MP York Adopts Former School
Marie Genevieve De Weever Primary School to Tackle Budget Cuts.
Phillipsburg-- In response to significant budget cuts that have left schools struggling with resource shortages, Member of Parliament Darryl York has taken a deeply personal step to support education in his community. The MP has officially “adopted” his former primary school, Marie Genevieve De Weever Primary School, pledging financial aid, mentorship programs, and his own time to ensure students have the tools and opportunities to succeed.
This initiative underscores his commitment to fostering a culture of care and responsibility for the next generation. “I walked those halls, sat in those classrooms, and was shaped by the values I learned there. Now, it’s my turn to give back and ensure every child has the same opportunities I did and more” York shared. Through discussions with the school, Ms.
Shemaiah Fleming, the Interim Adjunct School Manager and Student Care Coordinator, proposed a boys’ mentorship program, which, combined with MP York’s vision, led to the development of a collaborative and pioneering initiative. Together, their shared vision is embodied in the P.I.L.L.A.R. Program (Promoting Inspiration, Leadership, Learning, and Resilience), a mentorship initiative designed to address the unique challenges faced by young students today.
1. Introductory kickoff sessions
The program will kick off with a series of training sessions conducted by the school’s experienced student care coordinator,, Ms. Shemaiah. Fleming, to prepare mentors for engaging with students in a meaningful and constructive manner. These sessions will emphasize trustbuilding, fostering confidence, and providing practical strategies to help young learners
navigate challenges in education but also to foster personal growth.
2. Mentorship Program
This initiative focuses on empowering young boys through tailored guidance designed to equip them with the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to thrive academically and personally.
As part of this initiative, a team of mentors (volunteers of our community) , including MP York, will provide oneon-one guidance to students, demonstrating the value of personal
engagement. Through self-care activities, sports, and both educational and recreational sessions, the mentors aim to inspire students by example, encouraging them to embrace their potential and individuality as they grow.
3. “Adopt a Classroom” Program
Building on the adoption model, MP York will work with local businesses and individuals to introduce the “Adopt a Classroom” program. This initiative invites sponsors to support individual
classrooms by providing resources, technology, or funding for specific projects tailored to each grade’s unique needs. By involving more stakeholders, this program ensures that students and teachers alike receive targeted assistance, fostering a stronger sense of community investment in education.
To support the school and its programs, MP York has committed a portion of his salary to fund these initiatives.
Continue Read page 5...
(From Left to Right: Ms. Shemaiah Fleming (Interim Adjunct School Manager and Student Care Coordinator), MP Darryl York and Mrs. Sandra Mathew-White (Interim School Manager)
By Terrance Rey
Column
Nederland en Frankrijk boos
Door Terrance Rey
Het internationale nieuws verrast me nog weleens. Niet dat ik normaal gesproken veel interesse toon in wat er in de wereld gebeurt, laat staan bij een of andere topconferentie. De Amerikaanse presidentsverkiezingen? Ik hoorde pas twee dagen later dat Trump gewonnen had. Tja, over oranje boven gesproken.
Toch voelde ik me enigszins betrapt toen ik afgelopen week las over COP29. Een klimaattop, nota bene. Dat zou me wel moeten interesseren, zeker omdat de gevolgen van klimaatverandering mijn eiland
Sint Maarten direct raken. De orkaan Irma van 2017 heeft dat pijnlijk duidelijk gemaakt. En terwijl we zeven jaar later nog steeds herstellen, blijft de dreiging van nieuwe rampen levensgroot.
Maar groot was mijn verbazing toen ik op Dossierkoninkrijksrelaties.nl las dat niemand minder dan de Azerbeidzjaanse president Ilham Aliyev tijdens COP29 de overzeese gebieden van Nederland en Frankrijk verdedigde. Hij noemde beide landen “neokolonisten” en stelde dat de bevolking op deze eilanden “bruut” wordt onderdrukt. Serieus? Is Aliyev onze nieuwe big brother? Misschien dat ze op Bonaire een vreugdedansje hebben gedaan.
De reacties vanuit Den Haag en Parijs lieten niet lang op zich wachten: verontwaardiging alom. Ministers cancelden meteen hun geplande reisjes naar Bakoe, want ja, cancel culture is ook een ding in de diplomatie.
Maar laten we het even serieus bekijken: wat betekent COP29 eigenlijk voor kleine eilandstaten zoals Sint Maarten? COP staat voor Conference of the Parties, een jaarlijkse VN-klimaattop waar landen bijeenkomen om internationale klimaatafspraken te maken. Voor een eiland dat in 2017 bijna werd verwoest door orkaan Irma en nog steeds herstellende is, zou zo’n conferentie enorm relevant moeten zijn. Zeker nu klimaatverandering zwaardere en frequentere orkanen voorspelt.
Donderdag 15 november werd onze Princess Juliana International Airport officieel heropend. Een opening die een prinses waardig was voor een splinternieuwe luchthaven, waarvan ik hoop dat deze nu bestand is tegen categorie 5-orkanen die onze regio blijven bedreigen. Maar onze economische en fysieke veerkracht tegen natuurrampen kan alleen groeien met structurele steun – steun van Nederland en Frankrijk, onze zogenaamde moederlanden, die nu vooral druk lijken met hun boosheid richting Aliyev.
Als die verontwaardiging zich nou eens zou vertalen in concrete actie – meer klimaatfinanciering, betere bescherming van onze kwetsbare eilanden, en meer hulp om te bouwen aan een duurzame toekomst – dan zou dat pas productief zijn. Want Sint Maarten en Saint-Martin, één eiland, verdeeld tussen twee landen, hebben die steun namelijk hard nodig. En als die steun uitblijft, wie weet kloppen we dan bij Azerbeidzjan aan.
Een benign dictator hier op Sint Maarten? Ach, ik weet het niet. Maar wat ik wel weet, is dat we geen luxe hebben om stil te staan. De volgende orkaan kan zomaar weer op de stoep staan, en terwijl de wereld topjes blijft organiseren, moeten wij bouwen aan onze toekomst. Laat COP29 vooral een herinnering zijn dat kleine eilandstaten geen bijzaak zijn, maar een cruciale frontlinie in de strijd tegen klimaatverandering.
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“Cabinet Mercelina II appointed and sworn-in”
HARBOUR
VIEW, PHILIPSBURG —
Today November 26, 2024, members of the incoming Council of Ministers Cabinet Mercelina II were appointed and sworn in by His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten, Mr. Ajamu G. Baly.
Governor Baly gave the following speech: Government
Prefet of Saint Barthelemy and Saint Martin; Chairlady of Parliament; Members of Parliament; Acting Vice-chairlady of the Council of Advice; Acting Chairlady of the Audit Chamber; Ombudsman; Prime Minister; Ministers; Minister Plenipotentiary; Secretary general of the Council of Minister: Acting Vice-President of the Joint Court of Justice; Chief Public Prosecutor; Acting Chairlady of the Central Voting Bureau; Chairman of the Electoral Council; Commander of the Marines detachment on Sint. Maarten; Distinguished guests ladies and gentlemen; Good morning, Postulation day for the parliamentary elections of January 11th 2024, was November 22nd
2023. After the elections the government was sworn in on May 3rd, 2024. That government lost the majority support of Parliament on May 20th, 2024. As a result, snap elections were called and consequently held on August 19th, 2024. We today have just witnessed the oathtaking of the Council of Ministers who has the support of the majority of the members of Parliament that were sworn in as a result of the August 19th parliamentary elections on September 20th 2024.
