PHILIPSBURG:--- The Helping Hands Foundation proudly hosted its 3rd Annual Walkathon on Saturday, July 5th, bringing together an estimated 200 enthusiastic participants for a morning dedicated to health, community, and senior support. The event was a resounding success, celebrating unity, physical activity, and the foundation’s commitment to serving the elderly population of St. Maarten.

The walkathon route began at the White & Yellow Cross Foundation, weaving into the heart of Philipsburg and looping back to the starting point. Seniors with mobility challenges were not left out—thanks to a special train ride that paralleled the route, they were able to participate fully in the day’s excitement and camaraderie.

Following the walk, participants were treated to a healthy breakfast featuring bush tea, water, fresh fruits, and other nutritious offerings. The event concluded with a group cool-down session led by students from the American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine, who also provided vital information on managing common senior health concerns such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Helping Hands Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to serve seniors in St. Maarten by offering programs and events that promote physical activity, social engagement, and mental wellness. By organizing community initiatives such as the walkathon, the Foundation aims to create opportunities for seniors to stay active and connected, reducing isolation and enhancing their overall quality of life.

The success of the 3rd Annual Walkathon would not have been possible without the generous support of sponsors including, Adtalem, AUC School of Medicine, Windward Island Bank, KFC St. Maarten and the IMBRACE Group. Their contributions ensured a safe, inclusive, and memorable experience for all attendees.

As Helping Hands Foundation continues its mission to uplift and empower seniors across St. Maarten, the call for greater community involvement has never been more urgent. “Supporting our seniors isn’t just charity—it’s a reflection of the kind of society we all want to grow old in. We're all aging, it is inevitable. The care we show today shapes the care we’ll receive tomorrow. These initiatives are not optional—they're essential,” said Antonio Rogers, President, Helping Hands Foundation. Now is the time for individuals, businesses, and organizations to step forward—whether through volunteering, sponsorship, or donations—to help ensure our seniors receive the care, respect, and opportunities they deserve. Let’s work together to build a future where every elder feels valued, connected, and supported. Contributions to Helping Hands Foundation can be made year-round. Please contact the Foundation at (721) 542-2866 to pledge your support. 

About Helping Hands Foundation

Helping Hands Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in St. Maarten, dedicated to supporting the elderly through outreach programs, health and wellness activities and transportation services; which cater especially to seniors and differently-abled persons, with wheelchair accessible buses.

The foundation’s mission is to empower seniors to live independent, active, and dignified lives by providing care, companionship, and community-centered support.

Minister Tackling urges the public to expose wrongdoing. ~

PHILIPSBURG: --- The Immigration and Naturalization Department (IND) faces a growing storm of corruption allegations, as Minister Nathalie Tackling’s recent remarks cast a harsh spotlight on the systemic rot plaguing the agency. During a tense exchange with SMN News during the press briefing on Wednesday July 9th, Tackling not only acknowledged the notorious backlog but explicitly called on the community to speak up and report illicit practices, laying bare a truth that many have long suspected: corruption is not just a suspicion, but a shadow looming over the department.

Corruption: The Worst-Kept Secret

For years, applicants have silently endured long waits and seemingly arbitrary barriers for essential documents such as landing permits and residence papers. Tackling’s revelation—that people have been coerced into paying “under the table” simply to have their documents processed—confirms what many have whispered. She urged citizens to report wrongdoings to the Landsrecherche, insisting, “You shouldn’t have to pay for the things that the government should provide to you.” Yet this plea is as much an indictment of the system as it is a call for reform. The widespread mistrust and fear that keep victims silent are products of years of governmental neglect.

Allegations of bribery and document manipulation are not isolated incidents. Tackling’s own words suggest the rot goes deep and may be further entrenched by a lack of internal cohesion within IND. Finger-pointing between departments, lost files, and inconsistent processing only fuel suspicion that those with the means—or the right contacts—can jump the queue, leaving honest applicants stranded and embittered.

When Victims Bear the Burden

The minister’s push for public action, though well-intentioned, forces victims to shoulder the responsibility for cleaning up the agency’s mess. Asking residents to step forward is little comfort when whistleblowers have long faced retaliation, and when accountability among public servants remains scarce. Tackling’s statement may ring true, but it also underscores the lack of robust safeguards and real consequences for those abusing the system.

Minister Tackling did not shy away from the elephant in the room—corruption may be behind the inexcusable delays still plaguing the IND. Files languish for more than six months; deadlines set by law are flouted with impunity. Meanwhile, Tackling’s promise to implement new safeguards and improve cooperation within the ministry is met with widespread skepticism. The public, weary of years of neglect and secrecy, finds little assurance in recycled pledges when evidence of meaningful change remains scant.

