Category: TVCARiB NEWS BRIEF

PHILIPSBURG: — Intruders broke into the Onyx Drive home of the late Robert Luckock and stole electronics and other valuables. Luckock passed away last month, leaving the residence unoccupied at the time of the break-in. The perpetrators reportedly removed electronic equipment and other belongings.

This burglary has compounded the distress for Luckock’s family as they mourn his passing. They are now forced to deal with the violation of his home and theft of personal property during their time of grief.

The incident raises concerns about criminals targeting vacant homes following the death or absence of occupants. The full value of the stolen items is unknown, and it remains unclear how the intruders accessed the residence or if surveillance footage exists.

Anyone with information about suspicious activity around Onyx Drive or the stolen items should contact the Police Force of Sint Maarten, who are actively investigating.

PHILIPSBURG:— The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), in cooperation with the Customs Department, Koninklijke Marechaussee (KMAR), and the Immigration Department, conducted a coordinated enforcement action at a hotel in Cay Hill.

This operation is part of ongoing efforts to enhance Sint Maarten’s enforcement and border-security, addressing issues like illegal residence, human smuggling, and organized crime.

During the operation, Immigration officers arrested 18 individuals for illegal residency. Additionally, a male suspect wanted for armed robberies of jewelry stores was apprehended and taken to the Philipsburg Police Station for questioning.

Another male suspect and two females were arrested for firearm possession and are linked to other criminal activities. They are also in custody pending further investigation.

Authorities recognize the significance of Sint Maarten’s tier status in combatting human trafficking and are committed to improving compliance with international standards through coordinated action across law enforcement and immigration agencies.

Such operations illustrate the dedication of Sint Maarten’s agencies to disrupt criminal networks, prevent human trafficking, and protect potential victims. All arrested individuals remain in custody as investigations continue.

The authorities will continue these coordinated enforcement operations in the upcoming days and weeks, reinforcing their commitment to enhance Sint Maarten’s response to trafficking and related crimes.

PHILIPSBURG:— Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW), Member of Parliament (MP) and Vice Chair of Parliament’s Justice Committee, Lyndon Lewis, has expressed serious concern over reports of robberies occurring over the weekend, targeting both tourists and residents for their jewelry.

According to MP Lewis, complaints were received about individuals on scooters snatching jewelry around the Simpson Bay area. He underscored the need for immediate attention from the Government, Ministry of Justice, law enforcement, and the Prosecutor’s Office to prevent further escalation.

“Sint Maarten has long been known as the Friendly Island. We cannot allow criminal activity to create fear among our residents or visitors,” MP Lewis stated, adding that those involved in these crimes should anticipate consequences.

As Vice Chair of the Justice Committee, he called on the Government, particularly the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, to prioritize this issue and create a coordinated plan of action.

MP Lewis emphasized the need for adequate investment in the justice system and cautioned against reducing funding necessary for the Ministry of Justice to fulfill its responsibilities. He acknowledged the ongoing efforts of law enforcement personnel despite challenges related to staffing and resources.

He concluded by stressing that public safety must be a national priority, requiring immediate enforcement measures and a sustainable strategy to equip law enforcement adequately. “Our residents deserve to feel safe, and our visitors must enjoy Sint Maarten without fear of crime,” MP Lewis stated.

~Annual Report celebrates overseas delegations but provides no breakdown of airfare, hotels or Per Diem~

PHILIPSBURG:—  Parliament of Sint Maarten spent an estimated Cg. 870,143 on travel for Members of Parliament during budget year 2025, despite a documented decline in meetings, committee activity, motions, and legislation passed.

Parliament’s expenditure for 2025 totaled Cg. 13,304,941, with travel expenses making up 6.54% of that budget, translating to approximately Cg. 870,143. However, the Annual Report does not provide details on airfare, hotels, daily allowances, or individual travel costs.

The lack of detail is concerning for a body responsible for scrutinizing government spending and demanding transparency. While travel costs are estimated, taxpayers receive no breakdown of expenses incurred by MPs.

Parliament’s performance indicators for the 2025–2026 Parliamentary Year show a decline in activity: 93 meetings, down from 124 the previous year; a 35.4% drop in committee meetings; and a nearly 79% decrease in motions submitted (from 28 to only 6), with the number of motions passed falling from 21 to 3.

Out of seven draft national ordinances submitted, only one was passed—a significant drop from the previous year. A notable delegation participated in a Parlatino assembly in Panama, but costs were not disclosed.

Despite an increase in written questions from 77 to 114—recognized as an ongoing improvement—this does not compensate for declining legislative activity. Parliament must demonstrate accountability in travel expenses and show how each trip benefits the public.

To enhance transparency, Parliament should provide comprehensive details about each trip, including the names of travelers, costs, and outcomes. With the current discrepancies between travel spending and legislative performance, taxpayers are entitled to a clearer understanding of their representatives’ expenditures.

In summary, the report shows an estimated Cg. 870,143 spent on MPs’ travel, a 25% decline in meetings, a significant drop in motions, and only one ordinance passed, indicating a need for improved accountability and transparency from Parliament regarding travel expenditures.

PHILIPSBURG:—  Parliament of Sint Maarten recorded seven draft national ordinances submitted during the 2025–2026 Parliamentary Year, but only one ordinance was passed, representing a significant decline in completed legislation compared to previous years.

