PHILIPSBURG:--- The company responsible for managing the Philipsburg landfill says it is on the verge of shutting down operations due to months of unpaid invoices by the government, raising serious concerns about the future of waste management on St. Maarten.
Owner of Fleming Waste Solutions (FWS), Derek Fleming, told SMN News that his company has not received payment from the Government since December 2025 and blamed Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. for what he described as a failure to facilitate timely payments.
Fleming warned that the situation has become unbearable and that he is prepared to halt landfill operations altogether, despite possible legal consequences.
“Right now, I am on the skin of my teeth because I am barely making it to pay the staff of FWS,” Fleming said. “Can you imagine I spent endless time training these workers and having them take full control of the landfill operations, but at the end of the month I can hardly pay them their salaries?”
The businessman said his employees are suffering as a result of the delays.
“These men have families that have to eat, they have their bills to pay, and need their money just like the Minister of VROMI. These workers don’t have the luxuries like the Minister does,” he added.
Fleming expressed frustration over what he called the Government’s continued neglect of the country’s infrastructure and local people. In a strongly worded Facebook post, he questioned why citizens must “get out of character to be heard” and accused the Government of repeatedly failing the people of St. Maarten.
He criticized the lack of progress in several key areas, including education, utilities, road infrastructure, drainage systems, and power generation.
“Where are the new schools? Where are the new GEBE generators? Where is the proper infrastructure? Where are the new roads? Where is the new drainage and sewer system?” Fleming questioned.
He further stated that the country continues to suffer from “empty promises,” urging Government officials to become more accountable.
“SXM Government, put your people first instead of putting yourselves. Proper leadership matters,” Fleming wrote.
Fleming also accused the Ministry of VROMI of ignoring professional advice on maintaining landfill machinery, which contributed to repeated breakdowns and operational difficulties at the dump.
According to Fleming, recommendations are consistently made to the Ministry concerning the upkeep and servicing of heavy equipment, but little to no action is taken.
He warned that if the situation remains unresolved, landfill operations could soon grind to a halt, potentially creating a public health and environmental crisis for the country. Several garbage haulers contracted to transport waste to the landfill are also reportedly facing non-payment issues, further worsening the country’s sanitation problems. The lack of payments has allegedly disrupted garbage collection services, resulting in mounting piles of trash in several districts, including Cole Bay, St. Peters, and Philipsburg. Residents in affected areas have expressed growing concerns over the stench, public health risks, and the increasing number of rodents and stray animals feeding on the uncollected garbage.
Up to press time, Minister Patrice Gumbs Jr. had not publicly responded to the allegations made by Fleming Waste Solutions.
