St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Countdown to New Year: Minister Melissa Gumbs: A Year of Inaction, Excuses, and Neglect

melissagumbs08012025 PHILIPSBURG:--- In politics, it’s easy to criticize others, but true leadership requires action, accountability, and results. Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports (ECYS) Melissa Gumbs has spent her career excelling at the former while failing miserably at the latter. Elected in 2020, Gumbs spent four years in Parliament as a vocal critic of the then Executive branch, yet she failed to produce a single piece of draft legislation. Now, as Minister of ECYS for over a year, her tenure has been defined by hypocrisy, inaction, and a complete disregard for the people she was elected to serve.

A History of Hypocrisy

Melissa Gumbs has never shied away from criticizing others, often with a sharp tongue and a penchant for public humiliation. In her commentary on Theo Heyliger, she accused him of engaging in "revisionist history" and lambasted his leadership for failing to address the island’s systemic issues. Yet, her own record reveals a glaring lack of action and accountability. While she was quick to point out Heyliger’s shortcomings, she had done little to address the very issues she claimed to care about.

In her own words, Gumbs once stated, “If everything is a priority, nothing is a priority.” Ironically, this statement perfectly encapsulates her own leadership. Under her watch, critical projects like the Ruby Labega School’s roof repairs, the completion of the Prins Willem Alexander School, and the construction of the Library and Charles Leopold Bell School have all stalled. Her inability to prioritize and execute has left these projects in limbo, much as her political career has.

A Minister Missing in Action

Gumbs’ commentary on Heyliger also criticized his lack of focus on Sint Maarten's people, accusing him of prioritizing physical structures over human development. Yet, her own tenure as Minister of ECYS has been marked by a similar neglect of the people she serves. Teachers at the Ruby Labega School have repeatedly raised concerns about the leaking roof, which is in dire need of repair or replacement. Instead of addressing these urgent issues, Gumbs has been conspicuously absent, avoiding media engagements and failing to communicate with the public.

Her commentary on Heyliger’s alleged “megalomania” and “delusions of grandeur” rings hollow when one considers her own actions. Gumbs has spent more time dictating how students should wear their hair than addressing the systemic issues plaguing Sint Maarten’s education system. Her attempt to impose her will on privatized schools, particularly Catholic institutions, has been met with fierce resistance, further alienating the very stakeholders she is supposed to collaborate with.

Misplaced Priorities and Stalled Projects

Gumbs’ tenure has been a masterclass in doing nothing while pretending to do everything. The Prins Willem Alexander School project, which was already underway before she took office, has made no progress under her leadership. The Library and Charles Leopold Bell School projects remain stuck in the pre-construction phase, with no clear timeline for progress. The Marie Laurence School project is similarly delayed, awaiting financing and the outcomes of public bidding. Even the promised upgrades to sports facilities, such as the Raoul Illidge Sports Complex (RISC) and the John Larmonie Center for Basketball and Physical Education (JLCBP), have not materialized.

In her commentary on Heyliger, Gumbs criticized his focus on physical structures, yet she has failed to deliver on this front as well. Her inability to advance these critical projects is a testament to her lack of leadership and vision.

A Legacy of Excuses

Gumbs’ response to criticism has been to deflect and distract. In her commentary on Heyliger, she accused him of creating a “Revised Version of History” to explain away his failures. Yet, she has done the same, blaming bureaucratic hurdles and external factors for her own inaction. Her commentary on the Kingdom’s dysfunction and the challenges of governance rings hollow when one considers her own failure to navigate these challenges effectively.

The Bigger Picture: A Minister Who Doesn’t Care

Gumbs’ tenure as Minister of ECYS has been a colossal failure. Her inability to advance critical projects, coupled with her lack of accountability, has left Sint Maarten’s education and sports sectors in crisis. Her focus on trivial matters, like school hair policies, while ignoring pressing issues, is a clear indication of her misplaced priorities.

Her commentary on Heyliger accused him of being “out of touch” with the people of Sint Maarten. Yet, her own actions reveal a similar disconnect. By avoiding media engagements and failing to address the concerns of teachers, students, and the broader community, Gumbs has shown complete disregard for the people she was elected to serve.

Time for Change

The people of Sint Maarten deserve better. They deserve a leader who listens, acts, and delivers. Minister Gumbs has had her chance, and she has failed spectacularly. It is time for a change. Sint Maarten cannot afford another year of inaction, excuses, and neglect. The clock is ticking, and the people are watching.

