PHILIPSBURG:--- Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis said he is “personally not impressed” with the government’s performance after its first year in office, calling it “poor, with the clear notation that they could have done far better.”
Asked to assess performance, Lewis criticized multiple ministries for underperformance, highlighted long-standing citizen complaints, and stressed the need for urgent reforms.
Lewis specifically singled out the Ministries of Justice and VROMI for significant underperformance. He said, “With regard to VROMI, the island feels stagnated to the point where the lack of progress can almost be compared to a national development crisis.” He noted an ongoing influx of complaints about long-pending permits, poor communication, and the absence of clear direction. On Justice, Lewis said, “A new approach and meaningful reform are desperately needed—particularly within the immigration sector. Citizens continue to express frustration and exhaustion over delayed permit processing and the lack of communication surrounding their applications.”
He also raised concerns about crime rates, stating that despite increased patrols, “crime rates continue to rise, creating economic fear and heightened concern within the community.” Lewis compared the current Minister of Justice’s performance to his own tenure, saying, “During my tenure as Minister of Justice, although brief, my administration successfully issued approximately six batches within seven months. This current Minister, who has now served a full year, has not initiated a single new batch, aside from the two batches that were already initiated under my administration.”
Lewis criticized the Ministry of TEATT for unkept promises and delays, particularly regarding the long-promised reconstruction of the Marketplace. “One year later, the long-promised reconstruction of the Marketplace has yet to begin or be completed, leaving hardworking vendors without the solution they were assured,” he said, noting that repeated promises have not translated into tangible results.
When asked about priorities for the coming year, Lewis spoke of the need for comprehensive reforms in immigration, improved policies for VROMI and TEATT, and urgent relief measures for residents regarding GEBE’s billing system.
Assessing the government’s overall effectiveness in addressing citizen issues, Lewis stated, “Critical issues such as the issuance of batches for law enforcement employees, the completion of the function book that covers ambulance and fire department workers, financial relief for families struggling with their GEBE bills, the long-delayed Marketplace project, rising crime, and stagnation in economic development remain at an all-time high. These are issues the government has failed to address in any meaningful way.”
Lewis could not cite any examples of ministers exceeding expectations, saying, “At this moment, I cannot provide any such examples. The level of production from the government remains at the bare minimum.”
Lewis says he remains hopeful that “we will witness a meaningful shift in how this government approaches its responsibilities to the people. St Maarten deserves leadership that is present, proactive, and committed to action, not just promises. This year must be different. This year must deliver results. The people of St Maarten deserve nothing less, and I will continue to hold the government accountable while offering my full support to ensure that real, tangible progress is finally achieved.”
