POND ISLAND:---  The 2026 Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DC ALFA) Conference officially commenced this week in Sint Maarten, bringing together representatives and stakeholders from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and Sint Maarten for a week of dialogue, collaboration, field activities, and policy-focused discussions surrounding the future of agriculture, livestock, fisheries, and food security within the Dutch Caribbean.

DC ALFA, originally established in 2023 as a regional alliance focused on strengthening cooperation within the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors, continues to evolve into a more strategic platform centered on regional collaboration, food security, innovation, and long-term sustainability across the islands.

The conference agenda spans several days of scheduled activities, including workshops, policy dialogues, field visits, stakeholder engagement sessions, and inter-island presentations focused on food security, fisheries development, climate-smart agriculture, trade connectivity, youth involvement, financing opportunities, and regional cooperation.

The official opening ceremony took place today at Simpson Bay Resort, where the Honorable Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), delivered opening remarks highlighting the importance of agriculture and food security as critical components of economic stability and regional development within small island economies.

During her address, Minister Heyliger-Marten emphasized that food security, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries can no longer be viewed as secondary sectors, particularly amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty, rising food costs, supply chain disruptions, and climate-related pressures affecting the region. The Minister further noted the importance of stronger regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing, innovation, and practical solutions aimed at reducing dependency and strengthening local food systems.

The Minister also highlighted several initiatives currently being supported by the Ministry of TEATT, including agricultural awareness programs, hydroponics exposure within schools, fisheries dialogue, and the Agriculture Business Academy developed in partnership with Qredits, SOFIN, and TWO, aimed at supporting entrepreneurship, financing access, and agricultural business development in Sint Maarten.

The conference has also brought together a wide cross-section of regional and international stakeholders, including representatives from the World Horti Center, The University of the West Indies (UWI), Wageningen University & Research, the Ministries of BZK and EZK from the Netherlands, LVVN, VNP, TWO, as well as the Ministry of VSA, which continues to work closely alongside TEATT’s Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (LVV).

Throughout the sessions and discussions held thus far, extensive policy and operational matters have been addressed, including opportunities for stronger inter-island coordination, knowledge-sharing mechanisms, technical cooperation, research support, innovation, and strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors throughout the Dutch Caribbean.

Following the official opening, participating islands engaged in presentations outlining their current position, ongoing developments, challenges, and opportunities within the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries sectors. Presentations focused heavily on food security initiatives, sustainability efforts, regional collaboration opportunities, and policy development throughout the Dutch Caribbean.

A presentation was also delivered by the Acting Head of TEATT’s Policy Department, Mr. Shervin Frederick, who provided insight into several ongoing initiatives and developments taking place within Sint Maarten related to agriculture, fisheries, food security, and inter-island cooperation. Discussions also included updates connected to the E6 Country Package initiatives and the broader efforts being undertaken to strengthen data collection, agricultural planning, stakeholder support, and long-term sector development.

Additional project and research insights were presented by Mr. Eugene Hoogstad, who highlighted the importance of evidence-based research and strategic development initiatives aimed at assisting stakeholders within the agriculture, livestock, and fisheries industries. Presentations included discussions surrounding the development of an agricultural digital portal platform, agricultural research initiatives, farm-to-market pilot concepts, feasibility studies, MSME-related opportunities, and broader food security-related projects currently being explored in Sint Maarten.

The Ministry of TEATT and the Government of Sint Maarten extended appreciation to the organizers and coordinators of the DC ALFA Conference, participating islands, stakeholders, and development partners for contributing to the successful hosting of this important regional initiative.

Special appreciation was also expressed for the continued support provided by the Netherlands and its supporting entities, whose collaboration has assisted in making the conference and several ongoing agricultural and food security initiatives possible throughout the Dutch Caribbean.

The Government of Sint Maarten reaffirmed its commitment to continued collaboration, innovation, and regional engagement aimed at strengthening food systems, agricultural development, fisheries practices, and economic opportunities across the region.

