St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Erosion of Governance: URSM-Led Coalition Prioritizes Perks Over People.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Concerns are growing across St. Maarten as several sectors express frustration over unpaid invoices, stalled projects, and what many describe as a widening gap between government priorities and the needs of workers and vendors.

While politicians within the URSM-led coalition, including ministers, Members of Parliament, and cabinet staff, continue to receive salaries, per diems, and other allowances on time, numerous vendors and essential service providers say they are still waiting for payment for work completed months ago.

Frontline Workers on Go-Slow Since April

Essential frontline workers have reportedly been on a “go-slow” since April 2025, citing long-standing issues over pay and working conditions. Rather than addressing their concerns, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina urged the WICSU-PSU union to instruct its members to return to work, a move that has sparked further criticism.

Union representatives say the government’s response has been dismissive, and that the situation reflects a broader lack of engagement with labor issues under the current administration.

Market Vendors Still Waiting

Market vendors in Philipsburg are also expressing disappointment, noting that the long-promised new marketplace remains unbuilt. Last year, the Minister of TEATT and members of the Democratic Party (DP) publicly laid a ceremonial “first block” for the project, but since then, there has been no visible progress on construction.

Justice Workers Await Landsbesluiten

In the justice sector, members of the NAPB and other justice workers continue to wait for their official Landsbesluiten, documents needed to finalize their legal employment status and salary adjustments. The process, which had been moving forward under former Ministers of Justice Anna Richardson and Lyndon Lewis, has reportedly stalled under the current government.

Private Sector Asked to Fund Public Duties

Business leaders are also raising eyebrows after being approached to contribute significant sums to cover government-related expenses. Private businesses have been asked to provide approximately half a million dollars to support crime prevention initiatives during the holiday season.

Earlier this week, DP MP Viren Kotai was seen in accompanying the Minister of TEATT to a meeting with the Harbor Group of Companies, a government-owned entity, in what sources described as an effort to secure additional funding. The move has prompted questions about the separation of powers and the ethical role of MPs in government financial matters.

Private Funding for Public Infrastructure

In another instance, the Minister of VROMI announced that private businesses in the Pelican area would finance the paving of Billy Folly Road, a project estimated at another half a million dollars. Critics argue that the government’s growing reliance on private funding for public infrastructure highlights poor fiscal management.

Mounting Public Concern

The developments have fueled public frustration and accusations of hypocrisy toward government officials who continue to receive timely compensation and travel benefits while leaving contractors, workers, and service providers waiting.

As one concerned business owner put it, “The private sector can’t keep paying for government’s responsibilities. We’re reaching a breaking point.”

Contractor Derrick Fleming Shuts Down Landfill Over Outstanding Payments.

landfillblockage13112025 PHILIPSBURG:--- Operations at the Philipsburg landfill briefly came to a halt earlier today after contractor Derrick Fleming suspended work due to outstanding payments owed by the Government of St. Maarten.

Fleming, who is contracted to operate and maintain government-owned equipment at the landfill, said that his company has been facing irregular payment patterns for months. “We’ve been working continuously with the government, but there are recurring issues with delayed payments due to internal policy or administrative changes,” he explained.

According to Fleming, invoices dating as far back as December 2024 remain partially unpaid. Payments for some months in 2025 — including February, April, and June — were skipped, creating a backlog of outstanding amounts.

The matter, Fleming said, has been brought to the attention of Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. on two occasions prior to the shutdown. Following a meeting on Thursday morning, both parties reached an understanding that the outstanding payments would be settled “in a short time span.”

“The Minister assured us that policies are being worked on to address the current situation,” Fleming noted. “Given that, I’ve agreed to reopen the landfill later today.”

Normal operations are expected to resume within hours.

Vehicle Fire Near Divi Little Bay.

brinksonfire13112025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is currently responding to a vehicle fire that occurred near the entrance of Divi Little Bay. Members of the Fire Department are on the scene and working diligently to extinguish the blaze.

As a result, the road leading to and from Divi Little Bay is temporarily closed to all traffic. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes until the situation is brought under control.

Police and detectives are also present at the scene as the investigation into the cause of the fire continues.

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NAPB- Sint Maarten Announces Full Support for Fire Department and Ambulance Workers in Ongoing Grievance Dispute.

marcuspantophlet13112025 PHILIPSBURG:--- Police Union, NAPB- Sint Maarten, representing the dedicated law enforcement professionals of Country Sint Maarten, today announced its full and unwavering support for the members of the Fire Department and Ambulance/EMS workers represented by the WICSU-PSU in their ongoing efforts to have their grievances fairly addressed.

On Monday, 8th August 2025, at 8:00 AM, an urgent meeting was held with the membership of NAPB- Sint Maarten. Among the various updates given to the members present, Pantophlet also discussed the current issues affecting firefighters and ambulance personnel and foresees adverse effects on other agencies in the justice ministry if their grievances are not addressed.

“The fight of the firemen and ambulance/ EMS workers was our fight 5 years ago. We must stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in the fire and ambulance services!” said Pantophlet, President of NAPB-Sint Maarten. “We all serve the same community, and we all face the same challenges — long hours, dangerous conditions, and increasing demands with limited resources. It’s time for the country to recognize and properly address the legitimate concerns being raised.”

The grievances filed by fire and ambulance personnel reportedly stem from serious concerns about placements and retroactive payments linked to their function book. Despite repeated attempts to engage in meaningful dialogue, their concerns have not been adequately met.

“The safety of our community depends on strong, supported, and respected emergency services across the board. When one of us is stretched too thin or ignored, it affects all of us — and ultimately, it affects public safety.”

NAPB-Sint Maarten calls on public officials and stakeholders to prioritize fair treatment of all first responders and work toward a resolution that ensures the long-term well-being of those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

Government of Sint Maarten Reaffirms Commitment to Constructive Dialogue with WICSU-PSU Through Proposed Mediation Process.

lucmercelina01102025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten has taken another significant step toward strengthening collaboration with the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union–Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) by proposing the introduction of an independent mediator to support ongoing discussions concerning Fire Department personnel.
Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina formally communicated the proposal to WICSU-PSU President Ms. Sharon Cangieter, highlighting the Government’s dedication to resolving outstanding matters through cooperation and mutual respect.

While the Government has presented four potential candidates directly to the union, the Prime Minister made it clear that he will not be publicly disclosing the names of those individuals out of respect for the integrity of the process and the privacy of all involved.

“In recent weeks, the Government and WICSU-PSU have engaged in constructive and meaningful communication,” stated Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina. “This progress reflects our shared commitment to finding fair, balanced, and sustainable solutions for the men and women of the Fire Department who serve our country with unwavering dedication.”

The Government’s proposal allows the union to either consider a candidate put forward by the Government or propose a mediator of its own choosing, with the understanding that the final selection must be mutually agreed upon to ensure neutrality and trust.
“The introduction of a mediator represents our intention to support a dialogue that is transparent, respectful, and focused on tangible outcomes,” the Prime Minister added. “We welcome WICSU-PSU’s participation in shaping this next step, and we remain committed to pursuing a resolution that honors the interests of all parties involved.”

Prime Minister Mercelina also emphasized that protecting the confidentiality of proposed mediators is essential to maintaining a professional and impartial process.

“This moment provides an opportunity for us to reaffirm our partnership and our shared responsibility to safeguard the well-being of those who protect and serve our community,” he said.

“Together, we can foster a path forward that reinforces trust, strengthens collaboration, and upholds the values of service and fairness that our country stands for.”

The Government remains steadfast in its commitment to working collaboratively with the union to ensure a dignified and solution-oriented process for Fire Department personnel and all stakeholders.