PHILIPSBURG:--- In a damning revelation that has sent shockwaves through St. Maarten, the SOAB (St. Maarten Audit Bureau) and the Integrity Chamber have laid bare the rot at the heart of the Ministry of TEATT’s public transportation licensing process. The findings, which detail gross negligence, political manipulation, and systemic corruption, paint a grim picture of a government department that has failed its people and tarnished the island’s reputation.
The reports, finalized in early 2025, expose a litany of failures under the leadership of former Minister Arthur Lambriex. Licenses were issued in blatant violation of laws, procedures, and basic ethical standards. The SOAB audit of taxi licenses and the Integrity Chamber’s investigation into bus and taxi licenses reveal a system riddled with incompetence and corruption.
The SOAB audit reviewed 79 applications out of 136 licenses issued between January 2023 and February 2024. The results? A staggering 11 key findings, including:
- Incomplete Applications: Two-thirds of applicants failed to submit required documents, yet licenses were issued.
- No Proof of Payment: None of the 79 applicants paid their processing fees, raising serious concerns about their financial accountability.
- Unsubstantiated Ministerial Decisions: Licenses were granted without justification, advice, or proper documentation.
- Critical Safety Risks: Applicants over 60 years old were not required to submit medical fitness certificates, endangering public safety.
The Integrity Chamber’s investigation went even further, uncovering:
- Violation of the 2014 Moratorium: Licenses were issued while the moratorium was still in effect, and before the 2023 policy was officially published.
- Political Manipulation: Licenses were granted just months before the January 2024 elections, raising suspicions of vote-buying.
- Bypassing Procedures: A single advisor, acting as both department head and gatekeeper, controlled the entire process, eliminating checks and balances.
The reports reveal a Ministry that operated with reckless abandon, ignoring laws and procedures while prioritizing political gain over public interest. The absence of a Public Transportation Committee since 2009 left a gaping hole in oversight, allowing unchecked ministerial discretion to flourish. Licenses were issued without proper vetting, tracking, or verification, and expired or unused licenses were never revoked.
The findings are not just an indictment of the Ministry of TEATT but a reflection of a broader culture of impunity and mismanagement. The lack of transparency, accountability, and basic governance has eroded public trust and damaged St. Maarten’s reputation on the global stage.
The Cost of Corruption
The financial and reputational costs of this debacle are staggering. Critical risks identified in the SOAB report threaten government credibility, public trust, and national reputation. The financial impact of these failures is estimated to exceed 100,000 guilders annually, with major risks adding further strain to the public purse.
But the true cost is borne by the people of St. Maarten. Public safety has been compromised, with unfit drivers and unverified applicants endangering lives. The integrity of the licensing process has been compromised, leaving legitimate operators to compete with those who have exploited the system.
Radical Reforms or Empty Promises?
Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, who inherited this mess, has vowed to clean up the system.
- Revocation of Non-Compliant Licenses: Licenses that fail to meet regulatory requirements will be revoked, although exemptions may be granted to senior operators.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The Ministry will consult with taxi and bus associations to finalize reforms.
- Digitization: A centralized digital licensing system will replace the current chaotic process.
- Mandatory Training: License holders will undergo training in public safety, customer service, and regulatory responsibilities.
While these measures are a step in the right direction, they are long overdue. The Ministry’s failure to act sooner has allowed corruption to fester, and the public deserves more than empty promises. The time for half-measures is over. What St. Maarten needs is a radical overhaul of its public transportation system, with accountability at its core.
The people of St. Maarten must demand more from their leaders. The revelations in these reports are not just a scandal, they are a betrayal of public trust. The Ministry of TEATT must be held accountable for its failures, and those responsible for this debacle must face consequences.
The road to reform will not be easy, but it is necessary. St. Maarten deserves a public transportation system that is transparent, fair, and accountable. Anything less is an insult to the people who rely on it every day.
The time for excuses is over. The time for action is now.
Click here for the reports, SOAB, and Integrity Chamber.