PHILIPSBURG:---  The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and the World Bank are addressing a series of pressing questions concerning the termination of contracts under the Emergency Recovery Project 1 (ERP-1). The developments, which affect critical public works on St. Maarten, have sparked concerns over project timelines, financial implications, and the future of key infrastructure for education and community development.

Large Contract Size Explored

One of the central issues raised was the bundling of multiple projects into three large-scale contracts amounting to USD 13.1 million. The NRPB explained that grouping works of similar scope is standard practice in donor-funded projects. This approach enables economies of scale, mitigates logistical challenges, and accelerates project delivery. Specifically, combining multiple school and community facilities into one contract helped streamline procurement and ensure consistent quality standards across all sites.

Contractor's Legal Status and Recovery Measures

Regarding the legal standing of the contractor, the NRPB confirmed that no legal action has been taken against the bureau or the World Bank. However, the recovery process for the 10% advance payments provided under the two terminated contracts is currently under legal review. These payments, approximately USD 800,000, are safeguarded through guarantees issued under the terms of the contracts.

Limited Timeframe for ERP-1 Projects

With less than six months remaining under ERP-1, the likelihood of completing the affected works appears slim. The NRPB stated that discussions are underway with the government and the World Bank to explore avenues for continuing or reallocating the projects beyond the current ERP-1 timeline. Updates will be provided once a clear strategy is determined.

Projects and Financial Impact

The terminated contracts cover a range of facilities critical to community development. These include:

• School Gyms (USD 3,983,836.72): Schools affected include St. Maarten Academy, Sundial VSBO School, and ten others.

• Community Sports Facilities (USD 3,999,995.59): Sites range from the Cole Bay and Simpson Bay sport courts to the Melford Hazel Sports Complex and Raoul Illidge Sports Facility.

• Emergency Operations Center (EOC) (USD 5,111,083.31): A facility designated for disaster response and recovery.

The total financial impact of the contract termination—with the threat of unused funds—currently stands at approximately USD 8 million. These funds are being reassessed, and the government, in cooperation with the NRPB and the World Bank, is determining the best way to protect the country’s interests.

School Gym Facilities:

• St. Maarten Academy
• Sundial VSBO School
• Sint Dominic Primary School
• Sister Regina Primary School
• Sister Magda Primary School
• Seventh Day Adventist School
• SXM Academy PSVE Vocational School
• Milton Peters College
• Mac Browlia Maillard Campus
• Dr. Alma Fleming School
• Asha Stevens Hillside Christian School
• Helmich Snijders Hillside Christian School

Community Sports Facilities:

• Cole Bay District Sport Court
• Cay Bay District Sport Court
• Dutch Quarter District Sport Court
• South Reward District Sport Court
• John Larmonie Community Center
• Jose Lake Sr. Ballpark
• Philipsburg Cultural & Community Center
• Melford Hazel Sports Complex
• Simpson Bay District Sport Court
• Johan Cruyff Sports Facility
• L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium
• Raoul Illidge Sports Facility
• Rupert I. Maynard Community Center

Delayed Timeline for Vulnerable Groups

Another critical question is why these projects have only begun nearly eight years after Hurricane Irma's devastation. According to the NRPB, the school gyms and sports facilities were not included in the original ERP-1 scope but were added following an Additional Financing agreement in mid-2023. The timeline reflects the availability of funding and the subsequent planning and procurement processes required to meet international standards.

Risk Analysis and Selection Process

Questions about awarding the contracts to an international firm rather than local companies were also addressed. The NRPB clarified that the World Bank’s procurement processes require a detailed risk assessment of all bidders, including their technical capacity, financial standing, and prior experience. The contractor in question met all criteria at the time of selection, with safeguards such as performance guarantees put in place to mitigate risks.

Path Forward

The NRPB, the government of St. Maarten, and the World Bank are collaborating to determine the future of the ERP-1 projects and ensure that public funds are utilized responsibly. Residents and stakeholders will be updated as soon as decisions are finalized and agreements are reached.

While the questions surrounding ERP-1 underscore the complexities of post-disaster recovery efforts, they also emphasize the importance of transparent communication and meticulous project management to safeguard long-term development priorities.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 5th, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) conducted a traffic control.

Officers issued six fines to drivers who were found operating vehicles without a valid driver’s license or current insurance coverage.

KPSM reminds all road users that having a valid driver’s license and maintaining up-to-date insurance is mandatory to operate a vehicle on public roads legally. Compliance with these requirements is crucial for the safety and protection of all road users. These measures are in place to ensure the safety of all motorists, passengers, and pedestrians.

KPSM encourages the community to remain vigilant and compliant with the traffic laws and to ensure their documents are in order.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:---  In the early hours of Saturday morning, around midnight, police were dispatched to a reported fire on the cricket field.

Upon arrival, officers found a small hut fully engulfed in flames. The Fire Department responded swiftly to the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze.

At this time, the cause of the fire remains unknown. No injuries were reported.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is currently investigating an armed robbery that took place at approximately 9:00 p.m. on Friday at the Best Choice Supermarket, located at #54 Wellington Road.

Based on initial reports and surveillance footage, the suspect had been loitering near containers outside the Power Generation business before the robbery.

Upon entering the store, the suspect brandished what appeared to be an automatic firearm, which he pulled from under his clothing, aimed the weapon at the cashier, and demanded money.

The suspect took the cash from the drawer and demanded more money. After the cashier indicated there was no additional cash available, the suspect fled the scene on foot in the direction of Well Road.

The investigation into this incident is ongoing. KPSM urges anyone with information that may assist in identifying the suspect to come forward by contacting the police station or calling the anonymous tip line. Investigators are actively seeking leads in this case.

KPSM Press Release.