SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Minister of Justice Lyndon Lewis on Thursday issued the following pre-Mother’s Day message: Thank God for that one Sunday in May where we get the opportunity to pour extra love and adoration upon you. We are given the opportunity to remind you that you've been the architect of our dreams and the backbone of our families. You've laughed with us in joy, and wiped away our tears in sorrow, you've been the comforting embrace we seek.

The Caribbean mother has always been a figure of immense power and beauty and a fierce protector. You have shown us that wisdom doesn't always come from books, but often from the lived experience. Mothers are our greatest teachers, not just in words, but in the eloquence of their actions. With all of the words written about motherhood, none have come close to fully expressing the thankfulness and joy owed to mothers.

Giving flowers is always a good idea. But I hope that on this Mother’s Day, we’ll recommit ourselves to doing more than that. Through deeds that match our words, let’s give mothers the respect they deserve, give all women the equality they deserve, and give all parents the support they need in their most important roles.

Special kudos goes out to the mothers in the Police, Fire, Ambulance and Nursing services. You are the women who rush towards danger to serve and protect strangers, all while maintaining a home that is a sanctuary of love and discipline. You are the embodiment of courage, and your dual service to your families and the community is a testament to your extraordinary character.

For those who've taken on the role of mother, whether through birth, adoption, mentorship, or simply through the love and guidance offered to a child in need, we salute you. You have extended the definition of motherhood, showing us that the heart's capacity to love is boundless.

To our women who are raising small children, I cannot emphasize enough that the amount of love and attention, teaching and discipline that we provide our children will determine the future of this country. Let us teach our children to discern what is truly valuable. Let us teach children the importance of respect and perseverance. Let us teach them the importance of discipline, and instill in them a sense of morality and decency.

The government recognizes the tireless efforts of these mothers. We are committed to creating policies and providing resources to make your lives better, to afford you the opportunities and support you need to continue your invaluable role without the burden of undue hardship.

On this Mother's Day, we honor the women who have nurtured, taught, and raised us. We honor their endless patience, their unwavering support, and the boundless love they bestow upon us. Let us recommit ourselves to supporting and uplifting our mothers in every way possible.

So, to all mothers, foster mothers, grandmothers, aunties, sisters, and mother figures, we honor you. Happy Mother's Day. May God bless you, keep you, and continue to shine his light upon you.

Lyndon Lewis

Minister of Justice

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In a comprehensive response to critical issues affecting all departments in the Justice Chain, the Honourable Minister of Justice, Lyndon C.J. Lewis, has taken decisive action to correct employee suspensions and alleviate significant staff shortages, costs, and ensuring that fair labour practises within our legal framework are followed across almost all Justice Ministry Departments.

Recent findings revealed that many employees were placed on "toegangontzegging" status and sent home. This is intended to be a temporary measure until further investigation. However, in most circumstances, the employee is kept at home for an extended length of time with the investigation still ongoing. This not only indicates that the necessary procedure was not followed within the scope of the law, but these personnel receive their entire monthly income at the expense of the country without having to perform the tasks to which they have sworn. Furthermore, this provides an instant remedy to most departments' understaffing issues.

Considering this, Minister Lewis has instructed all department heads to draft retraction letters formally revoking the denial access "toegangsontzegging" for his signature and sends justice employees back to work immediate effect.

In addition, Minister Lewis also instructed all department heads, to reinstate other employees who are currently absent from work without valid justification to resume their duties with immediate effect.

"Justice in administration is just as important as justice within our courts and communities," Minister Lewis emphasized. "It is essential that we adhere to our laws and regulations strictly, ensuring fairness and transparency. This corrective measure not only addresses a significant oversight but also marks a commitment to financial responsibility and optimal departmental functionality."

Furthermore, Minister Lewis plans to meet with all affected employees to discuss their future conduct and performance expectations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to restore full staffing levels and set a precedent for responsible governance and accountability in Sint Maarten.

The Minister of Justice, is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and efficiency, continually adjusting practices to align with legal standards and the public interest.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The U.S. Consulate General Curacao is proud to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2025 Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI) Fellowship.

We are searching for four (4) entrepreneurs from Curacao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten to join our alumni network of over 1,500 business leaders, including 21 so far from the Dutch Caribbean.

YLAI is a fully funded five-week exchange program for entrepreneurs and emerging business leaders from Latin, America, the Caribbean, and Canada. YLAI provides hands-on experience, online coursework, and face-to-face training in the United States.

As a YLAI Fellow, you will participate in a virtual Opening Orientation prior to U.S. travel.
You will travel from your home country to a Welcome Event and then to cities across the United States where you will gain valuable professional development skills and experience at four-week professional placements with a mentor at U.S.-based company.

At the end of the four weeks, you will participate in the YLAI closing forum in Washington D.C., where you can network at events with business and social entrepreneurial leaders and U.S. government representatives. Members of the YLAI network support each other’s efforts to improve their own ventures, share best practices, and contribute to economic prosperity in their communities. 

To qualify for YLAI, you must be an entrepreneur between the ages of 25 and 35, be a resident of Aruba, Curacao, or Sint Maarten, and can demonstrate a track record of successful growing business or social venture for the at least two years. Applicants must be proficient in English, must qualify for a J-visa, and must be available to travel to the United States in May – June 2025.

There is no fee to apply to become a YLAI Fellow. If selected for the YLAI Fellowship Program, the U.S. Government will cover all program costs including J-1 visa support, round-trip travel from participant’s home city to the United States and domestic U.S. travel, a limited accident and sickness benefit plan, and a housing and meal stipend during the program.

For more information on eligibility and selection criteria visit https://ylai.state.gov/fellowship/ 

This exchange program is fully funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and designed to help young entrepreneurs become successful.

The YLAI Network is a signature part of the United States government’s efforts to increase partnerships with future leaders to help promote economic growth and strengthen civil society.

We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in yourself, your business, and your community. Apply at https://ylai.state.gov/apply 
Deadline for applications is June 5, 2024.

The 2024 YLAI Alumni from the Dutch Caribbean.

SINT MAARTEN (CUPECOY) - The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is currently conducting a thorough investigation into a robbery that transpired in the early hours of Monday morning, May 6th, 2024, shortly after 01:00 AM, at a casino situated near the border with Cupecoy.

Reports flooded central dispatch, detailing an ongoing robbery unfolding at a casino within the Cupecoy vicinity during the aforementioned time. In response, multiple police patrol units and seasoned detectives were swiftly dispatched to the scene.

Preliminary inquiries suggest that a group of individuals, armed with firearms, forcefully entered the premises of the casino. Their initial attempt to apprehend the stationed security guard met with failure as the guard managed to evade capture. Subsequently, the perpetrators targeted both the cashiers and patrons within the casino, coercively relieving them of their valuables.

Regrettably, during the robbery, a member of the casino staff sustained injuries to their head, inflicted by one of the assailants. Following the execution of the crime, the suspects fled towards the French side.

The Special Unit Robberies is leading the investigation into this incident, in addition to probing other related cases. The Sint Maarten Police Force implores any individuals possessing pertinent information regarding this robbery or associated criminal activities to come forth and collaborate with law enforcement authorities.

Please contact the Sint Maarten Police Force, at +1 721- 54222 22 ext. 204 or 205 or the anonymous tip line on 9300

You can also leave a Private Message at our Facebook page (Police Force of Sint Maarten – Korps

The safety and well-being of our community remain paramount to the Sint Maarten Police Force. We emphatically urge the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities or information.