SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Now Opportunity Wealth (NOW), Member of Parliament (MP) and Vice Chair of the Justice Committee in Parliament, Lyndon Lewis has recently sent a letter, which contains 50 questions via the Chair of Parliament to the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, expressing serious concerns regarding the recent appointment of Chief of Police, Mr. Carl John, next to his regular task as Chief of Police to serve also as Acting Secretary General within the Ministry of Justice, as well as several unresolved matters that continue to negatively impact justice workers.

MP Lewis stated that the appointment as Acting Secretary General of Justice raises serious integral concerns relating to good governance, efficiency, transparency, accountability, and the proper separation of responsibilities within the justice chain.

The Chief of Police already carries the responsibility of leading one of the country’s largest and most critical departments. Appointing the same individual to simultaneously serve as Acting Secretary General within the Ministry of Justice should be deemed a major conflict of interest, particularly where decisions may involve personnel matters, departmental oversight, objectivity and operational policies.

“As Vice Chair of the Justice Committee, I have been approached by numerous justice workers who feel personally targeted, unfairly treated, and victimized by decisions allegedly being made by the Chief of Police. To now have him appointed as Acting Secretary General, they see no objectivity and fairness and hope moving forward in their career under the umbrella of Justice,” MP Lewis stated.

MP Lewis posed the following questions to the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling:

1.What was the rationale behind appointing the Chief of Police, Mr. Carl M. John, as acting Secretary General Justice (SG)?

2.What legal authority or statutory basis was relied upon to make this appointment?

3.Were other qualified candidates considered for the position, and what selection process was followed?

4.What led the Minister of Justice to choose the chief of police, Mr. Carl John as acting SG, while the staff continues to leave the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM)?

5.Minister, please provide an inventory on all vehicles under KPSM with purchase date, being in use and not in use, the condition thereof, and maintenance schedule, respectively vehicles used by Management, patrol units, detectives, intelligence, arrest team, observation team and administration department.

6.How does the Ministry intend to address concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, particularly in matters involving personnel and organizational decisions of KPSM?7.What complaints are you aware of by justice personnel alleging unfair treatment or victimization under decisions made by the Chief of Police?

8.How are we to safeguard the interest of the justice personnel while having the same person serving as acting SG?

9.When the Chief of Police is serving as acting SG, who runs KPSM? Who is the acting Chief of Police?

10.I understood that the SG, Ms. Florence Marlin is no longer on sick leave and that the Chief of Police is still functioning in her capacity. How is this possible?

11.The Ministry of Justice consists of a Staf Bureau that resorts directly under the SG. How many qualified persons are there within the Staf Bureau that could have taken up the role as acting SG?

12.It is public knowledge that the chief of police has sought other opportunities locally and abroad. How does his current position as acting SG affect the other departments within the Ministry of Justice such as, Immigration, Customs and House of Detention?

13.Minister, I see that the chief of police signs with the abbreviation MBA behind his name. What is the definition of that abbreviation mentioned behind Mr. Carl John’s name in his writings?

14.I would like for the Minister of Justice to provide a breakdown of all work related trips that the Chief of Police has taken over the past three years, reasons thereof and the implicated costs?

15.What complaint mechanisms are currently in place to protect officers and other justice workers from retaliation when reporting misconduct or unfair treatment by the chief of police or the members of the management team of KPSM?

16.I am requesting for the Minister of Justice to commit to an independent review of this appointment (Chief of Police as Acting SG) in the interest of transparency and public confidence.

17.What is the security screening procedure for justice workers within the Ministry of Justice?

18.What is the role of the Chief of Police, Mr. Carl John, in relation to the security screenings for the personnel of KPSM conducted by the National Security Service of Sint Maarten?

19.What is the mandate given to the Chief of Police, Mr. Carl John, in relation to the security screenings of KPSM personnel conducted by the National Security Service of Sint Maarten?

