PHILIPSBURG:--- On February 16, 2026, the Minister of Justice Nathalie M. Tackling signed a one-year cooperation agreement with the Minister of Justice of Suriname, Harish Monorath, formalizing the temporary deployment of Surinamese correctional officers to support operations at Point Blanche Prison.

The agreement provides for the deployment of experienced correctional officers from Suriname to support daily prison operations, reinforce safety protocols, and enhance institutional stability. The additional operational capacity will ensure facility continuity while Sint Maarten advances the recruitment and training of local correctional officers.

This collaboration forms part of the ongoing efforts under Sint Maarten’s Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP), the national framework guiding the modernization and strengthening of the country’s detention system from pre-trial through post-detention. Through the DSRP, the Ministry of Justice continues to implement practical, phased measures that improve stability, build institutional resilience, and create the foundation for long-term reform.

Minister Tackling described the agreement as a strategic and responsible step forward.
“This partnership reflects our commitment to practical solutions and responsible governance. By working together regionally, we are safeguarding stability within the prison and creating the space needed to recruit, train, and build sustainable local capacity. This is about strengthening our system today while investing in its future.”
Minister Monorath emphasized the importance of regional solidarity, noting that justice and security challenges are shared responsibilities best addressed through coordinated action and mutual support.

The agreement underscores the strong, constructive relationship between Sint Maarten and Suriname and reflects a broader commitment to regional collaboration to advance safety, institutional development, and professional standards within the justice sector.
The Ministry of Justice remains focused on the steady implementation of the Detention Sector Reform Program, workforce development, and the strengthening of safety across the justice chain, in partnership with regional and international counterparts.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the interest of further promoting general safety on Sint Maarten, the Action Team of the police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) conducted targeted controls and preventive frisk operations at various locations across the island during the period of February 9 through February 14, 2026.
These operations were focused on enhancing road safety and combating narcotics and illegal firearm-related offenses.
Special attention this week was given to traffic conditions on Rhine Road and at several roundabouts, including the Maho and Kruythoff Roundabouts. In collaboration with CPO R. Henson and other officers, traffic flow was actively regulated. Clear arrangements were made with taxi and bus drivers regarding the use of designated drop-off and pick-up points.

Two vehicles were towed for illegal parking, and one bus driver was fined for allowing passengers to disembark outside an official bus stop.
Additionally, multiple stop checks were conducted across Sint Maarten. During these operations, a total of 55 vehicles and 6 scooter riders were checked. Fourteen (14) individuals underwent preventive searches. One scooter was impounded because the driver did not have the required documentation. During the controls, a small quantity of narcotics was discovered and immediately surrendered and destroyed on site.
In light of several serious traffic accidents recorded in recent weeks, KPSM is also urging tour operators, taxi drivers, and bus drivers operating in the Maho and Mullet Bay areas to take additional safety precautions. Drivers are strongly advised to:
Depart the Maho/Mullet Bay area in a timely manner to ensure cruise passengers arrive at the cruise facilities without unnecessary delay.

• Adhere to designated pick-up and drop-off points.
• Avoid illegal parking and obstructing traffic flow.
• Remain attentive at all times and avoid distractions while driving.
• Obey posted speed limits and traffic regulations, especially during peak and evening hours
The Police Force of Sint Maarten emphasizes that responsible driving behavior is essential to protecting both visitors and residents. Road safety is a shared responsibility, and cooperation from all transport operators is crucial in maintaining a safe and efficient traffic environment.

KPSM will continue to conduct visible, targeted operations to maintain public order and safety.

PHILIPSBURGS:--- Philipsburg, the heart of St. Maarten and a hub for tourism, has become a glaring symbol of neglect and incompetence. Once a vibrant and welcoming destination for visitors, the Boardwalk and Great Bay Beach now stand as a testament to the failure of leadership from the Ministry of VROMI, led by Minister Patrice Gumbs Jr., and the Ministry of TEATT, under Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten. The filth, broken infrastructure, and lack of basic amenities are not just an eyesore—they are a public health hazard and a stain on the island’s reputation.

A Beach of Broken Promises

Great Bay Beach, a prime attraction for hundreds of tourists daily, has become a minefield of broken glass and debris. Visitors, who come to enjoy the pristine sands and turquoise waters, are instead leaving with slashed feet and bitter memories. The sand, now mixed with remnants of broken beer bottles and other trash, is a direct result of the absence of functioning garbage bins. The old bins, with their rusted and broken bottoms, are no longer fit for purpose. Yet, despite reports that new bins are already on the island, Minister Gumbs Jr. has failed to act. The delay in placing and maintaining these bins is inexcusable and reeks of complacency.

A Boardwalk in Ruins

The Boardwalk, once a lively promenade showcasing the best of St. Maarten, is now a shadow of its former self. Sand from recent ground seas has overtaken the area, blending with trash and broken glass to create a hazardous environment. Tourists and residents alike are left to navigate this mess, wondering why the government has turned a blind eye to such a critical issue. Neglect is not just unsightly—it’s dangerous and damaging to the island’s economy, which relies heavily on tourism.

Garbage Contracts: A Comedy of Errors

Adding insult to injury, the recent bidding process for garbage contracts has been marred by incompetence and controversy. Basic procedures were reportedly ignored, prompting complaints from contractors and prompting the Ombudsman to intervene. Instead of resolving the issue efficiently, the Ministry of VROMI, under its inept Secretary General, has decided to rebid the contracts. This delay only exacerbates the garbage crisis, leaving residents and visitors suffering the consequences of bureaucratic mismanagement.

