Sint Maarten's Parliament: A Review of Costs, Actions, and Accountability.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Since becoming a constituent country on October 10, 2010, Sint Maarten has navigated the complex waters of self-governance. As the nation celebrates its 15-year milestone, its Parliament is under the microscope. The public is increasingly asking tough questions about the cost of governance versus the tangible benefits delivered to the people.

The High Price of Politics

From the outset of autonomy, the financial costs associated with running the government have been substantial. A 2019 report highlighted that approximately 54 million guilders had been paid in salaries and related benefits to around 66 political officeholders, including Members of Parliament and ministers. This figure doesn't include other perks and representation costs, raising concerns in a nation grappling with economic challenges and recovery from natural disasters.

A significant portion of this spending has been directed towards international engagements, most notably the country's membership in the Latin American Parliament (Parlatino). Audits reveal that since 2010, Parlatino membership has cost nearly half a million guilders in fees and an additional 2 million guilders in travel expenses. In 2022, travel for Parlatino events made up over a third of the Parliament's total travel budget.

This has drawn criticism from figures like former MP Melissa Gumbs, who described the expenditure as a "waste of limited resources" with "no measurable return" for Sint Maarten. A growing chorus of voices now suggests these funds could be better used to address pressing local needs.

Legislative Wins and Unanswered Questions

Parliament has not been idle. It has passed foundational laws necessary for the country's governance, including the constitution and various national ordinances that guided the transition to autonomy. A 2015 report from Transparency International noted that about 130 bills had been passed in the first five years, covering critical areas like governance and integrity.

However, a key piece of the puzzle is missing. It is difficult to determine how many of these laws were initiative bills—legislation proposed directly by MPs rather than the government. Without this information, it is hard to assess the proactive impact of individual representatives. The public record often lacks the detail needed to connect enacted laws to direct improvements in citizens' lives, making it challenging to gauge the legislature's overall effectiveness.

Parliament Composition: The Search for a Complete Record

Efforts to trace who has served in the Parliament of Sint Maarten since 2010 quickly reveal obstacles. While headline figures—such as the roughly 66 individuals holding MP or ministerial office over 15 years—are publicly cited, no single accessible source lists every MP per term, especially accounting for the frequent mid-term changes resulting from resignations, appointments to the Council of Ministers, by-elections, and party shifting.

Verified MPs by Term

Drawing from the most reliable sources available, here is a breakdown of known Parliament members at or near the start of each term:

Gaps and Challenges in Tracking Parliamentary Membership

Despite repeated efforts, it has not been possible to compile a fully definitive list of every MP who served, accounting for all substitutions, ministerial appointments, resignations, and inter-party switches—especially between elections. Publicly available records frequently lack timely updates, and comprehensive parliamentary rosters from past terms are often absent or incomplete. Information on party shifts, by-elections, and the mid-term entry of substitute members is especially difficult to corroborate, further complicating efforts to assess long-term parliamentary continuity and output.

Notable MPs with Long Service

Amid these data gaps, several parliamentarians stand out for their enduring presence:

• Sarah A. Wescot-Williams: Serving continuously since 2010, she has played pivotal leadership roles, serving both as Prime Minister and as President of Parliament, guiding crucial institutional reforms and legislative foundations. However, her achievements are limited.

• William Marlin: Elected in 2010 and serving until 2024, Marlin shaped early governance as National Alliance leader and contributed significantly to legislative development.

• Theodore (Theo) Heyliger: First elected in 2010 and serving through multiple terms, Heyliger was instrumental within the United People's Party and central to parliamentary debates and initiatives

• While these MPs have helped shape Sint Maarten’s legislative history, the details of their specific output—such as the number and type of legislative proposals and policy initiatives they individually authored or championed—are not easily extracted from the public record. This further highlights the ongoing need for transparent, accessible archives of parliamentary actions and achievements.
• A Growing Demand for Transparency
• The gap between significant public spending and unclear legislative impact has fueled calls for greater accountability. A lack of detailed public information on MP-initiated laws and their outcomes makes it difficult for citizens to evaluate whether their elected officials are earning their keep beyond ceremonial duties.

As Sint Maarten looks to the future, residents and watchdog groups are pushing for more transparency and a better use of public money. There is a clear demand for elected officials to demonstrate how their work translates into positive, measurable results for the community.

To rebuild public trust and ensure taxpayer money is spent wisely, critics are proposing several key reforms. These include creating a public registry for all initiative laws, conducting thorough audits of expenditures like the Parlatino membership, and establishing clear performance metrics. Such measures would help tie parliamentary actions directly to improvements in governance, infrastructure, and social well-being for all of Sint Maarten.