PHILIPSBURG:---Terence Jandroep, Certified Risk Analyst (C.R.A.) and leading forensic consultant, is formally calling for a strategic overhaul of Sint Maarten’s postnatal healthcare coverage. The proposal outlines a critical requirement for Social & Health Insurances (SZV) to include DNA Paternity Testing as a standard, covered expense in postnatal laboratory packages.

As a specialist in risk assessment, Mr. Jandroep identifies the current lack of mandatory or accessible biological verification as a significant social and financial risk to the male population of Sint Maarten.

A Risk-Based Approach to Family Law
From a Risk Analysis perspective, "Presumed Paternity" without biological confirmation constitutes a "Blind Liability." Mr. Jandroep’s article highlights that:

• Financial Exposure: Men are often entered into life-long financial contracts (child support) based on unverified claims. Forensic litigation is the only "audit" available to rectify these liabilities.
• Mitigation of Legal Fraud: By including DNA testing in the SZV postnatal costs, the government can proactively mitigate the risk of "Tort of Deceit" and subsequent lawsuits that clog the Court of First Instance.
• Asset Protection: For many men, an erroneous paternity claim represents a 25% to 50% risk to their lifetime net earnings. Forensic verification at birth serves as a "due diligence" measure for their estate and legacy.

Forensic Strategy: The "Audit of Truth"
Mr. Jandroep advocates for the use of Forensic Matrices to evaluate these cases. This includes comparing biological data (DNA) against financial expenditures and digital timelines to identify "Red Flags" of deception early in the postnatal process.

"In my capacity as a Certified Risk Analyst, I view the current system as a failure of due diligence," says Mr. Jandroep. "We insure our cars, our homes, and our health based on verified data. It is time we apply that same forensic rigor to paternity to protect the financial and legal integrity of men in our community."

Proposal Objectives for SZV & VSA:

1. Standardized Coverage: Full coverage for "Chain of Custody" DNA testing for all SZV-insured newborns.
2. Risk Disclosure: Ensuring men are informed of their right to biological verification within the first year to meet the Civil Registry’s legal deadlines.
3. Restitution Framework: Utilizing forensic audits to recover loss of earnings in confirmed cases of paternity fraud.

Forensic Audit: Why SZV Must Include DNA Testing

As a Certified Risk Analyst, Terence Jandroep argues that the current "Maternity Package" is incomplete because it ignores Biological Due Diligence.

1. The Insurance Logic: SZV covers a "Wound Treatment Plan" for a mother to prevent the risk of infection. Logically, it should cover a "DNA Verification Plan" for a father to prevent the risk of Financial Fraud.
2. Labor & Loss of Earnings: SZV covers "loss of wages" for ill employees. However, a man who is a victim of paternity deception suffers a permanent "loss of earnings" through decades of erroneous child support. Forensic DNA testing is the only preventive measure against this loss.
3. The Gender Gap in Prevention: Women are given diagnostic tools (Thyroid, Blood Sugar) to prevent future illness. Men are denied the diagnostic tool (DNA) to prevent future legal and financial ruin.

Proposal: The "Full-Spectrum" Postnatal Package

Mr. Jandroep proposes that the VSA Ministry update the Sickness Insurance Ordinance to include a "Verification Clause." This would allow any man listed on a birth certificate to request a DNA test as part of the standard SZV lab referral within the first 30 days of birth.

"A risk analyst's job is to close the gap between assumption and reality," says Jandroep. "If SZV pays for the blood tests to check a mother's iron, it must pay for the blood tests to check a father's DNA. Both are essential for the stability of the Sint Maarten family unit."

