PHILIPSBURG: --- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina highlighted the strategic pillars of the governing program for 2024–2028, emphasizing resilience, innovation, and improvements in health and well-being. He stated that these pillars would be the foundation for the government’s vision and priorities.
The resilience strategy includes introducing a robust legal framework to ensure long-term sustainability. This includes steps toward electoral reform, more transparent screening processes for ministerial candidates, and advancing mental health care infrastructure.
A new ordinance led by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure is focusing especially on waste management.
Strengthening cross-border collaboration was identified as another means of bolstering resilience.
The Prime Minister spoke of enhancing ties with the French side of the island through improved emergency response mechanisms, joint economic initiatives, and integrated approaches to immigration, law enforcement, and education. He also noted the government’s intent to pursue associate membership in regional organizations such as CARICOM and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).
On innovation, the address highlighted steps to digitalize government operations, invest in education, and develop renewable energy initiatives.
The government aims to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the labor market by restructuring the educational system and preparing future generations for technological opportunities. Plans include integrating artificial intelligence tools into schools and completing the reconstruction of key educational institutions, such as the Sister Marie Laurence School and the Charles Leopold Bell School. The establishment of a national library was also mentioned as a priority project.
Healthcare remains a critical concern for the administration, with a renewed focus on preventative care, affordability, and quality improvements. Plans include raising mental health awareness, building a new mental health facility, and establishing a streamlined medical professional registry. The hospital construction project was described as a top priority for the government during this term.

Updates on Budget 2025
Prime Minister Marcelina discussed the developments surrounding the 2025 budget, which was approved unanimously by parliament earlier this year. However, technical issues related to amendments from both the government and parliament have delayed the finalization of the budget’s text.
To address this, the government proposed adopting a legislative methodology reminiscent of practices in the Netherlands.
This process involves creating an additional national ordinance to address and integrate these amendments. Once finalized, the legislation will be reviewed by Legal Affairs and other advisory entities before being submitted to the Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT). The Prime Minister underscored his administration's commitment to resolving the matter efficiently to move forward with the budget's implementation.

Reflections on the Netherlands Mission
Lastly, the Prime Minister shared highlights from his recent mission to the Netherlands from March 20 to March 30. During his visit, he participated in bilateral discussions and events, including career fairs, to engage the St. Martin diaspora and foster stronger connections. Mercelina emphasized the importance of extending opportunities for St. Martiners living abroad to contribute to the development of their home country.

Moving Forward
Prime Minister Marcelina affirmed his government’s commitment to its resilient, innovative, and healthy St. Maarten vision. While acknowledging the extensive scope of the governing program, he stated that these outlined initiatives clearly indicate the administration’s focus over the next four years.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education, Youth, Culture, Youth, and Sports Melissa Gumbs said at the weekly Council of Ministers press briefing on Wednesday that after resuming her public engagement, particularly following her visits to public, private, and subsidized schools.
Gumbs said the Ministry is compiling feedback from these visits to identify common challenges and develop strategies to address them.
The foundation-based education (FBE) review is a focal point, with consultations involving schools and community members. A town hall meeting at the Dutch Quarter Community Center will allow residents to share their experiences and insights on education reform.
The Minister also reported progress on school bus safety, stating that 45 school buses are now equipped with GPS tracking and camera systems as part of Phase 2 of the fleet management system roll-out. Phase 3, slated for July 2025, will include complete implementation, ongoing evaluation, and strict penalties for tampering with the system. Minister Gomes reiterated the importance of this initiative for student and driver safety.

Cultural, Higher Education, and Sports Developments
On cultural heritage, Minister Gumbs revealed plans to protect the Simpson Bay Bridge Monument in collaboration with key stakeholders to preserve its historical integrity. Additionally, she announced that the Ministry would return to Parliament to finalize the Higher Education Ordinance, which aims to improve regulations and standards for higher education on the island.
Finally, the Minister extended her best wishes to the island’s aquatic athletes as they prepare to compete in the Carifta Games in Trinidad, underscoring the nation’s support for its young sports talents.
These initiatives mark significant strides toward a cleaner, more sustainable environment, enhanced education for future generations, and better infrastructure management. Residents were encouraged to stay informed and engaged through government platforms for updates on these critical developments.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure Patrice Gumbs Jr. said at the Council of Ministers Press Briefing that his main focus at the moment is tackling one of St. Maarten's most pressing challenges—waste management. The Minister unveiled key initiatives to transform how waste is handled on the island and outlined a long-term plan to ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents.
A Landmark Initiative: The Landfill Insurance Fee
One of Minister Gumbs's most transformative announcements was the introduction of a 10 Caribbean Guilder landfill insurance fee. Starting soon, this fee will be pivotal in addressing long-standing waste management challenges, such as landfill overcapacity, groundwater contamination, and health risks to nearby communities.
Gumbs said the decision to implement this fee was not taken lightly. It followed years of planning, public consultations, and environmental assessments. Significantly, it aligns with the government’s Waste Vision 2050, a comprehensive strategy to create a sustainable waste management system for St. Maarten. The funds generated from this fee will be used to upgrade waste processing infrastructure, support the establishment of a Waste Management Authority, and kickstart other environmental improvements.

