PHILIPSBURG:--- With barely a month left before the current waste management contracts expire, the Ministry of VROMI remains suspiciously silent, leaving contractors in limbo and the country on the brink of a sanitation crisis. The handling of the new garbage collection contracts, set to commence April 1, 2026, has devolved into a spectacle of incompetence, marked by flawed Terms of Reference (TOR), unanswered bids, and a desperate scramble to hide administrative failures.

On January 28, 2026, the bidding process was held, and three participants—All Waste in Place (owned by James Richardson), Garden Boyz (Angelo Gumbs), and West Indies Landscaping (Aaron Peterson)—filed complaints with the Ombudsman. They are sounding the alarm on a rigged or at least deeply flawed system. Despite a total of 17 companies bidding on the contracts, including Meadow Lands and Waste Solutions BV, not a single contractor has received official word on the outcome. Notably, the bids for the contracts amount to 6.8 million Cg annually, raising further questions about transparency and fairness in the process.

This silence is not just negligent; it is dangerous. The current contracts expire on March 31, 2026. Successful bidders need significant lead time to order heavy equipment from overseas to service the new agreement, which runs from 2026 to 2029. By withholding results until the eleventh hour, the Ministry is virtually guaranteeing that whoever wins will be set up to fail from day one.

The incompetence runs deeper than just timelines. The Terms of Reference themselves appear to be a masterclass in poor planning. Critical maintenance of garbage bins is reportedly excluded from the TOR entirely. Sources indicate the Minister of VROMI  Patrice Gumbs Jr may be forced to scrap the entire bidding process and start over, an administrative disaster that would leave the island exposed. Even in a redo, we are told, maintenance will still be ignored.

While the Ministry of VROMI dithers, Philipsburg is drowning in filth. The situation has become so dire that the Minister of TEATT has reportedly had to intervene, instructing the Harbor Group of Companies to cover the cost of garbage bags and bins because the government cannot manage its own capital.

Adding insult to injury, the new bins are actually already on the island. Rather than being deployed to clean up the "deplorable" state of the capital, they sit in storage, racking up fees that the taxpayer will inevitably have to pay.

The clock is ticking toward an April 1st deadline that looks less like a start date and more like a cruel April Fool's joke on the people of St. Maarten. With no contracts awarded, no equipment ordered, and a bidding process rife with errors, the government’s mismanagement of something as basic as trash pickup has reached a new low.

Willemstad:--- Emsley Tromp, the former president-director of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS), has had his conditional prison sentence upheld in an appeal. Tromp was sentenced to six months of conditional imprisonment, with a two-year probation period, for falsification of documents.

This ruling marks the conclusion of a legal battle that has spanned nearly a decade, leaving a significant impact on both the financial sector and public discourse in Curaçao.

Background of the Case

Tromp first came under judicial scrutiny in 2016 during the "Saffier" investigation, where he faced allegations of tax fraud. He was acquitted of these charges in both the initial trial and the appeal. Subsequently, the "Hercules" investigation focused on corruption allegations, which also resulted in an acquittal. However, the case centered on a 2009 loan agreement remains unresolved.

The court found that a loan agreement, purportedly signed between Tromp and René Lourents, then vice president of CBCS, was falsified. The document was dated May 20, 2009, eight days before the bank actually issued the loan. The court ruled that this misrepresentation undermined trust in financial agreements, particularly given Tromp's position as the head of a central bank.

Misuse of Funds

The loan in question, amounting to $400,000, was ostensibly intended to fund a clothing business for Tromp's then-fiancée, Yanet de Castro. However, the court found that the funds were instead diverted to Tromp's personal accounts. A significant portion of the loan was transferred to Tromp's pension and investment accounts, while $52,000 was used to settle a personal credit card debt. The court concluded that the funds were not primarily intended for De Castro's business, as claimed.

Implications

The court emphasized the gravity of falsifying documents, particularly when such actions are carried out by a central bank president. While Tromp will not serve time in prison, the ruling serves as a stern reminder of the importance of integrity in financial leadership.