As you can see and I am sure also agree, based on the sequence of events of the last year or so, St. Maarten is in need of care at this moment. The period aforementioned, so just over a year has been one of transitioning into an election period, elections, transitioning into the formation period, the formation, transitioning into elections for a second time, elections, transitioning into the formation period and now today the completion of yet another formation of government within one year. All of this undeniably taking government’s attention away from fully focusing
take decisions without considering if and how it may affect another ministry.
• ‘Indirectly Democratically chosen by the people of St. Maarten’ you all have just taken the oath here today as Prime Minister, Minister, Minister of Plenipotentiary of your country because a majority in Parliament has of their free will and mandate put their trust in you.
on governing.
And that at a crucial time of recovering, along with the rest of the world, from the economic impact of a pandemic the likes of which the world hadn’t seen in over 100 years. And that on top of recovering from a catastrophic hurricane with the intensity and negative economic impact the likes of which St. Maarten had never seen before.
Our country needs care at this moment.
You, Prime Minister, Ministers, Minister of Plenipotentiary, are the group that has been indirectly democratically chosen by the people of St. Maarten to give our country the care that it needs at this moment. I will repeat that sentence and then I will proceed to dissect it as well.
Prime Minister, Ministers, Minister of Plenipotentiary, you are the group that has been indirectly democratically chosen by the people of St. Maarten to give our country the care that it needs at this moment.
• ‘You are the Group’, not individuals so work as such do not operate as nor in silos, so do not
• A mandate that has been bestowed upon that majority in Parliament and Parliament in general, by all of the voters and all of the non voters of this country. Yes, non voters as well, because some think there are only consequences when you choose, vote, make a choice but alas, being complacent has its consequences as well. But I digress.
Back to dissecting and the main part.
The needed care:
• Our finances are structurally running low and the pressure on our utilities is high;
• There is an imbalance in the judicial chain and this is in part why justice, law and order are under threat and in need of urgent attention;
• Our environment is a vital part of our very existence and is suffering from years of neglect and abuse;
• Our infrastructure has been in critical condition for some time now;
• Our tourism product is under threat from internal and external forces namely indecision and competition respectively;
• The high cost of living has our people’s quality of life steadily dwindling;
• And our future may be lost if we do not tackle the educational, social and economic ailments plaguing our youth.
Although politics always plays a hand in all that is going on, and although you all are politicians, you are a person first. We in this country are a people of persons who care about our loved ones, our friends and family, our neighbours, each other. If you doubt what I am saying, just take a look at our history of Jollification. So at this crucial moment in time, this moment of administering the needed aid. We need to see, hear and care for each other’s needs our country’s needs. Making the right decisions for all the people of this country and not being complacent about anything. Semper pro grediens, always progressing. Prime Minister as you may have noticed, but if it has not been evident let me clearly say, I am aiming to speak your language. To your colleague ministers as well. The patient is in your care. We are counting on all of you in line with your oath, our democratic principles such as, but not limited to, good governance and the rule of law, to together as a team give the care needed via sound, cohesive, holistic and effective policy and in doing so keeping the patient in a stable condition for 4 long years. Godspeed to all of you on this journey. Congratulations to the people of St. Maarten and congratulations to each and every one of you. May all of you be granted much wisdom and discernment in your task ahead. God bless you and your families and God bless our sweet St. Maarten land. I thank you. Please join me as we raise our glasses in unison, serving as a sign of our common support of our newly installed council of ministers. Cheers!
Dear Editor,
Another sale of Mullet Bay illegal
I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of serious concern regarding what will be another illegal sale of Mullet Bay and hence bring the attention to the questionable sales of Cupy Coy in 1956 and Mullet Bay in 1957. I do believe everything happens for a reason and every bad deed brings more bad Karma to Sint Maarten and its people and it needs to stop.
It has come to my attention in my research, that both Cupy Coy or Cul Ricard now known as Cupecoy in 1956 and Mullet Pond Lands now known as Mullet Bay in 1957 may have both been transferred without rightful ownership or due process, undermining the interests of all heirs involved. Evidence suggests procedural violations were committed during the sales process, including using fake power of attorneys that didn’t exist in there originating places, to appointing willy nilly mandatories for those rightful heirs who were not present and had no knowledge of the land transfer and sale. No real money was actually paid in some cases for those transfer and sales of lands, but it was documented that it took place.
Evidence suggest that AC Wathey a prominent politician at that time acted as VERBALLY appointed mandatory with full power of attorney rights, transferred people lands to subsequent LTD’s like for example Lawaetz Land Development using invented power of attorneys. This company was formed on Sint Maarten in August 1957 for that purpose.
It is my understanding that a lot of these LTD’s NV’s like Lawaetz Land Development, Cupecoy Bay NV, Bay Red Enterprise NV, Caribbean Beach Resorts, and Sun Resorts LTD NV still exist today with shareholders and directors being passed on to family members of those involved in those questionable land sales and transfers of 1956 and 1957.
In the Peterson family case Cupy Coy was supposedly transferred to Eric Lawaetz in 1956 from the Peterson heirs on January 21st 1956 and then transferred again one year later in November 1957 from Lawaetz for the same amount to the company LAWAETZ LAND DEVELOPMENT LTD NV and Wathey held the verbally appointed mandatory for Eric Lawaetz. If only pigs could fly. .... she bought a piece of her own land.
One many ask how do I know these companies still exist? That same Lawaetz Land Development LTD NV came up in one of my sisters many cases for a piece of property she bought in Cupecoy in the 80’s with a border issue. The irony of it is my late father had told her she bought a piece of her own land. Helping my sister with these cases helped me to discover and understand how AC Wathey along with the then acting Notary and others as witnesses were able to transfer property from unsuspecting heirs. They did that by using false power of attorneys and appointing directors of Ltds and NVs formed in Sint Maarten as mandatories and kept transferring from one NV to another and another and another.
In my sisters case, this keeps her in court with ongoing cases because every new case is because the land owner keeps changing with another company name but it is the same people behind them acting as directors and shareholders. It was very easy at that time to write deeds to look like it had all the i’s dotted and t’s crossed because there was no supervision and to a certain extent there is still no good supervision for Notaries and entities like Kadaster to this day in Sint Maarten. Nepotism is still very much alive. I have coined another term “Crabotism” which is the art of pulling down your own people by any means so that one can get ahead of them. We see that with the recent nasty election tactics that were used.
Although many of these NV’s may be dormant, they still hold title too many Cupecoy lots that were not sold to wealthy US Investors in 1957 and onward and are still in the hands of family members or close personal friends of the few involved in those questionable transfers of the lands in the 1950’s-1980’s. How did we get here? A few History Points: Simpson Bay was named after John Simpson, who led the Dutch Party in 1667. In 1631, the Dutch established a trading post and built Fort Amsterdam. In 1648, the Dutch and French signed the Treaty of Concordia, which divided the island between them.
From the 18th to 19th centuries, the island’s economy was based on plantations that produced salt, indigo, cotton, tobacco, and sugar. At one point there were 92 such Plantations.
St. Maarten became a duty-free port in 1939.
In 1956, Sint Maarten was involved in the signing of the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty since we were a colony of the the Dutch Netherlands. The (DAFT) is a bilateral agreement between the United States and the Netherlands. The Purpose of the treaty is to promote trade and commercial relations between the Dutch and US as countries. The Benefits of the treaty allows American citizens and their families to obtain residency in the Netherlands, and it also allows Dutch traders and investors to do business in the US.
