PHILIPSBURG:--- Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament (MP) and Chairman of the Justice Committee Lyndon Lewis is calling on the governing coalition to put the interests of the St. Maarten people above political loyalty as public scrutiny grows over the garbage collection tender under Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs.
Recent news reports highlight dissatisfied bidders’ questions about changes to the tender, including allowing companies to receive two collection parcels instead of one, the reasons for retendering, and the assessment of contractors’ equipment, staffing and financial capacity. Government has indicated that scoring results remain subject to verification and do not constitute final contract awards. These concerns require examination and do not, by themselves, establish wrongdoing.
"The situation demands clear answers and responsible leadership. Garbage collection is an essential public service, and residents deserve confidence that the procurement process will deliver reliable service, fair treatment of bidders and responsible use of public funds." MP Lewis stated.
MP Lewis is calling on the Minister of VROMI to provide a clear, documented explanation of the changes between the original and revised tenders, the basis for those decisions, and the safeguards intended to ensure selected contractors can fulfill their obligations.
MP Lewis’s concern extends beyond the tender itself. In his assessment, unresolved challenges within VROMI and the Minister’s handling of critical responsibilities risk deepening dysfunction in the country and weakening public confidence in government’s ability to deliver basic services.
MP Lewis hopes coalition members will acknowledge the seriousness of these challenges and honestly assess the Minister’s performance. Every Member of Parliament, including those supporting the government, has a responsibility to demand accountability.
Where shortcomings can be corrected, the public deserves a credible plan, measurable improvements and clear deadlines. Where the Minister recognizes that he cannot effectively carry out the responsibilities of his office, MP Lewis believes coalition partners should engage him respectfully and encourage him to resign in the country’s best interest.
If serious failures remain unresolved and confidence in his leadership cannot be sustained, coalition members should be prepared to initiate or support a motion of no confidence against the Minister. Political affiliation should never prevent Parliament from exercising its oversight responsibilities.
"Accountability must be guided by facts, fairness and the needs of the people. Neither dissatisfaction with a tender outcome nor political disagreement alone should determine a Minister’s future. The decisive question is whether the Minister can provide credible answers, demonstrate effective leadership, fairness and deliver the services entrusted to his ministry." MP Lewis stated.
"St. Maarten needs a government willing to confront problems and take responsibility and accountability for results. Residents should not have to bear the consequences of political reluctance to address failures in leadership." MP Lewis continued.
MP Lewis stated that he understands the principles of business, and that the country should come before a coalition partner, at all times.
Now is the time for the coalition to demonstrate that commitment through its actions to the people of St. Maarten.