PHILIPSBURG:--- During a heated parliamentary session, Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis delivered a pointed critique of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, calling for a clear and actionable plan to safeguard Sint Maarten’s economy and the livelihoods of its people. His remarks, delivered through the Chair of Parliament, reflected growing frustration among MPs and the public over what they perceive as a lack of decisive action from the government.

A Call for a Tangible Plan

MP Lewis began by acknowledging the questions posed by his colleagues but emphasized the need for a concrete and actionable strategy from the Minister. He stated, “The people of St. Maarten deserve a tangible plan from you, Minister, on how you are going to protect the economy and the livelihood of the people of this island nation.”

Lewis’s comments underscore the urgency of addressing the economic challenges facing Sint Maarten, including the potential impact of U.S. tariffs, rising costs of goods, and delays in critical infrastructure projects. He pressed the Minister to provide details on her plan, asking, “So, Minister, through you, Madame Chair, What Tangible Plan Do You Have to Safeguard Our Economy And Livelihood For The People Of Sint Maarten? And if you have a plan, when will this be executed?”

Questioning Productivity and Effectiveness

In a direct challenge to the Minister’s performance, MP Lewis questioned whether she felt she was working effectively for the people of Sint Maarten. He asked, “Minister, through you, Madame Chair… Do you feel productive? Do you feel you're working effectively for our people?”

These pointed questions reflect a broader sentiment of dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic and governance issues. MPs and the public are seeking not only answers but also measurable progress on the challenges facing the island.

Mounting Pressure on the Government

MP Lewis’s remarks come amid growing criticism of the current coalition government, which has been described by some MPs as the “worst government since Sint Maarten obtained its country status.” The debates in Parliament have highlighted a range of issues, including:

• The lack of clarity on whether goods originating from Sint Maarten are subject to U.S. tariffs.
• The absence of a detailed strategy to address the economic impact of global trade disruptions.
• Delays in critical infrastructure projects, such as the vendor marketplace.
• Concerns over the accountability of GEBE and its impact on the cost of living.

The Need for Leadership and Action

MP Lewis’s comments reflect the growing demand for leadership and action from the government. The people of Sint Maarten are looking to their leaders to provide clear solutions to the island’s economic challenges and to demonstrate a commitment to protecting their livelihoods.

As the parliamentary session continues, all eyes will be on the Minister of TEATT to see whether she can rise to the occasion and deliver the tangible plan that MPs and the public are demanding. The stakes are high, and the people of Sint Maarten deserve nothing less than decisive action and effective governance.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Parliament of Sint Maarten is embroiled in intense debates over critical economic and governance issues, with Members of Parliament (MPs) demanding clarity and accountability from the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten. The discussions have centered on the impact of U.S. tariffs, GEBE's accountability, and the broader performance of the current coalition government. Former Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), MP Omar Ottley, has been particularly vocal, calling out what he describes as the "worst government since St. Maarten obtained its country status."

Are Sint Maarten’s Goods Subject to U.S. Tariffs?

One of the most pressing questions raised in Parliament is whether goods originating from Sint Maarten are subject to the 10% baseline tariff imposed by the United States under the global tariff policy announced by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. This policy, which has had significant implications for global trade, could severely impact Sint Maarten’s economy if the island is formally listed as a jurisdiction subject to the tariff.

MPs have demanded that the Minister of TEATT confirm:

1. Whether Sint Maarten is officially listed as a jurisdiction subject to the baseline tariff rate.
2. When the Government of St Maarten was first informed of this classification, if applicable.

Additionally, Parliament has called for the Ministry of TEATT to:

• Conduct an assessment of which specific goods exported from Sint Maarten to the United States could be affected by the tariff, including re-exports and goods transiting through U.S. ports.
• Provide data on the total value and categories of goods exported to the U.S. over the past five years that could potentially fall under this tariff regime.
• Evaluate whether these tariffs could indirectly increase the cost of construction materials, retail goods, or other imports destined for Sint Maarten that pass through U.S. supply chains.