American citizens can obtain a Dutch residence permit to start a business in the Netherlands if they invest a minimum of €4,500 in their business. The permit is initially valid for two years, but can be extended for five years if the entrepreneur can show that their company’s equity has remained at least €4,500. The treaty also allows qualifying expats to receive a 30% tax break on their gross salary.
This is still the law today and Nina Ansary daughter of US citizen Hushang Ansay used many of the aspects of this Treaty in her cases against CBCS. The reason she lost her cases may very well be due to the fact that Hushang Ansary was not the rightful owner or director of Sun Resorts but he was still able to transfer shares of Sun Resorts held in Mullet Bay to ENNIA.
Why do we not investigate that is beyond me or maybe that is a well-kept secret that is supposed to be kept buried??
Wathey used this DAFT treaty to connect Sint Maarten to the outer world in the 1950’s, but in the process he deceptively deprived many born Sint Maarten heirs of their inheritance rights to land and future wealth with the illegal sales of many such properties.
Some may say he did good and brought tourism to the Island, but it was at the expense of born Sint Maarten heirs and solely for the purpose to increase his own wealth without a vision for Sint Maarten in the future.
These actions not only affected the immediate parties involved which are all the heirs to Cupy Coy for Bill Peterson, but have also had long-lasting implications for the community and local heritage.
I am almost certain my great grandfather wanted to continue to develop Cupy Coy into plantations that grew sugarcane, Guavaberries, Guavas, and Sugar Apples. Sint Maarten today maybe would be able to feed their people in hard times if these lands were used for that purpose. Bill Peterson died in 1937 mysteriously and not many know he owned Cupy Coy.
I can only tell the history of Cupy Coy or Cul Ricard as that is my heritage. It is up to those whose interest lies in Mullet Bay to further investigate that matter like how the Government may still have ownership of Mullet Bay after so many years because that sale and transfer was not legal in 1957 and hence the transfer in 1971 to Sun Resorts may not have been legal.
Simpson Bay in St. Maarten has a rich history, from a fishing town to a vibrant tourist destination. It was once a collection of settlements for fishermen, where residents would buy fish. They were cut off from the Main land and so I believe it is those fisherman families who owned the entire Simpson Bay right back to French side and they were finagled out of their lands in deceptively similar manners. One recent prime example was the “The Lee Halley Case”. The earliest Peterson were 3 brothers from Denmark: 1746 John Peterson, 1749 James Peterson, and 1755 Peter Peterson. I can bore you the reader to death with the Peterson family tree but that is neither here nor there.
I want it to be known in History that Cupy Coy or Cul Ricard now known as Cupecoy was legally bought with every rights of landownership possible by William Charles “Bill” Peterson in April 1911 from a retired Judge from Saint Barths Ernest Foudier and usufruct rights from Sint Maarten land cultivator Henri Barrabas. That deed was duly recorded in Book C Volume 10 number 11. This deed was very well written with descriptions as to how the sellers received Ownership and Usufruct rights.
A stark contrast to the orchestrated 1956 and 1957 deeds transferring the Cupy Coy lands from the Peterson heirs of the late William Charles Peterson written by the then acting Notary.
Addressing this injustice is essential for restoring faith in property rights and legal frameworks of Sint Maarten. It is crucial for the integrity of our real estate practices that such historical transgressions are acknowledged and rectified. It is crucial and essential for Notaries and entities like Kadaster to have full supervision and strict guidelines but we all know that a lot of people are paid to oversee the overseers and we still end up with situations like ENNIA and GEBE. It is my firm belief that if Mullet Bay is deceptively sold again by people who don’t have the right to sell it, more bad KARMA is coming Sint Maarten way because every bad deed follows with same or like energy.
Shandrika Peterson
Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs calls out MP Doran Over Mullet Bay
GREAT BAY, St. Maarten (November, 2024) - I have taken note of an article attributed to Member of Parliament Egbert Jurendy Doran, that seeks to call into question my stand on the sale of Mullet Bay in view of the Ennia Outline Agreement and can only ask where has the honorable MP been in the last four years?
First, if the good MP has any concerns about the Ennia Outline Agreement, which his colleagues in the National Alliance (NA) signed a little over six months ago, I never heard him express those publicly until now. But what is the real issue for MP Doran?
According to him, “What was initially presented as a crucial move to secure local influence over this valuable land (Mullet Bay) has now become a source of public confu-
sion, raising questions about the true intentions of Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs and Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.”
Who is creating “public confusion” over the matter? Last I checked, the Addendum to the original Outline Agreement for Ennia still stipulates that St. Maarten has the matching right in the sale of Mullet Bay. That right has not been relinquished and will not be. It is a right that this government fought for against all odds. Besides, the Addendum also means savings of some Nafl. 37 million for St. Maarten. Perhaps, the honorable MP has forgotten that it was his colleague, Ardwell Irion, former Minister of Finance in the NA-led coalition government that lost power following the January elections, who famously said that he had no emotional connection to Mullet Bay. In other words, it didn’t
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These funds will enable the school to acquire much-needed resources, ensuring its continued growth and success. At the end of this period, an evaluation and assessment will be conducted to assess the effectiveness. Based on the results, further enhancements and adjustments will be made to ensure the future growth of this commitment.
While the initial focus is on Marie Genevieve De Weever Primary School and young boys,
the MP envisions this model being adapted to benefit all schools and students, including girls. He urges his fellow parliamentarians, professionals, and community members to adopt schools and create mentorship initiatives tailored to specific needs. These efforts are intended to spark a broader movement, basically a call to action for the entire community.
“There are 15 of us in Parliament and eight primary schools on this
matter to him who eventually took control of it. Obviously, MP Doran was in agreement with that position then because he was part of the Council of Ministers that signed on to that initial agreement in which St. Maarten had no right of first refusal where it concerned the sale of Mullet Bay.
Furthermore, I take it that, thanks to my intervention by critically reviewing that bad deal, MP Doran had a change of heart, saw the light shone by this government, and probably would have voted for the Addendum that we successfully negotiated, despite all efforts to rush us into rubberstamping the NA-brokered agreement. And maybe, just maybe, had he been able to attend the session of Parliament on October 8, 2024, MP Doran would have been able to convince his fellow NA members of parliament and the others who vot-
ed against the Outline Agreement with the Addendum and Annexes that their decision was not in the best interest of St. Maarten. Their vote can only be characterized as “playing politics” because how do you vote against an Agreement that saves St. Maarten Nafl. 37 million and also grants us the Matching Right in the sale of Mullet Bay? In my humble view, that is what should have caused the honorable MP serious concerns. That is where he should have been directing his arrows. While it is the MPs right to attempt to create issues where there is none, and to play politics with the emotions of the people, I wish to state categorically that I stand by the Addendum to the Ennia Agreement and everything I have said about it in Parliament. I am prepared to return to Parliament at any time to answer questions MP Doran or any other MP for that matter, might still have on any aspect
of the Addendum to the Ennia Agreement, which Parliament approved just some six weeks ago. After all, Parliament is where the people’s business is supposed to be conducted.
However, I do not think it is acceptable is to use that Addendum that was painstakingly negotiated as a political football in what seems to be an internal power tussle for leadership of the party of MP Doran. If he wants to score points over his main rivals in the leadership struggle, this is simply the wrong horse to jump on.
island. We talk about our youth being the future, but talk alone isn’t enough,” MP York stated. “Leadership isn’t just about passing laws—it’s about action, it’s about rolling up our sleeves, investing in our communities, and ensuring no child is left behind. By adopting schools and mentoring students, we can create a ripple effect that touches boys, girls, and entire communities.
