PHILIPSBURG;--- In a continued effort to strengthen the transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability of the Social & Health Insurances (SZV), Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, has outlined a clear set of directives and reforms to guide the institution into a new phase of responsible governance. The recently appointed Adjunct Director, Mr. Felisie, who will serve as Temporary Director as of October 15, 2025, has been formally instructed to carry out several key assignments aimed at improving financial oversight, strengthening strategic planning, and rebuilding public trust in SZV.
Among the immediate priorities:
Mr. Felisie has been instructed in accordance with Article 21, Subsection 8 of the SZV Ordinance, to conduct an independent financial assessment with the aim of providing a clear and objective overview of SZV’s current financial position. This report will be submitted in accordance with the law to Parliament. “Records show that the last time this legal requirement was fulfilled was under Minister Emil Lee,” Minister Brug noted. To ensure proper oversight and value for money, all ongoing and planned capital projects under SZV’s responsibility will undergo a full technical assessment. These include, but are not limited to: the construction of the new General Hospital, any proposal for financing through SZV & the proposed SZV headquarters.
“As Minister of VSA, I will not succumb to pressures to approve the construction of a new SZV building that is multiple times above market value,” said Minister Brug. “We must act responsibly with public funds.” The Temporary Director has also been instructed to present a 3- to 6-month financial plan that identifies cost-cutting measures and efficiency strategies to safeguard SZV’s service delivery in the short term. With major legislative reforms such as the 1B law, the Health Levy, and the General Health Insurance not expected to take effect before January 1, 2027, the Ministry and SZV are actively exploring interim solutions to manage this transition responsibly. These include: Identifying additional cost-saving mechanisms, exploring revenue-generating opportunities, and engaging in strategic dialogue with relevant financial stakeholders.
“The people of Sint Maarten — SZV staff, our workers, our seniors, and our families — rely on SZV for vital services, from healthcare to pensions,” said Minister Brug. “That responsibility is not taken lightly. These steps are about ensuring SZV is stable, transparent, and positioned to meet the needs of the population both today and tomorrow.” “As Minister, I remain committed to good governance, accountability, and long-term planning. We are not only looking at the present; we are laying the groundwork for the future of social protection on Sint Maarten.”