Worse still, Tackling’s admission that certain backlogs are “of people’s own making” suggests not only inefficiency but potential deliberate obstruction—another symptom of a system where personal gain takes precedence over public duty. The minister noted that similar dysfunctions exist in other ministries, revealing a larger, more pervasive culture of corruption within government ranks.

Despite assurances that some progress is being made, the IND’s failure to honor legal timelines and deliver transparent service continues to erode whatever trust might remain. Tackling’s aspiration continues to erode whatever trust might remain. Tackling’s aspirations to “clean up” the ministry sound aspirational, but for those trapped in bureaucratic limbo or forced to pay illicit fees, they feel hollow. As long as corruption is allowed to fester within the agency’s walls, meaningful reform remains an elusive promise.

Minister Tackling has thrown down the gauntlet both to her ministry and to the public, but the road to real accountability is long—and fraught with obstacles. Unless the government is willing to confront and excise corruption at its root, the cycle of inefficiency, bribery, and injustice will continue. For now, citizens are left to wonder if their courage to come forward will finally be matched by a government willing to protect them and put the public interest first, rather than continue a culture of complicity and silence.

PHILIPSBURG:---  In a shocking display of governmental incompetence and lack of accountability, Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) Richinel Brug admitted to providing false or inaccurate information to the media regarding the status of a sexual harassment investigation. This revelation, made during the Council of Ministers' press briefing on Wednesday, has raised serious concerns about the transparency and integrity of the government’s communication with the public.

The investigation, which has been a topic of public interest for months, was reportedly completed by the relevant departments. However, Minister Brug confessed that he had not received the final report at the time he initially claimed the matter was in its final stages. This admission came after weeks of silence and vague assurances, leaving the public and media in the dark about the true status of the case.

“I understood that it was in the finalization stage, but I did not receive any report at that particular time,” Minister Brug stated, backtracking on his earlier claims. He further revealed that the final report was only recently sent to the acting Secretary-General of VSA, with no clarity on whether the Ministry of General Affairs was also informed. Despite this, the Minister failed to provide a concrete timeline for when the findings would be shared with the public or the parties involved.

This case, which initially caused an uproar among the Council of Ministers when it first surfaced, has been marred by delays, miscommunication, and a glaring lack of urgency. One would expect the seven Ministers of the Council to demand a thorough and transparent investigation into such a serious matter. Instead, the handling of this case has been characterized by evasion and a troubling disregard for accountability.

The Minister’s repeated promises to “follow up” and “inquire further” ring hollow in the face of his admission of misinformation. This pattern of deflection and delay not only undermines public trust but also raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing issues of sexual harassment within its ranks.

The lack of transparency and decisive action in this case is unacceptable. Sexual harassment is a grave issue that demands immediate and serious attention, not bureaucratic foot-dragging and half-hearted assurances. The public deserves better from its leaders—leaders who are entrusted with the responsibility of upholding justice and protecting the rights of all citizens.

As the dust settles on this latest debacle, one thing is clear: the Council of Ministers must do more to restore public confidence. This starts with full disclosure of the investigation’s findings, accountability for those who failed to act, and a commitment to ensuring that such incidents are handled with the seriousness they deserve. Anything less would be a betrayal of the public’s trust and a failure of leadership at the highest level.

Simpson Bay:--- A brazen jewelry store robbery unfolded this afternoon July 9th, 2025, shortly after 5 PM, leaving the community in shock. Three masked individuals dressed in dark clothing executed a violent break-in that ended with the assault of the store’s owner and the theft of an undisclosed quantity of valuable items.

The robbery took place when the suspects forcefully drove their vehicle into the front entrance of the Splash Jewelry Store located at the entrance to Simpson Bay Resorts, causing significant damage to the property. Armed with weapons, the assailants showed no hesitation in using violence. They attacked the shop owner, striking him on the head with a crowbar before quickly looting the store’s inventory.

Acting Spokesperson for KPSM Lisa Piper reported that the suspects fled the scene with their stolen bounty. The vehicle they used remains unidentified, and the search for the trio is ongoing. The exact value and description of the stolen items are yet to be disclosed.

Emergency services quickly arrived at the scene to attend to the injured owner. Paramedics assessed him at the site, but the extent of his injuries has not been officially confirmed. The traumatic incident has left the local business community unsettled, with neighbors expressing both concern and outrage over the violent nature of the crime.

Law enforcement is actively investigating the robbery and urges anyone with information to come forward. "We are committed to finding those responsible and ensuring they are held accountable for this violent crime," police said.

This incident underscores a growing need for vigilance and security within local businesses. While the harrowing details continue to emerge, the store owner’s recovery remains the community’s immediate concern.

Further developments in the investigation are expected as police work to track down the perpetrators and regain the stolen goods. The public is encouraged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity related to the incident.