He emphasized that this initiative is open
to all. Politicians, civil servants, business owners, young professionals, artists—anyone passionate about uplifting the next generation can join.
Reflecting on his personal connection to Marie Genevieve De Weever Primary School MP York remarked, “Change doesn’t happen from a distance, it happens when we show up, care deeply, and act boldly. This movement is rooted in action and I am only getting started.”
Through this heartfelt initiative,York aims to create a culture where education is not only valued but actively nurtured. His commitment serves as a reminder that leadership is about making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most.
For more information or to learn how you can be part of The P.I.L.L.A.R. Program, please contact MP Darryl York at darryl.york@sxmparliament.org
Government of Sint Maarten Signs Agreement to Launch Phase 2 of New Prison Project
PHILIPSBURG -- On November 18, 2024, Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis, representing the Government of St. Maarten, officially signed an agreement to initiate Phase 2 of the New Prison Project. This phase, supported by a joint investment of $52 million USD from St. Maarten and the Dutch Ministry of Internal Affairs and Kingdom Relations, marks a pivotal transition to the construction of a state-ofthe-art correctional facility designed to meet the highest international standards.
The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has been designated to oversee the project management of the new prison’s construction. UNOPS has also developed the prison’s design, with completion anticipated in 2028. The Netherlands is contributing €16.4 million to the construction costs.
Minister Lewis emphasized the significance of this milestone, stating that the current prison no longer serves the demands of the justice system, making this advancement critical for the country’s safe-
ty and progress. State Secretary for Digitalization and Kingdom Relations of The Netherlands, Zsolt Szabó, highlighted that the robust program of requirements formulated by UNOPS guarantees that the construction will meet the necessary standards, complying with the specific needs within the local context of Sint Maarten, as well as the human rights standards required in the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The project reflects a commitment to enhancing human rights, dignity, and rehabilitation. Designed with
a focus on social, gender, and environmental considerations, the facility will incorporate cutting-edge features to ensure both security and support for inmates’ reintegration. It will include spaces for education, health care, family visits, professional workshops, and recreation—reinforcing a holistic approach to rehabilitation.
UNOPS will manage the project to align with Sustainable Development Goal #16, emphasizing good governance and effective resource utilization. Deputy Regional Director Gi-
useppe Mancinelli highlighted the organization’s principles, stating that the facility is designed to provide a safe and dignified environment for all, while ensuring public resources are used efficiently. Phase 1 resulted in significant savings, and Phase 2 will continue to prioritize sustainability, transparency, and equity.
Phase 2 spans approximately 35 months, with construction beginning in 2025. The first stage is expected to be operational by mid-2026, and final completion is anticipated by late 2027. Joanna Kazana, UN Resident Coordinator, reiterated the project’s transformative impact, stating that the initiative exemplifies the UN’s close partnership with Sint Maarten to advance the Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring no one is left behind. It combines security with opportunities for growth, fostering a system of justice that is both humane and effective. This groundbreaking project reflects Sint Maarten’s unwavering commitment to the rule of law, human rights, and a safer, more resilient future.
MP York Submits Urgent Request for VROMI Committee Meeting in Light of Recent Weather Challenges
PHILIPSBURG --
November 19, 2024
— Following severe weather impacts over the past week, Chair of the VROMI Committee, MP York, has formally submitted an urgent request for a committee meeting to address the state of Sint Maarten’s infrastructure. The flooding and widespread damage across the island have raised serious concerns about the country’s readiness for extreme weather, revealing vulnerabilities that need immediate attention.
The purpose of the meeting is to assess the condition of Sint Maarten’s infrastructure and evaluate the government’s immediate and longterm responses to these challenges. With increasing climate-related incidents, addressing these vulnerabilities proactively is essential.
A key focus will be a review of the recent weather-related issues, particularly the areas most affected and weaknesses in the existing infrastructure. Minister Patrice T. Gumbs of VROMI will
be asked for an update on the steps taken to address immediate threats, such as road repairs and clearances, and how the government plans to im prove responses moving forward. Frustrations from residents regard ing delays and inad equate actions must be addressed transparently. The meeting will also discuss the govern ment’s long-term resil ience strategies, focusing on sustainable solutions to enhance the island’s capacity to withstand fu ture weather events. The goal is to develop con crete measures to pro tect infrastructure and prevent similar damage in the future.
Additionally, an update on the government’s ac tion plan for managing Sint Maarten’s ponds will be sought. This plan, expected within 30 days of a motion passed ear lier by MP York, is cru cial for maintaining the island’s environmental health.
Public trust and ac countability will also be central to the discus sion. Minister Gumbs will be asked to address how recent challenges have informed the gov ernment’s strategy and
the concrete plans being implemented to prevent future shortcomings.
Traffic congestion, par-
“Hands-Off or All-In?” Doran Pushes for Sint Maarten’s Right to Mullet Bay
PHILIPSBURG -- November 19th, 2024
— MP Egbert Doran is voicing serious concerns over the government’s recent handling of the Ennia amendment, specifically regarding the sale of the Sun Resorts Ltd. N.V.-owned portion of Mullet Bay. What was initially presented as a crucial move to secure local influence over this valuable land has now become a source of public confusion, raising questions about the true intentions of Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs and Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. Doran is urging the community to stay vigilant and keep a close watch on the government’s actions.
When the Ennia amendment was first introduced, Finance Minister Gumbs and Prime Minister Mercelina were clear advocates, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding local interests. The amendment, they claimed, would al-
low the government to have a say in the future of Mullet Bay’s Sun Resorts land, a significant piece of property distinct from Mullet Bay Beach. However, since the amendment was approved, the tone has shifted. Instead of actively pursuing opportunities to keep the Mullet Bay property under local control, the government has taken a “hands-off” approach, placing doubt on their original promises.
MP Doran, who is now speaking out since the contradictory behaviour, views this shift as a betrayal of public trust. He stresses that the property in question is not merely a commercial asset; it’s an integral part of the island’s cultural and historical landscape. “This isn’t just about land,” Doran emphasizes. “This is about transparency and making sure the government honors its promises to protect St. Martin’s interests.”
Finance Minister Gumbs, the advocate of the amendment, has now adopted a cautious stance, citing the complexities of Ennia’s fi-
nancial situation. Prime Minister Mercelina, during a press briefing on November 5th, responded to direct questions about the government’s intentions by stating, “The decision to sell has been made, but no further actions or discussions have happened yet. Once there’s more clarity, we’ll explore our financial capacity to engage in this process.” This vague language has only fueled concerns, prompting Doran to publicly demand greater clarity and transparency. Doran’s decision to speak out comes from a growing sense that the public has been left in the dark, and he believes the government may not be fully committed to safeguarding the Sun Resorts land. He wants the community to stay alert, watching for any signs that political caution or private interests could undermine the original goal of maintaining local control over this strategically significant property.
A central point of Doran’s concerns is the government’s lack of
a clear strategy for acquiring the Mullet Bay land. He argues that Sint Maarten should have the first right of refusal to purchase the property at a fair market price, especially given Ennia’s financial instability, which was aggravated by the overvaluation of the Mullet Bay assets. Doran questions why Sint Maarten should have to compete in a public bid for land that the community has a legitimate claim to, given the island’s financial support during Ennia’s crisis.
MP Doran’s decision to raise these concerns is about more than the fate of the Mullet Bay land—it’s about holding the government accountable. He is urging the public to demand more transparency from Finance Minister Gumbs and Prime Minister Mercelina, as the government’s reluctance to act decisively has left many wondering whether the urgency displayed during the amendment’s passage was genuine or simply a political move.
