~Minister Richinel Brug implements controversial work permit requirements as locally born French Saint Martin workers struggle with retirement benefits.~
PHILIPSBURG: A brewing labor crisis on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten has exposed decades of administrative failures that have left locally born workers without pension benefits, while highlighting the complex cross-border employment dynamics on the divided island.
The controversy centers around new measures introduced by Minister of VSA Richinel Brug, who has blocked French nationals born on Saint Martin from working on the Dutch side unless they are properly registered. However, critics argue the policy was implemented without adequate consultation or consideration of its economic impact.
Years of Pension Problems
For years, locally born Saint Martiners who worked for businesses like Mullet Bay have found themselves empty-handed upon retirement. The issue stems from workers not being registered with SZV (Social and Health Insurance), which prevents them from collecting their AOV pension benefits despite having served for decades.
"The fact that the Division of Labor Affairs had advised previous ministers to regulate these locally born Saint Martin residents and nothing was done shows how politicians are not working in the best interest of their people," said one political observer.
The administrative gap has created a generation of workers who contributed to the local economy throughout their careers but cannot access the pension system they helped fund.
Hasty Implementation Draws Criticism
Minister Brug now faces intense scrutiny for failing to inform the Council of Ministers about his intention to block French nationals from working on Sint Maarten without proper registration. Critics describe the implementation as "haphazard" and warn of serious consequences for local businesses.
The country's airport and other critical businesses are reportedly feeling the immediate impact of these sudden regulatory changes, raising concerns about the Dutch side's economic stability.
Reciprocity Gap Widens Divide
A major concern highlighted by politicians is the lack of reciprocity between the two sides of the island. While French nationals have traditionally worked on the Dutch side, residents of Dutch Sint Maarten cannot work on the French side under current arrangements.
This one-sided employment flow has created additional tensions, particularly as French citizens working on Sint Maarten are allegedly not declaring their income to Dutch tax authorities while simultaneously collecting social benefits from the French government.
"We have informed our French counterparts that they need to address the matter of reciprocity," several politicians stated, indicating ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the imbalance.
Call for Comprehensive Solutions
The current crisis underscores the need for coordinated policy-making that protects local workers while maintaining economic stability. The pension registration issues affecting locally born workers require immediate attention to prevent further retirees from falling through administrative cracks.
Meanwhile, the cross-border employment dispute highlights the unique challenges faced by a divided island where two different legal and administrative systems must coexist.
Political observers emphasize that any sustainable solution will require collaboration between Dutch and French authorities, along with clear policies that ensure locally born workers can access the pension benefits they deserve while maintaining the economic relationships that benefit both sides of the island.
As Minister Brug navigates the fallout from his registration requirements, the broader question remains: how can Saint Martin create a labor framework that serves both local workers and the integrated economy that has developed across the island's international border?
The resolution of these issues may well determine the economic future of both sides of this unique Caribbean territory.
Program Manager Tanja Fraai said goodbye to the WeConnect Foundation on August 28 after more than 12 years. Her team surprised her with a talk show looking back on the history of WeConnect. Tanja herself also took a seat at the table to join the conversation and share memories. Several guests who had worked with Tanja joined the table. Among them were founding chair Paul Comenencia, former secretary Ron van der Veer, current chair Gilbert Isabella, and outgoing Director-General for Kingdom Relations Roald Lapperre. Several staff members of the foundation also addressed her. Young professional Gilberto Morishaw gave a musical tribute with piano and vocals. Their stories highlighted that Tanja is a true connector, with a genuine interest in people. WeConnect Award During the farewell, the board also presented the WeConnect Award to Tanja Fraai. This award was presented for the first time and was created to honor people who make an extraordinary contribution to the Caribbean community. In two years, Tanja will nominate a new candidate for the award to the WeConnect board. The award consists of a small stone sculpture. Since the founding of WeConnect in 2013, Tanja has dedicated herself wholeheartedly to the foundation. Together with Mike Ho-Sam-Sooi, she began organizing activities for Caribbean pupils and students on the islands and in the Netherlands. Over the years, under their leadership, WeConnect grew into a widely respected organization with a vast Caribbean network and activities for pupils on the islands, Caribbean students, and (young) professionals in the Netherlands. Successor As of September 1, Pam Evertsz has started as the new Program Manager. Tanja: “Pam and WeConnect have been connected for years through our shared passion for bringing Caribbean talent back to the islands. She knows her way both on the islands and within the ministries in The Hague, which form the (financial) foundation of our organization. Like me, Pam easily switches between Dutch and Caribbean culture and social norms, and she knows Bonaire in particular inside out. I am fully confident that under her leadership, WeConnect will take the next step.”
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), in the role as shareholder representative of the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), has stated in response to the PJIAE’s announcement on airport access cards and the requirement for a valid legal working status.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) has officially retracted a controversial letter that would have prohibited French nationals from receiving airport access cards, sparking intense political debate and concerns about unity between the Dutch and French sides of the island.
