St. Maarten Private Eye

I agree that I would've love to read more indepth details in the newspapers regarding this case. Everything is sketchy and conflicting. The newspapers need to do more digging and investigative reporting. If only for the simple reason of creating awareness to a serious problem in government (and government-owned companies for that matter) regarding the lack of a system of checks and balances, controls, supervision and timely reporting when it comes to financial matters.

The only fact that is undisputed is that all parties involved made it clear that Joan Smart-Berkel should step back and she has done exactly that: she has resigned her position.

Is that an admission of guilt of any past wrongdoing?

Is paying back NAf 42000 - if true - an admission of guilt? I don't know. What I do know is that now that Mrs. Smart-Berkel has resigned, she should make a public statement as to what exactly is the true nature of this case and why she didn't fight it. There is more to this case than what meets the eye.