For Doran, the government’s cautious approach suggests a deeper problem, and he believes it’s critical for residents to keep a close eye on how this situation unfolds. “We need to ensure that this isn’t just about politics,” Doran asserts. “The public deserves to know exactly what’s happening, and our leaders need to be held accountable if they fail to protect the interests of our community.”
As discussions about the Sun Resorts Ltd. N.V.-owned portion of Mullet Bay continue, Sint Maarten’s residents face an uncertain future. MP Doran’s call
for a more proactive and transparent government response is echoed by many who feel the community’s interests may be at risk. The hope is that the government will honor its initial promises and take meaningful steps to secure this significant piece of land for the people of Sint Maarten. For now, the community watches closely, aware that the next steps taken—or not taken—by the government will reveal whether the intent behind the Ennia amendment was truly about safeguarding local interests. MP Doran’s call to action is clear: this is a moment for vigilance, for the people of Sint Maarten to demand clarity and accountability from their leaders before it’s too late.
Doran is calling for an independent appraisal that would consider not only the land’s true market value but also the contributions Sint Maarten made to stabilize Ennia’s finances. “We cannot afford to miss this opportunity,” Doran warns. “Why should Sint Maarten have to go through a bid when it was Ennia’s inflated valuations that brought us to this point in the first place? This land should first and foremost benefit the people of St. Martin.”
Prime Minister Luc Mercelina Officially Launches Reconstruction of the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village
Philipsburg – In a momentous step forward, the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina marked the official launch of the long-awaited reconstruction of the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village—fondly known as “Carnival Village”—on Wednesday. The Prime Minister himself operated heavy equipment to commence the demolition phase, signaling a renewed era for this beloved cultural landmark.
Standing before a crowd of distinguished guests, cultural stakeholders, and community members, Dr. Mercelina reflected on the significance of this reconstruction. “This is more than repairing physical structures; this is about restoring a cornerstone of Sint Maarten’s culture, identity, and economy,” he declared. “Carnival Village is not just a venue—it’s where we celebrate who we are as a people.”
The Festival Village, severely damaged by Hur-
ricane Irma in 2017, has long awaited reconstruction. Despite insurance funds being secured, progress was stalled for years due to challenges in the public tendering process. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Mercelina, the project was identified as a top priority upon his assumption of office.
“From day one, I recognized this as ‘lowhanging fruit’—an opportunity to make swift and meaningful progress for the people of Sint Maarten,” said the
Prime Minister. “Today, that vision becomes a reality.”
The reconstruction of the Village’s 13 iconic booths will be executed by Limitless Infrastructure and is expected to be completed in time for the 2025 Carnival season.
In his address, Dr. Mercelina issued a powerful call to action, urging citizens to embrace a mindset of shared responsibility for the country’s development. “We must move from saying ‘it’s theirs’ to ‘it’s ours’—or
better yet, ‘it’s mine.’ This Carnival Village belongs to every one of us,” he emphasized.
He also reflected on the broader challenges facing Sint Maarten, stating, “As a country, we are failing—and after six months in office, I understood why. We have a culture of starting projects with ambition but failing to maintain them. It’s time to change that.”
The Prime Minister compared his leadership experience to polishing a diamond: “Every day, I shine the block of diamond. But the next day, I come to the office and realize it’s not shining the way I left it. We must commit to not just shining, but sustaining our progress.”
The President of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) thanked the Prime Minister for keeping his word on ensuring that the village would be complete before Carnival. He said the SCDF has already allotted all booths for Carnival 2025 and is looking forward to having a full village with all 79 booths operational again. “The PM said he would and he did. For that we are grateful,” Edwardo Radjouki said.
The Prime Minister concluded with a vision for the Festival Village’s future: “This must be more than a place with linedup booths—it has to be the heartbeat of our culture and heritage, a place for families to gather, for children to run, and for all to feel co-ownership. Together, we will ensure Carnival Village continues to shine as a beacon of Sint Maarten’s unique and vibrant identity.”
Picture caption: Back row (from left): Prime Minister Luc Mercelina seated in the cab, Acting Secretary General of General Affairs Fabiana Arnell, and Limitless Construction Director Jordan Halley. Front row (from left): SCDF President Edwardo Radjouki, the widow of the late Jocelynn Arndell, and Kurt Ruan from the Ministry of VROMI.
Consequences A Flood
Sunday, St. Maarten found itself drowning—not just in water, but in the stark reality of decades of poor planning, negligence, and outright disregard for sustainable development. Torrential rains have once again exposed the cracks in our overdeveloped island’s infrastructure, leaving homes, businesses, and communities inundated.
The question we must ask ourselves is: how many more times will history repeat itself before we see real change?
Flooded streets, impassable roads, and submerged neighborhoods are no longer freak occurrences— they are the new normal. The situation today is not merely an act of nature but a direct consequence of human failure. The
evidence is all around us: a front wall of a hillside mansion, possibly constructed in violation of the hillside policy, crumbled when its foundation gave way, taking its prideful facade with it. Why? Because the absence of a proper retaining wall made it an accident waiting to happen. The flooding today is not just water—it’s a wakeup call. The ponds and mangroves, St. Maarten’s natural defenses, were designed by nature to act as catchment areas. Yet time and time again, these precious ecosystems have been bulldozed, drained, or filled to make way for “progress.” We pour concrete over our future and then act surprised when disaster strikes.
The St. Maarten Pride Foundation has warned us for two decades about the dangers of deforestation, hillside excavation, and
Consequences Flood of
the destruction of natural buffers. Their message has largely fallen on deaf ears. The result? Floodwaters that sweep away not just homes and vehicles but also the hope that we might someday get this right.
And yet, we continue to ignore the basics. Maintenance of critical infrastructure is neglected. Roads, like Welgelegen Road, remain treacherous, their issues unresolved until tragedy strikes. Why do we wait until it’s too late? Is it truly that difficult to prioritize safety and sustainability over political expediency and short-term gain?
We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the consequences of poor planning and irresponsible development. Every flooded home, every destroyed business, every crumbled hillside is a reminder of what hap-
pens when we fail to act.
The government, particularly the Ministry of VROMI, must take responsibility. It’s time for action, not excuses. Enforce the hillside policy. Protect what remains of our natural defenses. Invest in proper zoning and sustainable infrastructure. Hold those who cut corners and sign off on disastrous permits accountable.
The people of St. Maarten deserve better. They deserve leaders who care more about the island’s future than lining their pockets or appeasing developers. They deserve a government that plans for the next generation, not just the next election. If we don’t change course now, the floods of today will seem minor compared to the disasters that await. St. Maarten cannot afford to sink any further—literally or figuratively.
Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport Recommissioned
Washington D.C., November 14, 2024 – Sint Maarten’s Princess Juliana International Airport officially reopened today, following extensive rehabilitation after the airport was destroyed by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.
The destruction of the airport, a key connection hub for neighboring countries, severely impacted local revenue on the tourism-dependent island. The airport terminal reconstruction was financed through $92 million from the World Bank-managed Sint Maarten Reconstruction, Resilience and Recovery Trust Fund, comprising a grant from the Government of the Netherlands and a $50 million loan from the European Investment Bank. The initiative was facilitated by on-lending agreements between the Government of St Maarten and the Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company’s own funds.
The refurbishment has restored the airport’s operating capacity to pre-hurricane levels and enhanced the resilience and quality of service provided by this critical infrastructure. This new airport will boost local business opportunities through tourism and travel, promoting economic resilience.
