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“A ban on ethnic profiling should be anchored in law”

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – Two MPs have drawn up draft legislation aimed at banning the government from allowing ethnic profiling which they say will “not meet with much resistance” in parliament.

Discrimination based on skin colour and ethnicity should already be covered in the anti-discrimination paragraph of the constitution but recent scandals, including the child benefit scandal and the DUO grant scandal, have shown that ethnic profiling is still commonly used as a tool by government institutions.

NSC MP Willem Koops and D66 MP Mpanzu Bamenga said they were “convinced” the rest of the coalition would support the new legislation. “I have heard everyone say that there are no racists in the cabinet or the government, so I thought, great then this will sail through,” Koops told the NRC.

The draft legislation comes in the wake of a controversial motion from VVD parliamentarian Bente Becker which called on the cabinet to “record data about the cultural and religious norms and values of Dutch citizens with a migration background”. The NSC voted in favour, and D66 against.

“The motion was not formulated well,” Koops told the paper. The gist of the proposal was not to suggest “a secret, discriminating police force would be created to collect data about individuals who would then be dealt with in some way”, he said, but to see “how groups relate to each other”.

But Bamenga said the motion is a clear example of ethnic profiling. People are “continually seen as problematic because of their migration background”, Bamenga said.

The MP, who is from Congo, has first-hand experience of ethnic profiling. In 2023, he won a landmark case against the Dutch border police for selecting him for extra screening at passport control in 2018 on the basis of his skin colour. In court it emerged that the border guards at Eindhoven airport had picked him out because he looked like a “Nigerian money smuggler”.

A lower court had found that ethnic profiling was an acceptable form of border control, but Bamenga appealed, supported by a coalition of human rights groups including Amnesty International and Control Alt Delete. The court ruled that the border police had breached his rights under ECHR.

“It showed the system works – that I as an individual, supported by various human rights organisations, can hold the state to account. “But it also shows it should work better,” he told Dutch News at the time.

Koops, a lawyer, said the verdict, which expressly mentioned racial characteristics such as colour cannot play a role in checks, should now be anchored in law. “Policy is fluid, principles are not,” he told the paper.

(DutchNews)

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Dutch defence spy chief adds to “get ready for conflict” calls

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – The head of the Dutch military security service MIVD has told the Financieele Dagblad in an interview that “it is possible” Russia will start a regional conflict once it is “finished with Ukraine,” with the aim of testing whether the Nato alliance can be broken up.

Peter Reesink, who took over at the helm of the MIVD in February, told the paper that Russia could be ready for an armed conflict with Nato before 2030 and that he is taking an “actual attack” into account.

The Baltic and Scandinavian countries are far better prepared for conflict than the Netherlands because they are closer to Russia and encounter Russian warships on a daily basis, he said.

“We cannot lean back and sleep,” he told the paper. “More than that, the Netherlands and a number of other countries need to wake up. As a society, we have believed for a long time that our companies do business all over the world and our economic links will ensure there is no more conflict. But things don’t work like that.”

Nato speech

The MIVD director’s interview comes just a day after new Nato chief and former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte said in a speech that the alliance needed to “shift to a wartime mindset and turbocharge our defense production and defense spending.”

Moscow, he said, is “preparing for long-term confrontation with Ukraine and with us,” and noted that the current security situation is the worst in his lifetime.
“We are not ready for what is coming our way in four to five years,” he said in his first major speech since becoming secretary general in October.

Just last week, the Dutch defense ministry said the cabinet is to take more steps to ensure the country can withstand a major armed conflict or other crises, such as a pandemic or long-lasting collapse in essential services.

“The Russian aggression, which extends beyond Ukraine, has made possible something that was once unthinkable: the direct involvement of Nato—and thus our country—in a large-scale armed conflict,” defense minister Ruben Brekelmans said in a 19-page briefing to parliament.

“While this conflict may not occur on Dutch soil, if our country is involved or if it takes place in the vicinity of the Netherlands, we will also be part of it.”

Destabilisation

The focus is also on attempts from abroad to destabilise Dutch society, create unrest, or cause economic damage, the minister said. As part of this, they said, all Dutch households should have emergency supplies on hand—such as sufficient food and a radio—as they did during the Cold War.

Cash call

Dutch banks are also poised to warn clients that they should have enough cash at home to deal with a major internet outage.

Military expert Frans Osinga told the AD that there is no reason to be afraid now. “But we must become aware of the changing geopolitical situation,” he said. “To prevent a crisis, you have to get prepared.”

This is particularly the case now that American support for Europe will become more unlikely under Donald Trump, who has made it clear that China is his priority, he said.

(DutchNews)

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“Cutting healthcare own risk will push premiums to €200”

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – The government’s plans to cut the own risk element in healthcare to €165 from €385 will lead to a sharp rise in health insurance premiums, the Telegraaf reported on Thursday.

The paper says premiums will rise to around €200 a month, compared with around €160 as they will average next year. It bases the claim on research by government macro-economic think-tank CPB.

