~NOW faction leader says unanswered questions, deteriorating infrastructure, high living costs and unfulfilled commitments demand stronger parliamentary action.~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis has accused Parliament and the Government of falling short in following up on commitments and addressing urgent problems affecting the people of Sint Maarten. He pledged that the Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) faction will intensify its demands for justice reform, accountability, better infrastructure and relief for struggling families during the new parliamentary year.
Lewis delivered the assessment on Monday, September 7, during the closing of the 2025-2026 parliamentary year. Faction leaders were given an opportunity to reflect on their work and outline their priorities for the year ahead.
The NOW faction leader described governmental oversight as one of his principal responsibilities during the past year. He said he remained consistent in questioning ministers and raising residents' concerns before Parliament.
However, Lewis acknowledged that parliamentary intervention did not always produce the results the public expected.
“I believe Parliament fell short in ensuring consistent follow-up and holding ministers accountable for their commitments,” Lewis declared.
“Too many questions remain unanswered, while several important matters affecting the public were not addressed with the urgency they deserved.”
Justice Workers Remain a top priority
Lewis, a former Minister of Justice and current Vice Chair of Parliament’s Justice Committee, placed the treatment of justice workers at the center of his address.
He said he will continue to demand proper placement and payment for justice personnel, implementation of Phase Two, better working conditions, and sufficient resources for law-enforcement agencies.
The MP also repeated his call for an independent review of the temporary appointment of the Acting Secretary-General of the Ministry of Justice, arguing that public administration must protect transparency and public confidence.
Lewis said his commitment to justice personnel is rooted in his own experience within the sector, where he served from 2007 until assuming the position of Minister of Justice in 2024.
“My approach has always been to recognize the valuable service of our justice workers while demanding that government fulfill its responsibilities towards them,” he said.
In the new parliamentary year, Lewis intends to focus on outstanding placements and financial obligations owed to active and retired justice workers.
He identified the operational needs of the prison, Customs, Immigration, the Coast Guard, the Police Force, the Court of Guardianship, Victim Support Services, the National Detectives, Turning Point and other departments falling under the justice chain as matters requiring continued attention.
Lewis also referred to the Public Prosecutor’s Office and its legal dispute with the Minister of Justice regarding long-awaited salary increases and indexation. According to the MP, the Prosecutor’s Office took the minister to court and prevailed.
Crime prevention, community policing and strengthening the complete justice chain will remain among the NOW faction’s primary objectives.
Garbage, Roads and Failing Infrastructure
Lewis was sharply critical of the condition of Sint Maarten’s roads, garbage collection and public infrastructure.
He said these cannot be dismissed as ordinary political talking points because they directly affect residents' health, safety, and dignity.
“When the people are forced to pay privately to remove garbage that contracted haulers should have collected, or when damaged roads continue to endanger motorists, we as Members of Parliament have a responsibility to act,” Lewis stated.
The MP said he repeatedly raised concerns about infrastructure, investments, garbage collection and accountability within the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI).
Although not every intervention led to immediate action, Lewis said putting these matters in the public domain and on Parliament’s agenda was important in itself.
“As an opposition Member of Parliament, I do not only criticize. I investigate, question, propose solutions and give a voice to citizens who feel ignored,” he said.
Families Crushed by Rising Living Costs
Lewis also promised to continue pressing the Government for concrete solutions to Sint Maarten’s cost-of-living crisis.
He said too many working families still cannot keep pace with the cost of food, electricity, housing and other basic necessities.
Lewis said continued financial pressure on households must become a central priority for both the Government and Parliament. He said this responsibility includes ensuring that senior citizens receive adequate care and are not abandoned as living expenses increase.
Lewis listed affordable living and revenue generation among his priorities for the coming year, along with creating better economic opportunities for residents.
Schools Must Be Safe and Adequately Staffed
Education was another major concern raised during the NOW faction’s closing address.
Lewis said Sint Maarten’s schools must be safe, properly maintained and adequately staffed. Teachers and students, he argued, deserve an environment that supports education and personal development.
The education system must also prepare young people to do more than seek employment, he said. It should develop entrepreneurs, innovators and responsible future leaders.
Lewis’s remarks come amid continued public concern about school maintenance, staffing, youth development and the country’s ability to prepare students for a rapidly changing economy.
Parliament Must Put the People Before Politics
Lewis called on all seven parliamentary factions to place the needs of the people above political interests during the new parliamentary year.
He said Parliament must improve its legislative productivity and ensure that Members of Parliament have adequate resources to prepare legislation. Motions, promises and commitments must also be executed instead of disappearing after debates conclude.
Lewis warned that asking questions and adopting motions mean little if ministers are not compelled to respond and the promised actions never reach the public.
The NOW leader pledged to remain accessible and continue using his position to raise concerns affecting civil servants, pensioners, justice personnel and residents who feel neglected by the system.
“My commitment remains firm,” Lewis said. “I will continue asking the difficult questions, demanding transparency and advocating for practical solutions that improve the quality and well-being of all the people of Sint Maarten.”
He said he enters the new parliamentary year with renewed determination and a clear understanding of the work ahead.
“Together, with courage, cooperation and accountability, we can move Sint Maarten forward,” Lewis concluded.