A Call for a Diplomatic Strategy

MPs have also urged the Minister to commit to presenting Parliament with a detailed strategy outlining how the Government intends to secure tariff exemptions or clarifications for St. Maarten. This strategy should include:

• Diplomatic engagement with the Kingdom of the Netherlands to leverage its influence in trade negotiations.
• Direct discussions with U.S. trade authorities to clarify Sint Maarten’s position and seek exemptions.

Such a strategy is critical to protecting the island’s economic interests and ensuring that local businesses and consumers are not disproportionately affected by global trade policies.

GEBE Accountability: A Missed Deadline

Another major issue dominating parliamentary discussions is the accountability of GEBE, the island’s utility company. On February 11, the Minister of TEATT gave GEBE 30 days to address specific issues. With the deadline now passed, MP Omar Ottley demanded answers on whether GEBE has met the requirements set by the Minister and what actions will follow if it has not.

MP Omar Ottley has been particularly critical, stating, “If GEBE goes up again, I will personally bring motions on each and every minister. If it fails, it fails, but I will do my job as a Member of Parliament and stand for the people.”

Ottley’s comments reflect growing frustration among MPs and the public over what they see as a lack of accountability and broken promises from both GEBE and the government.

MP Omar Ottley’s Criticism of the Coalition Government

MP Omar Ottley did not hold back in his criticism of the current coalition government, calling it the "worst government since St. Maarten obtained its country status." He expressed frustration over repeated delays, rejected motions, and the lack of progress on critical issues.

“Motions upon motions, and they voted against,” Ottley said, highlighting the government’s failure to act on proposals aimed at addressing the island’s economic challenges. He also pointed out that many of the issues being debated today, such as maximum tariffs on Sol, were already included in previous motions and recommendations that were ignored.

Ottley added, “I told you so. Now we hear MPs speak of maximum tariffs on Sol, but all that was in motion.”

Parliamentary Agenda: Broader Economic Concerns

The current parliamentary session also includes discussions on several other critical issues:

1. U.S.-China Trade War: The broader economic implications of the U.S.-China trade war and its potential impact on Sint Maarten’s economy are being analyzed. This includes how the island can navigate the challenges posed by shifting global trade dynamics.
2. Tourism Growth via Events: Large-scale events like the Soul Beach Music Festival are seen as key drivers of tourism and business growth. Parliament is seeking data and projections on the economic impact of such events to justify continued investment in tourism.
3. Vendor Marketplace Delay: The prolonged delay in building the vendor marketplace, originally scheduled to begin in August 2024, has raised concerns about its impact on small businesses. Parliament is demanding a clear timeline and actionable steps to address this delay.

The Path Forward

The debates in Parliament reflect the urgent need for a cohesive and proactive approach to addressing Sint Maarten’s economic challenges. From securing tariff exemptions to holding GEBE accountable and accelerating delayed projects, the government must act decisively to protect the island’s economic interests and restore public trust.

As MP Ottley stated, “If it fails, it fails, but I will do my job as a Member of Parliament and stand for the people.” His commitment to holding the government accountable underscores the growing demand for transparency, action, and leadership in addressing the challenges facing Sint Maarten.

The people of Sint Maarten will be watching closely to see whether their leaders can rise to the occasion and deliver on their promises. Whether through diplomatic engagement, infrastructure development, or targeted economic policies, the government must demonstrate its commitment to securing a stable and prosperous future for the island.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Ministry of Justice in St. Maarten has been making significant strides in reforming and strengthening the island's justice system. During Wednesday’s press briefing, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling highlighted several key developments that reflect the progress being made in public safety, cooperation, and institutional reform.