The CPB research suggests that demand for healthcare will rise when the own-risk element is cut because people will no longer have to pay the first €385 of their treatment. This in turn will push up costs.

Low income households will likely be compensated for the increase in premiums through health insurance benefits which cover the cost of the cheapest policies.

(DutchNews)

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Keep some cash at home because of cyber attacks, DNB says

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – Dutch banks are poised to recommend their clients always keep cash money hidden at home, because of the risk that payment systems may be disrupted because of mounting geopolitical tensions.

The Dutch central bank (DNB)said on Wednesday that the chance of a cyber attack on important infrastructure is increasing, particularly from Russia. If the digital payment system is disrupted, then people will no longer be able to pay for goods by bank card, or transfer money automatically.

The central bank does not suggest how much cash people should keep at home, but says it will come with more detailed recommendations about the best way to organise your finances if there is a problem with the payment systems in the New Year.

In Sweden households are recommended to keep enough cash for a week’s shopping at home, the Telegraaf said, which would be €167 for a two-person household.

Family spending institute Nibud says people should have enough cash for a couple of days, and to include petrol and other items in the total.

The insurance association VvV warns, however, that between €250 and €500 in cash is usually insured, but no more.

Last week the government said it planned to take more steps to ensure the country can withstand a major armed conflict or other crises, such as a pandemic or long-lasting collapse in essential services.

This will include telling all Dutch households to have emergency supplies on hand – such as sufficient food and a radio – as they did during the Cold War.

In fact, the use of cards to make payments outstripped cash in the Netherlands in 2017 and just 20% of payments in the Netherlands are now made with notes and coins.

(DutchNews)

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Collapsed lungs, asthma: doctors collect vaping teens’ symptoms

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – At least 14 children were hospitalised this year as a result of using vapes and pediatricians suspect many more children are experiencing health problems, RTL Nieuws reported on Wednesday.

Since November 1, the Dutch association of pediatricians has been calling on family doctors to report cases of children who become ill after vaping.

Most of the children who ended up needing hospital care were seriously ill. A 16-year-old recently suffered bleeding on the lungs and a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old had to be admitted to intensive care.

Others in the group had airway obstructions, a collapsed lung, and a serious deterioration of lung function. Following extensive tests, vaping was the only possible cause of the symptoms, doctors said.

A 14-year-old girl said she would vape every five minutes and would wake up during the night and vape. A 17-year-old said he would take a hit 1,000 times a day. The pediatricians said no one type of vape was causing the damage and that health problems vary. It is often not clear why one child falls gravely ill while another doesn’t, they said.

 It is clear, however, that some vapes popular with teenagers are packed with toxic metals, cancer-causing chemicals and a much higher amount of nicotine than legally allowed, the broadcaster found earlier.

RTL asked 10 schools across the country to send them vapes they had confiscated from pupils and had them analysed.

Tests by a specialised lab in Liverpool found that eight in 20 vapes contained too much nicotine while seven out of 20 vapes contained formaldehyde. Lead was found in three out of 20 vapes while several of the vapes contained nickel, acetone, iron and other compounds, all of which are toxic and contribute to lung disease. All of the vapes were found to contain more than the legal amount of liquid.

Pediatric lung doctor Marije van den Beukel, who with five fellow pulmonologists monitors the reports, said they were “looking at the tip of the iceberg”.

“All of the 14 cases were serious enough for family doctors to say “we have to do something with this”, she said. But, she said, many more cases go without reporting.

Addiction

“When talking to colleagues at conferences or the hospital I frequently hear stories about children who don’t sleep because of a nicotine addiction, or children who feel sick, cough a lot or suddenly develop asthma. These cases don’t show up in the figures but we know they are there,” Van den Beukel said.

By monitoring the cases, the pediatricians hope to gain more insights into the effects of vaping on children’s health. “We don’t have that information yet because vaping is new. By collecting the data we hope to help family doctors who are confronted with a sick child, for instance by advising on medication,” she said.

Van den Breukel also hopes the seriousness of the facts will serve as a wake-up call. “We want to show that this is what is happening to children in the Netherlands, with all the stress and grief for the child and the family that could have been prevented. It makes you frustrated and angry, not with the children, but with the tobacco industry and the people who have allowed this to happen.”

(DutchNews)

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C&W Joins Global Efforts for 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

SINT MAARTEN/MIAMI - C&W Communications, the operators of Flow, Flow Business, C&W Business and BTC, has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering gender equality and supporting efforts to combat gender-based violence (GBV) as it joins the global movement for the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Marking the world’s approach to the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, the 16 Days of Activism provides a powerful opportunity to reinvigorate commitments, call for accountability, and drive meaningful action to address violence against women and girls.

“We believe every individual has the right to live and work in a safe environment, free from violence and fear,” said Inge Smidts, Chief Executive Officer of C&W Communications. “Tragically, we’ve lost colleagues to acts of gender-based violence in recent years, a loss that has deeply affected us all. These heartbreaking events have only strengthened our resolve to take meaningful action.”

