St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Parliament Debates Minister's Attendance Amidst Claims of Unanswered Requests.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During the Central Committee meeting on Friday, pointed questions were raised regarding the attendance and responsiveness of the Minister of VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure) Patrice Gumbs Jr. The discussion, initiated by Member of Parliament Darryl York, centered on allegations of selective attendance at meetings and a significant backlog of unanswered inquiries, sparking a direct exchange on the floor.

Concerns Raised by MP York

MP York voiced strong concerns, suggesting that the Minister of VROMI, with the coalition's backing, appears to attend only meetings deemed important to them. He highlighted those crucial meetings on topics like infrastructure and housing, some requested as far back as April of the previous year, have not materialized.

York stated that numerous questions submitted to the minister have remained outstanding for over a year. He called for accountability, not just from the Minister, but also from the Presidium and the governing coalition. "Have an urgent coalition meeting, sit with your Ministers and let them know that, hey, we can't operate properly because of the lack of response or the lack of attending to important meetings of Parliament," he urged.

He further commented on what he perceived as procedural inconsistencies, noting that some coalition members receive "uninterrupted length of speaking time," while others feel rushed. This, he implied, contributes to a challenging environment for holding ministers accountable.

The Minister's Rebuttal

In response, the Minister addressed the allegations directly. Acknowledging the discussion, the Minister clarified the status of the missed meetings, stating that only one meeting on the housing policy is currently pending.

The Minister explained the timeline for the housing policy meeting request. The initial request in April of the prior year was met with the response that the policy was still under development. A subsequent update was requested in the summer, but the policy was still not finalized. The Ministry announced the policy's completion on December 10th. A meeting was then requested for that same week.

The Minister emphasized a key distinction: "Policies being ready don’t always equate that a presentation and the availability of the ministry is equated to that policy being finalized." He contested the image of him consistently missing meetings, framing it as a single pending meeting on one topic. He did, however, acknowledge that there were outstanding questions from several MPs.

A Counterargument with Facts

Following the Minister's response, MP York took the floor again to counter the claims, presenting specific data to support his initial statements. He asserted that parliamentary submissions, including letters and meeting requests, are officially registered with identification numbers (IS numbers).

Reading from a list, MP York cited numerous IS numbers representing, in his words, "all meetings and letters that have been sent to the minister over the past year that has not been replied to or adhered to or even respected." The list included IS 1302, 415, 853, 1057, 1319, 373, 276, 277, 187, 1298, 406, and 405.

He directly challenged the Minister's claim of only one pending meeting request. He specified that IS 1057 was a meeting request about housing, IS 406 concerned infrastructure and traffic congestion, and IS 405 was about flood management. "The facts contradict the statement that the minister made so thoroughly," York declared.

Furthermore, he questioned the Minister's reasoning for delaying the housing policy discussion. "If a policy is far enough to disclose it on the Tribune and in the Herald," he argued, "then it's far enough for you to come to Parliament and explain it to the people."

The exchange highlights a significant point of friction within Parliament, focusing on ministerial accountability, transparency, and the operational procedures that ensure the legislative body can effectively carry out its oversight duties. As the matter stands, the documented requests presented by MP York contrast with the Minister's account, leaving critical questions about communication and responsiveness unresolved.

Saint-Martin Médiathèque Undergoes Major Rehabilitation and Restructuring.

Saint-Martin:--- Significant rehabilitation and restructuring work is underway at the Saint-Martin médiathèque, with a site visit held today to review the project's progress. The construction aims to completely transform the building, with a targeted completion date set for late 2026.

The comprehensive project, spanning a total of 482 days from January 10, 2025, to November 16, 2026, involves multiple phases to fully renovate the structure. Current works in progress include structural work, plumbing, and roof sealing. The electrical systems contract is also currently under consultation.

Once completed, the modernized building will offer a wide array of new facilities for the community. The ground floor will feature a hurricane shelter, a storage area, an amphitheater, and a performance hall. The upper floor will house a youth space, a "Café folie," a digital audio-video area, and the main 400m² médiathèque/library. A notable addition will be a rooftop area with a 390m² terrace and a 110m² multipurpose room. In a move toward sustainability, solar panels will be installed to supply a portion of the building's electricity needs.

The project's timeline is meticulously planned. It began with a 65-day preparation phase, followed by a 350-day period for structural work and external networks (GO-VRD). Key construction stages include:

Demolition and Concrete Cutting: Divided into two phases, lasting 20 and 40 days respectively.
Waterproofing and Cladding: Scheduled for 302 days, this includes removing old metal cages and installing new sealing.
Exterior Windows and Metalwork: This phase will take 107 days, covering the removal of old windows, ordering new materials, and fabrication. The metalwork is planned for 60 days.
Electrical and Plumbing: The electrical work is allocated 180 days for studies, installation, and fitting. Plumbing and sanitation are scheduled over 160 days.
HVAC, Lifts, and Finishing: HVAC and smoke extraction systems will be installed over 45 days. The lift installation is set for 40 days. The final finishing phase, which includes partitions, insulation, flooring, and painting, will last 190 days before final adjustments and cleaning lead to the project's official reception.

Ministry of VROMI and UNOPS sign letter of intent to improve national mobility.

gonsalvesgumbs16012026 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure of Sint Maarten (VROMI) and the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) have signed a Letter of Intent expressing their shared intention to collaborate on the development of a national mobility improvement program.

