December 13, the Court handled the progress of the request from the Public Prosecutor’s Office (OM) to institute a civilian survey into the state of affairs within the Port of Sint Maarten.
On the basis of information so far, the Public Prosecutor’s Office has reason to doubt a correct policy within the port. During this investigation, the Public Prosecutor’s Office requested documents and interviewed those involved. The Executive Board and the Supervisory Board were also asked to respond.
In view of the importance the Land Sint Maarten has for a healthy and profitable port company, the Public Prosecutor’s office considers it necessary to conduct an investigation into the state of affairs of the port. This is not a criminal investigation, but a civil investigation into possible mismanagement. The law gives the Public Prosecutor the authority to request the Court to launch such a civil investigation in the interest of the public.
During the hearing, all parties were given the opportunity to present the proposed measures for the port. In addition to the Public Prosecutor, there were also representatives of the port administration, the Supervisory Board and a lawyer for the Country Sint Maarten.
The court will pronounce the outcome of the request before or on 22 February 2019.