SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Internal fraud is often the "silent killer" of businesses in Sint Maarten, said Terence Jandroep, Certified Risk Auditor in a press statement. “While external factors like inflation and high utility costs are visible, internal misappropriation can bleed a company dry before the owner even notices.

“In a small, close-knit economy, trust is the foundation of business. However, that same trust often leads to a lack of oversight, creating the perfect environment for internal fraud.”

1.The "Trust is Not a Control" Gap

The most common driver of internal fraud in Sint Maarten is the concentration of power. In many family-owned or small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs), a single trusted employee often handles multiple roles:

Opening the mail and receiving checks.

Recording transactions in the accounting software.

Reconciling bank statements.

Signing or authorizing payments.

Without segregation of duties, an employee can easily divert funds and then "fix" the books to hide the theft. Recent cases in 2026, including a significant banking sector scandal in Philipsburg, highlight that even established institutions are vulnerable when individual employees gain unchecked access to customer accounts.

2.Common Fraud Typologies in 2026

While technology has advanced, the methods of internal theft remain remarkably consistent:

Asset Misappropriation: This is the most prevalent form. It ranges from "skimming" (stealing cash before it is recorded) to "larceny" (stealing cash or inventory already on the books).

Payroll Fraud: In companies with high turnover or seasonal staff, "ghost employees" can be added to the payroll, or overtime hours can be falsified.

Vendor Kickbacks: An employee in charge of procurement might approve inflated invoices from a preferred vendor in exchange for a "commission" paid under the table.

Business Email Compromise (BEC): Fraudsters sometimes with internal help impersonate executives to authorize urgent "wire transfers" to offshore accounts.

3.The Red Flags of an "Internal Fraudster"

Internal fraud is rarely a one-time event; it is usually a series of small thefts that escalate. Business owners should look for behavioral red flags:

The "No-Vacation" Employee: An employee who refuses to take time off or never calls in sick. This is often because they need to be present to maintain the "cover-up" (e.g., ensuring they are the only ones to see the bank statements).

Lifestyle Changes: Living significantly beyond one's means (new luxury cars, high-end travel) that doesn't align with their known salary.

Financial Distress: Employees facing personal debt or family pressure may turn to "temporary borrowing" from the company, which eventually becomes permanent theft.

4.The High Cost of Recovery

For a Sint Maarten business, the damage goes beyond the stolen cash:

Detection Lag: On average, it takes 12 to 18 months to detect internal fraud. By that time, the money is usually gone.

Legal Hurdles: The cost of forensic audits and legal fees can often exceed the amount stolen.

Lack of Insurance: A 2026 IMF assessment noted that many local businesses and even some banks lack comprehensive insurance against financial fraud, leaving the business to absorb 100% of the loss.

5.Prevention Strategies for Local Owners

To protect a business in this environment, owners must move toward a Forensic Culture:

Mandatory Rotations: Force employees to take at least five consecutive days of vacation annually, during which someone else performs their duties.

External Verification: Regularly compare supplier invoices against actual physical delivery notes. Never allow the person who orders the goods to be the same person who authorizes the payment.

Bank Statement Reviews: The business owner should receive the original bank statement (or digital access) directly, ensuring they are the first to see the transactions before they are reconciled by staff.

Whistleblower Channels: Create a safe, anonymous way for other employees to report suspicious behavior. Most fraud is caught via "tips" rather than audits.

“To secure the financial future of any enterprise in Sint Maarten, management must move beyond traditional "trust-based" oversight and adopt a rigorous, evidence-based approach to governance.

“In an era of rising operational costs and increasingly sophisticated internal threats, survival is no longer just about increasing revenue it is about protecting the integrity of the capital already within the business.

“By implementing professional risk assessments and forensic controls, business owners can transform their operations into resilient entities capable of withstanding both the economic pressures of the Caribbean market and the hidden dangers of internal misappropriation,” Terence Jandroep, Certified Risk Auditor concluded in his press statement.

ARUBA (ORANJESTAD) – On April 13th, 2026, the Sint Maarten delegation led by Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell met with Ambassador Fiona Ramsey of the European Union (EU) delegation to Barbados, the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), and CARICOM/CARIFORUM, together with members of her delegation in the margins of the European Union-Overseas Countries and Territories EU-OCT Forum held in Aruba.

Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation and advancing shared priorities, including maritime and digital connectivity, renewable energy, disaster risk reduction, and sargassum management.

The EU delegation highlighted upcoming internal restructuring efforts, including additional staffing and dedicated support for Overseas Countries and Territories, aimed at improving coordination and regional engagement.

Sint Maarten emphasized maritime connectivity as a key priority for economic diversification and resilience, while also underscoring the need for accessible financing, clear implementation processes, and technical support.