“The recommissioning of the Princess Juliana International Airport marks a major milestone in Sint Maarten’s recovery journey,” said Lilia Burunciuc, World Bank Director for the Caribbean. “This critical infrastructure will stimulate economic growth, facilitate tourism, and enhance regional connectivity.”
Reconstruction focused on airport terminals and facilities, the installation of resilient and energy-efficient systems and enhanced safety and security measures. The new airport also features replaced and upgraded equipment, including passenger boarding bridges, self-service bag-
gage drop and baggage handling systems, security screening euipment, and digital signage.
Dr. Luc Mercelina, Prime Minister of Sint Maarten said, “The Princess Juliana International Airport stands as a symbol of Sint Maarten’s resilience and pride. Her remarkable restoration doesn’t just open doors for more visitors to experience our vibrant island; it unlocks new business opportunities and strengthens our ties across the region, enhancing connectivity and making travel more seamless with our neighboring islands”. He added, “This is more than an airport – it’s the gateway to Sint Maarten’s boundless potential.”
The finishing of the arrival hall in October 2024, marked the completion of the rehabilitation project. The reconstruction process was accompanied by extensive stakeholder consultation and awareness building to ensure Sint Maarteners were aware of changes, delays and the project’s progression.
The EIB’s support for the reconstruction of Sint Maarten’s airport embodies the ‘build back better’ approach, enhancing its resilience to extreme weather events, which are unfortunately becoming stronger due to climate change. We’re very optimistic that the renovated airport will contribute to the economic growth on Sint Maarten,” said European Investment Bank Vice-President Robert de Groot.
Contacts:
World Bank:
In the Caribbean: Penny Bowen, + 1 (876) 8612468, pbowen@worldbankgroup.org
In Washington: Yuri Szabo Yamashita, +1 (202) 948-5341, yszaboyamashita@worldbankgroup.org
European Investment Bank: Allar Tankler, +352 691 285 796, a.tankler@eib. org
Learn more about our work in the Sint Maarten Trust Fund Website: www.sintmaartenrecovery.org
Visit us on Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/worldbankcaribbean
Be updated via Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/ wbcaribbean
For our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube. com/worldbank
Learn more about European Investment Bank
The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union owned by its Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialized arm dedicated to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance. EIB Global is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe, alongside fellow development finance institutions, and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices across the world.
Governor Baly receives final report from formateur L. Mercelina
HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG
— On November, 2024, His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten received the final report from formateur L. Mercelina on the formation of his second government.
The formateur has accepted the commission to form a new government which has the support of a majority in Parliament comprised of the fractions of URSM, DP, PFP and SAM. The new government consists of Ministers who are committed to the promotion of the wellbeing of Sint Maarten. It will conceive of a government program after the swearing in of the new ministers.
Candidates for the various portfolios have been vetted based on the pertinent regulations regulating the prescreening of candidates before nomination and the faithful application of these norms, as has been the standing and official practice since the achievement of country status by Sint Maarten in 2010. The formateur has nominated the following persons who based on the results of these screenings are to be appointed by H.E. the Governor of Sint Maarten:
1. Mr. Luc F. E. Mercelina, Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs;
2. Mr. Richenel S.J. Brug, Minister of Public Health, Social
Development and Labour;
3. Ms. Nathalie M. Tackling, Minister of Justice;
4. Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs, Minister of Finance; 5. Mrs. Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication;
6. Mr. Patrice T. Gumbs, Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure;
7. Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports;
8. Ms. Gracita R. Arrindell, Minister Plenipotentiary.
The Governor aims to schedule the appointment and swearing in of the ministers at the earliest possible date
Follow-Up Steps in ENNIA Resolution
WILLEMSTAD/PHIL-
IPSBURG - The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), in close cooperation with the Governments of Curaçao and Sint Maarten and with the aim of safeguarding the interests of policyholders and other creditors, has recently made important progress on the ENNIA Group resolution (the “ENNIA Resolution”).
Following the signing of an ENNIA Resolution Heads of Agreement by the CBCS and the governments of Curaçao and Sint Maarten on April 11, 2024 (the “Heads of Agreement”), an addendum was agreed upon by the parties on October 9, 2024, further elaborating on aspects of the ENNIA Resolution. This addendum in no way affects the principles set forth in the original Heads of Agreement: there will be no reduction in the policyholders’ terms. The ENNIA Resolution provides for a restructuring of the ENNIA Group. This is made possible by the emergency regulation applicable to the
ENNIA Group, as issued by the Court of First Instance of Curaçao on July 4, 2018. For the sake of completeness, the two main components of the restructuring, as well as other necessary adjustments in the structure and operation of the ENNIA Group, are outlined below:
(1) Creation of a new ENNIA insurance group and partial transfer of insurance liabilities As part of this process, all necessary preparations will be undertaken in the coming weeks to establish a new ENNIA Insurance Group by January 1, 2025. The new ENNIA insurance group will be headed by the newly formed ENNIA Holding N.V., as the shareholder of the newly formed ENNIA Leven N.V. and the preexisting companies ENNIA Caribe Schade N.V. and ENNIA Caribe Zorg N.V. (hereinafter, collectively: ENNIA [new]).
The current insurer, ENNIA Caribe Leven N.V., which will remain under emergency regulation, will transfer part of its insurance liabilities to the new entity, ENNIA Leven N.V. The
part of the portfolio to be transferred in this way involves the liabilities accrued on the basis of premiums paid by policyholders from July 4, 2018 (at the issuance of the emergency regulation). At the same time, the assets (investments) legally required to back the liabilities to be transferred will also move to ENNIA Leven N.V. Additionally, the new insurance group will have a sustainable ownership and financing structure.
(2) Administration of the remaining insurance liabilities Insurance liabilities to policyholders accrued from premiums paid by them prior to the issuance of the emergency regulation (July 4, 2018) will remain with ENNIA Caribe Leven N.V. These liabilities to policyholders will in principle be paid in full by ENNIA Caribe Leven N.V. The above means that certain policies must be divided into two separate policies. The policy split relates to the fact that, pursuant to the Heads of Agreement, part of the existing insurance portfolio will be fulfilled by ENNIA Caribe Leven N.V., while the other, as mentioned
under item 1, will continue under a new entity (ENNIA Leven N.V.). This arrangement ensures that no reduction of policyholder rights will be required. To facilitate this split, the Court of First Instance in Curaçao has granted special authorization to the CBCS based on the National Ordinance on the Supervision of the Insurance Industry. Additional information on the implementation of this policy split is available in the ENNIA FAQ.1 In addition to these structural adjustments, several other changes will be implemented in the coming period, while several strategic options are being explored. The main ones are:
• To enable ENNIA (new) to conduct its insurance activities, ENNIA Caribe Holding N.V. will also transfer certain operational assets, including the information systems, to ENNIA (new).
• Current employment contracts with ENNIA Caribe Holding N.V. employees will be terminated, and all employees are being invited to
apply for employment with ENNIA (new).
• To avoid confusion between ENNIA (old) and ENNIA (new), the statutory names of ENNIA Caribe Holding N.V. and ENNIA Caribe Leven N.V. will be changed.
• Together with the various entities involved, regulators, and governments, the CBCS will be reviewing several strategic options and taking the necessary steps for the ENNIA companies in Aruba and for the Mullet Bay property in Sint Maarten.
