Leader of the United Peoples (UP) Party and former Vice Prime Minister Hon. Theo Heyliger, issued the following statement over the weekend in connection with the death of a tourist couple who were found dead in their vacation home in Cupecoy on Friday.
"On behalf of all Sint Maarteners, my wife and I offer our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Michael W. King and Thelma S. King, an American tourist couple who met an untimely and unwarranted death.
"I can assure the nation and visitors on the island, and those contemplating to visit the country, Sint Maarten continue to be a safe and secure destination for tourists.
"The United Peoples party condemns the tragic stabbing of this couple. We condemn, equally, all acts of violence against visitors and residents. We are very confident that our law enforcement officials will quickly apprehend the perpetrator(s) who have committed this hideous crime. We share along with the Sint Maarten community in the sadness of this loss, and mourn with the friends and families of the victims.
"I use this opportunity to call on the community who know those who may have information, to contact the authorities so that the culprits can be brought to justice quickly."
Hon. Theo Heyliger
Leader of the United Peoples party
Sunday, September 23, 2012