Dear Editor,
The recent court verdict ordering former Member of Parliament and Minister Mr. Theo Heyliger to pay 92.1 million guilders marks yet another painful chapter in our nation’s ongoing struggle against corruption and abuse of public trust. The judgment confirmed that the acts committed by Mr. Heyliger caused grave damage to Sint Maarten’s reputation and its economic development.
While this verdict was directed at Mr. Heyliger personally, its moral and financial implications extend far beyond him alone. His spouse, Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, currently serves as both Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT). Their marriage, solemnized in community of goods, means that both assets and liabilities are shared between them. In light of this legal reality, the weight of this court ruling inevitably bears heavily upon the Deputy Prime Minister herself.
This situation cannot be viewed merely as a private family matter. It strikes at the heart of public integrity and the principle of accountability that should guide all who hold public office. The people of Sint Maarten have endured too many blows to their confidence in government. Every scandal, every conviction, every unanswered question erodes the fragile trust between citizens and the institutions meant to serve them.
In the spirit of good governance, and with respect for the office she holds, it must be said plainly:
Mrs. Heyliger-Marten’s continued service as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of TEATT creates an unavoidable conflict of interest not only in a legal sense, but in the public perception of integrity.
A Deputy Prime Minister is not only a policymaker; she is a symbol of Sint Maarten’s moral standing, the face of our island in regional councils, international meetings, and global partnerships. When the spouse of such an official has been found liable for serious wrongdoing and financial misconduct, the optics are deeply damaging. How can Sint Maarten credibly speak of transparency, investment, and reform while this shadow looms over one of its highest offices?
To continue in these roles under such circumstances risks undermining the very principles that the office should uphold. This is not a question of guilt by association it is a matter of leadership, credibility, and moral example.
It is therefore both reasonable and necessary to call upon Mrs. Heyliger-Marten to do what is honorable and right: to resign from both functions, and most especially from the office of Deputy Prime Minister. Such a decision would not be a sign of weakness or concession to critics. On the contrary, it would demonstrate strength of character, respect for the people, and an unwavering commitment to the values of honesty and accountability in public life.
By stepping down, Mrs. Heyliger-Marten would show that no individual, regardless of position or political standing, is above the standards that good governance demands. She would affirm that the nation’s integrity comes before personal or political interest, and she would set an example that future leaders will remember with respect.
In this same spirit, it is incumbent upon the Parliament of Sint Maarten and the Council of Ministers to uphold their constitutional duty to safeguard the integrity of government. They must not remain silent or passive in the face of such a serious moral dilemma. The people deserve clarity and decisive action. The question must therefore be asked and answered publicly: Will Parliament and the Council of Ministers call upon Minister Heyliger-Marten to resign in the interest of good governance and national credibility?
Sint Maarten deserves leadership that is beyond reproach – leadership that restores dignity to government, confidence to citizens, and pride to our representation abroad.
This is a moment to put principle before politics, and country before self.
Let integrity lead the way.
Alfred A. Bryan
