PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert Jurendy Doran took to the floor during today’s draft 2025 budget debate with an assertive and deeply analytical address. He raised pointed concerns about what he described as a lack of vision, transparency, and accountability within the government. Doran’s critique spanned key unresolved issues across several ministries, emphasizing a need for decisive leadership and a governance framework that effectively meets the needs of the people of St. Maarten.
A Broad Critique of Governance and Planning
At the heart of MP Doran’s address was his frustration with the government’s failure to demonstrate long-term planning and strategic vision. He highlighted the reactive nature of current governance, where short-term fixes take precedence over sustainable solutions.
“I lack a plan. I lack vision,” Doran said, reflecting on his earlier concerns during the previous budget debate. “What we see is a lot of reaction to current circumstances, plastering over the cracks without any clear idea of where we are going as a country.”
He lamented the absence of critical elements such as departmental objectives and clear revenue-generation strategies in the budget presentation. Doran pointed out that while the Council of Ministers had six additional months to address these shortcomings, the updated draft failed to provide meaningful improvement.
Transparency and Accountability Under Fire
A key theme in Doran’s speech was the ongoing lack of transparency in the government’s decision-making process and its use of public funds. He criticized the frequent invocation of confidentiality as a shield against accountability, saying it undermined public trust and the work of Parliament.
“Transparency and accountability are words we hear constantly, but they ring hollow when key documents and answers to pressing questions are withheld under the pretext of confidentiality,” Doran said.
He underscored this concern by citing long-standing unanswered questions regarding crucial matters such as the handling of public funds and the resettlement process near the Little League Stadium. Doran directly addressed the lack of resolution, particularly regarding a citizen allegedly disadvantaged during the resettlement.
“Prime Minister, I have asked you this question four times in four different meetings," Doran said. “I have yet to receive a definitive answer. The people of St. Maarten deserve better than this.”
The Burden of Procurement Irregularities
MP Doran brought attention to procurement practices that he argued were neither transparent nor cost-effective. A specific example was the National Recovery Program Bureau's (NRPB) acquisition of government vehicles, including luxury models at excessively inflated prices.
“Twelve Toyota vehicles were purchased for a staggering $1.1 million USD—a price that defies logic,” Doran pointed out. He questioned the NRPB’s procurement practices and demanded an external review or audit to determine whether the purchases had delivered value for money.
“This situation begs the question—who is assessing the value for money? How are consultants allowing these prices to go unchecked?”
Spotlight on Education and Social Equity
Turning to the Ministry of Education, Doran expressed disappointment over an apparent lack of targeted initiatives to address educational gaps and support skill development. He questioned what practical steps the government was taking to elevate the nation’s workforce, emphasizing the importance of accessible training programs.
“Education is the foundation of progress,” he said. “We cannot afford to neglect efforts to close educational gaps and provide our people with the skills they need to thrive in this competitive world.”
MP Doran also pressed for clarity on housing initiatives. He questioned whether any agreements had been signed, lands allocated, or funding secured for affordable housing projects. “We need to know how ordinary citizens will benefit from government housing policies—not hypotheticals, but concrete plans.”
The Soul Beach Music Festival Controversy
A particularly heated topic during the debate was the government’s handling of the Soul Beach Music Festival. Doran criticized the government’s lack of procedural adherence in allocating public funds for the event and questioned whether it had truly delivered on its promises of economic return.
“Where is Soul Beach in this budget?” Doran asked rhetorically. “This is the legal document for executing every payment. To claim adherence to financial processes while omitting it from the budget is deeply troubling.”
A Call for Leadership and Integrity
Doran’s address to Parliament was ultimately a call for higher standards of governance. He urged the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers to take accountability seriously and warned of the consequences of inaction.
“We cannot allow mediocrity and inertia to define our governance,” he said. “The people of St. Maarten are watching, and they deserve a government that is transparent, accountable, and compassionate.”
Concluding his address, Doran reaffirmed his commitment to holding the government accountable, defending the principles of justice, and ensuring that the nation's needs are not sidelined.
Moving Forward
MP Egbert Jurendy Doran’s remarks during the debate on the draft 2025 budget shone a spotlight on critical issues that demand immediate attention. His unwavering insistence on transparency and accountability serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities entrusted to the government. Whether these calls will translate into meaningful change remains to be seen, but Doran’s impassioned plea has ensured that these issues will not be easily ignored.
