MP Roseburg highlights Legal Help Desk, starts “Drive Safe/Smart St. Maarten”

GREAT BAY--During the Central Committee meeting on the 2026 national budget last week, MP Sjamira Roseburg focused her remarks on three areas connected to access to justice, crime prevention and public safety: the legal help desk, the long-awaited crime fund policy plan and a proposed road safety awareness initiative.

Roseburg first addressed the legal help desk, noting that the initiative originated from her and has been active through the participation of attorneys who provide legal assistance free of charge during monthly time slots. She explained that the broader intention behind the initiative was not only to offer temporary legal guidance, but to move St. Maarten closer to a more structured form of accessible legal support, similar to the legal aid desk system used in the Netherlands.

According to Roseburg, the legal help desk has been operating, but Parliament and the public now need a clearer picture of its effectiveness. She asked for information on how the help desk has been functioning, how many persons have made use of it, how many cases or requests have been handled, and what impact the initiative has had so far for persons who may not otherwise be able to afford legal advice.

Roseburg also raised questions about the yellow card procedure, through which persons who cannot afford legal assistance may be able to access support. She requested figures on the amount budgeted for this form of assistance, how much of that budget has actually been used, and how many persons have benefited from it. She also asked whether data from 2025 could be provided for comparison, so Parliament can better understand whether the system is being used effectively and whether adjustments may be necessary.

She said this information is important because it can help determine what other funding possibilities may exist for the establishment, continuation or further development of the legal help desk as originally envisioned. For Roseburg, the issue is not only whether the initiative exists, but whether it is properly structured, sufficiently funded and actually reaching the people who need legal assistance.

Roseburg is also encouraging the public to help promote safer roads through the launch of a Drive Safe St. Maarten campaign, following her proposal to the Minister of Justice to consider the Ride Smart SXM initiative for inclusion in the 2026 Crime Fund Policy Plan. The campaign is intended to raise awareness in response to the recent increase in serious and fatal traffic incidents in St. Maarten.

The Drive Safe St. Maarten campaign will use social media videos and other public awareness content to encourage motorists, motorcycle riders, scooter riders, cyclists and pedestrians to make safer choices on the road. The message is simple: road safety is not only a government responsibility, but a community responsibility. Roseburg is encouraging residents to post short videos showing responsible road behavior, such as wearing a seatbelt, using a helmet, slowing down, obeying traffic signs, avoiding distractions and respecting other road users.

Roseburg is also calling on influencers, artists, athletes, teachers, emergency responders, business owners, community organizations, youth groups and residents from all walks of life to join the campaign and encourage others to do the same. She said the goal is to create a visible community movement in which people use their platforms, voices and everyday examples to help make safe driving part of St. Maarten’s culture.

“We all have a role to play in making our roads safer. While Government can strengthen legislation, enforcement and education, every road user has the power to influence someone else through the choices they make every day,” Roseburg said.

“This isn’t about blaming anyone. It’s about creating a movement where safe driving becomes part of our culture. Every video has the potential to reach someone, influence someone and ultimately save a life,” Roseburg said.

“I invite everyone to join the movement. Together, we can remind one another that every decision we make on the road matters. Record a short video, encourage others to do the same and help us build a safer St. Maarten,” Roseburg said.