PHILIPSBURG:--- Let me start with something simple. The questions MP Lewis has been talking about in the press have not yet reached my office. They will be answered in full once they come through the proper channel in Parliament. But because the narrative being advanced in public right now is wrong, a few things need to be said straight away.
For the sake of clarity, one important point should be corrected at the outset. The Chief of Police has not been “appointed” to a separate post of Secretary-General. What is at issue is a temporary stand-in arrangement to ensure continuity of the Ministry when the Secretary-General is absent or unavailable. Such arrangements are governed by Article 25 of the Civil Servants Ordinance and exist precisely to prevent administrative stagnation. “Acting Secretary-General” is not a job. It is not a position that gets posted, advertised, or filled through a recruitment process. It is simply the rule for who steps in on days when the Secretary-General is away, sick, traveling for work, or otherwise unavailable. Every ministry needs someone who can sign papers and keep the work of government moving. That is all this is.
Now to the heart of the “conflict of interest” claim, because it rests on a basic misunderstanding of how the justice chain actually works.
A conflict of interest arises when someone ends up in a position to supervise themselves, or to check their own work, or to make decisions about their own pay, promotion, or discipline. That is not the situation here, and it never has been. The Chief of Police does not report to the Secretary-General. He never has. Under the law, the Chief of Police answers to the Minister for operational policing matters, and the Secretary-General runs the civil service side of the ministry. They are two separate tracks that both lead to the Minister, not one track where one person sits above the other. And on both of those tracks, the Minister holds political responsibility and the final decision. A stand-in does not set policy. A stand-in does not take decisions that are reserved to the Minister by law. Nothing of substance moves in this ministry without my knowledge and my authorization. That is how the system is designed, and that is how it is being run.
As a lawyer and as the sitting Minister of Justice, I take that responsibility seriously. The decision to designate the Chief of Police as a stand-in was mine, made with full awareness of the applicable legal framework. Mr. John has my confidence. He has served as Chief of Police since 2015, has performed well in that role, and has played a constructive part in bringing cohesion to the Ministry.
And this is where the concern deepens, not about the arrangement, but about the person raising the alarm. MP Lewis is a former Minister of Justice and a former police officer. The Kingdom Act on the Police and the broader framework governing how the Chief of Police, the Minister, and the civil apparatus of the ministry relate to each other are not unfamiliar territory to him. It is territory he has worked in for years, from both sides. A misunderstanding of this basic structure, from someone with his background, is difficult to explain as an honest mistake. The public is entitled to ask whether the confusion is real or whether the framework is being misrepresented on purpose to manufacture a controversy. Neither possibility reflects well on the seriousness of the concerns he claims to be raising.
That brings us to the history, and this is where the facts matter most.
This arrangement is not new, and it is not unusual. For years, under several different governments, the role of acting Secretary-General has been filled by whichever service head within the ministry made sense at the time. Under Minister Kirindongo, the Chief of Police filled it. Under Minister Anna Richardson, the role rotated among multiple service heads over the course of her tenure. For a long stretch spanning multiple administrations, including during MP Lewis’s own tenure as Minister of Justice, the Head of the Financial Intelligence Unit filled it. None of this was treated as a conflict of interest at the time. No fifty-question letters were sent to Parliament. No press releases were written about good governance and institutional integrity. The work of the ministry simply continued, because that is what the stand-in arrangement exists to make possible.
So the question answers itself. If the same arrangement was acceptable under Minister Kirindongo, across Minister Richardson’s full tenure, and during MP Lewis’s own time as Minister of Justice, it cannot suddenly become a scandal now. The arrangement has not changed. The person writing the press release has.
I welcome scrutiny. Every minister should. But scrutiny only means something when the same rules are applied to everyone. Raising an alarm about something that was perfectly fine when you were the one doing it is not scrutiny. It is politics.
Public debate is important, but it should remain grounded in the applicable legal framework and in the facts.
The people working in our justice sector deserve better than that, and so does the public. When MP Lewis’s questions reach my desk through Parliament, they will be answered, fully and on the record.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Bureau Telecommunications and Post Sint Maarten (BTP) proudly announces its participation in the 25th Congress of the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain and Portugal (UPAEP), held in Cascais, Portugal, from April 13–17, 2026.