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport extends its heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Clara Reyes on her retirement as Head of the Department of Culture. She became the Head of the Department in 2018 and concluded her day-to-day duties in December 2025, having utilized accrued vacation leave. Her official retirement takes effect in April 2026. She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy, having made an indelible impact not only within the Ministry but on the cultural landscape of the island of Sint Maarten as a whole.
Throughout her many years of dedicated service, Ms. Reyes has worked tirelessly to preserve, promote, and elevate Sint Maarten’s cultural identity. Under her leadership, the Department of Culture strengthened its role in safeguarding the island’s heritage and traditions, while ensuring that culture remained visible, accessible, and celebrated by the wider community.
She played a pivotal role in raising the profile of St. Martin’s culture through the successful organization and coordination of numerous cultural events and national observances, including the National Day of Prayer, St. Martin Day, Flag Day, Constitution Day, Emancipation Day, and many others that have become staples on the national events calendar.
Recognizing that the contributions of our cultural heroes often went unrecognised, Ms. Reyes led the charge to develop the Sage Cultural Awards in 2022, an event that celebrates the cultural icons of St. Martin, their contributions to the cultural movement on the island, and their immeasurable lifetime dedication and commitment to the development, safeguarding and promotion of our culture, heritage and legacy. She also initiated and executed the Culture and Creative Industry Forum, which aims to stimulate greater cultural awareness through its four main components of heritage, arts, media, and creative services.
Ms. Reyes is widely regarded as a true national and cultural icon herself, as she consistently embodied the very essence of S’Maatin culture. Proudly adorned in her cultural attire, she has become a familiar and welcome presence wherever culture is celebrated, always serving as a living example of pride, authenticity, and respect for tradition. Her passion, commitment, and unwavering advocacy for culture have inspired colleagues and the wider community alike.
“Clara knows me as the one Member of Parliament who was, quite literally, present at every event to which she ever invited Parliament during her tenure as Head of the Department of Culture,” said Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Ms. Melissa Gumbs. “In fact, I once joked with her back in 2020 that if I ever became Minister of ECYS, much of what she hoped to do and introduce would come to fruition. I am very proud and honoured to have worked with Clara during this first year in office, especially as our collaboration has yielded a renewed vision for our country’s special days. I wish her every success for wherever the future takes her, and she knows that she has a special place in St. Martin’s cultural landscape, now and always.”
The Department of Culture will continue to carry forward the legacy of Ms. Reyes, building upon the strong foundation she has established. While the department and the ministry will undoubtedly miss her presence, guidance, and passion dearly; her vision and values will remain deeply embedded in our work. During this transition period, Ms. Reyes remains available to provide guidance and support as needed to the department.

WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao – The political landscape in Curaçao has been shaken as Movementu Futuro Kòrsou (MFK) announced the resignations of two key members, Minister of Governance, Planning and Services Kimberley Lew-Jen-Tai and Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel. The resignations come amidst ongoing investigations and internal party considerations.

Minister Lew-Jen-Tai Under Investigation

The Public Prosecution Service confirmed that the National Criminal Investigation Department Curaçao has initiated a criminal investigation into Minister Lew-Jen-Tai. The investigation, ordered by the Attorney General, follows reports of alleged assault. The minister has been formally designated as a suspect and was officially informed of her status. In accordance with the National Ordinance on the Integrity of (Candidate) Ministers, both the Prime Minister and the Governor of Curaçao have been notified.

While authorities have refrained from disclosing further details to protect the integrity of the investigation, local reports have speculated about a possible connection to an incident in November outside Kooyman’s store. However, this link has not been officially confirmed.

MFK stated that Minister Lew-Jen-Tai’s resignation is tied to personal family matters, and the party has opted not to comment further out of respect for her privacy.

Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel’s Resignation

In a separate development, Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel also tendered his resignation. MFK cited allegations circulating on social media and a parliamentary motion calling for an investigation into the financial management of the “Kas di Kòrsou” (House of Curaçao). The party emphasized that Manuel’s resignation was requested to ensure any investigation proceeds without interference.

MFK’s Commitment to Transparency

Since 2020, MFK has implemented stricter internal protocols, focusing on transparency, discipline, and respect. In its statement, the party reaffirmed its commitment to addressing such matters seriously and discreetly. “We stand for equal and fair treatment,” the party board declared.

The process to appoint successors for the vacant positions has already commenced, signaling the party’s intent to maintain stability amidst these challenges.

As the investigations unfold, the political and administrative implications for Curaçao remain significant, with the public closely monitoring developments.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee of Kingdom Affairs and Inter-Parliamentary Relations (CKAIR) of Parliament will meet on January 13, 2026.
The Committee meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 10.00hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents
2. Discussion on responses of the Government of the countries of the Kingdom to the unsolicited advice of the Council of State: "70 years of the Charter for the Kingdom: cooperation based on mutual understanding" (IS/244/2025-2026 dated October 29, 2025, IS/280/2025-2026 dated November 4, 2025)
3. Voorstel van rijkswet tot wijziging van de Belastingregeling Nederland Sint Maarten in verband met de implementatie van de uitkomsten van het Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project van de Organisatie voor Economische Samenwerking en Ontwikkeling alsmede enige overige wijzigingen (IS/256/2025-2026 dated October 30, 2025).
4. Preparations Tripartite and IPKO February 2026

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.

All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx