PHILIPSBURG:--- During the Town Hall meeting held on October 2, the community of Cole Bay and Cay Bay asked MP Ottley and MP Lacroes to relay a serious and dire message to the Government of St. Maarten. The community stated that the people have been suffering for too long.
They stated that during elections, promises were made, and members of the sitting government walked through Cole Bay and Cay Bay, even sitting in some of the houses of persons who attended the meeting and promised relief. The community members stated that the government has been in place for over a year, and none of the promises are being fulfilled; they have yet to see the light at the end of the tunnel, only empty promises. MP Ottley stated that the Prime Minister has now indicated that the people can expect relief in December, which aligns with his petition stating that the following must be done by December 1st, 2025.
MP Ottley and MP Lacroes made it clear that the intention of the Town Hall meeting is not to criticize or bash the government, but to illustrate to the community the plans and ways they can bring legislative amendments to improve the situation at GEBE. During the meeting, it was evident that many people are unfamiliar with reading the GEBE bills. MP Lacroes gave a presentation stating that their bills are correct.
The next town hall meeting will be held in the coming weeks, marking the last one for now before the petition is submitted.
