PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes has taken decisive steps to hold government leaders publicly accountable, submitting requests for two consecutive Question Hours first with the Minister of Finance on Sint Maarten’s tax holiday policy, and second with the Prime Minister on the island’s transition to LNG, energy diversification, and public benefits.
Tax Holiday Oversight: Policy Clarity and Parliamentary Mandate
Lacroes’ opening Question Hour emphasizes the need for transparent and effective policy on tax holidays and special fiscal incentives that remain central to economic debates on the island. The MP is seeking clear answers on how tax holidays are granted, monitored, and evaluated, and whether their benefits reach beyond the recipients to serve the broader public good. “Every tax reduction or exemption must be justified by clear social or economic returns for Sint Maarten’s people,” Lacroes noted, underlining that these matters are more than administrative; they speak directly to Parliament’s oversight mandate.
Energy Policy: From Parliamentary Motion to National Resolution
The second Question Hour is grounded in an official motion that Lacroes successfully advanced and which Parliament adopted as a resolution during the June 2025 budget debates. This motion outlines a strategic direction for Sint Maarten’s energy sector, calling for coordinated action between GEBE, the Harbor Group, and government ministries to pursue fuel diversification, most notably, a transition toward liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable alternatives. The resolution further directs the development of feasibility studies, public-private partnerships, and inclusion of measurable community benefits like solar infrastructure at sports and public sites.
“By adopting this motion as a resolution, Parliament set both the roadmap and the public expectations. It’s now the government’s responsibility to report, act, and deliver,” Lacroes explained. “Question Hour gives Parliament the means to require regular, open updates and to ensure the voices of our constituents are heard as these national objectives are pursued.”
Question Hours as Instruments for Reform
Both actions are based on Article 69 of the Rules of Order, which provides for Members of Parliament to pose questions directly to Ministers and the Prime Minister in a public session. Lacroes asserts that this is “how Parliament ensures government remains answerable not just to Members of Parliament but to the whole island on the most important issues of economic management, public investment, and sustainable growth.”
The adopted motion and subsequent resolution detail a phased approach to energy reform, fiscal reform, and community outreach, with a timeline for achieving actionable outcomes and regular reporting. Lacroes is intent on monitoring compliance and maintaining momentum on these critical priorities through ongoing, structured questioning and follow-up in Parliament.
Next Steps
Both Question Hours are expected to be scheduled soon, with the public and all interested observers encouraged to follow proceedings live or via broadcast.