PHILIPSBURG:--- After weeks of dispute and a notable halt in operations, St. Maarten’s firefighters and ambulance personnel have resumed all duties ahead of this year’s Carnival parade. The resolution comes following two key meetings where government officials and union representatives reached an agreement to address the workers’ urgent concerns.
The workers had initiated a go-slow on April 17, citing various grievances. These included a lack of respect towards their profession, inadequate facilities, and unaddressed issues concerning their ability to properly serve the public during major events. Their requests for an urgent meeting, made as far back as April 12, had gone unanswered, with a meeting now set for May 7.
On Monday evening, frustration reached a boiling point, and the union walked out of a preliminary meeting.
The situation became critical as the Carnival parade loomed closer, with local law enforcement (KPSM) expressing their unwillingness to participate in the event should the ambulance and fire personnel continue their go-slow action. The potential disruption heightened government intervention and prompted high-stakes negotiations.
Spotlight on SCDF's Role and Leadership Concerns
During the discussions, significant focus was placed on the role of the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) in the ongoing disputes. Several pivotal questions were posed to SCDF's Michael Granger, who, despite his prominent involvement, claimed not to hold the organization's presidency. Concerns were raised by participants who alleged that Granger was effectively running SCDF, with Edwardo Radjouki serving merely as a figurehead. The unions and their members expressed frustration, stating that SCDF, as the event planner, bore the responsibility for ensuring necessary services during Carnival, rather than deflecting blame onto the government or other entities like SOG. This apparent lack of accountability added to workers' feelings of disrespect throughout the negotiations.
Government and Union Mediation Leads to Agreement
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, a second meeting was convened involving key government officials, including Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, and Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Richinel Brug. Stakeholders from the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) also participated, having played a role in bringing the workers’ grievances to the forefront.
A local attorney mediated the discussions. Government sources indicate that legal action was threatened to ensure the resumption of duties. However, the talks culminated in a signed agreement between the Prime Minister, the Minister of Labor, and union representatives.
Among the concessions, ambulance personnel were provided with a container at Festival Village to use as a base during the parade and have been granted authorization to park inside the venue. Firefighters will have designated parking for their personnel, but fire trucks will remain outside the Festival Village due to space constraints.
Despite their demands for a dedicated medical room being denied, the Prime Minister, a medical surgeon by profession, felt that ambulance personnel's primary responsibility is to stabilize patients at the scene before transporting them to the St. Maarten Medical Center.
Workers Prioritize National Celebration Over Disputes
Following the Tuesday night meeting, firefighters and ambulance workers expressed satisfaction with the outcome, though additional grievances linger beneath the surface. Both groups emphasized their decision to prioritize the country’s biggest celebration and the thousands of revelers who invested in Carnival costumes and preparations.
A representative for the workers stated that the gesture was a testament to their dedication to the community, saying, "Country was placed above self." By agreeing to resume all duties, they ensured that the Carnival Parade would proceed as planned, with all necessary safety measures in place.
Broader Issues Remain on the Table
While the agreement has resolved the immediate situation, sources indicated that deeper frustrations regarding working conditions and recognition of the essential services remain unresolved. The workers have underscored this during their go-slow action, citing years of systemic neglect and disrespect.
Meetings have now been moved forward, with further discussions scheduled to take place in the coming days to address lingering grievances. Government officials have reiterated their commitment to finding long-term solutions.
Carnival Parade Proceeds as Planned
With the agreement in place, St. Maarten’s firefighters and ambulance workers will be fully present during the Carnival parade, ensuring the safety and well-being of attendees. The resolution is critical in maintaining public services while fostering dialogue between the government and its essential workforce.
The outcome reflects a shared commitment to the nation’s cultural events, ensuring that Carnival remains a vibrant and secure celebration for all.