Prime Minister Luc Mercelina (URSM) voicing his support for the introduction of structured, military-oriented training programmes for the youth (see Thursday newspaper) will hopefully be followed by tangible action. Proposals to that effect were put forward by Members of Parliament (MPs), including NA-faction leader Egbert Doran.
The prime minister added that related plans have been under consideration since 2025 as part of broader efforts to strengthen discipline, skills development and resilience among young people. He wants to continue discussions on this topic with the Dutch Minister of Defence.
The prime minister’s party colleague MP Sjamira Roseburg has made similar suggestions, indicating “across the aisle” legislative backing from both coalition and opposition benches for the general idea. Of course, details still need to be worked out, but a broad-based effort is likely to help convince desired partners within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and increase its chance of success.
There was good news from Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling (SAM), who said a Social Development Track SVT programme for youth could be funded through the Crime Fund during its pilot phase, but will require long-term structural financing and broad government support to continue. She mentioned as goals structure, discipline, teamwork, a sense of purpose and a genuine reset for young people who have lost direction, pointing to possible involvement of the local Youth Brigade.
Government is exploring its own version of a structured, military-style youth development programme operating in Aruba and Curaçao. However, unlike those two countries, St. Maarten does not have access to the same funding arrangements, so any SVT-type initiative here would require a separate agreement with the Dutch Ministry of Defence.
The programme typically targets youth aged 17 to 24 who are out of school or lack direction, aligning with local arrest data showing many minor suspects are 17 years old. St Maarten faces structural limitations compared to Aruba and Curaçao, including the absence of barracks or similar facilities to host such a programme.
Nevertheless, Tackling will initiate a short feasibility and design study to assess key issues. The Dutch Ministry of Defence showing a willingness to engage on this matter is considered an encouraging sign.
She added that an SVT-type programme only has lasting value if it is linked to a credible next step: job training, apprenticeships, supervised work placement, or structured education return. According to her, such follow-ups must be in place before implementation to ensure a sustained impact.
While all this is true, it certainly seems like the right time also, in light of stated intentions to involve the militias of Aruba and Curaçao more in Dutch Caribbean military operations. One has to start somewhere.