Launched by parent company Liberty Latin America, the company introduced a comprehensive GBV Policy which delivers assistance to impacted employees, including counseling and, in extreme cases, relocation to another country for their safety and well-being.

“Our commitment extends beyond raising awareness; it is about taking real, actionable steps to protect, empower, and create safe spaces for everyone, particularly women and girls, within our communities and workplaces. Together, we can drive the change needed to eliminate violence and foster equality for generations to come,” said Smidts.

Through a range of impactful initiatives, C&W Communications has engaged employees, customers, and partners to raise awareness, promote advocacy, and support survivors of gender-based violence across the Caribbean.

“As we stand alongside the United Nations and global advocates during these 16 Days of Activism, we recommit to empowering women and girls, addressing gender inequality, and offering unwavering support to our team members and communities impacted by gender-based violence,” added Smidts.

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue worldwide, with devastating effects on individuals and communities. According to UN Women, one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, a statistic that has remained unchanged over the last decade. Alarmingly, more than 38% of women murdered globally are killed by their intimate partners.

In the Caribbean, the statistics are equally concerning. Studies reveal that women in the region face some of the highest rates of intimate partner violence globally, and UNICEF highlights that one in four girls in the Caribbean has been subjected to sexual abuse before the age of eighteen.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is observed annually between November 25 and December 10.

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Gasoline and Diesel prices to be adjusted on Wednesday

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – On Wednesday, December 11, fuel pump prices will be adjusted for gasoline and diesel. 

The current price of unleaded gasoline is Naf.2.195 per liter, will be adjusted to the new price of Naf.2.189 per liter.

The current price of diesel is Naf.1.856 per liter, will be adjusted to the new price of Naf.1.819 per liter.

The Government of Sint Maarten regulates the prices of petroleum products by imposing a maximum price at which wholesalers and retailers can sell these products in the country to motorists.

At the international level, the prices of crude oil have experienced adjustments and local prices follow the international trend, and therefore prices are adjusted to reflect this. 

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Quality of life is highest in some rural Dutch areas: CBS

SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS – Rural areas in Utrecht, the Eindhoven region and the centre of Overijssel score highest for quality of life in the Netherlands, the latest CBS monitor has shown.

In general, people in rural areas enjoy a better quality of life compared to city dwellers, CBS said, despite a marked difference between the three highest-rated rural areas and the northeast of Groningen and Drenthe.

The CBS defines quality of life as having good health, a good education, few debts, a sense of achievement in work, and a safe and clean environment.

People in urban areas, such as the four big cities, and cities in Brabant and Limburg have a lower quality of life – which translates into a higher number of people in debt, health problems and unemployment, the CBS said. City dwellers are nearer to facilities, which contributes to quality of life but are more often exposed to air pollution.

Overall, material welfare and leisure time are increasing in 2024, the monitor shows, with income rising and more people having jobs and school qualifications.

Projections for the future show more affluent households, a greater use of solar energy and fewer CO2 emissions per person, the CBS said.

But other issues, such as the distance people have to travel to amenities and problematic debt, are growing in most municipalities, the CBS found. People in urban areas also have less contact with family, friends and neighbours and are less happy with their social life as a result.

(DutchNews)

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KPSM Welcomes New Minister of Justice N.M. Tackling in Introductory Meeting

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) held its first official introductory meeting with the newly appointed Minister of Justice, Ms. N.M. Tackling, on Friday, December 6, 2024. The meeting took place at the Philipsburg Police Station, bringing together the Minister and the management team of KPSM.

During the meeting, the management team provided an overview of the police organization, including its structure, ongoing efforts, and preparations for the upcoming busy holiday season. Key challenges faced by the organization were also discussed, highlighting areas where support and resources are most needed.

Following the discussions, Minister Tackling and members of her cabinet were given a comprehensive tour of the Philipsburg Police Station. The tour included visits to various departments, offering the Minister an opportunity to gain firsthand insight into KPSM’s operations and facilities.

The meeting marked a productive start to the working relationship between the Ministry of Justice and KPSM, with a shared commitment to addressing the needs of the police force and ensuring the safety and security of Sint Maarten’s residents and visitors.

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KPSM Alerts Public to Boat-Related Incidents in Simpson Bay Lagoon

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is alerting the public to a series of incidents in the Simpson Bay Lagoon over the past few weeks. Several reports and complaints have been received from boat owners and marinas regarding the theft of dinghies and break-ins aboard boats moored in the lagoon.

Over the past week, two male suspects residing on the French side of the island were arrested for attempted break-ins aboard boats in the lagoon. In collaboration with the Coast Guard, a dinghy suspected to have been used in these activities was also confiscated as part of the investigation.

KPSM is urging boat owners to take the following precautions:

  • Secure your dinghies and boats with sturdy locks and other deterrents.
  • Avoid leaving valuable items visible or unattended aboard vessels.
  • Report any suspicious activities or individuals in the area immediately to the Police or Coast Guard.

Boat owners whose vessels have been broken into are encouraged to come forward and provide information to assist in ongoing investigations. Cooperation with French-side authorities has also been strengthened to address this cross-border issue effectively.

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