PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten is grappling with a crisis, and it’s not a storm or a hurricane—it's a relentless wave of violent crime made worse by failed leadership and misguided policies. As armed robbers strike again and again, residents and tourists alike are left asking: What exactly is the Minister of Justice doing to protect us?
The answer so far? Not enough. The facts speak for themselves, and the timeline is damning.
On November 29th, 2025, just after midnight, a hotel in the Oyster Pond area was the first to be hit. Several suspects stormed the premises, held up the staff, and left with the safe. The ink on the police report was barely dry when, later that same day, a jewelry store in a hotel at Oyster Pond was robbed. Three suspects on a scooter entered the property, robbed the store, and fled in an unknown direction. The audacity and frequency of these crimes showed a new level of boldness.
The violence didn’t stop there. On Saturday at around 9:00 pm, another dramatic armed robbery unfolded at Island Treasure Jewelry Store in the Maho area. Individuals dressed in black smashed the glass, entered the store, and fled toward Lowlands in a gray vehicle. These aren’t isolated events—they’re part of a chilling trend. Criminals are acting with a sense of impunity, emboldened by a justice system that sends the message: there will be no serious consequences.
The core issue is clear. Government policy, specifically the claim that Pointe Blanche prison is “at capacity,” means too many dangerous criminals are being let back onto the streets. The so-called “80% full” policy is nothing short of an open invitation for robbers and gunmen to keep terrorizing our communities. Meanwhile, the prosecutor’s office seems more interested in making headlines by going after civil servants and politicians than actually locking up violent offenders.
This misguided approach not only puts every citizen at greater risk, but it also delivers a devastating blow to the tourism industry—the very backbone of our economy. How can we expect visitors to come when jewelry stores in hotels are targeted, and criminals can act without fear? The headlines about crime are replacing our “Friendly Island” image with one of chaos and danger.
We look to our elected officials for leadership and decisive action. Yet what we see is a government that seems detached from the daily realities of the people. Politicians jet off to Europe while the real crises right here at home go unaddressed. Public safety should be the priority, not an afterthought or a talking point at press conferences.
Enough is enough. The people of Sint Maarten are tired of hearing about prison capacity and being handed excuses. We demand action now. The Minister of Justice must direct real energy and authority toward locking up armed and dangerous offenders, not just chasing headlines. The time for lip service is over—our safety and future as an island depend on it.
We need real solutions, not empty promises. The current approach puts every resident and tourist at risk, and the citizens of Sint Maarten are paying the price. It’s time for the government to act before our paradise is lost for good.