PHILIPSBURG:--- The Public Prosecutor's Office filed on Friday, September 1st, 2017, a petition to the Court to set up a civil survey (civiele enquete) regarding the progress in the Port of Sint Maarten Harbor Holding Company NV.
This is the result of an investigation launched by the Public Prosecutor in the autumn of 2015 in response to persistent reports that there would be maladministration in the company. During this investigation, the Public Prosecutor's Office requested documents and involved stakeholders. The Board and Supervisory Board also asked for a response.
On the basis of the information so far, the Public Prosecutor's Office has reasons to doubt a correct policy within the company. For example, there are questions about the procurement of projects, the internal control of expenses and loans that the port has extended.
In view of the importance that the country of Sint Maarten has in a healthy and profitable port company, the Public Prosecutor's Office considers it necessary to conduct an investigation into the conduct of the port. This is not a criminal investigation, but a civil investigation into possible mismanagement. The law gives the Public Prosecutor the power to request the Court, in the public interest, to launch such a civil investigation.
Prosecutor's Office Bulletin.
OM asks for inquiry into Port Sint Maarten.