Representing Sint Maarten, Director Ms. Judianne Hoeve actively participated in the congress deliberations and contributed to key discussions shaping the future of the postal sector. During the congress, Ms. Hoeve signed several important resolutions on behalf of Sint Maarten, reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional and international cooperation in postal development and regulation.

Also representing Sint Maarten were Director of Postal Services Sint Maarten (PSS), Ms. Antonia Wilson and Senior Postal Consultant, Mr. Franklin Sluis, underscoring a strong delegation focused on advancing the postal sector.

The 25th UPAEP congress brought together member countries to strengthen cooperation, modernize postal services, and establish strategic priorities for the next four years. Key topics included the review of UPAEP legislation, regulatory frameworks, and enhanced technical cooperation, with a strong focus on logistics, e-commerce, and sustainable development.

Participation in this congress is of significant importance to Sint Maarten, as it ensures the country remains aligned with international standards and best practices in postal services, while also providing opportunities to strengthen regional partnerships and improve service delivery locally.

Director Judianne Hoeve stated:

“Our active participation in the UPAEP congress ensures that Sint Maarten has a voice in shaping the future of postal services in our region. Strengthening cooperation and modernizing our systems are critical not only for Sint Maarten, but for the wider Caribbean, as we work towards more efficient, resilient, and inclusive postal networks that support trade, e-commerce, and connectivity.”

BTP remains committed to fostering innovation, collaboration, and regulatory excellence in both the telecommunications and postal sectors for the benefit of Sint Maarten and the wider region.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In an atmosphere filled with pride, resilience, and celebration, the Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation (Hearts United) hosted a memorable graduation ceremony on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the John Larmonie Center in Philipsburg. The event marked the successful completion of the 12-month “Second Chance” Community Hospitality and Recreational Intermediate Skills Training (C.H.R.I.S.T.) program by 12 determined adult participants—individuals who seized an opportunity to rewrite their stories.
The graduating class represents the third cohort to complete the program since its inception three years ago, a milestone that underscores the growing impact of an initiative designed to uplift and empower those often overlooked by society. Sponsored by the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), the C.H.R.I.S.T. program continues to stand as a powerful example of how targeted training, mentorship, and compassion can create real pathways to sustainable livelihoods.
From the outset, the ceremony struck a balance between elegance and warmth. Moderated by Ms. Carshena Gordon, Treasurer of the Board of Hearts United, the proceedings flowed seamlessly, guided by her unique blend of professionalism and lighthearted humor that resonated with attendees.
A highlight of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake. Her speech, described by many as deeply moving and profoundly inspiring, emphasized the importance of second chances and the transformative power of perseverance. She commended the graduates for their courage and determination, reminding them that their achievements extend far beyond certificates—they represent renewed purpose and hope.
Also in attendance was Ms. Melanie Choisy, representing the SMDF, whose presence reaffirmed the organization’s continued commitment to community development and social empowerment initiatives.
Throughout the ceremony, several graduates took to the stage to share heartfelt testimonies. Their words painted vivid pictures of personal struggles, growth, and ultimately triumph. Many spoke of how the program not only equipped them with professional skills but also restored their confidence and sense of self-worth.
The comprehensive nature of the C.H.R.I.S.T. program was evident in the graduates’ accomplishments. Participants successfully earned multiple certifications through the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEi), qualifying them as Customer Service Representatives, Restaurant Servers, and Front Desk Representatives. In addition, they completed Public Health and Sanitation training, developed critical Soft and Social Skills, and obtained WIEMS First Aid certification—passing all components with distinction.
Yet, the program’s true strength lies beyond technical training. Under the guidance of co-facilitator Ms. Maria Chemont, students engaged in intensive personal development sessions covering self-esteem, morals and values, self-worth, and professional self-representation. These sessions proved transformative, reshaping participants’ perspectives and equipping them with the mindset needed to succeed in both personal and professional spheres.
Further enriching the program, students completed a one-month practical internship at leading hospitality establishments, including The Morgan Resort and Simpson Bay Beach Resort. Representatives from both institutions attended the ceremony, offering words of encouragement and acknowledging the graduates’ dedication and performance during their training. Their endorsements signaled a promising bridge between training and employment opportunities within Sint Maarten’s vital tourism sector.
The ceremony also featured remarks from program mentor and facilitator Mr. Early Charlemagne, a seasoned hospitality professional and certified trainer through AHLEi. He reflected on the journey of the cohort, highlighting their resilience and commitment to excellence. Ms. Chemont echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the profound personal transformations she witnessed throughout the year.
In closing, the Executive Director of Hearts United Donna Morrison-Wilson delivered a powerful message reaffirming the foundation’s mission: to remain a beacon of hope and positive change within the community. The success of the C.H.R.I.S.T. program, she noted, is not merely measured in certificates awarded but in lives transformed and futures reimagined.
As the evening concluded with applause, celebration, and a shared sense of accomplishment, one message stood clear—second chances, when paired with opportunity and support, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
For the 12 graduates of the 2026 cohort, this ceremony was not an end, but a new beginning. And for Sint Maarten, it was a reminder that investing in people remains the most powerful catalyst for lasting change.
This program is funded by the Sint Maarten Development Fund and facilitated by Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation HUHCF). The 2026-2027 cohort of the program began in March 2026 and would conclude at the end of February and currently has 15 students enrolled in the program.
For more information about the programs offered by the Foundation, please see our Facebook page or contact us on the following numbers 1 721 523-0901 / 523-8460 / 523-2170 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten is once again voicing its concerns for environmental conservation and public access on the island, following recent news about developments around Mullet Bay, Beacon Hill, and Little Bay.

