Transparency and accountability form the backbone of any functioning democracy. When governments fail to provide clear and complete information to the public, they risk eroding trust, weakening democratic principles, and undermining their credibility. Unfortunately, recent incidents involving St. Maarten’s Council of Ministers and the Department of Communications (DCOMM) highlight serious lapses in transparency and public accountability.
A Troubling Pattern of Avoidance
One of the most concerning issues is the consistent lack of direct answers provided by members of the Council of Ministers during weekly press briefings. Journalists attending these briefings often leave without the information they came for. On multiple occasions, ministers have chosen to defer answers with promises to respond in writing, but these written responses seldom materialize.
Even more alarming, some ministers fail to attend their own briefings altogether, opting instead to make appearances on radio programs during the same time slot. This raises serious questions about their commitment to keeping the public informed and respecting the press as a key institution in any democracy.
DCOMM as a Political Gatekeeper
The role of the Department of Communications, or DCOMM, has also come under significant scrutiny. Instead of fostering open communication between government officials and the public, DCOMM appears to have taken on a more politicized role. This was evident during the press briefing on July 9, 2025, when the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) provided incomplete and allegedly inaccurate answers to questions posed months earlier.
Troublingly, attempts by journalists to seek clarification were blocked by DCOMM’s moderator. To add insult to injury, the live video of this briefing was subsequently removed from DCOMM’s social media platforms. An edited version was later uploaded, raising significant concerns about transparency and the freedom of the press.
These actions beg the question: Who at DCOMM is responsible for these decisions? And why is a government communications department—funded by taxpayer dollars—operating in a way that appears to silence media and manipulate public access to information?
Media Freedom Under Threat
Media professionals reporting on St. Maarten deserve the freedom to perform their duties without obstruction. Yet, longstanding journalists who have dedicated years to covering government activities are struggling to access basic information. Some are even denied entry to press briefings under policies that seem arbitrary and counterproductive.
These practices are deeply troubling. Media freedom is a pillar of democracy, and denying journalists the ability to question officials not only stifles professional accountability but also deprives the public of their right to make informed decisions.
For St. Maarten to uphold its democratic ideals, immediate steps must be taken to address these shortcomings. Ministers must commit to attending press briefings regularly and provide clear, accurate, and timely answers to all questions posed by the media.
Additionally, DCOMM must realign its operations to prioritize transparency and public service over political interests. This includes ending practices such as removing live briefings from public platforms and restricting media access to elected and appointed officials.
Finally, the people of St. Maarten must demand better from their leaders. Accountability starts with an informed electorate. By holding officials responsible for their actions—or lack thereof—citizens can help ensure that democracy and transparency prevail.
The Council of Ministers must remember that they serve the people, not political agendas. Transparency is not optional—it is a fundamental obligation. By fostering open dialogue, respecting media freedom, and providing clear information, St. Maarten’s leaders can rebuild trust and strengthen the democratic framework that supports the nation.
It is time for a renewed commitment to accountability, a steadfast defense of press freedom, and a clear rejection of practices that undermine trust in government. This is not just the responsibility of the officials, but a collective call to action for all those who believe in the power of democracy.
Additionally, DCOMM must realign its operations to prioritize transparency and public service over political interests. This includes ending practices such as removing live briefings from public platforms and restricting media access to elected and appointed officials.
Finally, the people of St. Maarten must demand better from their leaders. Accountability starts with an informed electorate. By holding officials responsible for their actions—or lack thereof—citizens can help ensure that democracy and transparency prevail.
The Way Forward
The Council of Ministers must remember that they serve the people, not political agendas. Transparency is not optional—it is a fundamental obligation. By fostering open dialogue, respecting media freedom, and providing clear information, St. Maarten’s leaders can rebuild trust and strengthen the democratic framework that supports the nation.
It is time for a renewed commitment to accountability, a steadfast defense of press freedom, and a clear rejection of practices that undermine trust in government. This is not just the responsibility of the officials, but a collective call to action for all those who believe in the power of democracy.
