SXMElections.com

Philipsburg, Sint Maarten – Leader of the United People’s party (UP) and Member of Parliament (MP) Theodore “Theo” Heyliger as well as the Board of the UP Party would like to commend the men and women of the Sint Maarten Police Force for their successes within the past two weeks that led to several dangerous armed robbers being taken off the streets.

“We have taken note of the recent joint operation between the Gendarmes and our local Police Force which resulted in the apprehension of four suspects who are thought to be responsible for armed robberies committed on both sides of the island.

“These robbers who are in Police custody are suspected of aggressive and violent robberies.  Thanks to the cooperation between both law enforcement agencies of the French and Dutch sides, an end has been brought to this group.  This cooperation between both Police Forces is a result of the Police Cooperation Treaty that exist to fight cross-border crime.

“Everybody has a role to play in fighting crime.  It cannot be left up to the men and women in blue.  They need the help of the community in order to fight crime effectively, and therefore every law-abiding member of the community has to be the eyes and ears of our Police Force if we really want to take out a big bite out of crime.

“At the same time, our men and women in blue also need to have the necessary tools and protections as well for them and their families.  They put their lives on the line every day for our community and for our visitors.  We must ensure that they are taken care of for the sacrifice that they make every day in serving our community – to protect and serve,” UP Party Board said on Sunday.  

An urgent Central Committee meeting requested by UP MPs Franklin Meyers, MP Tamara Leonard and Independent MP Leona Marlin-Romeo with the agenda point: Status of insurance coverage for police officers and their families; has been scheduled for Friday, January 29 at 10.00am with the Minister of Justice.