufficient legal reserves in the ZV and OV funds, which remain below the required 50% of average expenses over the last five years.

“We are fully aware of the financial challenges facing the ZV, OV, and FZOG funds,” said Glen A. Carty, Director of SZV. “Legislative reform is essential, and we remain committed to working closely with government stakeholders to address these structural issues while continuing to serve the public.”

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, commented: “I’m proud of the SZV team for achieving a clean audit for the fourth year in a row. It reflects their commitment to accountability and transparency. The concerns highlighted in the audit are being taken seriously, and health financing reform remains a top priority for the Ministry, with SZV playing a key role in that effort.”

In 2024, SZV advanced several internal transformation initiatives focused on operational efficiency, stronger internal controls, and improved reporting. These efforts reinforce SZV’s dedication to sound financial management and public accountability.

The condensed 2024 financial statements will be published on SZV’s website, www.szv.sx, in the coming weeks.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Between 11:45 PM on July 14 and 4:30 AM on July 15^th, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) carried out extensive vehicle checks and preventive surveillance at key locations including Union Road, Airport Road, Welfare Road, and Cay Bay.

Officers inspected 45 vehicles and frisked 20 individuals under the Opium Ordinance. Three scooters were confiscated due to a lack of documentation. One rider attempted to flee but was caught and fined for multiple violations.

These operations are part of KPSM’s ongoing efforts to improve public safety and deter criminal activity.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is currently investigating a stabbing incident that occurred shortly after 3:00 PM this afternoon on the Aaron Jacobs Drive in Cape Bay.

Police were alerted to the incident, where a male victim, A.J.B., sustained two stab wounds. Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the victim was transported to the St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) in stable condition to receive further medical attention for his injuries.

The suspect, identified as W.D., was arrested and has been taken into police custody in connection with the stabbing.

The KPSM Detective Department has launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident. The suspect, W.D., will remain in custody pending further investigation.

KPSM Press Release.

WILLEMSTAD:---  A police officer from St. Maarten is currently on trial in Curaçao, facing allegations of sexually abusing his former foster daughter. The incidents reportedly occurred while the girl was still a minor. Now 18 years old, the young woman has come forward with her account, sparking a high-profile legal battle.

The defense, led by prominent attorney Mr. Eldon ‘Peppie’ Sulvaran, has cast doubt on the credibility of the alleged victim’s testimony. Sulvaran pointed to what he described as “numerous inconsistencies” in her statements, raising questions about the reliability of her account.

Request for Child Psychologist Denied

To address the alleged contradictions, Sulvaran formally requested the appointment of a child psychologist to evaluate the young woman’s testimony. However, the presiding judge denied the motion, stating that any uncertainties in her statements could be addressed during questioning by the examining magistrate. This decision has added another layer of complexity to an already sensitive case.

Trial to Continue in St. Maarten

The trial is set to resume on November 5 in St. Maarten, where further proceedings will take place. The case has drawn significant public attention, not only because of the serious nature of the charges but also due to the involvement of a law enforcement officer.

This trial underscores the critical importance of thorough legal and psychological scrutiny in cases involving minors and allegations of abuse, particularly when authority figures are implicated. As the proceedings continue, the court will face the challenging task of balancing the pursuit of justice with the need to protect the rights and well-being of all parties involved.