PHILIPSBURG – Former Rolando Brison has been sentenced to six months in prison in the high-profile Lisbon corruption case in Sint Maarten, following a court ruling delivered yesterday.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention in Sint Maarten and across the Dutch Caribbean, centered on allegations of corruption and abuse of public office during Brison’s time as a member of Parliament.
Former MP Rolando Brison
While the court acquitted Brison on two bribery-related charges due to insufficient evidence, judges found enough evidence to convict him on abuse of office.
According to the ruling, Brison used his position as a parliamentarian to benefit co-defendant Johan Alex Dijkhoffz in exchange for financial payments, airline tickets and other personal benefits.
The court ruled that these actions constituted a serious breach of public trust and amounted to corruption linked to his public office.
In addition to the six-month prison sentence, Brison was ordered to repay approximately US$8,000 received in connection with the unlawful benefits.
The court also imposed a five-year ban on holding public office or running for elected office, effectively removing him from political eligibility during that period.
Co-defendant Dijkhoffz was also convicted and sentenced to four months in prison for his role in the case.
Meanwhile, charges against other co-defendants, including Robbie dos Santos and Sunil Gehani, were dismissed on the bribery counts.
In its judgment, the court emphasized the importance of integrity in public office, stating that public confidence in government depends heavily on the honesty and accountability of elected officials.
The judge stressed that corruption involving public officials must be dealt with firmly in order to protect democratic institutions and the rule of law.
The Lisbon case has been one of the most closely watched political corruption cases in Sint Maarten in recent years, raising broader concerns about governance, accountability and political ethics within the country.
It remains unclear whether Brison or his legal team will appeal the ruling.