PHILIPSBURG:--- In a heated and urgent public meeting of Parliament on Monday, November 17, 2025, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina found himself at the center of controversy over his handling of negotiations with the WICSU/PSU union regarding the grievances of frontline workers, including firefighters and ambulance personnel. The meeting, convened to address the escalating tensions, revealed a troubling pattern of miscommunication, broken trust, and alleged dishonesty on the part of the Prime Minister.
The crux of the issue lies in the Prime Minister's conflicting statements regarding his commitment to resolving the longstanding concerns of the Fire Department. During the meeting, Dr. Mercelina presented a detailed timeline of government actions and correspondence, repeatedly emphasizing his administration's "commitment" to addressing the workers' demands. However, when pressed by Member of Parliament (MP) Darryl York, the Prime Minister admitted that he could not make a firm, binding commitment, despite having previously assured the union in writing that he would.
This admission has sparked outrage among MPs and frontline workers alike, with many accusing the Prime Minister of knowingly misleading Parliament and attempting to placate the union with empty promises.
MP York highlighted the lack of trust between the government and the union, pointing out that the Prime Minister's refusal to sign a formal commitment letter has only deepened the divide. "This is not about emails or presentations," York stated. "This is about trust, and the Prime Minister has failed to build it."
The union's grievances include demands for retroactive pay, recognition of career lines and promotions, and a revisiting of the function book that governs their roles and responsibilities. While the Prime Minister claimed to have addressed these points in correspondence, MPs questioned the sincerity and effectiveness of his actions. MP Lacroes criticized the government's lack of timelines and financial transparency, stating, "We find money for everything else, but not for what is truly important—our frontline workers."
Adding to the controversy, the Prime Minister's presentation revealed that key decisions, such as the establishment of a placement committee and the ratification of a national decree, were made without adequately informing the union or the Fire Department's leadership. This lack of communication has further eroded trust and fueled suspicions of bad faith negotiations.
The meeting also exposed a stark contrast between the approaches of different ministries. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor, Mr. Richinel Brug.
MPs from both sides of the aisle expressed frustration with the government's failure to resolve the crisis, with MP Lewis calling for immediate action and accountability. "This is not about who's right or wrong," he said. "This is about ensuring that our frontline workers are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."
The Prime Minister's repeated claims of "inheriting" the problem from previous administrations did little to quell the criticism. MPs reminded him that his role as the leader of the country is to provide solutions, not excuses. "Stop playing games with the people," MP Lewis declared. "We need execution, not more presentations."
As the meeting adjourned without a resolution, the go-slow action by firefighters and ambulance personnel continues, leaving the nation in a precarious position.

The Prime Minister's inability to secure the trust of frontline workers and their union has not only jeopardized public safety but also cast a shadow over his leadership.
The people of St. Maarten deserve better. They deserve a government that prioritizes their well-being and respects the sacrifices of those who risk their lives to protect them. Dr. Luc Mercelina's failure to deliver on his promises and his apparent attempt to mislead Parliament and the public is a betrayal that cannot be ignored. The time for excuses is over—it's time for action.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) is pleased to announce the completion of Sint Maarten’s first National PAHO/WHO STEPS Survey on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs). The final report has now been officially submitted to the Minister of VSA.

Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Hon. Richinel S. J. Brug, expressed his appreciation for the timely submission of the report, noting that the STEPS results come at a pivotal moment.
“I am grateful to receive the full findings at this time,” Minister Brug stated. “The data and recommendations will be directly integrated into the Ministry’s Health in All Policies approach, which will be launched in the first quarter of 2026. This report strengthens our foundation for coordinated, evidence-based action across all sectors.”
Conducted between July 2023 and October 2024, the STEPS Survey represents Sint Maarten’s first nationally representative assessment of the behavioral and biological risk factors that contribute to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease, cancers, respiratory illnesses, and kidney disease. Using the internationally recognized WHO STEPS methodology, the survey included interviews, physical measurements, and blood testing among 2,042 adults aged 18–69 across every district in the country.

The successful implementation of this national survey was made possible through strong collaboration and support from the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), the Tijdelijke Werkorganisatie (TWO), dedicated field teams, VSA staff, community partners, and the many residents who generously participated. The Ministry extends its sincere gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to this important national milestone. The STEPS findings will play a central role in shaping future health policies, strengthening prevention programs, and guiding coordinated action across sectors.

As part of the next steps, the Ministry of VSA will host a stakeholder information session at the end of November, during which key partners from government, and within the community, will receive a detailed presentation on the results and recommendations included in the final report.

More information regarding the session will be shared in the coming days.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Antek IT Solutions proudly hosted a special anniversary event at Emilio’s Restaurant to celebrate a major milestone: 30 years of Payroll Pro HRM, the leading payroll application in St. Maarten and trusted across the Dutch Caribbean. The gathering brought together loyal clients, partners, and friends of the company for an
evening of reflection, appreciation, and celebration. Guests enjoyed light snacks, drinks, and music as they reconnected and commemorated Payroll Pro’s three decades of service to the region.
Donovan Smith, Director at Antek IT Solutions, opened the event by highlighting the enduring collaboration between Antek and Gamma IT Solutions, the creators of Payroll Pro HRM. “This milestone is more than a celebration of a product — it’s a celebration of partnership,” Smith said. “For 30 years, Antek and Gamma
have worked hand-in-hand to support organizations in St. Maarten. It’s a relationship built on trust, innovation, and the shared mission of helping businesses take care of their employees.”
Long-serving Antek team member Louis Bute and former director Klaas van Sloten were also invited to share their insights and memories, reflecting on the product’s early days and the continued commitment behind its success.
The celebration was further enriched by the presence of representatives from Gamma IT Solutions, including Managing Director Frank Baks, who joined Antek in commemorating the milestone and honoring the longstanding partnership between both companies.
Giovanni Wester of Gamma IT Solutions also delivered remarks on the future of Payroll Pro HRM. West spoke about the ongoing evolution of the software and offered an exciting teaser of what’s ahead - the upcoming integration of artificial intelligence to enhance payroll processing and user experience.
As Antek IT Solutions looks toward the future, the company remains dedicated to supporting Payroll Pro users with local expertise, training, and deep collaboration with its development partners.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The NAPB Sint Maarten expresses its concern regarding the shared feelings of blatant disrespect experienced by members of WICSU–PSU, the firefighters, and ambulance workers, at the conclusion of the public meeting of Parliament held on Monday, 17th November 2025
What should have been a moment of clarity for the firefighters and ambulance/ EMS workers ended instead with several union members and emergency service personnel feeling dismissed, disregarded, and undervalued. The NAPB acknowledges and stands in solidarity with the sentiments expressed by these workers, who play critical roles in safeguarding the community.

NAPB Sint Maarten stresses that every union member and every public servant—regardless of their affiliation—deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, and fairness, especially within the nation’s highest democratic forum. Actions or conduct that cause workers to feel marginalized or disrespected undermine the collaborative spirit required to address the serious challenges affecting the public sector.

“While differences in perspective are natural, no worker should walk away from Parliament feeling unheard or disrespected,” NAPB stated. “We stand with our colleagues and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for an environment where dialogue is constructive, professional, and inclusive.”
The NAPB further emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity and mutual respect across all unions and essential service groups, particularly at a time when cooperation is vital for advancing workers’ rights and improving national services.
The union calls for continued engagement rooted in transparency, respect, and accountability. It remains committed to working alongside all stakeholders to create meaningful and lasting improvements for public servants across Sint Maarten.