For nearly three decades, since our founding in 1997, the Nature Foundation has worked – often quietly and behind closed doors – to protect Sint Maarten’s coastlines, wetlands, and hillsides. We have submitted countless assessments, provided formal advice, and engaged directly with the government. Sint Maarten’s natural ecosystems are essential to wildlife, recreation, culture, economy, and wellbeing, but we continue to lose them at alarming rates. The past few weeks have seen a flurry of activity, causing renewed concerns about the future of our remaining coastlines.

Last week, the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) revealed that it is currently in court to keep Mullet Bay’s coastal area in public hands. Should the owner of the surrounding lands in Mullet Bay, Sunresorts Ltd. N.V., win the case, the rest of our beaches are at risk of the same. This means private owners may be able to deny access to residents through physical fencing or private security. While we remain critical of how our beach use has been managed under successive governments, and watchful of the potential impact on Mullet Pond - a nearby wetland of international importance – the privatization of public beach access is unacceptable.

Further cause for concern is the series of approved building permits for an address linked to The Morgan, published in the National Gazette last week. A March 3 Daily Herald article noted that future phases may include a breakwater and lagoon. This is the same site where, in 2020, a request for water rights was rejected after community members took to the streets in protest over concerns about a planned dolphinarium. We have not forgotten this, and we are watching closely. The Nature Foundation firmly opposes any coastal infrastructure of this scale without a full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) - an independent process that evaluates how a project will impact our environment and communities before construction is permitted to occur.

Finally, active heavy machinery has also been spotted at the shoreline next to Little Bay Pond in recent weeks. Earlier this year, a website advertising a development called "Lagune Bay," showing buildings surrounding the pond and beach, drew public attention. The Nature Foundation has submitted negative advice on proposed developments around this pond multiple times. Little Bay Pond is one of only four remaining ponds in a country that once had nineteen. It is an internationally recognized Important Bird Area (IBA) due to its brown pelican fishing grounds, Sint Maarten’s national bird. It is also a site of deep cultural and historical significance, as this pond sustained the lives of enslaved people on surrounding plantations for generations.

These three sites represent only a fraction of the harmful development that has caused so much frustration and hopelessness in Sint Maarten. We maintain that sustainable economic development and infrastructure can be pursued through a national spatial plan, high standards for construction approval, and meaningful community input. But our current pattern of development will not result in improved livelihoods – instead, it will deliver the destruction of habitats for our wildlife, loss of public access, increased strain on our electricity grid, more traffic on our oversaturated roads, and the erosion of our resilience in the face of hurricanes, energy crises, and economic shocks.

As a small non-profit organization, the Nature Foundation cannot change decisions made by courts or the Government of Sint Maarten. We can only provide advice on what sorts of decisions are in the interest of Sint Maarten’s communities, both people and wildlife. But much of our guidance has been disregarded in favor of more – more concrete, more permits, more money – rather than better – better living, better planning, better management. We urge residents and visitors alike to voice their feelings to elected officials, and for elected officials to overcome their partisan issues and work towards envisioning a better Sint Maarten. There is no time to lose.