KPSM Special Team Arrests Suspect with Illegal Firearm and Narcotics on Christmas Eve.

gunsuspect26122025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Special team of the police force of Sint. Maarten (KPSM) remained vigilant on Christmas Eve, conducting routine controls and preventative searches throughout the island to ensure public safety during the holiday season.
On December 24, 2025, officers from the Special Team stopped a rider on a red-and-white scooter in the Fort Willem area for a routine check. During a preventative search, officers discovered a 9mm pistol loaded with six rounds of live ammunition in the suspect's bag, along with a small quantity of narcotics.
The suspect with initials T.J.L was immediately arrested and transported to the police station, where he remains in custody pending further investigation.
This arrest underscores KPSM's unwavering commitment to combating illegal firearms and narcotics trafficking on Sint Maarten. The Special Team will continue to conduct controls and preventative searches at all hours and in all locations as part of ongoing efforts to keep the community safe.
KPSM urges residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

KPSM Press Release.

PJIAE Partners with Rise Foundation to support Local Youth this Holiday Season.

pjiaerise24122025 Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) is proud to announce its collaboration with the RISE Foundation, reinforcing the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting local youth and strengthening the community it serves.
This year, PJIAE teamed up with the RISE Foundation to support the impactful work they do for young people across St. Maarten. Through various programs and initiatives, PJIAE continues to invest in the well-being, development, and future of the island’s next generation.
As part of the holiday season, PJIAE hosted a special Christmas initiative featuring Christmas Angels placed on one of the airport’s Christmas trees in the Check-In Hall. Each angel represented a wish from a child in need. Within a very short time, all angels were taken by PJIAE employees and travellers, demonstrating the pride, compassion, and generosity of the airport community in giving back.
In addition, PJIAE, together with the RISE Foundation and joined by their Secret Santa, visited two foster homes this week to surprise children with gifts from their wish lists. The visits included presents, pizza, and plenty of smiles, creating a memorable experience for the children during the holiday season.
“Supporting our community, especially our youth, is a responsibility we take to heart,” said Mr. Michael Cleaver, President and CEO of PJIAE. “Our partnership with the RISE Foundation reflects who we are as an organization. When we uplift our children, we uplift the future of St. Maarten. I am incredibly proud of our employees for stepping up and showing what it truly means to care for one another.”
At PJIAE, giving back goes beyond the holidays. The organization firmly believes in standing together, supporting those in need, and contributing positively to the community it serves every day. This collaboration with the RISE Foundation is one of many ways PJIAE continues to make a meaningful impact beyond airport operations.

French Ministry of Health Withdraws Specialist Authorization for Surgeon.

PARIS, France:--- The French Ministry of Health, Families, Autonomy, and Disabled Persons has officially withdrawn the authorization for a surgeon to practice in the specialty of orthopedic and trauma surgery. The decision was formalized in an official decree dated November 24, 2025, and published in the Journal Officiel de la République Française.

The decree, referenced as NOR: SFHN2535391A, targets explicitly the authorization granted to the practitioner, born December 30, 1977, in Gagnoa, Côte d’Ivoire. It is important to note that this action is a withdrawal of specialist credentials in orthopedic and trauma surgery and not a general ban on the ability to practice medicine in other capacities, should the individual be otherwise qualified.

This withdrawal comes amid heightened scrutiny following an official investigation into the surgeon's credentials. According to statements made by Senator Annick Pétrus, the suspension of the practitioner at the Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital in Saint Martin was enacted after apparent irregularities were discovered in the surgeon’s medical diploma. Senator Pétrus confirmed that the case had been referred to the Ministry of Health and the Order of Doctors of Guadeloupe, with initial findings substantiating concerns about the authenticity of the qualifications. The senator described the situation as "grave and deeply troubling," emphasizing the priority to protect patient safety and integrity in the medical profession.

A previous order from February 22, 2013, had initially listed the surgeon among those authorized to practice in this surgical field in France. The recent measure amends that order in light of the investigation and its findings.

The legal basis for the withdrawal cites several key French laws and regulations, including

Article L. 4111-2 (I) of the Public Health Code, which governs the conditions for practicing medicine in France. The decision also references legislation relevant to the financing and organization of the healthcare system, specifically:

Law No. 2006-1640 of December 21, 2006
Law No. 2019-774 of July 24, 2019
Decree No. 2020-672 of June 3, 2020

Additionally, the decree notes correspondence from Professor Mohamed Cisse, the dean of Gamal Abdel Nasser University of Conakry, dated September 16, 2025, as a factor in the decision-making process.

