~“The country is suffering while leaders hide behind excuses.”~

PHILIPSBURG:--- In one of the most forceful parliamentary interventions of the year,  MP Darryl York delivered a blistering address on Monday, accusing Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercellina and his government of failing the nation’s frontline emergency workers and allowing a two-decade-old crisis to spiral into a national emergency.

Speaking during a public meeting on the ongoing Fire and Ambulance Department go-slow, York eviscerated the Prime Minister’s presentation, describing it as “seven excuses wrapped in administrative language” rather than a meaningful attempt to resolve a worsening public safety threat.

“This is not about what you inherited—this is about what you failed to understand.”

York flatly rejected the Prime Minister’s repeated claim that he “inherited” the current situation.

“Prime Minister, with all due respect: you did not inherit a crisis of paperwork. You inherited—and ignored—a crisis of trust.”

York argued that while the Prime Minister listed procedures, committees, and pending approvals, he completely missed the reason emergency workers are in revolt: decades of broken promises and mounting disrespect.

A Letter Meant to Solve the Crisis Has Now Become Part of It

At the center of the clash is the Prime Minister’s November 5, 2025, letter to the union. York acknowledged that the letter appeared thorough—addressing commitments, placement, retroactive payments, and the function book—but said it ultimately failed in its single most important purpose.

“If everything was handled, Prime Minister, we would not be here today. Your letter didn’t calm the situation—it deepened it.”

York said emergency workers have been given “beautifully written promises that vanish the moment leaders change”, and that the Prime Minister’s letter was viewed as just another entry in a 20-year pattern of non-binding commitments.

York Reveals 2003 Government Letter: “History is repeating itself—again.”

In a dramatic moment, York produced a 2003 government memorandum—complete with stamps, seal, and signature—containing commitments strikingly similar to those in the Prime Minister’s recent letter.

“These letters all look official. They all sound official. And every one of them meant nothing when leadership shifted.”

He then revealed that when the union submitted the 2003 letter earlier this year, they were told: “We’re not honoring that.”

York used this to hammer home his main point: this is why the union demands a legally binding commitment letter, not more political correspondence.

“Frontline workers didn’t complain about delays. They complained about you disrespecting them.”

York insisted the Prime Minister fundamentally misread the mood of the Fire and Ambulance staff.

“When they stormed Parliament, they did not talk about policy. They talked about disrespect. And if the Prime Minister was truly listening, he would have known that.”

York accused the Prime Minister of governing from behind email chains and formal memos rather than through direct engagement with the people risking their lives for the country.

Critical Information Wasn’t Even Communicated to Those Affected

York stunned the chamber by noting that some of the “major updates” the Prime Minister proudly presented—including progress on the Landsverordening and placement processes—were news even to the union.

“How can procedures be moving while the very people concerned are left completely in the dark? This is leadership by assumption—while the country burns.”

“The country is suffering. People may not get help today.”

Perhaps his harshest warning came near the end.

“This is bigger than political pride. Right now, if someone calls for help, they may not get it. That is the reality while we debate paperwork.”

York said that the Prime Minister’s approach—focusing on technicalities while ignoring the collapse of trust—was endangering public safety and risking a national emergency.

A Demanding Call for Immediate Action

York closed by pressing the Prime Minister for immediate, concrete action:

“What will be done today—not next week—to ensure these men and women walk out of here motivated, respected, and ready to end the go-slow?”

He warned that unless the Prime Minister abandons political defensiveness and confronts the trust crisis head-on, the situation will continue to deteriorate.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A heated exchange unfolded in Parliament on Monday as Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis delivered a forceful critique of Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, accusing him of chronic inaction, micromanagement across ministries, and repeated failure to resolve long-standing issues within the Fire Department, Ambulance Department, and broader Justice Ministry.

Speaking during the continuation of a meeting centered on staffing, safety, and organizational matters in the emergency services, MP Lewis said he was “tired of beautiful presentations and beautiful excuses,” declaring that the country’s execution branch “has executed nothing” for the workers who risk their lives daily.

“Stop playing games with the people.”

Lewis, who previously served as Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports, accused the Prime Minister of inserting himself into the affairs of other ministries while neglecting the pressing issues in his own.