~Local Employee Raises Serious Concerns Regarding Treatment at FINSO~

PHILIPSBURG:---  Serious allegations concerning payroll irregularities, workplace treatment, and labor practices have emerged from within the construction project for Sint Maarten’s new General Hospital, after a local employee formally raised concerns involving contractor FINSO.
The employee, who describes himself as the only local worker in his specific work environment on a significant national project, claims he has endured prolonged salary discrepancies, unexplained wage reductions, repeated administrative issues with sick leave submissions, and escalating disciplinary action after voicing concerns internally.
According to the documentation and statements provided, the issues allegedly persisted despite prior employment-related legal proceedings between the employee and the company.
The employee states that after those proceedings concluded, he hoped the working relationship and conditions would improve. Instead, he claims the situation deteriorated further.
Among the most concerning allegations is an incident involving medical documentation that had reportedly already been submitted to the company but was later treated as “missing.” The employee says this resulted in accusations of unauthorized absence, salary deductions, and the issuance of formal warning letters against him.
Only after the employee produced proof of submission did the company acknowledge that the sick leave periods were, in fact, covered, according to the employee.
The employee also alleges that he experienced extended periods during which he reported to work daily and remained available for duty, yet was repeatedly left without meaningful assignments or operational responsibilities. He says he raised these concerns with management on multiple occasions but saw no meaningful resolution.
A particularly troubling payroll dispute reportedly occurred when the employee initially received a pay slip reflecting what he says was the correct salary owed to him. However, the corresponding funds allegedly never arrived in his bank account.
After approximately five days, the employee says he contacted the company seeking clarification regarding the missing payment. He claims that shortly afterward, the original pay slip was revised to reflect a substantially reduced amount of approximately USD 790 — less than a quarter of the salary he expected to receive.
The employee further claims that repeated attempts to resolve the issues internally proved unsuccessful, ultimately forcing him to seek assistance from the Department of Labor Affairs.
The ongoing situation, he says, has created severe financial and emotional strain, including difficulty meeting financial obligations and growing concerns regarding his health and well-being.
“I regret that the matter ultimately had to escalate to the Department of Labor Affairs,” the employee stated, “however, I felt compelled to seek assistance after repeated efforts to resolve the issues internally failed to produce a meaningful resolution.”
The employee says he currently has supporting documentation, including pay slips, communication records, sick leave submissions, court-related documents, and correspondence involving both the company and the Department of Labor Affairs.
The allegations emerge against the backdrop of one of Sint Maarten’s most important public infrastructure projects — the construction of the new General Hospital — a development widely viewed as critical to the island’s healthcare future.
At this stage, the claims remain allegations, and no ruling has yet been publicly issued regarding the matter. However, the case raises broader questions concerning labor protection, payroll transparency, workplace treatment, and oversight on major national projects involving local employees.
It should also be noted that this is not the first time employees and subcontractors have told their workers that FINSO did not make the payments, as it is a World Bank project, and payments take time due to the lengthy process.
Requests for public clarification or comment from FINSO and relevant labor authorities may be expected as the matter develops.

BONAIRE:---  World Football Day 2026 marked a special and memorable moment for James Finies, Founder of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization and former National Netherlands Antilles football player, as he met FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the United Nations High-Level Reception hosted by the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations.

For James Finies, football has been a lifelong passion. Beginning as a junior selection player, he went on to represent Bonaire for decades in football selections and later played as a National Netherlands Antilles selection player. Following his football career, he carried that same discipline, dedication, and fighting spirit into human rights advocacy, becoming a full-time defender of the Bonairean people rights after the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010.

This year’s FIFA World Cup 2026 carries particular significance for James Finies, especially as neighboring Curaçao, the smallest island nation by population in world history to qualify for football’s greatest tournament, made history on the global stage. Finies has always believed and encouraged his peers that our islands possess the talent to reach the world level, and Curaçao’s historic achievement stands as proof that even small island nations can rise to the highest international stage through talent, determination, and perseverance.

At the United Nations, the FIFA World Cup 2026 also took center stage as FIFA President Gianni Infantino, United States Ambassador Mike Waltz, senior international representatives, and delegates from Canada, Mexico, and the United States highlighted football’s unique power to unite nations, inspire communities, and strengthen international cooperation.

Adding to the significance of the occasion, official signed FIFA footballs were presented during the celebration, making World Football Day 2026 an unforgettable and proud moment for James Finies — a former player whose journey continues to reflect the enduring connection between sport, leadership, and service to humanity.

