PM Mercelina requests temporary military assistance from Netherlands to boost security

GREAT BAY--In response to recent robberies affecting local businesses, visitors, and citizens, including incidents at Divi Little Bay, Simpson Bay, and in Maho, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, in dialogue and collaboration with the Minister of Justice, Ms. Nathalie Tackling, has formally requested temporary military assistance from the Netherlands. This precautionary measure is intended to strengthen visible security and support local law enforcement during this period.

Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized the government’s commitment to immediate and effective action: “The safety of our visitors and citizens is our highest priority. We are working closely with the Ministry of Justice, KPSM, and the Dutch Marines to ensure an increased security presence at key locations as quickly as possible. I appreciate the active coordination efforts of Minister Tackling, and the understanding from the Netherlands and in particular Prime Minister Schoof that this is a matter of high urgency for our country.”

On Monday afternoon, Prime Minister Mercelina met with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof for a constructive discussion on national security, the recent rise in crime, and developments in the wider Caribbean region. The meeting reinforced cooperation within the Kingdom and aimed to reassure the people of St. Maarten that all necessary steps are being taken to maintain national security and public safety. The concerns of St. Maarten will be brought to the attention of the Dutch Minister of Defense and Minister of Justice.

The two leaders also discussed regional military activity by the United States in the Caribbean. Prime Minister Schoof reaffirmed that the Netherlands is not involved in these operations and that there is no immediate direct threat to St. Maarten or the wider Kingdom. All U.S. actions are occurring outside the territorial waters of the Kingdom, and there is no indication that Aruba, Curaçao, or St. Maarten would become involved in any conflict or military escalation.

Following the bilateral meeting, Prime Minister Mercelina joined Prime Minister Mike Eman of Aruba and Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas of Curaçao for a regular security briefing with Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. David van Weel. The discussion focused on increased tensions between the United States and Venezuela. Minister van Weel again confirmed that, while monitoring continues and standard preparations are in place, there is currently no direct or immediate threat to any of the Dutch Caribbean countries.

Prime Minister Mercelina expressed confidence in the coordinated approach: “I appreciate the ongoing and transparent communication between the Netherlands, Aruba, Curaçao, and St. Maarten. While we take prudent steps to remain prepared, we want to reassure our community that there is no immediate threat to the Kingdom. Together with our Kingdom partners, we remain united, vigilant, and focused on maintaining safety and stability for our people.”

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