Additionally, it should be noted that the restructuring will not affect the legal proceedings against Parman International, ENNIA’s shareholder, and Mr. Ansary and others. The CBCS and ENNIA (old) remain committed to recovering damages from Parman International (and from Mr. Ansary and others). Finally, the CBCS will continue to keep all stakeholders duly informed about the progress of the ENNIA Group’s restructuring. Willemstad, November 8, 2024 CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN
The future of Mullet Bay
By Hilbert Haar
By Hilbert Haar
Once upon a time, former parliamentarian Rolando Brison wanted to “give Mullet Bay back to the people.” Nothing of the sort happened, of course, and now its rightful owner Sun Resorts has decided to put the property up for sale. The government of St. Maarten has a so-called matching option: it could buy Mullet Bay for the price offered by the highest bidder, plus 5 percent.
I wonder with many others what the future of Mullet Bay will look like after it has been sold. Its real worth is still a mystery, so the price could go anywhere from a couple of million to the (rather unlikely) level of around $500 million.
Sun Resorts valued Mullet Bay in 2002 to be worth $2.2 million but after Hushang Ansary bought insurance company Ennia and put Mullet Bay on its balance sheet, the paper value - based on questionable appraisals - shot up to $436 million. After the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten imposed the emergency measure on Ennia in 2018, later appraisals came up with values between $50 and $96.4 million.
That Mullet Bay was a questionable ass et has been clear for a long time. That Ennia was in financial trouble is also nothing new. Already in 2016 the CBCS instructed Ennia to sell Mullet Bay within three years, but that never happened.
Now it is decision time: Mike Alexander and Geomaly Martes, the two CBCS-appointed managers of Sun Resorts, have been charged with preparing a tender for the sale of Mullet Bay. Most potential buyers will obviously want to know what they are allowed to do with the property. It measures 67.7 hectare; 40 hectare is in use as a golf course.
One thing seems to be certain: the new owners will not be making any significant amount of money from that golf course. Said owner would have to develop Mullet Bay. I don’t have a crystal ball but I figure this means constructing expensive condos accompanied by a strong wish to give their future owners exclusive access to Mullet Bay Beach.
This is one of the concerns that will get respectable organiza-
tions like the Nature Foundation and the St. Maarten Pride Foundation going - and rightly so. Beach access should not even be an issue though, because all the beaches are public property. In other words: public access to those beaches is guaranteed by law; or at least, it should be.
Another issue is how development will have a negative effect on the rather peaceful setting of Mullet Bay. If developers get the green light to put up whatever they want, Mullet Bay will simply lose its identity and that will upset many St. Maarteners. The question is also how many buildings developers are allowed to construct. An uncontrolled multitude of buildings will turn the place into a concrete jungle and furthermore, it would put more pressure on the island’s infrastructure. All these buildings will start to use electricity, tenants or buyers will need space to park their cars and they will start using the roads.
It is not a pretty picture that emerges from these thoughts and thinking that the government - by buying Mullet Bay - will get a better grip on its development is an illusion. In that scenario, deals will be made behind closed doors that will give developers all the freedom they want - providing of course that they put the right amount of money in the right pockets.
If the highest bidder puts an offer of, say, $180 million on the table, the government has the option to become its new owner by paying $189 million. Because the government does not have that money, it will have to borrow and for that, it will need the approval from financial supervisor Cft.
Whether the government becomes Mullet Bay’s new owner or not is not the most important aspect of this story. To control the future development of the property the government will have to make clear from the get go what is allowed and what is not allowed in terms of construction density and the maximum height of buildings. Developers should also guarantee free access to the beach.
Let us not forget that almost sixty percent of Mullet Bay is a golf course, not a serious money maker by any standards. This adds yet another question to the mix: will the golf course remain a golf course of will it become a part of the almost inevitable concrete jungle?
MP Omar E.C. Ottley Calls Out Hypocrisy in Favouring Wealthy Over Vulnerable Citizens
PHILIPSBURG –
Leader of the United People’s Party (UP) and Member of Parliament, Hon. Omar E.C. Ottley, has criticized “politicians who prioritize tax breaks and bailouts for the wealthy over relief for St. Maarten’s most vulnerable citizens.”
He said the recent vote against the GEBE Motion by Leader of the Democratic Party and President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and Prime Minister Dr Luc Mercelina is part of a pattern of favouring tax breaks and bailouts for the wealthy at the expense of the most vulnerable people of St. Maarten. Ottley highlighted a pattern of selective governance that benefits powerful institutions at the expense of working families, reminding residents that under a DP-led coalition, institutions such as the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) and ENNIA have been able to get lucrative tax breaks and bailouts. “There’s a disturbing history of missed opportunities to do good for the people of St. Maarten. This government, which lacks creative revenuegenerating measures, could have continued the process of the past government to collect funds from AUC that could have bought generators for NV GEBE instead of putting the financial burden on struggling residents already facing high energy costs.” Some ten years ago, a Democratic Party (DP) led government gave the (AUC) significant tax breaks. AUC later sold under a new DP-Led Coalition
and should have paid nearly USD 81 million in profit taxes, and to date has a balance USD$57.5 which the government never collected. In both cases, the President of Parliament, the Honourable Sarah Wescot-Williams, was the leader of the DP. “If those funds had been collected, they could have funded relief for citizens facing high energy costs or supported essential projects without adding to the 2024 budget strain,” said MP Ottley. He added that the government, led by Prime Minister Dr Mercelina and supported by the DP, was fully aware when recently approving the US$90 million ENNIA bailout that they were also drafting the 2024 Budget Amendment to ask St. Maarten’s taxpayers to cover NAf.75.6 million for three generators for NV GEBE. Yet, instead of prioritizing the people of St. Maarten, especially the most vulnerable and senior citizens, the DP leader again voted against the GEBE Motion, neglecting the needs of struggling residents.
MP Ottley acknowledged that in the past, the UP was also part of the coalition, and those members of UP then were not without fault. However, as the new leader of the “New UP Party,” Ottley is committed to greater accountability. MP Ottley asked whether the current government, which includes those who previously approved these deals for AUC and ENNIA, will finally collect what AUC owes.
MP Ottley said the three members of parliament who decided to vote against the GEBE Motion to ease energy costs
for everyone, especially low- and middle-income families and seniors, show a disconnect with the reality for the people of St. Maarten. “The people of St. Maarten deserve leaders who prioritize their needs above those of the wealthy,” he stated. Pointing to the recent ENNIA bailout, Ottley emphasized the double standard in allocating government funds. “While a private company received funds, citizens struggling with high GEBE bills were overlooked,” he remarked. “This selective governance leaves those who need support most out in the cold, while tax breaks and deals for the wealthy continue unchecked.” “Christmas is fast approaching, and the people of St. Maarten will have to choose between food for their families and high electricity bills if the motion’s intent is not carried out, which is to give the people relief,” said MP Ottley. Reflecting on his tenure as Minister of VSA under the UP/NA coalition, Ottley recalled the government’s efforts to pursue unpaid taxes from AUC. Now, with the same leaders who previously allowed AUC to evade its tax obligations back in office, Ottley voiced concerns that history might repeat itself, favouring the wealthy at the public’s expense. “The people of St. Maarten have waited long enough for real relief and responsible leadership,” he declared. “As the UP moves forward, we pledge to push for policies that benefit everyone, not just the wealthy. It’s time for a new chapter in St. Maarten’s politics that values transparency, ac-
countability, and, above all, the well-being of its people.” While MP Sarah Wescot-Williams, MP Kotai, and Prime Minister Mercelina claim that GEBE relief for St. Maarteners is unrealistic, Ottley pointed to a successful example in Curaçao. On Thursday, October 31, Aqualectra, Curaçao’s utility provider, announced a pilot program that will launch in early November, offering reconnection to over a thousand households previously disconnected due to unpaid bills. This initiative allows families with overdue payments of over 31 days to reconnect to water and electricity services under a new model that encourages controlled, independent consumption. Aqualectra aims to reconnect these households to essential services by Christmas, allowing them to manage their electricity and water use through prepaid options. Aqualectra has faced rising
customer debt in recent years, totalling nearly 12 million florins. However, the company has consistently sought solutions to manage unpaid bills while prioritizing the well-being of its clients. Unlike the proposal in St. Maarten, Curaçao didn’t ask its people to cover millions in costs for new infrastructure but found a way to support its citizens during tough times. In fact, Aqualectra received financing from local (St. Maarten) lenders as they willingly met the requirement of submitting their finances ahead of loans being granted. “If Curaçao can do it, why can’t we?” Ottley questioned, further highlighting the gap in leadership and commitment to the well-being of St. Maarten’s most vulnerable. “The people deserve a government that will take action and follow examples of successful relief programs for the sake of the community.”
