PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament and Leader of the United People’s Party (UPP), Honorable Omar Ottley, is expressing concern over the obvious disconnection within the current Government. First, we saw the obvious issues made public between the Minister of TEATT and the Minister of Finance during the Soul Beach saga, in which the Minister of Finance removed herself from the position of Acting Minister of TEATT. Now the public is witnessing the ministers of the United Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), one of the largest parties within the current coalition government go at each other with the Minister of VSA siding with his Subject Specialist/Chief of Staff.
“The people of St. Maarten expect leadership and maturity from those entrusted with governing this country,” MP Ottley stated. “A government that is divided against itself cannot effectively lead a country forward. What we are witnessing is an internal dispute being played out publicly, undermining public confidence and diverting attention away from the real issues affecting our people.”
Recent events involving the Prime Minister and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) have raised serious questions about URSM's internal governance, communication, and decision-making. MP Ottley emphasized that while disagreements can arise in any political organization, they must be addressed responsibly, internally, and in accordance with proper institutional procedures.
Of particular concern is the reported tension over oversight and control of an approximately USD 8 million trust fund project to construct a new mental health facility, a project of critical national importance.
“Mental health care is not a political chess piece,” Ottley stressed. “Any perception that personal ambition or internal party struggles are taking precedence over the welfare of vulnerable citizens is deeply troubling. This project must remain focused on transparency, accountability, and delivering essential services to the people who need them most.”
MP Ottley called on the public to pay keen attention to their leaders of government. It is plain to see that the coalition was not built on a shared vision but rather with the specific goal of keeping members of the previous government out. Today, the country is suffering from a lack of economic stimulation, a crime crisis, and past due budgets that hinder the government from paying our justice workers legally. “The people of St. Maarten deserve clear leadership, and a government that prioritizes solutions over spectacle,” Ottley concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a surprising turn of events, Suenah Laville-Martis, the Chief of Staff for the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), has publicly declared that she has been wrongfully denied access to the Government Administration Building and other government platforms. The incident has sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding this decision.

In an official statement, Laville-Martis unequivocally denied any wrongdoing, asserting her innocence and demanding immediate action from the Prime Minister. "I would like to unequivocally state that I did not do anything wrong," she said. Laville-Martis further called for a full public retraction from the Prime Minister, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the potential damage to her reputation.
The incident has drawn significant attention, with many questioning the rationale for restricting her access. Laville-Martis has made it clear that she is prepared to take legal action if necessary, stating, "Rest assured that I will not hesitate to take legal action."

The situation has added to the growing tensions within the government, as the public and stakeholders await further clarification. The denial of access to a high-ranking official such as the Chief of Staff raises concerns about transparency and due process within the administration.
The controversy was first reported by SMN News, which highlighted the escalating tensions and the potential implications for the Ministry of VSA. The report has since sparked widespread debate, with many calling for an immediate investigation into the matter.

As of now, there has been no official response from the Prime Minister or other government officials regarding Laville-Martis' claims. The public awaits further developments as the situation unfolds, with many hoping for a swift resolution.
This incident underscores the importance of accountability and open communication within government institutions. It remains to be seen how the administration will address these allegations and whether Laville-Martis' demands for a public retraction will be met.
For more details on this developing story, visit SMN News.

Official statement

I would like to inform the public that, indeed, I was wrongfully denied access to the Government administration building and government platforms. I would like to unequivocally state that I did not do anything wrong. I expect a full public retraction from the Prime Minister immediately. If necessary, rest assured that I will not hesitate to take legal actions.

Suenah Laville-Martis

~All political parties must maintain & submit a register of donations~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Electoral Council hereby reminds all registered political parties that in accordance with article 37 paragraph 1 of the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties, they are required to submit to the Electoral Council a chronological register of donations of all donations received throughout the year 2025, be it in cash, by transfer, or in kind, before February 1st, 2026.

All political parties that did not receive any donations in 2025 must also submit a signed register.

All donations made to a natural or legal person, or organization, with the intention of benefiting a political party must be fully reported.

All registered political parties, including parties that did not participate in the January 9th, 2024, parliamentary election or the August 19th, 2024, snap election, must maintain and submit an annual register of donations.

The Electoral Council advises all party boards to carefully monitor the donations received to ensure accurate registration. Each party representative or treasurer is required to date and sign the donations register to certify that it has been completed accurately and truthfully. Non-compliance with or violation of the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties is subject to penalty.

The register of donations can be submitted to the Electoral Council at the Electoral Council's office address listed below during office hours, between 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, and between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

The Electoral Council is hereby announcing that parties may also submit their register of donations via email. Submissions can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The Electoral Council would like to remind all political parties that have not submitted their outstanding donation registrations prior to 2025 that this must also be done. Failure to comply with the National Ordinance on Registration and Finances of Political Parties may result in a penalty being imposed.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, has issued an official statement addressing the suspension of his Chef de Cabinet, Sueana Laville, following a directive from Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. The Prime Minister reportedly instructed security personnel to deny Laville access to government facilities, citing an incident that allegedly occurred in the Minister's office on January 7th.
Minister Brug expressed disappointment over the decision, emphasizing that it was made without his consultation as the competent authority. "I find it quite unfortunate that such a decision was made without allowing the competent authority, which is my person, to hear both parties and decide on a way forward," Brug stated. After conducting his own investigation, the Minister declared his full support for Laville.
The incident has sparked significant tension within the government, with reports suggesting that the Prime Minister's directive was enforced at the main entrance of the government administration building. Witnesses noted heightened security measures, including police officers on standby, to prevent any potential confrontation should Minister Brug attempt to escort Laville into the building.
This development follows allegations of a heated exchange between Laville and the Prime Minister, reportedly linked to the reassignment of the World Bank-funded Mental Health Project from the Ministry of VSA to General Affairs. The project, previously overseen by Romain Laville from the VSA cabinet, was considered a critical initiative to address the island's mental health challenges. Advocacy groups have raised concerns over delays in the project, citing increases in untreated mental health conditions and suicide attempts.
The public and stakeholders are now calling for clarity from the Council of Ministers regarding Laville's status, the future of the Mental Health Project, and the broader implications for the Ministry of VSA. The incident has highlighted underlying administrative and political conflicts, raising questions about the operational relationship between the Prime Minister's office and the Ministry of VSA.
At the time of writing, no official statements have been released by the Prime Minister's office or the Ministry of VSA regarding the incident or its potential impact on government operations.

Below full statement from the Minister of VSA:

Minister Brug Official Statement Regarding the Suspension of the Chef de Cabinet
 "As Minister of Public Health Social Development and Labor, I would like to inform the general public that yesterday I was informed through an official correspondence from the Prime Minister that he made a decision to suspend access to the Government building and Government platforms of my Chef de Cabinet based on a supposed incident that took place yesterday January 7th in my office without me being present. I find it quite unfortunate that such a decision was made without allowing the competent authority, which is my person, to hear both parties and decide on a way forward.
Nonetheless, after having heard all parties involved in this process, I stand in full support of my Chef de Cabinet, based on my own research conducted today."