The order was signed by P. Touzy, Head of the Department for Practice Authorizations, Contests, and Coaching, acting on behalf of the Minister. This action underscores the French

government's regulatory oversight of medical specializations to ensure adherence to established standards and qualifications. The withdrawal is effective upon its publication, and investigations into the legitimacy of the medical diploma are expected to continue.

While St. Kitts Secures its Future, St. Maarten Sleeps at the Wheel,

sintkittshomeporting24122025 PHILIPSBURG:--- Another Caribbean neighbor has lapped St. Maarten, and we are left wondering if our government was even aware the race had started. St. Kitts recently announced a landmark deal with P&O Cruises, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation, to establish homeporting operations. This strategic move will transform their island from a simple stopover to a full embarkation and disembarkation hub, injecting significant revenue into multiple sectors of their economy.

Meanwhile, in St. Maarten, we have the Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE), widely regarded as one of the most distinguished and capable airports in the entire Caribbean. It’s an infrastructural jewel that should be the engine of our economic prosperity. Yet it sits underutilized, a testament to our leadership's staggering lack of vision and execution. While PJIAE boasts about exceeding passenger traffic targets, what does that matter if we fail to capitalize on our most significant assets?

The success in St. Kitts is not accidental. It is the result of a deliberate "Fly Cruise" model where passengers arrive by air, stay in local hotels, dine at restaurants, and shop in stores before their cruise even begins. This is a comprehensive economic strategy that creates a ripple effect of benefits. St. Kitts is investing in a new international cruise terminal at Port Zante to support this growth. What is St. Maarten investing in?

For decades, St. Maarten has been a major player in tourism. This experience should have given us a competitive edge. Instead, we have been overtaken by smaller islands with bigger ambitions. The question is unavoidable: why has St. Maarten, with its superior airport and long history in tourism, failed to secure a single homeporting agreement?

The answer seems to lie in a familiar and frustrating pattern of government mismanagement. While our leaders are quick to travel the globe on promotional tours, the tangible results of these expensive trips remain invisible. Where is the return on investment for the taxpayer? The failure

to secure homeporting is not just a missed opportunity; it is a direct consequence of a government that appears more interested in appearances than in delivering concrete economic wins for its people.

Now, to compound this chronic lack of vision, the government has plunged the country into outright financial paralysis. According to recent reporting from SMN News, St. Maarten is on the brink of a half-year freeze due to catastrophic delays in both the 2026 budget and the crucial 2025 budget amendment. New infrastructure projects, critical payouts for justice workers, and subsidies for those in need have all been ground to a halt. No new hires. No new contracts. No relief for the most vulnerable. The government is reduced to the “1/12th rule,” unable to legally spend on anything except ongoing commitments—and even promised perks and bonuses to civil servants are off the table.

This debacle goes beyond mere incompetence; it borders on constitutional violation. Payments for events like Carnival were reportedly made illegally, before any budget approval, raising the alarming question: what other taxpayer money has been spent without parliamentary consent?

Unchecked, such actions not only risk negative audit opinions and damage to Sint Maarten’s already fragile credit rating but may personally endanger ministers who authorized them.

Even more alarming, the government cannot touch any new revenue until a proper budget is passed. Taxes collected and international transfers meant for urgent development or social relief simply sit, frozen and unusable. Promised Trust Fund and Temporary Work Organization (TWO) projects are at risk of expiring without ever beginning, thanks to this bureaucratic standstill.

This breakdown of financial and democratic oversight leaves Parliament in the dark, unable to hold government accountable or responsibly plan for the public good. Instead of being proactive and visionary, government is perpetually stuck in reactive mode, scrambling to put out fires of its own making.

All of this only deepens the island’s dependence on Dutch aid every time disaster strikes. What could have been an era of growth—driven by strategic investments, homeporting deals, and self-powered economic resilience—is lost to a combination of administrative gridlock, irresponsibility, and willful neglect.

The people of St. Maarten deserve more than excuses and empty promises. We demand accountability for these failures and an immediate plan for pulling the country out of this self-imposed financial limbo. We have the infrastructure. We have the experience. Yet unless voters force a change, St. Maarten’s immense potential will stay locked away—wasted by those who were trusted to lead. The time for reform and real leadership is now.