MP Ardwell Irion on verdict: “Truth, transparency must not be silenced.”

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion acknowledges in a press release issued on Thursday, the ruling delivered on October 16, 2025, by the Court of First Instance of Sint Maarten in the summary case filed by attorney Jairo Bloem.

The release noted that while the court ordered a partial rectification limited to one remark in a People’s Tribune article regarding alleged excessive claims to GEBE, the verdict in effect reaffirms that all other statements made by MP Irion were within his right to express as a Member of Parliament.

"The decision confirms that the broader context of MP Irion’s comments, questioning the legality, transparency, and integrity of the process surrounding the nomination for Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, remains valid, factual, and protected under his parliamentary responsibility," the release read.

“The Court’s verdict essentially reaffirmed everything else I said,” Irion stated. “It only required a minor rectification concerning one phrase about excessive bills, but it did not challenge the facts, the legality, or the principle behind my statements. I will be appealing this partial ruling because I believe the truth must never be restricted. If not challenged and overturned on appeal, this judgment could have a chilling effect on the freedom of speech of elected officials who must speak on behalf of the people.”

Irion emphasized that his focus has always been on lawful governance, not personalities, and that his comments were made in defense of due process and the rule of law, not as personal attacks.

“My statements were grounded in facts and accountability,” he said. “As Members of Parliament, we have a duty to question irregularities and protect public trust in our institutions. That duty cannot be silenced or diminished.”

According to eyewitnesses, there appear to be contradictions in Mr. Bloem’s own public statements and actions. Mr. Bloem himself confirmed that he had approximately seven months to decide whether to accept the nomination. During that time, the leadership of the Democratic Party allegedly encouraged him to go on radio to defend his candidacy. Reports also indicate that Mr. Bloem may have been involved in reviewing or advising on elements of the same process connected to his own appointment, raising questions about impartiality and procedural fairness. Note, these were eyewitness accounts of persons in the court room.

“The previous government handled this process correctly and lawfully,” Irion continued. “What followed afterward did not. The attempt to use the courts to silence debate will not succeed because the facts remain unchanged.”

MP Irion reaffirmed his respect for the judiciary but stressed that truth, transparency, and democratic expression cannot be silenced by intimidation or selective judgments.

“The truth is not defamatory,” he concluded. “I will continue to defend my right and responsibility to speak on behalf of the people, to question what is wrong, and to ensure that public office remains rooted in honesty and the law. Sint Maarten deserves nothing less.”

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