20.Based on the function book of KPSM. What is the overall employment capacity of KPSM?

21.How many police officers have left or resigned from KPSM since the police chief’s appointment in 2015?

22.The Minister of Justice mentioned on many occasions that she is a lawyer, therefore as a lawyer, the Minister of Justice ought to know that an irrevocable court decision should be executed. What are the number of irrevocable court decisions that are awaiting execution?

23.What is the reason for noncompliance to the highest decisions (Judges decisions) in this country?

24.It is understood or alleged that the Minister compensated the acting Head of the National Detective (LR), Ms. Lucy Gachette, after she lost her case against the former Minister of Justice in 2024, in a civil court. What led to this illegal reimbursement of their legal fees?

25.How can other justice workers request compensation or reimbursement after they lost their court cases against the Minister of Justice in the future?

26.What is the update on the justice policy relating to sexual harassment at the work place?

27.Please provide an update to the cases related to sexual harassment within KPSM.

28.It is understood that one detective resigned and another was put on inactive leave within two days noticed. Both of which filed or made it known of the sexual harassment and sexual assault they have endured at the work place. What can the Minister elaborate on these respective matters?

29.What is the outcome of the meeting held between the Minister and several victims in relation to sexual harassment within KPSM?

30.What is the update on Phase #1 batches for all active justice workers, respectively Police, Customs, Coast Guard, Court of Guardianship, Immigration, The Prison and House of Detention, Financial Intelligence Unit and the National Detectives?

31.What is the update on Phase #2 for the issuance of the batches, including the anticipated timeline for completion and distribution?

32.What were the delays in implementing Phase #2?

33.What were the reasons for those delays?

34.What is the update on the issuance of the National decrees for justice pensioners?

Minister, there are crucial managerial positions where stability is needed and these positions are currently filled with individuals in an acting capacity.

35.Why isn’t an official department head of the National Detectives appointed as yet?

36.Why isn’t an official department head of the Prison and House of Detention appointed yet?

37.Why hasn't an official department head of the Immigration Department appointed yet?

38.Why isn’t an official department section head of the Immigration Admittance Department appointed yet?

39.Why isn’t an official department section head of Division Head Basic Police Care appointed as yet?

40.Who evaluates the performance of these department heads under the Justice Ministry?

Minister, there is a management team in place at the Customs Department for nearly two (2) now.

41.When will section heads of Customs receive their acting allowance or officially placed?

42.What is the latest update on the shipment containing the Customs Officers uniform.

Minister, the NAGICO Insurance coverage for justice workers are of crucial importance.

43.Please give a detailed update on the validity of this insurance coverage for the justice workers.

44.When will the justice workers be reimbursed for the funds paid to this NAGICO insurance policy which had already lapsed?

45.What discussions are being held with NAGICO Insurance to reinstate this insurance policy for all frontline justice workers?

46.How many investigations are currently being carried from reports by the Financial Intelligence Unit?

47.I am aware that complaints are being made against the acting section head of the Admittance Department within the Immigration Department. What is the outcome of those complaints?

48.What is the procedure for handling these reports/complaints?

49.Who investigates complaints or internal affairs within the Immigration Department?

50.It is understood that the prison guards from Suriname are receiving a higher salary than the local prison guards. From whose budget are these Suriname prison guards receiving their salary?

“The people of Sint Maarten, and particularly the men and women serving within the justice sector, deserve a justice system built on transparency, objectivity, fairness, competent leadership and most of all institutional integrity. These matters cannot continue to be ignored,” MP Lewis emphasized.

MP Lewis is therefore calling on the Minister of Justice to exercise due diligence, provide clear responses, and ensure that all appointments and decisions within the Ministry are made in the best interest of the country and in accordance with good governance principles.

He further stressed the importance of restoring confidence, safeguarding institutional integrity, and ensuring that justice workers receive the respect and support they deserve.  