Waste Vision 2050: A Sustainable Roadmap
Minister Gumbs emphasized that introducing the landfill fee is just one component of the broader Waste Vision 2050 strategy. This ambitious plan seeks to overhaul waste management by focusing on sustainability, efficiency, and community involvement. Key elements of Waste Vision 2050 include:
• A weighbridge system, set to be operational in April, will enable precise waste volume measurement and introduce volume-based tipping fees.
• The expansion of waste sorting and processing capabilities in a newly cleared Resettlement Area of Impact adjacent to the landfill.
• Investments in specialized equipment like concrete crushers and green waste shredders to enhance waste reduction efforts.
• The creation of educational programs aimed at promoting sustainable waste practices among residents.
These measures will reduce the volume of waste and ensure the responsible disposal of materials while minimizing environmental harm.

Combating Illegal Dumping
Illegal garbage dumping has posed a significant challenge for the community, with hotspots frequently seeing waste discarded in public spaces even after scheduled pickups. Minister Gumbs called for community adherence to garbage collection schedules, emphasizing that haulers' pickup times are readily available for transparency and convenience.
Residents are encouraged to report noncompliance by submitting time-stamped photos and complaints to the Department of Infrastructure Contract Management. Additionally, the Ministry is working on legislation introducing fines for illegal dumping, making accountability a central part of the cleanup effort.

A Call for Collective Responsibility
While government policies and infrastructure are crucial, Minister Gumbs was unequivocal in his message that the success of these initiatives depends on community participation. Residents must play their part by adhering to waste management guidelines, reporting violations, and supporting sustainable practices. The Minister noted that tourism, the backbone of St. Maarten’s economy, relies on a clean and attractive environment. But more importantly, so does the quality of life for its citizens.
“The quality of life and health of our residents is fundamental,” Minister Gumbs proclaimed. He called on everyone to work together for a cleaner and more beautiful St. Maarten.

Looking Ahead
Change is rarely easy, but the measures outlined by Minister Gumbs represent a critical turning point. Introducing the landfill fee and the comprehensive Waste Vision 2050 plan mark the beginning of a new era for waste management. With government oversight, innovative infrastructure, and active community involvement, St. Martin is poised to set an example for sustainable environmental practices throughout the Caribbean.
The work ahead is challenging, but as Minister Gumbs stated, “This is not just about a fee. It’s about changing our relationship with waste and taking responsibility for our environment.” By working together, St. Maarten can achieve its vision of a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future.

PHILIPSBURG: --- TELEM, a prominent player in the telecommunications sector in St Maarten, is currently navigating a challenging period marked by a surge in customer complaints, leadership voids, and operational hurdles. These issues paint a picture of the company's instability, highlighting the urgent need for strategic action.

Mounting Customer Complaints

Customers have repeatedly reported dissatisfaction with Telem's quality of service. This isn’t just an isolated issue but reflects deeper, systemic challenges within the organization. Complaints range from unreliable network connections to poor customer support. While customers often rely on telecommunications providers for essential services, Telem's inability to meet these expectations has sparked widespread frustration among its users.

Leadership Void

The absence of key leadership roles within Telem further compounds the company’s challenges. Currently, there is no Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Financial Officer (CFO), or Chief Operating Officer (COO).

Without these critical roles, decision-making processes are hindered, leaving an alarming leadership vacuum at the top of the organization.

Reports indicate that the CFO is off-island for medical reasons, while the supervisory board’s chairman also resides off-island, adding another layer of complexity to the governance structure.

This lack of leadership raises the question of who manages the company at such a critical juncture. Without clear accountability or robust leadership, it becomes increasingly difficult for Telem to address its current problems or implement a cohesive strategy in the future.

Technical Struggles Amid a System Transition

Telem faces significant operational difficulties on the technical front during its transition from Nokia to Huawei systems. A major system shutdown occurred recently when the company attempted to make this switch, further disrupting services. Despite moving to Huawei systems, Telem does not currently have Huawei technicians on the island to provide essential support. This reliance on remote technical assistance is risky, especially when immediate on-the-ground expertise is necessary to avoid prolonged disruptions.

Meanwhile, Nokia-based systems were part of the company's past, and the only Nokia technician was sent home, yet the lack of technicians for either system on-site leaves Telem particularly vulnerable to service breakdowns. These setbacks hinder the company's ability to deliver reliable service and damage its reputation among customers and stakeholders.

Employee Departures

Adding to the turbulence, several mobile employees have reportedly left the company. While employee turnover is typical in any organization, losing critical team members during the transition and difficulty can weaken any firm's ability to bounce back. This exodus further strains an already overburdened workforce and creates additional challenges in maintaining efficient operations.

Accountability in Question

Perhaps the most pressing question amid Telem's ongoing crisis is this: Who exactly is managing the company? With no CEO, COO, or CFO actively overseeing operations and the chairman of the supervisory board residing off-island, there appears to be a lack of centralized leadership capable of navigating these turbulent waters.

Accountability is crucial for any organization, especially one facing challenges of this magnitude. Customers and employees deserve transparency regarding how Telem plans to address its issues and who will take responsibility for leading these efforts. Without clear direction and strong leadership, the company risks further alienating its customer base and impacting its long-term viability.

The Need for Urgent Solutions

The challenges faced by Telem may seem overwhelming, but urgent action is necessary to restore public trust and stabilize operations. The company must prioritize filling its leadership gaps, ensuring the presence of key personnel who can guide the organization through this storm. On the technical front, having Huawei technicians on the island should be a top priority to ensure reliable service and avoid further disruptions. Enhancing customer communication and addressing their concerns will also be vital to rebuilding trust and improving its reputation.

Telem is at a crossroads. Its ability to overcome these challenges depends on decisive action and effective management. The company’s customers, employees, and stakeholders deserve clear communication and a plan to bring it back on course. Without this, the challenges may only deepen, with consequences that could jeopardize the company’s future.