“The Honorable Prime Minister has a reputation of meddling in everyone’s ministry,” Lewis said. “He is superhuman — he can get everything done everywhere else — but we still cannot get the Fire Department in order.”

The MP emphasized that the government will soon mark one year in office, yet the issues plaguing the emergency services remain unresolved.

Function Book Controversy

A central point of contention was the long-delayed Fire Department Function Book, a document that determines job descriptions, responsibilities, and salary scales. Lewis claimed that the draft was prepared “without the knowledge or input of the Fire Chief” and allegedly without proper consultation with firefighters.

Through the Chair, he pressed the Prime Minister to clarify:

• Whether the Fire Chief had reviewed the draft;
• Who exactly worked on it during 2021–2024?
• Why were rank-and-file firefighters not involved?

Interruption Highlights Need for Procedural Clarity

MP Roseburg intervened, requesting the Prime Minister explain how the function-book process works typically, including whether it legally requires involvement from the Fire Chief or the unions. The Prime Minister took note of the question.

Criticism of the Justice Minister’s Absence

Lewis also criticized the absence of the Minister of Justice, calling it “a blatant disrespect” to civil servants and the unions who, he said, are united in their push for better working conditions.

“Where is the solidarity from the cabinet of Mercelina Two?” Lewis asked. “Where is the solidarity with the Minister of Justice when it’s clear that not much is happening to ensure public safety and improve the departments under the ministry?”

A Personal Stake

Lewis reminded the chamber that he is still a civil servant on leave of absence. If not re-elected, he would have to return to “the mess that is continuously being created,” he said — giving him a direct personal stake in the issues being debated.

Call for Increased Pressure on Government

The MP concluded with a direct appeal:

“We must put pressure on this government to start executing on the people’s behalf.”

The parliamentary exchange underscores growing frustrations among MPs, unions, and emergency service workers over delays in implementing long-promised reforms. As tensions mount, the public now awaits the Prime Minister’s official response to the points raised during the meeting.

PHILIPSBURG---  Move over red carpet, make way for emerald green! This Saturday November 22nd at 9:30 AM sharp—yes, morning people, this is your moment—DJ, founder and managing director of the FREEGAN Food Foundation, will once again celebrate his birthday in what has now become an annual cinematic tradition. For the fifth glorious year, DJ is inviting everyone to join him at Caribbean Cinemas for a morning of laughter, friendship, free popcorn, and sodas—because nothing says “community” like making a responsible breakfast out of movie snacks.

In true theatrical fashion, this year’s theme is WICKED—and attendees are encouraged to turn up in full costume. Whether you arrive pink and bubbly like Glinda, mysteriously green and misunderstood like Elphaba, or just confused but fabulous, prizes await the best dressed! Think magic, think sparkle, think “Defy Gravity” but make it tropical.

“Every year I try to celebrate with as many people as possible,” DJ said while possibly humming Popular under his breath. “Why keep joy small when you can supersize it—just like the popcorn?”

This event is free of charge—yes, really. Free movie, free popcorn, free sodas, free good vibes. All you need to do is RSVP via WhatsApp at +1 (721) 580-7174 (messages only, because we’re modern like that).

So whether you’ve known DJ for years, met him once, follow him on social media, heard about him through a cousin, or simply enjoy forming lifelong bonds over cinema snacks—don’t be shy, just text and say you’re coming. Because if there’s one thing the FREEGAN founder stands for, it’s sharing—food, joy, and apparently movie theaters.

Event Details

📍 Caribbean Cinemas, St. Maarten
📅 This Saturday
⏰ 9:30 AM (Yes, that’s morning. Coffee optional; popcorn mandatory.)
🎭 Theme: WICKED – Come in costume for a chance to win enchanting prizes
🎁 Free movie, free popcorn, free sodas
📱 RSVP via WhatsApp only: +1 (721) 580-7174

Join us for a morning that promises to be unusually magical, inexplicably early, and undeniably fun. After all, five years in, it’s officially a tradition.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has successfully concluded a strategic, high-impact mission to Global Green Growth Week (GGGW), which included participation in the 14th Session of the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Assembly and the 18th Session of its Council, held in Seoul, Republic of Korea, from 27 October to 31 October 2025.