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Sint Maarten has taken a step to strengthen how it manages maritime responsibilities, with Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten signing an updated Kingdom protocol to improve cooperation across maritime sectors.

The agreement, signed on April 17, 2026, in Sint Maarten during the Four Countries Consultation with Aruba, Curaçao, and the Netherlands, establishes a more structured and consistent way for the countries to work together on maritime matters. It also supports agreements reached on specific areas such as maritime accident investigation, ensuring that cooperation is consistently applied.

Minister Heyliger-Marten stated: “This ensures that we are not working in isolation. It creates a clear structure for cooperation, so that we can meet our responsibilities effectively and consistently.”

The updated framework formalizes how the countries coordinate on key maritime areas, including safety, compliance, and environmental protection.

It introduces clearer roles and responsibilities, regular coordination, shared planning and follow-up on priorities, and better alignment with international standards.

In practical terms, this means maritime issues will be addressed in a more coordinated and predictable way across the Kingdom.

For St. Maarten, maritime responsibilities extend beyond port operations. They include maintaining safety at sea, protecting the marine environment, and meeting international obligations.

The Minister linked this directly to national interests: “Our maritime responsibilities are directly connected to our economy, our environment, and our international reputation. Stronger cooperation helps ensure we meet those responsibilities in a consistent and reliable way.”

While cooperation between the countries already existed, the new protocol strengthens how that cooperation is organized and maintained. It moves the approach from informal coordination to a structured system with clear follow-up and accountability.

Minister Heyliger-Marten said: “This is about moving from good cooperation to structured cooperation. That is essential if we want to operate effectively and meet international expectations.”

Maritime challenges do not stop at borders. By working together, the countries can share expertise, address gaps in capacity, and respond more effectively.

“No single country has all the capacity on its own,” the Minister said. “By working together, we strengthen the entire system.”

Minister Heyliger-Marten said that this is part of a broader effort to modernize maritime governance: “We are building a system that is coordinated, transparent, and future-focused. This ensures that Sint Maarten remains a responsible and reliable maritime partner.”

SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY - By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert) - Residents of Coral Cay have reported the sighting of Old Man Bramble on Christmas Eve. Bramble’s appearance is rare and deeply meaningful. He arrived without fanfare and vanished again, leaving behind a sense of that even the smallest light can guide a community forward.

On this Christmas Eve morning, while mist lingered above the sea and the sun's gentle golden light peeked over the horizon, Old Man Bramble appeared. His beard was as white as sea foam, and he held a lantern that glowed with the warmth of a promise.

Jerry, a boy on the beach, was the first to spot him. He'd heard the stories but never expected to see the man in person. Bramble opened his arms wide.

“Come, boy,” he said. “The sea brought me home”

Jerry stepped forward. He reached out, not for Bramble’s hand…but for the lantern. Bramble smiled and said softly. “Ah, you understand.”

As Jerry touched the handle, the flame flared and flame danced. In that moment, the boy and the legend were no longer strangers. They were connected as guardians of its light.

The path from the beach to the village was covered in sand. Palm fronds moved gently above. Old Man Bramble proceeded at a slow, deliberate pace, while Jerry walked proudly beside him. The lantern between them glowed, not just with flame, but with something deeper. The boy’s heart was full of something brighter, the quiet thrill of being the first to walk beside a legend.

As they reached the first houses, one by one, doors opened and quiet smiles welcomed Bramble. He tipped his hat to each doorway; his eyes crinkled with warmth. Elders watched from porches with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. Villagers greeting them with smiles. It was like an island exhaled. A welcome not just for a man…, but for a returned legend. Bramble's gentle lantern glow reassured everyone that kindness still matters, and Christmas brings people back together.

