PHILIPSBURG:--- New Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) Claret M.M. Connor has identified healthcare sustainability, protection of the country’s most vulnerable residents and stronger compliance with labor laws as three priorities that will guide his tenure, while acknowledging that many families are struggling under the increasing cost of living.
Connor outlined his agenda in his first address to the people of Sint Maarten after taking the oath of office on Wednesday, August 5.
The new minister said his immediate focus will be bringing stability to VSA and ensuring that government attention is translated into tangible results for residents who depend on the ministry.
Connor acknowledged that he is assuming responsibility for VSA at a difficult time, particularly for households struggling to meet their daily expenses.
“Our country continues to experience difficult times,” Connor said, pointing to the pressure the cost of living is placing on households.
While recognizing that the problem cannot be solved by VSA alone, Connor said he understands the anxiety facing patients, senior citizens, workers and vulnerable families who depend on the ministry.
“My first responsibility, starting now, is stability,” Connor said. He said the task facing himself and the VSA team is ensuring that attention is converted into results affecting people’s health, livelihoods and wellbeing.
Healthcare: Reduce Dependence on Overseas Referrals
Healthcare will be one of the three major areas of focus.
Connor said VSA will support Social and Health Insurances SZV in its efforts to establish a financially sustainable healthcare system.
A specific objective will be continuing efforts to reduce Sint Maarten's costly dependence on overseas medical referrals.
He also committed to advancing the country's ten-year mental health strategy, saying the objective must be to ensure that it becomes a reality rather than simply remaining a policy document.
Connor enters VSA with prior involvement in some of the projects affecting the ministry.
He noted that during his most recent position as Director of the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), he worked closely for 7½ years with the Government of Sint Maarten, the Government of the Netherlands and the World Bank on the country's recovery projects.
According to Connor, VSA, the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) and other stakeholders are now in the advanced stages of realizing a fully operational mental health facility, supported by institutional reforms and a long-term strategy for the sector.
“I do not come into the Ministry of VSA as a stranger to some of its work,” Connor said, adding that he understands both the weight of the portfolio and what will be required to meet its objectives and obligations.
Social Development: Safety Net Must Work
Connor's second priority will be social development, with particular attention to senior citizens, children and vulnerable residents.
He said government has a responsibility to ensure that the social safety net actually functions for those who need it.
“In social development, we must protect our seniors, our children, and our most vulnerable, and make sure the safety net this Ministry is charged with holding actually holds,” Connor said.
Labor: Compliance is “Not Optional”
The new VSA Minister also sent a clear message to employers regarding compliance with Sint Maarten's labor legislation.
Connor said government must defend fair treatment of workers while simultaneously creating a business environment in which both employers and employees respect the country's labor laws.
He pledged to work with the business community, employee organizations, unions and institutions to improve standards across industries.
However, Connor made clear that cooperation will not replace enforcement of existing rules.
“I expect every employer to comply with the rules that govern our country. Compliance with our labor laws is not optional,” Connor stated.
He said compliance is essential not only for protecting employees but also for creating a level playing field for businesses and developing a fair and productive economy in which employment provides people with a foundation for improving their quality of life.
Connor also said the quality of service and, by extension, the overall Sint Maarten product should once again become the “envy of the region.”
Promises Continuity, Asks Public to Hold Him Accountable
Rather than presenting his appointment as a complete change in direction, Connor stressed continuity.
He said ministries exist to serve the population and contribute to improving people's quality of life and livelihoods. He pledged to build on work already accomplished, strengthen institutions and work with VSA's staff to deliver services.
Connor also asked the public for patience while he settles into the ministry, but importantly invited criticism when his performance falls short.
“I ask for your honesty when I fall short,” Connor said, adding that he would prefer to hear concerns directly and make adjustments where warranted rather than have problems remain unspoken.
He emphasized that VSA does not belong to the minister occupying the office.
“This Ministry belongs to the people of this country, not to me. I am simply the one entrusted, for now, to lead it,” Connor said.
He also thanked VSA employees for keeping the ministry functioning through what he described as a difficult period and pledged to work alongside them and build on what has already been accomplished.
Connor previously served Sint Maarten as a Member of Parliament and Minister before taking up his most recent position as NRPB Director.
Closing his inaugural address, Connor said he accepts the VSA portfolio as a responsibility to the people of Sint Maarten and future generations rather than as a political reward.
“I accept this responsibility with humility,” Connor said, describing the appointment as “not a reward, and not a favor.”
He pledged to do his best to earn the trust placed in him.