St Maarten Government News

JUSTICE: 500 euros suspended for stealing water from Saur

A resident of Cul de Sac, partly French, JB, was accused by Saur of having made an illegal connection to connect to the drinking water distribution network. The company filed a first complaint in 2019 but it was dismissed. A year later, she filed a second complaint that would lead to legal proceedings.

Accused of stealing water, JB appeared before the Saint-Martin local court in mid-January. The case had been enlisted in October 2020 but had been adjourned at the request of the defence.

In 2019 and then in 2020, JB made connections to the network because he needed water urgently. At the helm of the court, JB claims to have contacted Saur several times to have a new meter installed, his being defective. “It’s an obligation,” says his lawyer. But nothing is done. The court is surprised that JB did not bring any action against the company.

In his defence, JB insists on his multiple unsuccessful requests and that he paid for the water he stole. His lawyer also reveals that his client pays a subscription to Saur.

After deliberation, the court pronounced a sentence in accordance with the requisitions of the prosecution, i.e. a suspended fine of 500 euros. He received the civil party application from Saur but dismissed his claims for compensation due to the lack of supporting documents.

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8 detained during inspection of a business located on the A.J.C Brouwers road

During the night from Friday to Saturday the police together with immigration personnel from TEATH and other government agencies conducted a control on several licenses establishments in connection with violations of the Covid-19 measures enacted by the Government of St. Maarten for the safety of the general public.

One such check was carried out at a licensed establishment located at Brouwers Road. This particular premises, have in the past, been issued several fines; yet the owner declined to comply with the stipulated conditions and frequently continued to operate after hours.
It became common that the proprietor would refuse to unlock the entrance for inspectors and then simply continued to operate after closing time.

Over the weekend another control was conducted on the mentioned venue. As custom, the proprietor refused to open the doors of the establishment.
Requests were made several times to open the business but he refused. Contacts were later made with the Public Prosecutor’s office and, with the necessary approval, the door of the establishment was opened.

It later emerged that the establishment had been opened after the closing time and was frequented by a number of patrons.
A general control was conducted by the team on the premises. This resulted in immigration arresting 8 persons for violation of the National Ordinance on Admission and Explosion.

The owner/license holder could not be located at that time but, again another fine was issued to the permit holder.
These inspections will be continued during the upcoming period.

Update on traffic accident that took place early morning of January 29, 2022 on the Bush road.

The traffic department is still currently investigating the accident that took place early Saturday morning in which (5) five persons sustained injuries in a three-vehicle crash.

According to the personnel of the traffic department, the passenger of the Grey Audi has suffered serious injuries including broken ribs, a broken hip and multiple lacerations.
This victim is stable condition. Other victims have only sustained minimal injuries.

During this investigation, the police have reviewed several images that show the cause of the accident. This investigation is ongoing.