PHILIPSBURG:--- In a fiery and unapologetic response to the Integrity Chamber and SOAB reports, former Minister of TEATT, Arthur Leo Lambriex, has laid bare his side of the story, defending his tenure and the controversial policies he implemented to combat corruption in St. Maarten’s public transport sector. Lambriex’s statement is not just a defense, it’s a scathing critique of the system he inherited and the forces he believes are working against progress.
A Fight Against Corruption
Lambriex asserts that his primary goal as Minister was to end the rampant corruption and exploitation tied to the renting of taxi and bus licenses. He claims that before his tenure, the system was riddled with irregularities, with licenses being rented out for as much as $800 per month. This practice, he argues, enriched a select few while leaving the government without revenue and the poorer population vulnerable. By implementing stricter policies and reinstating checks and balances, Lambriex says he put an end to this “help chauffeur” racket, allowing individuals to invest in their own vehicles and regain control over their livelihoods.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Lambriex doesn’t shy away from the financial implications of his reforms. He breaks down the math: a single rented permit could generate $9,600 annually, or $96,000 over a decade. For families or individuals holding multiple permits, the earnings could easily reach millions. By curbing this practice, Lambriex claims to have disrupted a lucrative but exploitative system, which he believes is the real reason behind the backlash he’s facing.
Incomplete Files and Internal Sabotage
One of the key criticisms in the SOAB report is the presence of incomplete files and a lack of proper checks and balances. Lambriex, however, flips the narrative, accusing senior officials within the ministry of removing these safeguards long before his tenure. He claims to have identified the issue and instructed that the checks and balances be reinstated, only to be blamed for their absence. He further alleges that internal corruption and deliberate misinformation have been used to discredit him, with certain individuals within the ministry working to cover their tracks.
Lambriex is adamant that full reports and investigations should be made public, arguing that selective disclosure only serves to mislead the public and protect those truly at fault. He questions why dormant or inactive licenses have not been revoked, despite policies being in place to do so, and suggests that certain families or individuals may be benefiting from this inaction.
Beyond the specific issues of public transport licenses, Lambriex takes aim at the broader governance of St. Maarten. He questions the lack of legislative progress since the dissolution of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, the continued reliance on outdated laws, and the decision to enter into financial arrangements with Curaçao despite longstanding grievances. He also challenges the lack of action on laws allowing non-Antillean residents to apply for public transport permits, asking why these have not been amended if his policies were so problematic.
Throughout his statement, Lambriex invokes a higher power, expressing confidence that the truth will prevail. “God doesn’t sleep. God doesn’t like ugly,” he says, suggesting that those who have acted dishonestly will eventually face consequences. He maintains that his conscience is clear and that his actions, while perhaps unpopular, were necessary to address systemic corruption and exploitation.
Bold decisions and significant controversy clearly marked Lambriex’s tenure as Minister of TEATT. While he frames his actions as a necessary crusade against corruption, his critics argue that his policies were flawed and poorly implemented. What is clear, however, is that Lambriex is not backing down. His statement is a challenge to his detractors and a call for accountability across the board.
As the dust settles, one thing is certain: the issues Lambriex has raised—corruption, governance, and the exploitation of the vulnerable—are not going away anytime soon. Whether his legacy will be seen as one of reform or controversy remains to be seen, but for now, Lambriex is standing firm, unapologetic, and defiant.
