St. Maarten Private Eye

It's not just that these things happen that causes the erosion of confidence in the justice and law enforcement services, but also the way they respond. You would think these people would know that honesty is the best policy, but there is a consistent effort again and again to limit information given to the public and say as little as possible. This results in rumors and confusion, amongst themselves too.

Gun Totting Detective Arrested - 22nd July 2008

Police, Prosecutor’s Office to meet on police shooting - 21st July 2008

SMN News reports another officer having domestic troubles, I guess he'll have to go to Curacao to get some help eh Dicky? SMNN also has this about the Gumbs murder case, which may, according to rumors, be connected somehow with these officers and a missing gun. Talking of guns, did they ever find those guns stolen last year, one report says possibly 15 of them from the Customs Office.

An article in the paper yesterday reported that DNA tests had confirmed the body found, almost a year ago in Saba was really Joel Gove. Then we have the guy who got stabbed and died a month later in hospital, which for some reasons makes me think of Martin Paredes. Add in the brutal murder of Angelique Chauvire, a case in which you would think there would be forensic evidence to convict. They have the main suspect in Point Blanche and the French are in charge of the investigation, I'd be angry about it too.

I could go on, and on, for instance the cases of Police abuse still waiting to be heard about, or the absolutely stunning and outrageous news this past week that the 911 line is not manned 24 hours. Holiday promised to look into that over a year ago. There was me thinking 911 was a Crime Hotline but I guess we need another one, if you can't manage one telephone service well, start another.

I think there is a very strong case to be made showing the Kingdom, meaning the Dutch and Federal governments, have repeatedly, and are continuing to fail St. Maarten and it's people. Our Police Force, Prosecutors Office and Prison do not get the resources, the equipment, the training and the assistance they need to do a good job and be sound. The social system, again a federal responsibility, is reliant upon foundations and charities, mostly unregulated and/or poorly supervised.

All of this gives strength to our sketchy politicians who seek more power with a new status.

Hady