PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Dennis Richardson issued a call on the Governors of Aruba and Curacao to join St. Maarten's fight to stand up against the Kingdom Council and not execute orders given to them that are against the law. The Minister of Justice told reporters on Wednesday that the Government of St. Maarten embraces the report on integrity in Government on St. Maarten. He further stated that government embraces the recommendations made in the report 99.9% therefore, it should be put to rest that St. Maarten is against an Integrity investigation. He said a very important point in the report is for government to establish an integrity chamber which government embraces very much.
Minister Richardson said in a letter they sent to the Governor, Parliament and the Kingdom Council they went back somewhat in history to point out the abuse of power by the Kingdom Council. He said that the Kingdom should be an example to the other countries when it comes to showing integrity but here they are clearly abusing their power. Therefore in their report they issued a call to the Governors of Aruba and Curacao to resist any decisions taken by the Kingdom Council that is in conflict with the law in the future. Minister Richardson made clear that St. Maarten will resist and contest all decisions taken by the Kingdom Council which in conflict with the law. "We as a government will use all legal powers to resist this type of abuse. We are also appealing to the governors of the three countries not to execute any Kingdom decision taken by any of the countries that are in conflict with the law. We will support the governors that decides to do such." When asked if he as Minister of Justice will seek a copy of the report submitted to the Governor of St. Maarten by PWC? Minister Richardson said he believes that out of respect the Kingdom Council will provide St. Maarten with their findings. Besides that he said they have a commitment from Minister Plasterk who promised not to issue any type of instructions against St. Maarten prior to the country being informed. He said that St. Maarten will hold the Minister responsible for what he promised. He said further if any measures is taken against St. Maarten then St. Maarten will take all legal measures possible.
Police and Prosecution Ordered to come up with a plan to tackle Crime and Violence.
Minister Richardson also announced on Wednesday that he has given a mandate to the Police (KPSM), the Prosecutor's Office and other law enforcement entities to come up with a plan as to how they will tackle the rise in serious crime on St. Maarten.
Minister Richardson said that based on the information he received it showed that there has been an increase in violent crimes during this second part of 2014. "It is very disturbing at the amount of violent crimes taking place currently. Use of violence and threats are on the rise based on the figures I have provided to Parliament. The development has the attention of government and government will not sit back and allow the rise in violent crimes to continue."
Minister Richardson said that St. Maarten is even considering to do what the French side recommended which is to give persons the opportunity to turn in all illegal weapons they own. However, the Government of St. Maarten intends to go deeper than that. Minister Richardson said besides having a plan he ordered all law enforcement agencies to be consistent when dealing with criminal activities, they should not just have a plan now because there is an increase in violent crimes now. "I made it clear that as law enforcement agencies they need to be consistent when combatting crime."
When asked if he gave the same order to the Prosecutor's Office to deal with white collar crime that are sitting at the Landsrecherche for four years or more. Minister Richardson said that the delays is due to lack of staff at the department. Minister Richardson said those cases are being tackled now. He said persons who feel that the Prosecutor's Office is taking too long to deal with their cases should approach the court so that the court can take a decision as to what should happen.
