St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Zebec Lawsuit Verdict Highlights Key Accountability Issues in Business Practices.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Court of Appeals delivered a ruling in a high-profile legal case has shed light on crucial accountability and transparency issues in business dealings. The Court of First Instance in Sint Maarten delivered its judgment in the case of Zebec Development N.V. against multiple defendants, including Ocean Drive Properties N.V., St. Maarten Quarter Development Company N.V., and three prominent individuals, namely Deepak (Danny) Ramchandani, Prem Siromal (Peter) Mirpuri, and Theodore Emanuel (Theo) Heyliger.

The decision, which partially favored both the plaintiff and the defendants, underscores the complexities of multi-party commercial disputes.

The dispute revolved around a multi-million-dollar development agreement. Zebec Development N.V., an established company based in Sint Maarten, claimed that mismanagement and failure to adhere to contractual obligations on the part of Ocean Drive Properties N.V., St. Maarten Quarter Development Company N.V., and the other defendants caused financial and operational damage to the project. Zebec alleged that the mismanagement derailed the venture, tarnished its reputation, and led to significant monetary losses.

The defendants countered by accusing Zebec itself of contributing to the failure of the project. They argued that Zebec's delays and its inability to fulfill critical obligations hindered timely progress, resulting in protracted disputes and rising costs.

Key Court Findings

After reviewing the evidence and hearing both sides, the court handed down a nuanced decision. It determined that the defendants, including the companies and individuals involved, were at fault for financial mismanagement, which violated the terms of the agreement. This led the court to impose financial penalties on Ocean Drive Properties N.V. and St. Maarten Quarter Development Company N.V.

However, the court also identified substantial shortcomings on the part of Zebec Development N.V. These included delayed timelines and inefficiencies in meeting its commitments, which the court noted had exacerbated the deterioration of the partnership. No single party was deemed wholly blameless, symbolizing the multifaceted nature of the dispute.

Implications of the Verdict

This landmark decision bears significant implications for business partnerships across the region. Legal experts point to the wider message conveyed by the court's findings: the importance of mutual accountability, transparent financial reporting, and strict compliance with contractual obligations. Failing to meet these standards can lead to mistrust, project failure, and protracted legal battles.

For businesses in commercial development and partnerships, the ruling serves as a stark reminder of the value of rigorous due diligence, precise documentation, and adherence to professional standards. Analysts note that companies that fail to prioritize these principles risk facing legal consequences and reputational harm.

The involvement of high-profile individuals, including Deepak Ramchandani, Prem Mirpuri, and Theo Heyliger, further highlights the stakes and emphasizes the importance of personal accountability in corporate ventures.

Broader Significance

While both sides achieved partial victories, the overall takeaway is a cautionary tale for businesses and professionals. The court’s focus on fairness, transparency, and evidence ensures the verdict holds broader relevance and may even set a precedent for similar disputes in the future.

This case underlines that businesses, regardless of their stature, must approach partnerships with integrity, ensure clear and measurable benchmarks, and honor every facet of their agreements. With its balanced ruling, the court has made clear that successful business relationships call for not only mutual benefits but also mutual responsibilities.

By addressing the intricate complexities of the dispute, the verdict has set a crucial benchmark for upholding accountability and strengthening professionalism in collaborative ventures.

CPS: May 31 Marked World No Tobacco Day. Bright Products. Dark Intentions. Unmasking the appeal #Tobacco Exposed.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- An estimated 37 million children aged 13-15 years worldwide use tobacco, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

WHO adds that in many countries, the rate of e-cigarette use among young people exceeds that of adults, and that marketing content promoting e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products has been viewed more than 3.4 billion times on social media platforms.

The WHO further points out that flavors are found in many nicotine and tobacco products. There are about 16,000 unique flavors, and flavors are often cited as the number one reason for initiation of nicotine and tobacco product use.

The theme for World No Tobacco Day, May 31, was “Bright Products. Dark Intentions.” #TobaccoExposed

The WHO says tobacco and nicotine industries use insidious strategies to make their harmful products appealing, especially to young people.

Manipulative product designs, attractive flavours, and glamourized marketing create a false sense of security and evoke desirability. We need to break the illusion.

Nicotine and tobacco products are highly addictive and designed to sustain use, trapping users in a cycle of dependence. Additives mask the harshness of tobacco, making it easier to start and harder to quit. No more ‘candy coating’.

WHO: Removing the appeal of these products through stricter regulations is essential to protecting current and future generations from harm. Don’t let the tobacco and nicotine industries trick people with their playbook. Let’s stand together and make it crystal clear: No more tricks, no more traps.

The WHO says the tobacco industry targets youth for a lifetime of profits, creating a new wave of addiction.