The OECS delegation, led by Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules, accompanied by Programme Director for Sustainable Energy, Mrs. Judith Ephraim, and supported by GGGI Caribbean Representative, Mr. Daniel Muñoz-Smith, engaged in a series of high-impact diplomatic, policy, and technical engagements designed to advance the OECS’ priorities and interests across the international development arena.

This mission is aligned with the OECS Commission’s commitment to ensuring that the perspectives, vulnerabilities, and development interests of OECS Member States are strongly and consistently advocated in global fora.

During Global Green Growth Week, the Director General participated in the following major events, which served as critical advocacy platforms for OECS Member States:

1. Session: Mobilising Sustainable Finance in Caribbean and Pacific SIDS

In delivering remarks, Dr. Jules emphasised the urgent need for equitable access to climate finance, reforms to global financing criteria, and recognition of the structural constraints faced by SIDS.

2. Session: Advancing Sustainable Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Green Growth

As part of the panel on Sustainable AI for Green Growth, Dr. Jules highlighted the OECS’s interest in deploying artificial intelligence to strengthen education, climate resilience, public administration, and innovation-driven economic diversification.

3. Session: Assembly and Council (Joint Session)

Role: Delivered a formal intervention on behalf of the OECS

The Director General also delivered a statement outlining the OECS position on global green growth, climate resilience, natural capital stewardship, and the critical role of innovation in transforming the economies of the Eastern Caribbean.

In addition to the Assembly sessions, the mission to Seoul featured a series of high-level bilateral engagements targeting the region’s priority areas of AI innovation, climate finance, sustainable energy, transport modernisation, and carbon market development.

The OECS delegation held dedicated meetings with the Global Green Growth Institute teams on Sustainable Transport, Sustainable Energy, Carbon Pricing, and Artificial Intelligence; the Korea National Artificial Intelligence Research Lab (NAIRL) and the Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (Nature Bank). These discussions strengthened collaboration with key global partners and advanced concrete opportunities for technical cooperation, capacity building, and financing to support the sustainable transformation of the OECS region.

The OECS Delegation took the opportunity whilst in Seoul to meet with the Green Climate Fund (GCF)to discuss amongst other things the Commission’s accreditation to the GCF. The GCF informed that the OECS’s application has progressed to Stage 2, with anticipated Board consideration in 2026. If successful, accreditation to the GCF will position the OECS Commission to manage up to US$50,000,000 for eligible projects, transforming the OECS financing landscape for climate action, resilience, and economic development.

Among the achievements of the Mission were the following: ​

Commitment to develop an OECS-GGGI Artificial Intelligence Collaboration Framework focused on AI for climate resilience, education, and governance.
Agreement with NAIRL to explore Scholarships, Internships, and Joint Research Opportunities for OECS youth in advanced AI fields.
Initiation of Work on a Regional Carbon Pricing and MRV Framework to expand economic opportunities for OECS Member States.
Exploration of a Sustainable Mobility Programme including e-mobility, marine transport, and urban low-emissions initiatives.
Strengthened Partnerships for Renewable Energy Transition and Green Schools with emphasis on energy efficiency, microgrids, and solar systems for educational institutions.
Through direct participation in global policy dialogues and technical negotiations, the OECS seeks to ensure that its Member States’ priorities remain visible, respected, and included in major international development agendas.

Speaking at the conclusion of the mission, Director General Dr. Didacus Jules stated:

“The OECS is entering a new era of green transformation, powered by strategic partnerships and driven by innovation. Our engagements in Seoul have opened concrete pathways for climate finance, AI-enabled development, sustainable transport, and renewable energy. These collaborations set the foundation for a resilient, future-ready Eastern Caribbean.”

Mr. Daniel Muñoz-Smith, GGGI’s Caribbean Representative, added:

“The outcomes of this mission reaffirm GGGI’s deep commitment to supporting the OECS in accelerating climate-smart development. We look forward to expanding our collaboration across energy, adaptation, AI, and sustainable transport.”