One of the most notable advancements, Tackling said, is the arrival of 14 correctional officers from Suriname to support operations at the Point Blanche prison. These officers, who were sworn in last week, are already working alongside local correctional staff. Their presence is a critical step in stabilizing the facility, creating space for training, and preparing local officers for a modern and sustainable correctional system. This initiative is part of the broader detention sector reform program aimed at improving security, rehabilitation, and structured inmate management.

Another milestone is the signing of the Hot Pursuit Treaty between the French and Dutch sides of the island. This agreement allows law enforcement authorities to pursue suspects across maritime boundaries, closing gaps that criminal networks have exploited. Minister Tackling emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating, "For an island that shares one landmass and one maritime space, cooperation is not optional but essential."

The spirit of collaboration was further demonstrated during a recent visit by the Prefect of Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, along with representatives from the French Justice Infrastructure Agency. Discussions focused on the reform and reconstruction plans for Point Blanche Prison and the broader transformation of the detention sector. Both sides are committed to sharing insights and strengthening justice systems on the island.

In a groundbreaking regional initiative, the Dutch Caribbean has launched the Inter-Insular Gun Buyback and Firearms Surrender Action. This coordinated effort across Curaçao, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and the Caribbean Netherlands aims to reduce the number of illegal firearms in circulation. Individuals can voluntarily surrender illegal firearms without facing legal consequences during the designated period. Minister Tackling urged the community to participate, stating, "Illegal firearms and gun violence have no place in our communities."

These developments underscore the Ministry of Justice's commitment to enhancing public safety, fostering regional cooperation, and building a justice system that serves the people of Sint Maarten effectively. Minister Tackling concluded, "Taken together, these efforts demonstrate the continued work underway to strengthen our justice institutions and improve public safety for the people of Sint Maarten."

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs Jr., has announced significant changes to the district cleaning contracts, aimed at improving efficiency and ensuring fairness in the tendering process. The restructuring comes as part of the government’s broader efforts to address challenges in public contracting and provide better services to the community.

During his address at the weekly Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister Gumbs revealed that the scope of work for the district cleaning contracts is being revised to enhance efficiency and accountability. An interim period of three months has been established, during which the government will work with verified contractors and current district cleaners to maintain essential cleaning services. The focus during the first month will be on main roads, public beaches, cemeteries, and public schools.

“We are committed to ensuring that the district cleaning contracts are handled in a way that benefits the community and upholds the highest standards of transparency,” Minister Gumbs stated. “This interim period will allow us to restructure the contracts and ensure that the new tender process is fair and efficient.”

Former Minister Doran Calls for Action

The announcement comes amid growing calls for transparency and action from former Minister of VROMI, Member of Parliament Egbert Doran. Doran has urged the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) and Deputy Prime Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten to put the district cleaning contracts out for bid, citing the struggles many in the community face.

“There are many people suffering,” Doran stated, emphasizing the need for opportunities to be made available to the public. He also highlighted the rise in crime on St. Maarten, including a recent break-in at the government offices, as a pressing concern that underscores the importance of addressing socio-economic challenges.

Government’s Commitment to Transparency

Minister Gumbs has assured the public that the restructuring of the district cleaning contracts is part of a broader effort to improve the management of public resources. The interim period will involve government rates and verification to ensure that contractors are properly registered as cleaning companies. This approach aims to provide immediate relief while laying the groundwork for a more efficient and transparent tendering process.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to the contractors and district cleaners for their patience and hard work during this transitional period. “We are working diligently to finalize the way forward and ensure that the new contracts reflect the needs of the community,” he said.

Addressing Community Concerns

The restructuring of the district cleaning contracts is seen as a critical step in addressing the concerns raised by both the public and former officials. By revising the scope of work and ensuring a fair tendering process, the government aims to create opportunities for local businesses and improve the quality of services provided to the community.

As the government moves forward with these changes, Minister Gumbs has reiterated his commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability. The public is encouraged to stay informed and reach out to the Ministry of VROMI for any questions or clarifications regarding the district cleaning contracts.