To address the tobacco epidemic, WHO Member States adopted the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) in 2003. Currently 182 countries are Parties to this treaty.

Every year, on 31 May, the World Health Organization (WHO) and global partners celebrate World No Tobacco Day (WNTD).

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department in the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, annually profiles the global theme for World No Tobacco Day which is part of the department’s calendar of health observances.

For more information call CPS at 542-3003; or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Food wholesalers and warehouse depots advised to be storm ready for 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Prepare early. The best time to prepare for a hurricane is now, before the hurricane season starts to ramp up with storm activity.

Forecasters have stated that we are in for an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, and therefore, the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is calling on food wholesalers and warehouse depots to have their facilities storm/hurricane ready.

Operators and owners of the aforementioned should have ready-made plans on how to secure their properties in the event of a storm/hurricane threat.

National Disaster Coordinator/Fire Chief Clive Richardson said a key part of hurricane preparedness is understanding the hazards in order to know what measures you have to take to secure your business operations and to have contingency plans.

Every effort must be made to be prepared and to take timely action in clearing the surroundings of storage areas of loose pallets and other materials in the event of a weather-related threat to the country.

Materials such as plywood, shipping pallets, food pallets, and pieces of metal used to secure pallet shipments can easily become flying missiles capable of impaling brick or wooden walls, zinc roofs, or anything in their way.

It is the responsibility of the business owner to have plans in place to remove any materials and/or have them properly secured on the property where their business is located within a short period in the event of a storm/hurricane threat to the country.

Business owners and households are strongly advised to review their hurricane preparation plans and to adjust and address any weaknesses in those plans because you have the time now to do so before the peak period of the season, which begins mid-August.

The primary objective is the protection of people first and foremost, property, and surrounding residential areas second.

When a tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued 48 hours before a system is forecasted to hit the country, businesses should activate their business resilience hurricane preparedness plans – take action.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.

Listen to the Government Radio station SXMGOV – 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather-related news and information, as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

Remember, be prepared and storm ready!

Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten Invites Public to Town Hall Meeting on Philipsburg Beautification Masterplan.

The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), led by Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, invites all residents, business and property owners, and interested citizens to a Town Hall Meeting on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 5:30 PM at the Government Building to discuss the Philipsburg Beautification Masterplan.

grishaheyliger01062025 PHILIPSBURG: This meeting marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of the Beautification Master Plan for Philipsburg. The initiative, aimed at revitalizing the heart of our capital, has been unfolding through careful planning, broad stakeholder involvement, and community collaboration.

“This project is about more than beautification—it’s about restoring pride in our capital, honoring our culture, and creating a vibrant space for both residents and visitors,” said Minister Heyliger-Marten. “We want the public to be part of the process as we finalize the design. Community input is essential.”

Since its inception, the project has been developed through a series of stakeholder consultations and collaborative sessions:

January 9, 2025, marked the first formal meeting between Mr. Eric Van Putten of Designer’s Choice N.V. and the Philipsburg Promotional Board (PPB). The meeting with PPB members generated significant ideas that aligned with the vision for Philipsburg's future.

On April 10, 2025, a dedicated session was held with the Indian Merchants’ Association Foundation (IMA) to present the masterplan concepts. The IMA expressed enthusiastic support, including potential financial contributions to the project.

On April 15 and 17, 2025, collaboration expanded to include students from S.V.O.B.E. Sundial School, who volunteered to participate in Phase Two: Data Collection and Analysis. Eleven final-year students were trained and assigned to survey specific areas of Philipsburg—such as Front Street, Back Street, the Boardwalk, Cannegieter Street, and Pondfill—gathering critical data to inform the design process.

These efforts underscore the broad-based and inclusive approach guiding the Beautification Masterplan. As the project now enters its final design phase, public feedback is more important than ever.

The upcoming town hall will present updated design proposals and give attendees the opportunity to ask questions, offer ideas, and help shape the final outcomes.

All members of the public are encouraged to attend and participate in this important step toward a more vibrant and welcoming Philipsburg.

Passenger Van Fire Under Control – No Injuries Reported.

vanonfire31052025 PHILIPSBURG:--- On the morning of Friday, May 31st, 2025, just after 9:30 a.m., Police Central Dispatch received several reports regarding a red passenger van on fire near the intersection of A.T. Illidge Road and Middle Region.

Police patrols and the Fire Department were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, responders encountered a red passenger van fully engulfed in flames. Fire personnel acted swiftly and successfully brought the fire under control, ultimately extinguishing it.

According to the driver, the fire started unexpectedly while driving, and the exact cause remains unknown at this time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The vehicle was completely damaged.

The Sint Maarten Police Force thanks the Fire Department for their prompt response and reminds the public to regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles.