PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten Institute for Public Policy Studies (SIPP), where ‘Knowledge is Power’, announces another education development program/ project. Cultivating a more informed population culture or society across Sint Maarten. Through public dialogue, the project aims to increase public knowledge and awareness of Sint Maarten's colonial slavery past. Sponsored by the Slavery Memorial Committee.

To achieve this aim, on Saturday, March 28th, we took a group of secondary school students on an exploration field trip to various historical sites of enslavement. I. e., Diamond Run/ Estate, Mary Fancy Estate, Ebernezer Plantation, Golden Rock Plantation, Industry Plantation, Cul-de-Sac Cemetery, Forth Amsterdam, Salt Warehouse, Salt Factory, Bishop Hill, Belvedere Plantation, Union Farm Plantation, Madam Estate/ Plantation, guided by historical/ cultural heritage orator Jean-Marc, Augusty. Students were enlightened about these sites of enslavement, their timelines, and their significance.



The participating secondary schools were Milton Peter’s College-HAVO/VWO, MAC Comprehensive Secondary Education, The St. Maarten Academy (VSBO), Learning Unlimited Preparatory School, and Sint Maarten Youth Council Association.
In addition, the participating students were asked and encouraged to write and submit an essay on how the field trip experience shaped their understanding and sentiment of this enslavement, as well as noting their perspective on the “spoke” about or offered atonement by the Dutch (in righting the ‘crime against humanity’ wrong). The essays will be reviewed and evaluated by a panel. The 3 top essays will receive a prize and special recognition.
The Project will culminate with a public dialogue on Sint Maarten’s Dutch-colonial slavery past, focusing on its Effect, Legacy, and continuing Impact on the present; addressing atonement proposals aimed at righting the ‘crime against humanity’ wrong and plotting a sustainable way for a more equitable future, or overcoming the historical foundations of systemic inequalities rooted in slavery past and persisting today.

~“Focus must be on National Issues, no time for distractions“.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The leader of the Democratic Party, MP Sarah Wescot, has confirmed that coalition party leaders will meet to discuss the current political developments, particularly those involving members of the Council of Ministers.

The DP leader indicated that the Democratic Party will approach these discussions with a focus on stability and continuity of governance.

She noted that Sint Maarten is facing a range of pressing challenges that require the government's full attention. “This is a time for thoughtful leadership, for dialogue, and for keeping the interests of the people of Sint Maarten at the center of our actions and deliberations .”

The DP leader emphasized that global developments continue to affect the country more and more, underscoring the importance of a government that is able to function effectively and to respond in a timely manner with focus and purpose. 

In that regard, she stressed that the work of the Council of Ministers and governing institutions must remain aligned with the needs of the people.

“There are important decisions before us, economic, social, and national priorities that require careful attention and timely action,” she said. “These matters deserve our collective focus.”

The Democratic Party’s position, according to its leader, is grounded in supporting stability, continuity, and effective governance, while also engaging constructively with coalition partners. 

The DP leader further indicated that from the moment the issue arose concerning a civil servant in the cabinet of the Minister of VSA and the Prime Minister, she has consistently shared her perspective in the coalition, guiding and advising, always emphasizing the importance of a collective front to face the myriad of challenges before us.

Looking ahead to the discussions, she underscored the importance of listening, mutual respect, and collaboration. “We must approach this moment with a sense of responsibility”, she stated. “It is important that we come together to find a way forward. The people deserve nothing less.”

The DP leader reaffirmed her party’s commitment to constructive engagement and to supporting decisions that ensure the continued functioning of government and the well-being of Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A recent court ruling in Aruba is sending a clear signal to civil servants across Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten: prolonged inactivity and refusal to accept suitable work can ultimately lead to dismissal from government service.

The judgment, issued on March 9, 2026, and published on March 26, underscores that reintegration obligations are not optional and that authorities are entitled to terminate employment when officials fail to cooperate. The case is widely seen as a benchmark for how governments in the Dutch Caribbean may address long-standing issues involving inactive personnel.

Aruba civil servant

The Court of First Instance in Aruba has upheld the dismissal of a civil servant who had remained largely inactive for years and repeatedly declined suitable job offers, ruling that the government was justified in granting him honorable discharge on grounds of unsuitability.

The court declared the objection against the dismissal unfounded, confirming that the Governor of Aruba acted within the law in terminating the official’s employment effective April 1, 2025.

Long history of reassignment

The case concerns a government employee whose career dates back to his time at the telecommunications company SETAR prior to its privatization in 2003. At that time, he chose not to remain with the company and was subsequently reassigned within the public sector.

Over the years, the civil servant held various temporary positions, including at the court registry, but also spent extended periods on non-active status. His most recent assignment, at the Cabinet of the Minister of Education, ended in September 2021, after which he again remained inactive.

Reintegration efforts

In 2023, authorities launched a formal reintegration process to return non-active civil servants to the workforce. As part of this process, the employee was offered multiple positions at salary scales ranging from 9 to 11.

However, he consistently refused these offers, maintaining that he was entitled to a position at scale 12 under earlier agreements related to the SETAR privatization. The court noted that this claim had already been rejected in previous rulings, including a decision by the Court of Appeal in Civil Servant Matters in December 2025.

The court found that the employee’s refusal to accept suitable positions effectively made his reintegration impossible.

Dismissal deemed justified

The government ultimately decided to dismiss the civil servant on the grounds of unsuitability, citing his lack of cooperation during the reintegration process. According to the court, this decision was supported by sufficient evidence.

“The persistent refusal to accept appropriate employment and adherence to a claim without legal basis demonstrates a lack of the attitude and disposition required of a civil servant,” the court stated.

Judges emphasized that dismissal is considered a measure of last resort, but concluded that no lesser measure would have been effective in this case. The employee had been given ample opportunity, guidance, and warning about the consequences of his actions.

No violation of due process

The claimant argued that the dismissal violated his fundamental rights and that he had not been properly heard. The court rejected these arguments, finding that he had been adequately informed and given multiple opportunities to present his views throughout the reintegration process.

It also ruled that the government had fulfilled its duty of care and had made sufficient efforts to find him suitable employment.

Based on these findings, the court concluded that the dismissal met all legal requirements under the applicable civil service law. The objection was therefore declared unfounded.

The ruling leaves open the possibility of appeal to the Civil Service Appeals Tribunal within 30 days.

CREDITS  StMaartenNews.com with permission.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Fire Department is urging residents to exercise extreme caution due to current dry weather conditions that increase the risk of bush fires across the country.

Members of the public are strongly advised not to discard lighted cigarettes, matches, or any burning materials, particularly in areas prone to fires.

The Fire Department is also advising individuals to refrain from burning bush or garbage, or engaging in open burning, in built-up areas or on hillsides for agricultural purposes during this period.

Persons seeking to conduct any form of controlled burning are encouraged to first contact the Fire Department for guidance and safety recommendations.

Authorities warn that the improper use of fire under these dry conditions can quickly lead to dangerous situations, placing lives, property, and the natural environment at serious risk.

Fires can spread rapidly, especially in high winds, making them difficult to control once ignited.

Residents are reminded that preventing bushfires is a shared responsibility. By following safety advice and acting responsibly, the community can significantly reduce the risk of fire-related incidents during this dry period.

For additional information or guidance, the public may contact the Fire Department at 542-1215, 542-1217, or 542-6001. In the event of an emergency, residents should call 919 immediately.

The Fire Department, which falls under the Ministry of General Affairs, thanks the community for its cooperation in maintaining public safety.