PHILIPSBURG:--- During the second draft 2025 budget debate, Member of Parliament and leader of the United People’s Party, Omar Ottley, addressed the Council of Ministers with a focus on accountability, transparency, and resolving key national issues. His speech showcased a mix of criticism and constructive proposals while emphasizing the need for decisive action in managing St Maarten's financial and social challenges.
A Call for Greater Accountability
Ottley opened his address by highlighting the vital role of Parliament in holding the government accountable. He expressed deep concerns over the errors in the budget process despite its unanimous approval in January 2025 and reiterated his commitment to a thorough review of the new draft budget.
“Regardless of whether a budget has been unanimously approved, errors and inconsistencies cannot be ignored,” Ottley declared. “I will not blindly support any proposal without asking the tough, necessary questions.”
He criticized the Council of Ministers for its lack of responsiveness. He demanded that all questions posed by Parliament members be answered transparently, noting that these issues have contributed to the current unprecedented situation.
Highlighting Weaknesses in the Budget Process
Ottley made a strong argument for improving the mechanisms governing the submission and amendment of the budget. He pointed to the absence of a standardized process for managing amendments and expressed frustration that Parliament did not receive templates or consistent guidelines.
“Without a clear framework for amendments, we risk falling into the same procedural pitfalls,” Ottley said. He called on the Minister of Finance to prioritize providing Parliament with the tools needed to strengthen the legislative process.
Ottley also raised specific concerns about discrepancies in budget allocations for various departments, including the unexplained variances in government spending categories such as community development and labor affairs. He demanded clarity on these matters to ensure that the budget accurately reflects the country's priorities.
Tough Questions for the Ministers
The MP posed hard-hitting questions to both the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister, focusing on critical issues that remain unresolved. Some of these included:
- Seeking clarification on whether the government had plans to address the long-term debt obligations of Sint Maarten, including provisions for 2030, 2035, and 2040.
- Requesting data on companies receiving tax exemptions and questioning the government's approach to fiscal fairness.
- Challenging the Prime Minister on the feasibility of advice provided by external stakeholders, such as recommendations for GEBE (the utility company), and demanding accountability on related losses.
Ottley also questioned the timeline for critical infrastructure projects, calling out delays in the procurement and functionality of generators intended to support utilities. He emphasized the need for proactive planning, stating, “A country cannot afford vague promises; the people of Sint Maarten deserve firm deadlines and actionable strategies.”
Tackling Economic and Taxation
Ottley devoted a significant portion of his speech to discussing taxation and revenue generation. He highlighted the over-reliance on taxes as a financial solution and pressed for innovative strategies that could provide long-term economic stability.
“We cannot burden citizens with endless taxation,” Ottley remarked. Referring to the proposed health levy, which could generate $15–$20 million annually, he urged immediate implementation to diversify government revenue streams. Furthermore, he pointed to missed opportunities like the water supply agreement with the French side—an initiative that could boost revenue while reducing citizen costs.
On the subject of fuel prices, Ottley accused the government of double taxation, presenting evidence that turnover tax on fuel was unjustly transferred to consumers. He argued that immediate adjustments could save residents significant monthly expenses, particularly those reliant on vehicles for work.
Easing the tax burden on fuel will not only benefit our citizens but also stimulate economic activity,” Ottley asserted.
Addressing Public Health and Social Services
Ottley passionately called out shortcomings in Sint Maarten’s healthcare and social support systems. He raised concerns about inadequate staffing, particularly the shortage of pediatricians, and questioned the delayed progress on vital health projects.
He also drew attention to the neglected state of mental health services, urging the Ministry of Public Health to address discrepancies in the implementation of related master plans. Highlighting examples from his tenure in government, Ottley emphasized the importance of improved coordination between ministries to ensure the timely implementation of social welfare programs.
Infrastructure Development and National Planning
Turning his focus to infrastructure, Ottley voiced frustration over delayed projects, including landfill fee collections and the construction of the new marketplace. He criticized lengthy design changes and bureaucratic bottlenecks, arguing that these had left everyday citizens—such as marketplace vendors—grappling with unfavorable conditions.
“Vendors are working under rain and sun while the government engages in endless redesigns. The people deserve better,” Ottley declared, calling for the restoration of original plans and expedited implementation.
He also highlighted concerns about long-term land use, including the need for funeral plots and proper planning for urban development, urging the government to address these growing issues proactively.
A Demand for Leadership and Transparency
Ottley concluded his address with a resounding call for better governance. He urged Ministers to adopt a solutions-oriented mindset, engage Parliament constructively, and prioritize transparency in all operations.
“Our citizens need to know that their government is acting in their best interest,” he emphasized. “We cannot afford dithering, delays, or opaque practices. Leadership requires courage, and it’s time for all of us to step up.”
By the end of his speech, Ottley had reinforced his commitment to holding the government accountable while advocating pragmatic solutions to Sint Maarten’s most pressing challenges. His address served as both a critique of systemic inefficiencies and a roadmap for collaborative progress, setting the tone for thoughtful discourse in the Parliamentary debates to come.