Potholes and Perilous Roads

As if the garbage and filth weren’t enough, the state of St. Maarten’s roads is another glaring failure. Huge potholes litter the island, turning every drive into an obstacle course. For residents, visitors, and drivers, these roads are not just an inconvenience; they are a safety hazard. The lack of maintenance and repair is yet another example of the government’s inability to address basic infrastructure needs.

A Call for Accountability

The people of St. Maarten deserve better. Tourists, who contribute significantly to the island’s economy, deserve better. The current state of Philipsburg and the broader island is a direct result of poor leadership, a lack of accountability, and a failure to prioritize the community's needs. Ministers Patrice Gumbs Jr. and Grisha Heyliger-Marten must step up and take immediate action to address these issues. The time for excuses is over.

St. Maarten cannot afford to let its reputation continue to deteriorate. The garbage bins must be placed and maintained without further delay. The Boardwalk and Great Bay Beach must be cleaned and restored to their former glory. The roads must be repaired to ensure the safety of all who traverse them. Anything less is unacceptable.

The people of St. Maarten are watching, and they are tired of empty promises. It’s time for action—real, tangible action that puts the needs of the island and its people first. Anything less is a betrayal of the trust placed in those elected to lead.

POND ISLAND:--- The St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) is issuing this response to Mr. Hato to clearly remind all parties that Telem is a public company owned by the people of St. Maarten and must be managed with full accountability, transparency, and in the national interest.
SMCU is aware of serious concerns regarding the company’s financial situation. However, to protect Telem’s competitive position, the Union has intentionally refrained from publicly disclosing certain sensitive financial details, given that the company operates in a highly competitive market. It is precisely for these reasons that no detailed financial information is being disclosed publicly.
It is critical to address issues to ensure the organization's future success. Without sufficient financial resources, Telem will be unable to address critical areas requiring immediate attention, jeopardizing its long-term strategic goals and operational effectiveness.

Mr. Hato wants some facts. Across the world, multiple countries, including the Netherlands, have restricted or banned Huawei from participating in their telecommunications networks due to national security concerns, data protection risks, and fears of external control over critical infrastructure. Governments have warned about the dangers of unauthorized access to sensitive information, potential cyber-espionage, and long-term dependence on foreign technology providers for core systems. These are not minor concerns; telecom networks carry government communications, emergency services data, financial transactions, and citizens' private information. If such systems are exposed, compromised, or controlled from outside the country, the consequences can be severe. Yet despite these global warnings and actions by major nations, this is the company Mr. Hato presented as the preferred solution for Telem.

The risks are not only technical but strategic. Heavy reliance on external technology providers can make Telem vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, service disruptions, and data security threats. If global conflicts or trade restrictions arise, access to systems, updates, parts, or technical support could be affected, potentially impacting Telem’s operations and service continuity. This could put the country in a dangerous position, with critical communications infrastructure exposed to external pressures beyond our control. The negative impact could extend to the safety of our data, the reliability of our network, and the future stability of local jobs and technical independence. These are serious matters that require careful evaluation, strong oversight, and decisions that prioritize the protection of St. Maarten’s national interests.

Our press releases are not intended to create conflict or provoke a back-and-forth with the management of Telem. Its purpose is to highlight the serious and dangerous situation the company is facing. There are growing concerns about the sharing and outsourcing of services and customer data to Curaçao. At the same time, the CFO continues to serve as CEO. History has shown the risks of concentrating both positions in a single individual, as in the case of Helma Etnel, after which Telem was left carrying millions in debt. Today, the company has experienced overdrafts with a bank, major projects such as the fiber-to-the-home initiative remain incomplete despite significant investment, refinancing has added further financial pressure, and multiple debts continue to grow. At the same time, foreign labor is being hired while qualified local workers remain unemployed, and several board members and directors have departed, leaving financial obligations that must still be paid.
These are not isolated issues but signs of a company in a very vulnerable financial position. The situation appears to be operating without clear direction or accountability, while the debt burden continues to grow and evolve. The only responsible and credible way forward is to commission a full, independent forensic audit to establish Telem's true financial condition. Once there is a clear, trustworthy understanding of the company’s true financial position, a realistic and effective turnaround plan can be developed. Without such an audit, the company risks remaining in a cycle of uncertainty and financial decline, which will only further weaken Telem and place its future at even greater risk.

Mr. Hato, it is imperative that you take careful note: a company burdened with over 50 million in debt for several years is in a state of crisis, and the facts speak for themselves. Yet the full extent of this debt remains largely unacknowledged, while Telem’s assets continue to be dangerously exposed. This is not routine business; it is a critical situation that threatens the company’s very survival. It is long past time to confront the reality, government have to commission a full and independent forensic audit, and take decisive action to restore Telem to a stable, accountable, and sustainable path before the damage becomes irreversible.
The Board of the St. Maarten Communication Union (SMCU) is willing and prepared to meet with Mr. Hato and Telem’s management to discuss the company’s situation. The challenges facing Telem are very serious, and without an independent forensic audit, the true financial condition and the events that led to the current state will remain unclear. If there is nothing to hide, there should be no reason to oppose such an audit. Transparency and accountability are essential to protect the company, its employees, and the public interest.