PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes recently formally requested a dedicated “Question Hour” session with the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten. Dated April 1, 2025, this request highlights ongoing issues in Sint Maarten’s public transportation sector and marks a key moment in the exercise of parliamentary oversight.

According to Article 69 of the Rules of Order of Parliament, MPs can request to question ministers directly about national matters. Specifically, Article 69c requires these questions to be answered orally, encouraging transparency and fostering real-time accountability. The Question Hour is a critical component of Sint Maarten’s democracy, giving Parliament a structured platform to challenge, clarify, and improve government policies.

MP Lacroes is bringing forward a broad set of transportation-related concerns. These range from delays, inspections, and approvals to enforcement measures for permit violations and license revocations. He is also raising the alarm over the ongoing issue of unauthorized “gypsy” drivers-unlicensed operators who often bypass regulations, putting both legal drivers and the public at risk.

His line of questioning digs deeper, questioning the responsibilities of taxi and bus associations, the adequacy of driver insurance, and how systems like prepaid taxi tickets are being managed. He is also focusing on key safety issues such as the absence of public buses after 7:00 PM and the lack of visible driver IDs, especially in light of a recent passenger injury incident.

The inquiry does not stop at logistics. It also zeroes in on wider policy and economic implications. MP Lacroes calls on the Minister to explain how her role aligns with Article 20 of the Constitution, which ties government responsibilities to job creation. He is questioning the regulation of taxi dispatchers, the idea of charging transport operators fees similar to vending permits, and the rollout of “No Loitering of Gypsies” policies at major transport hubs. The status of proposed bus fare increases is also on the table, which could have major consequences for drivers and commuters.

Taken together, these questions show Parliament stepping up to hold the government accountable, especially in a sector that touches so many lives and affects the broader economy.

In the end, MP Lacroes’s request is more than just a list of questions; it is a clear call for accountability, fairness, and improved service in public transportation, which started back in 2024.

SIMPSON BAY:-- His Excellency the Governor of Sint Maarten held a reception in honor of the Royal Decorations nominees as part of the King’s Day celebration themed “Legacies of Service.”

Governor Baly gave the following speech:

Distinguished guests and in particular Royal Decoration recipients, good evening and welcome.

My wife Janique and I are happy to see all of you here this evening on the occasion of celebrating King’s Day, and presenting a Royal Decoration to seven (7) persons within our community who excel, because of their stellar commitment to service within the St. Maarten society, and in some cases beyond and therefore deserve our thanks and appreciation. We will be honouring them this evening on behalf of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander who has granted the recipients their Royal Decorations.  

The testimonials you will hear and see this evening will attest to their attributes and commitment to service. Service so distinct and commendable I dare say it aligns with at least part of their life’s purpose.

I liken the seven persons receiving a Royal Decoration this evening to guardian angels.

The guardian angels you have but never even know you needed. A colleague recently mentioned an example of such to me. It is the person in the car in front of you driving at a snail's pace just when you are in a hurry to get where you are going, and you just cannot seem to get around them or get past them, because they seem to be headed in the same direction you are headed. You just have to stay calm and accept that these guardian angels are on your path, guiding you safely to your destination. So too are the seven recipients of a Royal Decoration this evening. Guardian angels that have been set on St. Maarten’s path, guiding us safely to our destination. Destinations such as safety and justice, nature conservation, healthcare and healthy living, philanthropy, piety, and community service. To name a few. They fulfill tasks that many of us did not know we needed fulfilled until they came along and carried out these tasks, making a difference in the day-to-day lives of many St. Maarteners and St. Maarten as a whole. Doing so with such zeal and passion that it is obvious that they have found and are living out their purpose. And that purpose, when carried out with such enthusiasm, dedication, and consistency, sets them apart and distinguishes them as vital elements of our nation's economic, social, environmental, and cultural fabric. Undoubtedly birthing a legacy. A Legacy of Service. 

So tonight, on behalf of His Majesty the King, I happily thank you for your contribution to the St. Maarten community and congratulate you beforehand on receiving this honour and special distinction of being awarded a Royal Decoration, this in recognition of your invaluable contribution to the betterment of St. Maarten society and the well-being of our people.

I hope all of you, and in particular our Royal Decoration recipients, have a joyous and memorable evening. Thank you for being a positive influence and a role model in the past, present, and future and for solidifying your Legacy of Service."

