PM : “Investigation at the National Security Service St Maarten on possible malversations”

The Prime Minister of St Maarten the Honorable Sarah Wescot –Williams has confirmed that there are serious indications of malversations at the National Security Department of St. Maarten (VDSM).

Upon hearing of such, the Prime Minister had ordered an investigation by the Government Account Bureau SOAB. This investigation is currently being finalized. "Given the nature of the service and the implications of an investigation for the reputation of our security department and the country in general, extreme judiciousness needs to be exercised in analyzing the result of the investigation and potential actions as a result thereof," commented the Prime Minister.

The Prime Minister already has had several meetings with SOAB and the management of the VDSM on the investigation and she has been assured that in any case, the regular works of the National Security Department will continue as usual.

Finally, the Prime Minister wants to stress that the National Security Department, because of its specific tasks, is managed independently and that the control mechanisms are according to the ordinance on the national security service (AB 2010, GT no.4).