In 2024–2025, five draft ordinances were submitted and passed; in 2023–2024, ten were submitted, with four passed. For 2025–2026, seven were submitted, but only one passed, showing an 80% decrease in legislative output.

Parliamentary year	Submitted	Passed
2023–2024	10	4
2024–2025	5	5
2025–2026	7	1

The only ordinance passed was the National Ordinance for a basic payment account, which originated earlier and was accepted on January 9, 2026. None of the seven new draft ordinances submitted in 2025–2026 were passed during the same period.

The newly submitted draft ordinances addressed various legislative matters, including obsolete tax ordinances, payment service provider supervision, and the national budget for 2026—all of which are significant for financial regulation and consumer protection.

Parliament’s legislative role is critical, and while there may be delays due to the complexity of the laws, the report highlights concerns over the slow legislative process. The report raises questions regarding pending ordinances, their duration in Parliament, and hurdles preventing more legislation from passing final votes.

As Sint Maarten faces calls to modernize various laws, the efficiency of Parliamentary processes remains a significant public concern.

The Chairlady of Parliament revealed that GEBE overcharges customers, as documented in a report she cannot disclose. Notably, two of her coalition members are former GEBE officials who have not been questioned about their knowledge of the fuel clause calculations.

Many have long suspected erroneous bills due to these fuel clause charges, leading to frequent media complaints and the formation of an activist organization focused on GEBE’s alleged unfair billing practices.

Despite ongoing complaints, consumers often overlook their billing specifics, focusing only on fuel clause rates. Hard evidence of overcharging was noted last July when GEBE announced a new fuel clause rate of 49 cents effective from July 10, which was retroactively applied to previous billing periods. Consumers are advised to review their June to July bills for discrepancies.

Madam Chair Lady, it would be beneficial to share your findings from the report, as your position lends considerable weight to these concerns.

F. Lake

PHILIPSBURG: Dutch Defense forces in the Caribbean will spend the next two weeks testing their ability to respond to a major hurricane during the annual emergency exercise “Calm Horizon,” with operations taking place on Sint Maarten and Saba.

The Commander of the Navy in the Caribbean announced on September 12, 2026, that military personnel will train alongside local security and emergency partners to prepare for possible hurricane-related disasters. The exercise aims to strengthen coordination between Defense and organizations that would work together if a powerful hurricane strikes either island.

Military units and assets deployed during Calm Horizon include the naval vessel HNLMS Pelikaan, FRISC fast boats, and military personnel from Curaçao (CURMIL) and Aruba (ARUMIL). They will operate on Sint Maarten and Saba, focusing on emergency assistance scenarios post-hurricane.

A major component of the exercise is cooperation between military personnel and local partners, including government services and relief organizations. The goal is to coordinate procedures before a real emergency occurs and to ensure quick response capabilities if a hurricane strikes.

Supporting communities affected by natural disasters is a principal responsibility of Defense in the Caribbean. The Calm Horizon exercise is essential for maintaining operational readiness and testing the collaboration of military, local authorities, emergency organizations, and other partners under crisis conditions.

With Sint Maarten and Saba in the Atlantic hurricane belt, this exercise serves as a practical test during the active 2026 hurricane season, evaluating how quickly resources could be mobilized in the event of a serious tropical cyclone.

MARIGOT: Six candidates have officially entered the race to represent Saint-Martin in the French Senate for the election on September 27, 2026. The election will be decided by a college of “grand electors,” including parliamentarians and territorial councilors, rather than a direct public vote.

The nomination period opened on September 7 and closed on September 11. The registered candidates for Saint-Martin are:

• Annick Pétrus (substitute: Alexandre Choisy)
• Daniel Gibbs (substitute: Marie-Dominique Ramphort)
• Bernadette Venthou-Dumaine (substitute: Fabien Galvani)
• Valérie Damaseau (substitute: Michel Petit)
• Raphaël Sanchez (substitute: Martine Beldor)
• Tristan Choppin Haudry de Janvry (substitute: Emmanuelle Grimaldi)

The successful candidate will represent Saint-Martin’s interests before France’s national institutions. Additionally, three candidates are registered for Saint-Barthélemy:

• Benoît Chauvin (substitute: Peggi Tello)
• Micheline Jacques (substitute: Jérémy Laplace)
• Maxime Desouches (substitute: Audrey Desouches-Kleinhans)

With nominations closed, attention shifts to the upcoming vote and the choices of Saint-Martin’s influential electoral college.

Curaçao’s first inductee.

WILLEMSTAD–Curaçao baseball icon Andruw Jones has officially entered the National Baseball Hall of Fame, securing his place among the greatest figures in the sport’s history.

During a ceremony in Cooperstown, New York, Jones received his Hall of Fame plaque in front of over 12,000 fans, including many supporters from his home island.

In an emotional speech, he honoured his late father Henry and former Atlanta Braves manager Bobby Cox, who were pivotal in his career.

Jones is considered one of the greatest centre fielders, winning 10 consecutive Gold Glove Awards and finishing his MLB career with 434 home runs. He is only the 10th centre fielder in MLB history elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

Reflecting on his journey, Jones emphasized the significance of his achievement, stating, “There is no easy road from a small island like Curaçao to Cooperstown. But from today on, they are connected forever.”

His induction is a historic milestone for both Jones and Curaçao, contributing to the island’s remarkable legacy in international baseball.