Just after sunset on this Christmas Eve, families gathered in the old boathouse on the western inlet of the port to hear Old Man Bramble’s tales of resilience and joy. The boathouse had never held so many hearts at once. Children sat cross-legged on the floor, elders leaning on crates and beams, their hands folded, their faces soft with memory. Bramble’s lantern’s glow added emotional warmth and symbolic power. He was seated on a wooden chair like he’d never left. His eyes crinkled with joy. He spoke softly:

“I came on the mist, quiet as a memory, and you welcomed me like family. I thank you. But legends don’t stay long. We are like the tide. We come when needed, and we go we’re done. So, hear me now, before the mist carries me back to the ‘Quiet Place’.”

During the powerful meeting, he explains the symbolism of the lantern, the significance of light, and how it reflects the nature of the human heart.

“Light Is like the heart,” he said, tapping his chest, “Because the heart is the first lantern we ever carry. It glows when we love. It dims when we’re afraid. It brightens when we’re kind. And when we share it, we let our heart-light touch someone else. Everyone has an inner light, a spark. Keep your inner light alive by sharing, showing kindness and courage. When you shine with generosity, honesty, and humility, you help others find their way. When you see someone standing alone, be the first to walk over. Let others borrow your light when their own flickers.

“This lantern isn’t just flame and glass; it’s a reminder. Some lose or hide theirs. Some let the world blow it out. but the wise protect and share it.”

Bramble turned toward the sea. “You see that lighthouse on the far point? It doesn’t shout or move, but its steady brightness helps sailors find their way home.”

He raised the lantern. “This little light is the same. A steady person becomes a beacon for others, not through force or noise but by simply being themselves. Even one small light can change everything and offer hope in the darkest times.”

My dear people…, all of you, every soul on this island. The world is heavy enough. Don’t add weight where you can add kindness. When you shine, the island grows softer. When you do these things, Christmas will never leave you. Not even in the hardest seasons of your life.”

When Bramble finished his story, the boathouse felt full of something soft and glowing. The lanterns above them flickered gently. The place was still humming with warmth long after the story ended. Bramble had grown quiet. He stood near the back door that opened toward the sea. The night breeze slipped in, carrying something that called him.

Young Jerry looked up. “Bramble? Where are you going?”

Bramble smiled soft. “For a little walk, my boy. Christmas night is when the island speaks the clearest.”

Jerry opened his mouth to follow, but Bramble shook his head gently. “Stay with your people.”

He touched Jerry’s shoulder lightly and stepped outside, walking slowly, the lantern in his hand, its glow flickering.

Old Man Bramble slipped away to the quiet shoreline which was lit by the moonlight. The stars shimmered like old friends. And as quietly as he arrived that morning, he returned to the ‘Quiet Place’ as the legend leaving behind a renewed sense of togetherness.

The next morning Jerry went to the beach. The morning sky was pale and soft, like it hadn’t decided on its colors yet. He realized that Bramble left. In the sand were footprints leading toward the water. Jerry knelt, touching the last print. “You’ll come back,” he whispered with a tear in his eyes. “I know you will.”

By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Justice is currently holding an emergency crisis meeting with the leadership of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) in direct response to the critical situation at the Pointe Blanche Prison, where a fire broke out earlier today, Wednesday, May 14 within the facility.

Emergency units from the Fire Department, Ambulance Services, KPSM, VKS (Voluntary Corps), and the Koninklijke Marechaussee were deployed and successfully restored order and ensured the safety of all involved by 6:00 pm.

Initial reports indicate that there were three minor non-threatening injuries, which were treated on site. All prisoners are safe and accounted for.

The Minister of Justice Nathalie TackIing visited the prison and has officially requested military support to further secure the prison and maintain order.

“This is a serious threat, and we are acting with full force and urgency to secure the safety of the public at large. The safety of the public, prison staff, and detainees remains our top priority.

“We will not tolerate lawlessness, and we are taking all necessary measures to maintain control and uphold the rule of law. I commend all emergency units for their swift response and diligence, and for ensuring that all prison staff and prisoners were safe,” the Minister of Justice Tackling said on Wednesday evening.

The Ministry of Justice will provide further updates as verified information becomes available.