PHILIPSBURG: --- The government of St. Maarten owes its frontline workers, particularly its firefighters and ambulance personnel, not only support but an unequivocal display of respect and effective action. Instead, these workers—who put their lives on the line every day for the safety and well-being of the population—have been met with negligence, blatant disrespect, and appalling bureaucratic delays.
Since August 7th, firefighters and ambulance workers have resumed their go-slow action. Why? The government has once again failed to deliver on its promises and address the grievances of these essential public servants. The last thread of goodwill was shredded when the Prime Minister’s Office canceled a crucial meeting originally scheduled for August 6th, pushing it to August 15th without so much as an explanation or even a token apology.
This action was not just disappointing—it was a slap in the face to those who carry the weight of public safety on their shoulders. How can the government justify prioritizing other matters while disrespecting the very people who respond when disaster strikes? The disregard for these workers is emblematic of an administration that seems completely out of touch with the needs of its citizens and employees.
A History of Disrespect
The sheer audacity of the government’s inaction is compounded by the fact that the go-slow was initially sparked weeks ago after firefighters and ambulance workers were disrespected by members of the St. Maarten Carnival Foundation during events at the Festival Village. Instead of stepping up to rectify the situation and affirm their commitment to these workers, the government has compounded the issue with silence and delays.
The Windward Islands Civil Servants and Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU), acting in good faith, suspended the initial go-slow under the expectation of meaningful dialogue and resolution at the August 6th meeting. But the government couldn’t even manage the basic task of keeping its word. What followed was a cavalcade of disrespect, signaling not just administrative failure but a total lack of acknowledgment for the critical role these workers play in society.
It’s not as if the grievances of firefighters and ambulance workers are new. For years, they’ve been advocating for a function book to be finalized—an essential step in providing clarity on roles, responsibilities, and promotional pathways. Despite the function book being published in the national gazette, promotions for young firefighters who have been serving since 2019 remain unapproved. This glaring inaction has serious repercussions.
Some of these young professionals cannot even secure loans from banks because their placements have not been made official. Their ability to build a future—buy a home, support a family—has been effectively crippled because of the government’s paralysis. The placement process, which should have been completed by 2024, was never finalized. Instead of champions of safety, these workers have been reduced to pawns in an endless game of administrative incompetence.
The government’s negligence is shameful. The lack of urgency and accountability in this matter sends a clear message to firefighters and ambulance personnel—that their well-being is not a priority. These are not only operational failures; they are moral failures. How can an administration claim to care for its people when it ignores the cries of those who protect and serve?
This is not just about a function book or a rescheduled meeting. It is about respect, fairness, and basic human dignity. By failing to address these long-standing issues, the government has eroded the trust of its most essential workers. And unless immediate, concrete action is taken, this betrayal will leave scars not only on the morale of these workers but on the public’s faith in its leadership.
St. Maarten deserves better leadership, and its frontline workers deserve a government that recognizes their invaluable contributions. Anything less is unacceptable.