This case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in financial institutions.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the extension of pretrial detention for Aartwich Bell, a former prison official and gym trainer, to 60 days as they prepare to take the case to court. This decision underscores the gravity of the allegations and the ongoing investigation into the case.
Bell was arrested earlier this month by the Landsrecherche, the national detective agency, following serious allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, given Bell’s prominent role as a public servant and his active involvement in local athletics.
The investigation has revealed that the alleged victim was known to Bell, raising concerns about a significant breach of trust. Sources close to the case suggest that Bell, in his capacity as a trusted adult, may have exploited his position, leading to the current charges.
The Prosecutor’s Office has remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the case, citing the sensitive nature of the allegations and the need to protect the victim’s identity. In a statement, they emphasized that no further details would be disclosed at this stage to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
Bell, who is well-known in the community for his dual roles as a prison official and a gym trainer, is currently in custody and being questioned by law enforcement. The extension of his detention indicates that authorities are building a robust case as they move closer to formal court proceedings.
The case has sparked widespread discussion on the island, with many expressing shock and concern over the allegations. As the investigation continues, the community awaits further updates on the legal proceedings and the potential implications for those involved.

Cole Bay:--- In an atmosphere of fellowship, pride, and a deep commitment to Rotary’s humanistic values, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset hosted its 2026 Professional Service Awards Evening at Carl’s N Son in Cole Bay. The event brought together Rotarians, local leaders, partners, and guests for a heartfelt celebration of professional excellence, service to others, and a shared responsibility to build a brighter future for the island’s youth.

More than a traditional awards ceremony, the evening highlighted the essential role professionals play in shaping a more compassionate and inclusive society. Guided by Rotary’s motto Service Above Self, the event emphasized the importance of viewing one’s career not only as a livelihood, but also as a platform for positive contribution, especially in the lives of young people.

Professional Service, one of Rotary International’s core areas of focus, calls on individuals to lead with integrity, uphold high ethical standards, and use their expertise for the greater good. For the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset, this commitment extends beyond the workplace to mentorship, youth development, and the creation of opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by Peggy Ann Dros, Head of the Department of Labor and Social Affairs in Sint Maarten, who emphasized that a vocation should be more than a job and that it should reflect one’s personal mission. She encouraged professionals to see their careers as vehicles for positive impact, capable of inspiring, uplifting, and guiding young people toward a promising future.

“Professional Service is at the heart of who we are as Rotarians,” said club president Alex PIERRE. “It means using our professions as a force for good, leading with integrity, and making a real and lasting difference in the lives of others, especially the youth who will shape tomorrow.”

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2026 Professional Service Awards, honoring six individuals whose careers exemplify excellence, ethical leadership, and a sincere commitment to service.

This year’s honorees were Guillaume Gorlier, Leonardo Richardson, Jacques Hamlet, Alberto Brooks, Michael Granger, and Luciana Raspail.

Each recipient was recognized not only for professional achievements but also for the way they dedicate their skills, influence, and time to serving others. Several honorees are actively involved in youth mentorship, support of educational initiatives, and guiding young professionals toward meaningful career paths. Their stories reflect the belief that true success is measured not only by accomplishments but by the positive impact left on others.

“Each of our honorees represents the very best of the values we strive to uphold,” added President Alex Pierre. “Their leadership reminds us that service does not end when the workday does. It lives in how we show up for others and how we invest in our youth.”

Throughout the evening, warm exchanges among guests reinforced the spirit of connection and fellowship that defines Rotary. The event served both as a celebration and a call to action, reminding all present that every profession holds the power to inspire, mentor, and uplift.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset remains a driving force on the island through service projects, strong partnerships, and initiatives aimed at creating lasting impact. Central to its mission is youth empowerment, including support for educational programs and the development of leadership opportunities that help young people build confidence, skills, and a lifelong commitment to service.

The evening concluded with heartfelt thanks to the members, partners, and supporters who made the event possible. By celebrating professional excellence, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a more ethical, caring, and service-driven society, one that places youth at the center of its vision.

Those interested in learning more about the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset and its initiatives, particularly those focused on youth, are encouraged to contact the club and explore ways to get involved.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at Carl N Sons Unique Inn and Conference Facilities in Colebay at 7:30 pm. The club can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the official Facebook page at facebook.com/rotarysxmsunset.