Prudential Tax Services Secures Landmark Win for Client in Complex Aruba Tax Case
PHILIPSBURG/ ORANJESTAD --
Prudential Tax Services and its team of associates have achieved a significant victory on behalf of a client in a high-stakes tax dispute involving a former construction company Director and complex transactions by the former business partner. Originally facing potential liability exceeding Afl. 500,000, the client’s disputed amount was successfully reduced below Afl. 10,000, thanks to the effective defense and strategic approach led by Prudential’s tax and risk experts.
The case centered around a situation in which the client faced scrutiny due to business activities conducted by the business partner in the name of a company that had been previously closed. The partner’s business dealings raised questions within the Tax Office, leading to substantial penalties, interest, and assessment charges targeting the Director.
In a surprising and decisive legal maneuver, Prudential’s team succeeded in having previously inadmissible
protest letters ruled admissible. This critical step allowed the defense to present a comprehensive argument that ultimately convinced the Aruba Tax Office to revise the assessment amounts, resulting in the elimination of significant accrued interest and penalties.
“Our team was committed to ensuring that our client’s rights were protected and that every avenue was explored to secure a fair outcome,” said Natasha Manuela of Prudential Tax Services. “This case highlights the importance of procedural diligence and skilled defense in tax matters. We are pleased that our efforts brought about a just resolution for our client.”
This landmark case underscores Prudential Tax Services’ expertise in handling complex tax disputes and reaffirms the firm’s dedication to advocating for its clients in high-stakes tax matters. Through indepth knowledge of local tax law and an unwavering commitment to justice, Prudential has once again demonstrated its reputation as a leader in tax consulting and defense in Aruba and beyond.
About Prudential Tax Services: Prudential
Tax Services is a leading tax consultancy firm specializing in tax compliance, advisory, and dispute resolution across the Caribbean.
Known for its commitment to excellence and strategic advocacy, Prudential Tax Services and its team members work diligently to achieve the best outcomes for their clients in various sectors, ensuring compliance and mitigating tax-related risks.
Approval of Ennia-solution does not make everybody happy
By Hilbert Haar
PHILIPSBURG --
The parliament of St. Maarten approved the solution for the Ennia group of companies in October but not everybody is happy with the decision. Five parliamentarians voted against the decision, among them PfP-MP Ludmila de Weever.
De Weever stated in a three-part video that she considers the decision hasty. “It was a rushed decision and not a good one.”
In a way the parliament bent to the will of the Netherlands that threatened with higher interest-rates on Covid-loans if it voted against the solution.
De Weever wonders whether that pressure could have something to do with a potential doom scenario whereby the 27,450 pension policy holders lost their pension payments and moved en masse to the Netherlands.
Part of the solution is still the potential sale of Mullet Bay. That’s a private property and it is located on St.
Maarten, De Weever pointed out. But if it is sold, 93 percent of the proceeds would go to Curacao and St. Maarten would keep just 7 percent.
De Weever was not the only one to vote against the decision to save Ennia and thereby protect the interest of its pension policy holders. Darryl York and Ardwell Irion (National Alliance) and Francisco Lacroes and Omar Ottley (United People’s party) also voted against.
In June Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs told parliament that the so-called headline agreement was not the best solution for St. Maarten. The government has now presented an addendum to the agreement that will save St. Maarten 37 million guilders, mainly by making it exempt from responsibility for pensioners that are not living in St. Maarten. Under the headline agreement St. Maarten has now committed to contribute around $1.1 million per year for a period of 30 years.
This amount will be withheld from the dividend the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten (CBCS) pays annually. St. Maarten receives every year about $2.2 million in dividend but after the deduction for the Ennia-rescue operation it will receive something like $531,600.
In the background plays the future of Mullet Bay, the asset that is on the books of Ennia and that has, through various appraisals, been heavily overvalued. Sun Resorts is still the formal owner of the property. Its CBCS-appointed management, consisting of former notary Mike Alexander and Geomaly Martes, a former director of the government accountant bureau Soab, managed to get the approval from its shareholders towards the end of October to sell the property.
Mullet Bay measures 67.7 hectare of which 40 hectare is a golf club. The Antilliaans Dagblad reported that the sale of the property must at least bring in
$110 million. Alexander and Martes are charged with preparing the tender.
The government of St. Maarten has a matching right: it is entitled to buy Mullet Bay for the price offered by the highest bidder, plus 5 percent. The reported target price seems to be on the low end, since an appraisal initiated by the CBCS in January 2021 set the value of Mullet Bay at $180 million.
So far, it remains unclear what the govern-
ment would do with Mullet Bay if it decided to purchase it. The first obvious hurdle is to get approval for a loan to clinch the deal from financial supervisor Cft. It is at least questionable whether the government can hang on to the property without any plans for development. That would require opening the door for investors and construction companies. That, in turn, would most likely trigger a fierce reaction from those who would like to preserve Mullet Bay as a national park.
St. Maarten Industry Reps at Fort LauderdaleBoat Show
St. Maarten Marine Leaders Forge New Alliances at Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show Fort Lauderdale, FL –
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS), renowned as the world’s largest in-water boat show, set the stage for a significant gathering of marine industry leaders, including key representatives from St. Maarten’s thriving hospitality, marine and yachting sector. The five-day event, from October 30 to November 3, 2024, sprawling across nearly 90 acres in South Florida, attracted over 100,000 visitors, offering a vibrant platform for networking, innovation, and economic growth.
FLIBS is a beacon in the marine industry, drawing exhibitors from over 50 countries and generating a staggering $1.7 billion in economic
impact. The event provides an unparalleled opportunity for industry professionals to connect, explore the latest advancements, and secure lucrative business
deals. Attendees navigated seven stunning venues via water taxis and shuttles, immersing themselves in a diverse array of vessels ranging from luxurious superyachts to personal watercraft.
Among the representatives from St. Maarten attending this year’s show were Jadira Veen from Commodore Suites Sint Maarten, Valeska Luckert, Managing Director of La Palapa Marina, and Ichel Moeslikan, Caribbean Operations Manager for Acquera Yachting. See photo above. Their presence underscored St. Maarten’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global marine industry.
As St. Maarten continues to build its reputation as a premier
yachting destination, participation in events like FLIBS is vital for fostering growth and innovation. The island’s marine and yachting sector stands poised to leverage these new alliances and opportunities, further cementing its role as a key player in the global maritime industry.
With the successful conclusion of this year’s Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, St. Maarten’s marine leaders return home with renewed vigor and a wealth of new opportunities to explore, promising a bright future for the island’s marine and yachting community.