The Letter of Intent establishes a framework for technical cooperation to improve mobility, traffic management, and road safety nationwide. This proposed Technical Assistance will support VROMI and partner ministries (TEATT and Justice) in developing an implementation roadmap for assessing traffic flows, congestion points, road safety risks, identifying priority short-term actions, and longer-term solutions to strengthen mobility in Sint Maarten.

Minister of VROMI, Patrice Gumbs, underscored the value of this study, noting that existing studies are outdated and solutions to address current challenges need to be data-driven, using local knowledge, experience, and international best practices. The Ministry recognizes that this effort is inter-ministerial and needs the input of the community. Together with UNOPS, VROMI will host public consultations to ensure that solutions are as inclusive as they are scientific. “This step marks the formalization of a year-long engagement with UNOPS on this topic, recognizing that our economy is based on sound economic policy and decision-making, supported by proper infrastructure and spatial planning.”

Dalila Gonçalves, UNOPS Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, noted the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to evidence-based planning and sustainable infrastructure, “effective mobility systems are fundamental to resilient and inclusive development, particularly in Small Island Developing States. UNOPS looks forward to supporting VROMI in materializing their vision for the future of mobility in Sint Maarten”.
Recognizing that mobility is a cross-cutting issue affecting all sectors of society, the initiative will actively engage a broad range of stakeholders throughout its implementation. This includes collaboration with the private sector, ministries, educational institutions, community organizations, and representatives from key economic industries. Through these dialogues, the project aims to ensure that the mobility improvement program is holistic, inclusive, and responsive to the diverse social, economic, and spatial needs of Sint Maarten, while reflecting technical analysis.
The initiative aligns with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly Sustainable Development Goal 9 on Resilient Infrastructure. Once all legal and financial arrangements are in place, the Letter of Intent will be replaced with a Memorandum of Understanding.

• The Letter of Intent marks the first step in collaboration between VROMI and UNOPS on mobility and road safety in Sint Maarten.
• The initiative focuses on technical assistance to strengthen mobility planning, traffic management, and institutional capacity.

Looking Back on a Meaningful December: Supporting Seniors in Sint Maarten.

orcoseniors16012026 PHILIPSBURG:--- As the year came to a close, Orco Bank proudly reflected on the meaningful moments shared during the annual End of Year Dinner and Party for Seniors in Sint Maarten, organized by the Helping Hands Foundation. The event brought together seniors and differently-abled community members for an evening filled with warmth, music, and togetherness.
Held at the Seniors Recreational Center in the Hope Estate, the celebration welcomed approximately 125 to 150 seniors, offering a festive atmosphere with live entertainment, food, drinks, and joyful moments of connection. With the support of multiple sponsors, including Orco Bank, the event created a memorable and inclusive experience for all in attendance.
“Supporting initiatives that bring joy, dignity, and connection to our senior community is something we value deeply,” said Judy King, Country Manager of Orco Bank Sint Maarten. “December is a time for giving and reflection, and we were honored to support this event alongside other partners who share the same commitment to community care.”
Orco Bank remains committed to supporting local organizations like the Helping Hands Foundation, whose work continues to positively impact the lives of seniors across Sint Maarten. As we move into the new year, Orco Bank looks forward to continuing its role as an engaged and supportive community partner.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

MP Omar Ottley Addresses Youth Unemployment and 'Glass Ceiling' in Passionate Parliamentary address.

omarottley03042025 PHILIPSBURG:--- In a heartfelt address during a Central Committee meeting today, Member of Parliament Omar Ottley delivered a powerful message about the urgent need to support St. Maarten's young professionals and dismantle the barriers preventing them from succeeding in their own country. Speaking directly to students present in the Tribune, MP Ottley focused on the critical theme of "breaking the glass ceiling" to secure a prosperous future for the island's next generation.
MP Ottley began by highlighting a somber reality faced by many local families. He shared the story of a colleague whose son, a scholarship recipient raised and educated in St. Martin, was unable to find a job on the island. The young man ultimately accepted a promising position abroad, but with a heavy heart. "You know his sentiments? Mommy, I am not coming back. My country has forsaken me," Ottley recounted. "So we lost another professional."
This anecdote served as a poignant example of the "glass ceiling" that holds back talented local individuals. MP Ottley stressed that his concerns were not about politics but about the tangible, real-world consequences of systemic obstacles. "When I speak, it's not about politics. It's about reality," he declared. "And that was a glass ceiling that held this young man back."
Drawing on his own experiences, Ottley revealed his struggles to find employment despite holding a master's degree. This challenge, he explained, pushed him toward a different path. "If I did not turn to entrepreneurship, I would have been one," he stated, referring to those forced to leave the island for work. "Maybe it's being raised differently that pushed me to say, instead of leaving, let me turn towards entrepreneurship."
However, he cautioned that entrepreneurship is not a simple solution, noting that the current profit tax system is a significant deterrent for new business owners. "Even today, entrepreneurship is not attractive because we have a profit tax that takes 40% of what you make," he noted. "So what are we creating for our country? What are we creating for the future?"
His speech was a direct call to action for his fellow legislators and government members. He implored them to recognize the crisis of youth unemployment and professional exodus. "Until we do what we need to do on this floor of Parliament, we cannot secure their future in this country," Ottley warned.
Concluding his address, MP Ottley turned to the students, offering them a message of hope and encouragement. He expressed his aspiration that the current leadership could serve as an example, while inspiring the youth to aim even higher. "I hope that we can exemplify and show you... what you can be," he said. "And a matter of fact, you can be way better than us." The speech underscored the critical importance of creating a supportive environment where St. Martin's youth can not only dream but also achieve their full potential at home.