PHILIPSBURG:--- Contrary to earlier reports, cabinet staffer Prince Herbert Martina has not been officially dismissed from the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), sources now confirm. Instead, it is alleged that Martina himself initiated and circulated the claim that he had been fired, both within the Government Administration Building and externally, prompting confusion among civil servants and members of the public. Efforts to obtain clarification directly from Martina were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to multiple calls. However, he later addressed the matter publicly in a Facebook video, in which he maintained that he remains the policy advisor within the VSA Ministry.
Sources indicate that the situation stems from longstanding concerns within the cabinet of VSA Minister Richinel Brug. Multiple staff members have reportedly expressed discomfort over the handling of sensitive information, citing fears that internal discussions and documents could be relayed beyond the ministry. Allegations have also surfaced that Martina maintained close communication with Prime Minister Luc Mercelina during working hours, further fueling unease within the cabinet.
While no formal termination has occurred, the incident underscores deepening internal tensions within the Unified Resilient Sint Maarten Movement (URSM). Reports of internal mistrust, coupled with claims that certain individuals were strategically placed within the cabinet, point to a widening divide that continues to impact both governance and party unity.