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.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has formally placed the reintroduction of military-based training opportunities for Sint Maarten youth on the national agenda, describing it as a realistic and strategic response to the island’s rising youth delinquency and growing community concerns. The initiative, which existed prior to 10-10-10, previously offered young participants structure, discipline, and direction. MP Doran is now advocating for its return as part of a broader national approach to youth development.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, delivered a detailed presentation to Parliament outlining the longstanding issues affecting the Ambulance Department and the steps the Ministry has taken since assuming office in late 2024.
WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- From 12 to 14 November 2025, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) hosted the 56th Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC), the Caribbean’s longest-standing forum for economic research, under the theme “Resilience through Transformation”. Organized in partnership with the Caribbean Economic Research Team (CERT), the three-day, in-person conference brought together central bankers, academics, and economic experts from across the region to exchange evidence, insights, and policy ideas. The conference highlighted the vital role of central bank research in shaping effective, evidence-based policy.