The EU delegation noted a shift toward broader, investment-driven approaches under the Global Gateway initiative, with increased focus on mobilizing diverse financial instruments and private sector participation.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration and advancing impactful, sustainable development initiatives for Sint Maarten.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport recently hosted an intensive Train-the-Trainer course for Leeskracht! (The Power of Reading), held from April 7 to 9, 2026, at the Government Administration Building in Philipsburg.

The training was conducted by Bianca Versteeg of Taalkoffer, an experienced expert in language education, teacher training, and educational development across the Caribbean and Europe. The program was made possible through collaboration with Stichting Biblionef Nederland and with financial support from Stichting Lezen, the Taalunie, and NVT Carib.

A total of 32 participants from primary, secondary, and tertiary education took part in the program, including teachers, lecturers, reading consultants, language coordinators, and school leaders. Participants represented all school boards on Sint Maarten, united by a shared goal of strengthening reading promotion in a practical and sustainable way.

The Train-the-Trainer approach focused not only on what educators can do in their own classrooms, but also on how they can guide colleagues and contribute to a more cohesive, island-wide approach to reading education. In this way, the program supports the development of local expertise and foster continuity, shared goals, and a stronger reading culture across the education system.

A key focus of the program was ensuring that every learner can experience success in reading. Through the use of inclusive and level-appropriate texts, engaging activities, and meaningful connections to students’ languages and lived experiences, educators can help build motivation, confidence, and a positive reading identity.

During the sessions, participants explored practical strategies for promoting reading in multilingual classrooms, making reading more interactive, and supporting their peers in implementing similar approaches. Each participant will receive a comprehensive toolkit to support implementation within their respective institutions. Follow-up sessions will also be organized to support ongoing application and knowledge sharing.

Evaluation results indicate that participants entered the training with a strong appreciation for the importance of reading, and that the program further strengthened their ability to make reading more active, meaningful, and effective in a multilingual context. Participants reported increased confidence in designing reading activities, facilitating reading discussions, selecting appropriate materials, and supporting colleagues. One participant noted that “small changes can make a big impact,” while another expressed enthusiasm about implementing the program within their school.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa D. Gumbs, emphasized the importance of initiatives such as Leeskracht within the Ministry’s broader education agenda:
“Strengthening literacy is one of my key priorities, because it is the foundation for all learning. When our children learn to read with confidence and enjoyment, we set them up for success in school and in life.”

Through this initiative, the Ministry of ECYS and its partners are taking concrete steps to strengthen reading education on Sint Maarten. By investing in educators who will in turn train others, the program contributes to a sustainable, long-term approach in which reading is recognized as a foundation for learning, personal development, and opportunity.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) proudly hosted a highly successful Air Traffic Control (ATC) Open House, welcoming the community for a unique behind-the-scenes look into one of the most critical operations at the airport.

With overwhelming interest from the public, the event reached full capacity within just one week, with 200 people registered to attend. The Open House marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time in the airport’s 80-year history that this highly restricted area was opened to the public.

The event provided a unique opportunity to step inside the world of the Air Traffic Control Tower, an area not often accessible, offering visitors an up-close look at the vital role air traffic controllers play in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and coordination of all aircraft movements in and out of Sint Maarten.The initiative was designed not only to showcase the importance of air traffic control, but also to inspire future generations. By opening its doors, the airport aimed to spark interest among young people, while also giving parents valuable insight into potential career paths within aviation.

“We were truly encouraged by the level of interest and enthusiasm from the community,” said Richard van Dinter, Director of Air Traffic Services. “It is important for us to share what happens behind the scenes and to highlight the dedication and precision required in our field. We hope this experience has inspired many, especially the younger generation, to consider a future in aviation.”

The Open House also provided aviation enthusiasts with a rare chance to experience the tower firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of daily operations and the teamwork involved in keeping the skies safe.

The initiative was spearheaded by Emile Levons, Chief Operations Officer, who emphasized the importance of community engagement. “This was about opening our doors and connecting with the community,” said Levons. “There is so much happening behind the scenes that people don’t often see. By sharing this, we not only educate but also inspire.”

Visitors shared overwhelmingly positive feedback following the event. “It was an incredible experience to see how everything works behind the scenes,” one visitor noted. “You gain a whole new level of respect for the people in the tower and the responsibility they carry every day.”

This unique event would not have been possible without the strong teamwork and collaboration of Richard van Dinter, ATC Director; Philmore Watson, ATS Supervisor; Duncan van Heyningen, ATS Training Manager; Emile Levons, COO; Cassie Schoutens, Corporate Communication Officer; and Naomie Mazzola, Social Media Manager. SXM Airport extends its sincere appreciation for their dedication, support, and commitment in bringing this initiative to life.

Princess Juliana International Airport also extends its sincere appreciation to all volunteers, supporting departments, and especially the Air Traffic Control team for opening their doors and delivering informative and engaging sessions throughout the day. SXM Airport is beyond proud of the dedicated professionals who operate the tower, ensuring the safety of all passengers and aircraft while representing the highest standards of aviation excellence.