Falcon drive 2, Harbor view, Sint Maarten 

Kralendijk, Bonaire:--- As a proud inhabitant of Bonaire, I, Dr. Willem A. Cecilia, feel compelled to publicly denounce the false and misleading claims recently published by James Finies of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization in the Saint Martin News Network.
These claims, suggesting that Bonaire must be relisted as a non-self-governing territory and alleging Dutch "colonial manipulation," completely misrepresent the political, legal, and historical facts about Bonaire's status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
As documented by legal scholar Dr. S. Hillebrink in Political Decolonization and Self-Determination: The Case of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba (2007), Bonaire’s right to self-determination was formally recognized in the early 1980s and continues to be protected under international law, including the United Nations Charter and General Assembly Resolutions 1514, 1541, and 2625.
Bonaire’s people have the right to shape their political status through democratic means. Our current constitutional status is not the result of colonial domination, but of a negotiated and recognized expression of self-government. That said, it is important to be honest: our situation is not perfect. Much work remains to be done to achieve true equality with the citizens of the European part of the Netherlands.
We continue to face challenges in ensuring that the same level of social, economic, legal, and political rights enjoyed in the Dutch continent are fully and fairly extended to Bonaire. However, this ongoing struggle for equality must be based on facts, constructive dialogue, and democratic principles, not misinformation and divisive rhetoric.
It is entirely false and legally unsound to argue that Bonaire should be returned to the list of non-self-governing territories. As Hillebrink explains, international law does not permit unilateral relisting where a full measure of self-government has already been achieved.
The portrayal of Dutch Special Envoy Edison Rijna at the upcoming Global Sustainable Island Summit (GSIS) as a "colonial manipulator" is equally misleading. While criticisms can be made of any political representative, it is wrong to depict legitimate climate advocacy and island cooperation efforts as deceit. Although Bonaire may not lie in the hurricane belt, we face real environmental challenges, including drought, freshwater scarcity, and a sea level rise that will cause permanent inundation of parts of the low-lying nature reserves of the saliñas, Lac Bay, and Klein Bonaire. And coral reef degradation, which is an issues that demand responsible engagement with international partners.
Furthermore, inflammatory accusations about "forced euthanasia" laws, cultural destruction, and demographic manipulation are grossly exaggerated and lack credible evidence.
Real challenges exist — in governance, education, and healthcare — but these require honest dialogue and grounded solutions, not hyperbole and conspiracy theories.
I urge CARICOM leaders, the Caribbean community, and all friends of Bonaire to distinguish truth from distortion.
Bonaire’s people deserve to have their dignity and democratic achievements respected, not undermined by sensationalism.

Dr. Willem A. Cecilia
Bonaire

PHILIPSBURG: --- Jeffreyson Paris's appointment as the new Chief Operations Officer (COO) for NV GEBE, the government-owned utility company, has ignited a heated debate over corporate governance and decision-making processes. The move, taken during Tuesday’s Council of Ministers (COM) meeting last week, has raised eyebrows due to controversy surrounding the selection process and the absence of key ministers.

Ministers’ Absence Raises Questions

Key deliberations regarding the COO position took place in the absence of two crucial ministers, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), and Patrice Gumbs, Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI). Both were off-island during the meeting. Despite their absence, the Council of Ministers, led by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, proceeded with the discussions.

The result was the appointment of Jeffreyson Paris, a Curaçao native, as COO, following a majority vote from the remaining ministers. Ministers Richinel Brug (VSA) and Marinka Gumbs (Finance) supported the decision, despite objections from Minister Nathalie Tackling (Justice) and Melissa Gumbs, Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports (ECYS). The absence of critical voices during the vote has sparked concerns over the transparency and inclusivity of the process.

It should be noted that the same three ministers who voted against the appointment of the late Troy Washington to the CEO also voted to appoint Paris as COO of the government-owned company.

Controversy Surrounding Paris’s Selection

Paris’s appointment has further fueled controversy because he did not participate in the rigorous interview and evaluation process administered by NV GEBE’s Supervisory Board of Directors (SBOD). Instead, his selection was reportedly championed by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, who had previously delayed appointments to the company’s management board despite recommendations submitted nine months before the passing of Temporary Manager Troy Washington.

Paris, notably, was interviewed by a former SBOD in 2015 for the COO role but was neither selected nor appointed at that time. His selection over other candidates has reignited concerns about corporate governance and adherence to procedures within the utility company.

Corporate Governance Concerns and Local Talent

Criticism has mounted over the SBOD’s practices, with questions surrounding the limited number of candidates presented for executive roles. For the COO position, sources say only one name was submitted for deliberation, compared to a broader selection process for the CEO and CFO roles.

Adding to the controversy is the SBOD’s consideration of non-local candidates for pivotal roles. Critics argue that this undermines the development and recognition of homegrown talent. A local candidate with significant expertise, who previously led the Port Group of Companies and was listed as a contender for the CEO role, was reportedly overlooked. This perceived neglect of St. Maarten’s qualified professionals has sparked calls for prioritizing local expertise in leadership roles within essential institutions.

Leadership Challenges Following Troy Washington’s Passing

NV GEBE’s leadership challenges come in the wake of the unexpected passing of Temporary Manager and CEO Troy Washington on March 24th. Washington’s death left a leadership vacuum at a critical time for the utility company. Shortly after, Acting Prime Minister Heyliger-Marten and Minister Patrice Gumbs met with NV GEBE staff to address concerns and reassure employees, aiming to maintain stability.

Washington’s leadership was a stabilizing force during a tumultuous period, and his legacy is a key backdrop to the ongoing controversies surrounding the company’s governance.

Public Demands Transparency

The appointment of Paris has drawn public scrutiny and highlighted a deep divide within the Council of Ministers about NV GEBE's future direction. Many observers have called for enhanced transparency and stricter adherence to corporate governance norms, particularly concerning executive selection.

The unanswered questions about the SBOD’s vetting process and broader concerns about excluding local talent remain at the forefront of discussions. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on NV GEBE as it transitions into this new leadership phase to see how it addresses the challenges and concerns raised during this contentious chapter.

The public and stakeholders will closely monitor how NV GEBE navigates these issues and strives to rebuild trust in its leadership and governance practices.