PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes is taking an emphatic stand for the people of Sint Maarten, demanding that government and NV GEBE address persistent failures in governance, transparency, and service delivery at the nation’s electricity and water provider.

"Residents and businesses have endured enough delayed reforms, unclear board appointments, political interference, and mounting service challenges," MP Lacroes stated. "NV GEBE is fundamental to the well-being and future of our country, but too many recommendations from the Integrity Chamber and independent auditors remain ignored. The time for empty promises is over."

MP Lacroes notes that critical reforms, such as the adoption of a Code of Conduct, appointment of a Compliance Officer and Confidential Advisor, and clear reporting frameworks, remain outstanding. Employees and customers are left in confusion, organizational trust is low, and government continues to withhold vital information about investments and board appointments from Parliament and the public.

The MP further highlights recent developments:

The legal disputes and delays in appointing a permanent board and C-level management have compromised the company’s stability and ability to invest in infrastructure.

While multimillion-dollar investments have begun including underground cable installations, upgraded water tanks, and essential capital projects, there remains a lack of transparency about oversight, execution, and community impact.

Over 50,000 guilders per month have been earmarked for social relief, but much-needed government partnerships and broader concession waivers have yet to materialize.

NV GEBE's proposals to provide direct relief are hindered by unclear fuel clause calculations and regulatory issues, with financial risks looming if government priorities supersede sound management.

"Millions have been spent on advisory reports, audits, and customer retreats," Lacroes added. "But until the government releases a concrete plan with published criteria, deadlines, and clearly assigned responsibility, the public will continue to suffer from uncertainty, disruptions, and rising costs."

MP Lacroes is calling on government and management to take the following urgent steps:

Publicly commit to implementing all outstanding recommendations, with clear milestones and accountability;

Ensure all board members are selected transparently based on merit, not political affiliation;

Publish regular, accessible progress reports on NV GEBE’s governance, performance, and integrity actions;

Share all investment plans and audit findings openly with Parliament and the wider community.

"If meaningful improvements are not forthcoming, I am prepared to invoke every measure at Parliament’s disposal to hold decision-makers accountable," Lacroes vowed. "As MP, my responsibility is to the people. We must restore trust, protect public interests, and secure a reliable future for NV GEBE and all of Sint Maarten."

PHILIPSBURG:---  NOW Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis is calling on the Honorable Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka Gumbs, to urgently provide clarity regarding the payment of funds to subsidized schools, particularly in relation to the 2% indexation for the year 2025.

MP Lewis has been approached by numerous education professionals who are eligible for the indexation, yet report that they have not received the remuneration that was promised. This has raised serious concerns and frustrations among the affected parties, who are now questioning the reliability of the Minister’s assurances.

In reference to Minister Gumbs’s published statement on June 16, 2025, the Minister indicated that confirmation had been received that all additional funds related to the 2025 vacation allowance and indexation were successfully transferred to subsidized schools, ensuring that teachers would receive the same treatment as those in public schools, and that these payments would be reflected in the July 2025 payroll. 

“If confirmation was given that these funds were transferred, then why are the very individuals who are entitled to the indexation not receiving their due payments? This is not only a matter of transparency, but also of trust. The people deserve clarity and accountability,” MP Lewis stated.

MP Lewis emphasized that delays or discrepancies in delivering these promised payments have real consequences for the livelihoods of teachers and staff in subsidized schools, who rely on these funds to support themselves and their families.

“I therefore call on the Minister of Finance to urgently clarify this matter to the people. Were the funds truly disbursed as stated, and if so, what has caused the delay in reaching those entitled to receive them? The lack of answers only deepens the frustration and undermines public confidence,” Lewis continued.

“Our teachers and school employees must not be made to carry the weight of the government’s inconsistencies. I expect the Minister to address this matter without delay and provide a transparent explanation that restores confidence and delivers the payments owed,” he concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- NOW Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis has issued a stern condemnation of Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) and the Ministry of VSA for their role in an unpopular and discriminatory decision that sought to prohibit French St. Martin–born nationals without Dutch-side work permits from receiving airport access passes.

The controversial decision came to light through an official letter issued by PJIAE announcing that the measure would take effect immediately. MP Lewis described this move as reckless, divisive, and unacceptable.

Such a poor decision threatens to create unnecessary division and separation within our small 37-square-mile island. Despite having two administrations and two economies, we share one island, one culture, and one identity. "We are not France and we are not the Netherlands, we are St. Martin, we are on people" MP Lewis stated. 

To exclude French-side nationals in this way is nothing short of modern segregation at its finest, and I will not stand by or accept even the slightest attempt at such discrimination.”

MP Lewis further warned that decisions of this magnitude should never be taken without proper consultation with the Government and relevant stakeholders. He emphasized that unilateral actions of this kind not only damage the working relationship between North and South but also risk harming St. Martin's reputation as a hub of cooperation in the region.

Although PJIAE has since updated and reversed its decision following significant public backlash and urgent intervention by the Government of Sint Maarten, MP Lewis said the damage to public trust has already been done.

“This incident should serve as a wake-up call,” MP Lewis continued. “Institutions like PJIA must act with sensitivity, fairness, and accountability. We cannot allow policies that divide our people or create second-class citizens on either side of the border. Unity must always come first.”

MP Lewis concluded by calling for preventive safeguards to ensure that similar decisions are never repeated and pledged to continue monitoring the matter closely.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, the Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, extends heartfelt congratulations to His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali on his projected re-election to a second term as President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana.

Prime Minister Mercelina commended President Ali and the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) for the confidence placed in them by the electorate, noting that the outcome reflects the strength of Guyana’s democratic traditions. “The Guyanese people have once again affirmed their trust in President Ali’s vision for national development, prosperity, and unity. We recognize this moment as a new chapter not only for Guyana but for the wider Caribbean family,” the Prime Minister stated.

Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed the deep ties between Sint Maarten and Guyana, emphasizing the many Guyanese who proudly call Sint Maarten home. “The Guyanese community has contributed tremendously to the social fabric, economy, and cultural diversity of Sint Maarten. Today, we share in your pride as your homeland prepares to enter this new phase of leadership,” he said.

The Prime Minister further expressed optimism that under President Ali’s renewed mandate, cooperation within the Caribbean will be strengthened, particularly in areas such as climate resilience, sustainable energy, and economic diversification. “As sister nations within the Caribbean, we know that our strength lies in unity. Guyana’s progress uplifts the entire region, and Sint Maarten stands ready to deepen our collaboration for the benefit of our peoples,” PM Dr. Mercelina affirmed.

In closing, Prime Minister Mercelina conveyed best wishes to President Ali, his government, and the people of Guyana for continued peace, stability, and prosperity in the years ahead.