PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has written to the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, requesting an update on the current status of road repairs, ongoing projects, and the use of funds that were previously secured for the improvement of the country’s infrastructure. The MP highlighted that approximately 2 million guilders from the CAPEX 2023 allocation, secured during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, should still be available for both the hard-surfacing of side roads and the general upgrade and upkeep of the national road network. He stated that the public deserves clarity on how far these works have progressed and what remains outstanding.
MP Doran explained that the hard-surfacing project initiated during his time in office, which he developed together with the dedicated team at VROMI, is especially close to his heart because it focused on finally addressing long-neglected side roads in several neighborhoods across the island. These were roads that had not seen proper attention in decades. He noted that the funding secured in CAPEX 2023 was specifically intended to allow the current administration to continue this work without interruption.
Additionally, the MP has asked Minister Patrice Gumbs for information on the annual bidding process for road repair and maintenance, specifically whether the tender for the 2026 cycle has already been executed, and if not, when it will be published.
MP Doran’s inquiries further include the status of the bidding process for stormwater pumps, which are essential for managing heavy rainfall and reducing the risk of flooding in vulnerable areas. He has asked Minister Gumbs whether this tendering process has been completed, which companies participated, and what the next steps will be.
The MP also asked the Minister to provide the list of completed roads, the number of pending roads, and whether any roads had been removed from the original project plan. He further requested updated timelines for commencement and completion of each location, especially in cases where projected dates had already elapsed.
MP Doran pointed out that during his tenure as Minister of VROMI, while larger projects were being prepared, workmen were still dispatched to patch potholes in the interim. This approach helped keep certain areas safe and reasonably passable until more complete solutions could be put in place. He observed that this form of temporary maintenance appears to have slowed down since he left office, and he has asked Minister Gumbs whether there is a particular reason for the change.
Toward the end of his statement, MP Doran noted that while every ministry faces challenges, the country cannot afford extended slowdowns in basic infrastructure work without explanation. He stressed that residents are increasingly frustrated with deteriorating road conditions and should get clear answers on when improvements will be delivered. “People are tired of guessing. They want straightforward information and visible progress. As an MP, it is my responsibility to follow up and ensure that the commitments made and the funds allocated are translated into real action,” he said.
Lastly, he expressed hope that the information provided by Minister Gumbs will give residents a clearer understanding of the work already completed and what they can expect in the period ahead.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Bank marks its 65th anniversary by honouring the island’s heritage and reaffirming its commitment to community development through a special contribution towards realizing the publication of the book, “SiMART'N History and Culture: Election Map of Activities, Results and More “by the late Louis Duzanson
PHILIPSBURG:--- As Sint Maarten prepares to celebrate Thanksgiving, observed annually on the first Sunday of December, the Sint Maarten Library is pleased to announce a generous donation of new books to our children’s section from the Euton family.
