PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, September 11, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling represented Sint Maarten at the semiannual Judicial Four-Party Consultation (JVO), joining Minister Shalten Hato of Curaçao, Minister Arthur Dowers of Aruba, and the Netherlands’ Minister of Justice and Security, Foort van Oosten. The discussions addressed key justice and security priorities across the Kingdom, including forensic care, youth crime, detention capacity, and border control. Minister Tackling expressed gratitude for the productive exchange and looks forward to continued collaboration with Kingdom partners, noting that these discussions are vital to building a stronger and more resilient justice system for Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Federation of Labour (WIFOL) is facing a storm of controversy as its long-standing president, Theophilus Thompson, comes under scrutiny for alleged mismanagement, lack of accountability, and questionable practices that have left union members outraged.

Thompson, who has held the position of president since 1984, has reportedly failed to call for general elections during his tenure, raising concerns about transparency and democratic governance within the union. According to information reaching SMN News, Thompson’s leadership has been marked by a series of troubling actions that have cast a shadow over the integrity of WIFOL.

Allegations of Misuse of Union Property

One of the most damning accusations against Thompson involves the misuse of the union’s building on Pondfill Road. Sources allege that Thompson has been renting out the property for personal gain, yet has failed to provide any accountability for the funds collected. The building, which was mortgaged in 1998 by Thompson, is a valuable asset of the union, and its alleged exploitation for personal benefit has sparked outrage among lifetime members and stakeholders.

The WIFOL board, which has been criticized for its dormancy and lack of oversight, is being accused of enabling Thompson’s actions by failing to hold him accountable. This inaction has allowed the president to operate unchecked, further eroding trust in the union’s leadership.

Involvement in Residency Permit Operations

Adding to the controversy, Thompson is also alleged to be involved in the operations of requesting residency permits for foreigners. Reports suggest that he and another union leader have been unscrupulously utilizing the letterhead of the Windward Islands Chamber of Labour Unions (WICLU) to facilitate these requests, raising serious legal and ethical questions. The unauthorized use of the WICLU letterhead not only undermines the organization's credibility but also exposes it to potential legal repercussions.

Union Members Demand Answers

The allegations have galvanized lifetime members of WIFOL, who are now actively investigating Thompson’s actions and the overall operations of the union. These members are determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable for any wrongdoing. The lack of transparency and the apparent misuse of union resources have left many questioning the future of WIFOL under its current leadership.

A Call for Accountability

The unfolding scandal has put a spotlight on the urgent need for reform within WIFOL. Members are calling for immediate action, including a thorough investigation into Thompson’s activities, the reinstatement of democratic processes, and the implementation of stricter oversight measures to prevent further abuses of power.

As the investigation continues, the reputation of WIFOL hangs in the balance. The union, which has long been a pillar of labor advocacy in the Windward Islands, now faces the daunting task of rebuilding trust and restoring its integrity in the eyes of its members and the public.

For now, all eyes are on Theophilus Thompson and the WIFOL board as they grapple with the mounting pressure to address these serious allegations. The question remains: will justice prevail, or will the union’s legacy be tarnished beyond repair?

WILLEMSTAD:--- On Thursday evening, September 11, HNLMS Van Amstel moored in St. Anna Bay in Willemstad. She will be active in the Caribbean in the coming period. The M-frigate will thus bridge the gap between HNLMS Friesland and HNLMS Groningen in the area. The maritime military presence is typically provided by patrol vessels; the transition from the OPV (Ocean Patrol Vessel) type to the M-frigate is due to resource availability. HNLMS Van Amstel has previously sailed in the region, most recently in 2017 for a three-month period.

After the handover, HNLMS Friesland will depart for the Netherlands for scheduled maintenance. The next station ship, HNLMS Groningen, could not immediately take over the duties due to the delays in her own scheduled maintenance. To bridge the relief period, HNLMS Van Amstel arrived today. The Ministry of Defence aims to establish a permanent maritime military presence in the Caribbean with the station ship. The deployable assets depend on available capacities, rotation, and maintenance schedules.

HNLMS Friesland served as a station ship in the Caribbean for five months. During this period, the ship intercepted over 13,500 kilograms of contraband. With the permanent presence of a station ship in the region, the Ministry of Defence contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean.

MIAMI, Fla.:---  The countdown is on and the excitement is sizzling! The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has officially opened registration for Taste of the Caribbean, the region’s most celebrated culinary exchange and competition. This year’s event, taking place Nov. 16-18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle All-Inclusive Resort, promises an inspiring showcase of education, creativity, and culinary pride. 

Running alongside the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), Taste of the Caribbean offers F&B professionals immersive sessions, exchange of ideas, and networking opportunities that spark creativity, drive innovation, and celebrate the region’s rich diversity of flavors. 

As part of the event, the popular Taste of the Caribbean competitions will once again set the stage for the Caribbean’s top chefs, bartenders and pastry artists to shine. Building on its decades-long tradition, the culinary competition has become the ultimate proving ground for F&B excellence with coveted titles including Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year, Caribbean Bartender of the Year, and Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, among others.

“There’s nothing quite like the energy of Taste of the Caribbean, with the aroma of the region's spices in the air and the thrill of watching the Caribbean’s best display their skills with pride,” said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma. 

Participants refine their craft by observing established and rising culinary and beverage masters create dishes and cocktails, while receiving critiques from world-class judges that provide practical insights and global perspectives.

“What makes this event truly meaningful is the growth it sparks. Beyond the medals, participants walk away with sharpened skills, global exposure and a sense of camaraderie, as well as the honor of serving as culinary ambassadors — not only for their destinations but for the Caribbean as a whole,” added Ledesma.

Registration

Chefs, bartenders, students, and food & beverage industry professionals are encouraged to register and make their travel arrangements early to secure accommodations. Participants staying two nights or more at the host resort will also receive a $175 accommodation credit.

For more information or to register, visit https://chtataste.com/

Sponsors

Taste of the Caribbean is presented in partnership with Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lords Castle All-Inclusive Resort & Spa. Additional sponsors include ABA Global Marketing, Interval International and Mastercard.