Bonaire Human Rights Organization

PHILIPSBURG:---  Former Member of Parliament and political strategist Romaine Laville has launched a blistering public attack against Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, accusing the country’s leader of political interference, intimidation, abuse of power, and targeting his family in what is rapidly becoming one of the biggest political crises facing the coalition government.

Speaking publicly for the first time since tensions erupted between VSA Minister Richinel Brug and the Prime Minister, Laville defended his consultancy work with the Ministry of VSA, rejected allegations of corruption and conflict of interest, and revealed explosive claims involving government payments, police complaints, and alleged inappropriate conduct involving his wife.

“I WILL PROTECT MY FAMILY”

Laville said he had avoided public appearances for months but felt compelled to speak after his wife and children became caught in the political crossfire.

“I am the protector first and the provider after,” Laville declared. “When my family is being wrongly dragged, I will say something.”

The former MP insisted the controversy surrounding his consultancy agreement was politically manufactured and stressed he was hired because of his specialized qualifications in World Bank and NRPB-funded projects.

Laville said he remains the only local St. Maartener with extensive technical expertise in managing complex World Bank procurement systems and donor-funded infrastructure programs.

DOUBLE PAYMENT CLAIMS EXPLODE

One of the most damaging revelations during the interview centered on accusations that Laville improperly received excess government payments.

Laville forcefully denied the allegation and revealed documents showing that a duplicate payment made by government was identified and reversed by the bank itself.

According to Laville, the government accidentally deposited two payments totaling more than NAf. 14,553 into his account on March 13, 2025. He stated that the bank later contacted him after identifying the error and requested authorization to reverse one of the duplicate transfers.

Laville said he immediately approved the correction.

“The only time I received more money was when government mistakenly double-paid me,” Laville stated. “The bank contacted me, and I authorized the money to be taken back.”

He accused the Prime Minister of misleading Parliament and the public by implying he unlawfully benefited from government funds.

“When the Prime Minister says I collected more money than I was contracted for, the guy is a damn liar,” Laville charged.

CLAIM PM GRABBED HIS WIFE’S HAND

In one of the interview’s most explosive moments, Laville revealed that his wife allegedly told him the Prime Minister once grabbed her by the hand inside government offices.

According to Laville, his wife later recounted the incident during legal consultations linked to the ongoing dispute.

“She told him, ‘Don’t you ever touch me like that again,’” Laville said during the emotional interview.

Laville said he was shocked that his wife had never previously informed him about the alleged incident, explaining that she feared how he would react as her husband.

The revelation is expected to intensify scrutiny surrounding the already deteriorating relationship between the Prime Minister and the Ministry of VSA.

OFFICIAL COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST LAVILLE — NOT HIS WIFE

Laville also disclosed that Prime Minister Mercelina allegedly misrepresented who the official police complaint was filed against.

According to Laville, the Prime Minister informed members of the government and the Council of Ministers that a complaint had been filed against Laville’s wife, resulting in restrictions on her access to government buildings.

However, Laville claimed that during consultations with legal counsel, he discovered the complaint had actually been filed against him personally — not his wife.

“The Prime Minister of St. Martin never filed a charge against my wife,” Laville said. “He filed a charge against yours truly.”

Laville further accused the Prime Minister of filing a false complaint based on social media posts that never directly mentioned Mercelina by name.

PM ACCUSED OF POLITICAL VENDETTA

Throughout the interview, Laville repeatedly accused Prime Minister Mercelina of deliberately undermining Minister Brug and interfering in ministerial affairs.

He claimed the VSA Minister had been targeted from the beginning because elements within the ruling party never wanted him in office.

Laville described what he called a systematic campaign to remove individuals who refuse to submit to political pressure.

“If you don’t go along with what they want, they will find ways to get rid of you,” he warned.

He also alleged that the Prime Minister improperly involved himself in operational matters tied to World Bank-funded projects that legally fall under line ministries.

“A SAD DAY FOR ST. MARTIN”

The emotional interview concluded with Laville saying he no longer recognizes the political culture of St. Martin and fears qualified people are being driven away from public service.

He defended Minister Brug as one of the few politicians genuinely focused on helping ordinary citizens and vulnerable families.

“You have one of the few ministers there who truly has a heart for the people,” Laville said. “And all you see is an effort to destroy him.”

Laville ended by saying the emotional pain endured by his wife ultimately pushed him to finally speak publicly.

“Those cries are the reason why I am here today,” he said.