PHILIPSBURG:--- In a glaring display of political hypocrisy, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and his coalition have once again demonstrated that the concerns of the people are far from their priority. The same coalition members who vehemently opposed a motion to grant relief from GEBE—brought forward by Opposition MP Omar Ottley—are now scrambling to justify their inaction and deflect blame. Their actions, or lack thereof, are a direct insult to the very citizens they were elected to serve.

A History of Hypocrisy

The facts speak for themselves. In October 2024, Prime Minister Mercelina, along with Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams and MP Viren Kotai, voted against  MP Omar Ottley’s motion, which sought to provide much-needed relief to the people. Wescot-Williams, in a move that reeks of political theater, requested that her coalition partner, Prime Minister Mercelina, return to Parliament within two weeks with the relevant data on GEBE and proposed relief measures.

Other members, including former GEBE COO turned MP Veronica Webster-Jansen, and MP Sjamira Roseburg, also voted against the motion. Their reasoning? It wasn’t about the merits of the motion or the needs of the people—it was simply because an opposition MP presented the motion. 

Two weeks passed, and when pressed for answers, Mercelina dared to ask if Members of Parliament were serious. The real question is: Is the Prime Minister serious about serving the people?

Fast forward to June 23, 2025, when MP Omar Ottley presented a second motion, this time supported by eight Members of Parliament: MP Omar Ottley, Egbert Doran, Ardwell Irion, Francisco Lacroes, Lyndon Lewis, Darryl York, and Ludmilla De Weever. Despite the clear intent to address the struggles of the people, coalition members Sarah Wescot-Williams, Franklin Meyers, Viren Kotai, Demar Labega, Reyhyon Peterson, Veronica Webster Jansen, and Sjamira Roseburg voted against the motion.

Their reasoning? It wasn’t about the merits of the motion or the needs of the people—it was simply because an opposition MP presented the motion. This petty, partisan behavior is not just disgraceful; it’s dangerous. It underscores a complete disregard for the struggles of the people they were elected to represent.

The GEBE Debacle: A Legacy of Neglect and Deception

GEBE, the utility company at the heart of this controversy, has long been a source of frustration for consumers. While GEBE has not admitted that its fuel clause calculation is flawed, the RAC/BTP report has highlighted significant issues with these calculations. Instead of addressing these concerns transparently, the government chose to redact critical portions of the report, including the fuel clause calculations.

What are they hiding? And why?

To make matters worse, the review report allegedly conducted by GEBE on the RAC/BTP findings has not been made available to the public or to Parliament. This lack of transparency is unacceptable. How can lawmakers and consumers trust any of these reports when the government refuses to provide clarity? Who exactly conducted the review of the RAC/BTP report, and why is this information being withheld?

For years, those in government—both past and present—have known that consumers were being overcharged, yet they did nothing. This continued neglect and secrecy only deepen the public’s mistrust. The people deserve answers, not more redacted reports and empty promises.

A Prime Minister Without Accountability

Prime Minister Mercelina’s leadership—or lack thereof—has been nothing short of disastrous. He called on the Supervisory Board of Directors (SBOD) to resign but failed to explain why he pressured the Council of Ministers into appointing Jefferyson Paris as the Chief Operations Officer (COO). This move raises serious questions about his motives and his commitment to good governance. Is Mercelina more interested in consolidating power than in addressing the real issues facing the country?

The Prime Minister’s dismissive attitude toward Parliament and the people is a glaring reminder of why trust in politicians is at an all-time low. His coalition’s decision to vote against relief for GEBE consumers, coupled with their refusal to provide transparency, is a betrayal of public trust.

The coalition’s actions—or inactions—speak volumes. They have shown that they are more interested in political posturing than in solving real problems. The people of this country deserve better. They deserve leaders who will put their needs first, who will fight for transparency, and who will hold themselves accountable.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and his coalition have failed the people. It’s time for them to stop hiding behind redacted reports and empty promises. The people are watching, and they will not forget.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  On Monday, August 18, 2025, His Excellency the Governor Ajamu Baly, the Honorable President of Parliament, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams, the Honorable Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Dr. Luc Mercelina, the Council of Ministers and the Members of Parliament, in this order, will solemnly sign the condolences book of the late Romeo Pantophlet, former Minister of TEATT and Member of Parliament. Family members of the late Mr. Pantophlet will also be in attendance for the signing moment.

Once the signing is complete, the condolences book will be made available for signing by all that wish to share their condolences to the family of the late Mr. Pantophlet as of 12:00 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2025, every workday in the lobby of the Government Administration Building, at Soualiga Road #1, Pond Island, Great Bay, during the opening hours of 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The condolences book will remain available for signing until the day before the funeral.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of VROMI is calling on all crane operators across Sint Maarten to immediately fold and secure their cranes in preparation for the approaching storm system.
Unsecured cranes pose a serious risk to public safety and infrastructure during high winds and heavy rainfall. Operators are instructed to:
• Fold and lock cranes into their safest position
• Secure all loose components and attachments
• Ensure proper anchoring and stability
Compliance is mandatory and will be monitored. The Ministry appreciates the cooperation of all operators in safeguarding our community. Please stay safe, vigilant and prepared.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government of Sint Maarten proudly announces the official approval of the expanded Function Book for the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, which includes the creation of 20 new positions dedicated to Sint Maarten’s branch of the service. This significant milestone, which has no budgetary consequences for the Government of Sint Maarten, marks a major step forward in strengthening the country’s maritime security and operational readiness.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina expressed deep appreciation to the Honorable Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, for her leadership in bringing this process to completion.

“Minister Tackling’s dedication and follow-through on this matter have been exemplary. The creation of these new Coast Guard positions enhances our island’s security capabilities and supports those who work tirelessly to protect our borders and safeguard our people,” said Prime Minister Mercelina.

The Function Book approval process, completed earlier this week, provides clear descriptions, classifications, and responsibilities for the newly established and existing roles within the Coast Guard. Importantly, the expansion will be fully funded externally, meaning no additional financial burden will be placed on the Government of Sint Maarten.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of strategic guidance and collaboration at the highest levels of government in achieving this outcome.

“This success is the result of effective partnership from Minister Tackling and her team, and the collective backing of the Council of Ministers,” PM Dr. Mercelina stated.

In addition, the Prime Minister recognized the constructive role of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union / Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) in the process.

“WICSU-PSU has been an important voice in ensuring that the Function Book accurately reflects the operational realities and safeguards the welfare of our Coast Guard personnel. Their engagement and contributions have helped make this achievement possible,” noted Prime Minister Mercelina.