PHILIPSBURG:---Today’s public meeting in the Parliament of Sint Maarten was nothing short of a political spectacle, marked by chaos, frustration, and a dramatic walkout by opposition MPs and coalition member MP Ludmilla De Weever. The tribune, filled with disillusioned firefighters and ambulance workers, also emptied in protest, leaving the hall in a state of disarray. The session, which was meant to address a motion of disapproval against Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, ended abruptly due to a lack of quorum, further highlighting the dysfunction plaguing the government.

Deputy Prime Minister Steps in Amid Prime Minister’s Absence

In the absence of Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, Deputy Prime Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten attempted to fill the void, addressing Parliament on matters related to the Ministry of General Affairs, especially pertaining to the firefighters and ambulance workers who have been on a go-slow for more than a year. Her presence was a response to repeated calls from members of Parliament for substitute ministers to step in when the Prime Minister is unavailable. However, her efforts to provide clarity and respond to questions were overshadowed by the escalating tensions in the chamber.

Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams acknowledged the Deputy Prime Minister’s attempt to address the concerns raised by MPs but lamented the absence of the Prime Minister himself. Despite the Deputy Prime Minister’s presence and the attendance of the Minister of VSA and their support staff, the meeting could not proceed due to insufficient members present to establish a quorum. Chairlady Wescot-Williams confirmed the roll call, noting the absence of several MPs, and declared that the meeting would resume next Monday, with the expectation that the Prime Minister will finally appear to address the pressing issues.

A Motion of Disapproval and a Crisis in Leadership

The motion of disapproval, presented by Opposition MP Francisco Lacroes, outlined a litany of failures under the Prime Minister’s leadership. These included the persistent inability of departments under his purview—such as legal affairs, personnel, and the Fire Department—to provide adequate support to other ministries, leading to operational breakdowns and diminished public trust. The motion also highlighted the ongoing "go-slow" action by the Fire Department and ambulance services, which has severely impaired emergency response capacity since April of last year, endangering public safety and the country’s tourism sector.

The Prime Minister’s repeated failure to address long-standing personnel and labor issues, including the refusal to properly compensate Fire Department personnel for years of service under incorrect salary scales, has only deepened the crisis. The motion called for urgent action to resolve these issues and demanded that the Prime Minister return to Parliament within six weeks with a full update.

Opposition Walkout and Public Outrage

The frustration reached a boiling point when Chairlady Wescot-Williams announced that the Prime Minister would be given the opportunity to respond to the motion and outstanding questions in the next session. Opposition MPs, joined by coalition member Ludmilla De Weever, walked out in protest, signaling their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the crisis. The firefighters and ambulance workers, who had filled the tribune in a show of solidarity, also marched out, leaving the hall eerily empty and underscoring the gravity of the situation.

A Nation Left in Limbo

As the meeting adjourned, the public was left with more questions than answers. The Deputy Prime Minister’s attempt to address the concerns was commendable but ultimately insufficient in the absence of the Prime Minister. The lack of quorum and the dramatic walkout by MPs and emergency service workers further highlighted the deep divisions and dysfunction within the government.

The meeting is set to resume next Monday, with the Prime Minister expected to finally face Parliament and address the motion of disapproval. However, the damage to public trust and the morale of emergency service workers has already been done. The people of Sint Maarten are left wondering whether their leaders can rise to the occasion and resolve the crisis or if this will be yet another chapter in a saga of political inaction and broken promises.

For now, the nation waits, but patience is wearing thin. The stakes are higher than ever, and the safety, security, and well-being of the people hang in the balance. Monday’s session will be a defining moment for the government and a test of its ability to lead in the face of mounting challenges.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Permanent Committee of Petitions (CP) will be meeting on January 30, 2026.  

The Committee meeting is scheduled for Friday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:

Proposal Ad Hoc Committee regarding GEBE

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. 

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament 

Willemstad, Curaçao:---  Orco Bank N.V. reported a strong financial performance in 2025, reflecting sustained economic growth in Curaçao, Bonaire, and Sint Maarten, alongside strategic investments in digital banking and customer accessibility. Total assets increased by 18.3% to XCG 2.5 billion, while customer deposits grew by 18.7% to XCG 2.3 billion, underscoring continued confidence in the bank. Loans and advances expanded by 34.3% to XCG 1,485 million, supporting both retail and corporate clients, and the bank recorded a net result of XCG 29.1 million. Key milestones during the year included the successful transition of the CIBC FirstCaribbean portfolio in Sint Maarten, the bank’s first AutoXperience car Loan campaign in Curaçao, and the expansion of ATM and self-service locations across Curaçao and Sint Maarten. Looking ahead, Orco Bank remains focused on strengthening client relationships, expanding digital services, and supporting sustainable economic development throughout the region. Attached image: Managing Director & CEO of Orco Bank: Mr. Edward Pietersz

Sint Maarten is at a crossroads.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As a country, we have demonstrated resilience in the face of global shocks and uncertainty. However, resilience alone is no longer sufficient. The challenges we face today, economic sustainability, diversification, labor pressures, governance reform, safety, and long-term competitiveness, are interconnected and require a more deliberate, coordinated approach.
In response, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) will host the Strategic Economic Stakeholders Consultation Workshop from February 2 to 6, 2026, under the theme:
“Addressing Sint Maarten’s Crossroads; Charting a New Way Forward.”
The workshop will take place at the Belair Community Center and is designed to move beyond traditional consultation formats. This initiative reflects months of preparation, research, and engagement, informed by what stakeholders have consistently expressed as missing in previous processes, depth, structure, follow-through, and relevance.
This consultation recognizes that while individuals often experience the economy through a single lens, whether as residents, business owners, professionals, or sector representatives, the economy itself functions as a system with many moving parts. TEATT’s role is to view the economy holistically and to lead the strategic coordination necessary to create balance across sectors.
As Minister of TEATT, Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, stated:
“The economy cannot be viewed through a single lens. To move Sint Maarten forward, we must look at the entire system, tourism, labor, investment, innovation, and safety, and create the right balance. But this only works if stakeholders engage differently. Help us understand what you are facing, so we can help you, and together help Sint Maarten move forward with solutions that can actually be implemented.”
The five-day workshop is structured around key themes that reflect both local realities and global developments. Each day will focus on a core theme that together forms the foundation of Sint Maarten’s economic future:
• Setting the Stage: Where Sint Maarten stands today and the realities shaping our choices
• Tourism Development: Strengthening the core pillar while addressing vulnerability and sustainability
• Safety & Security: As a prerequisite for economic confidence and investment
• Blue Economy: With specific attention to Maritime and Yachting opportunities
• Orange Economy & Diversification: Including arts, culture, culinary, film, festivals, and creative industries
• Policy Challenges and Institutional Alignment: Addressing gaps, overlaps, and implementation barriers, incentives and structural reforms.
To enrich these discussions, the consultation will feature valuable keynote speakers and experts from abroad, professionals in their respective fields who have firsthand experience guiding economies through similar stages of development. Their perspectives will provide practical insight into how other jurisdictions have navigated challenges comparable to those Sint Maarten now faces, offering lessons learned and approaches that can be adapted to the local context.
Importantly, discussions will not be limited strictly to matters within TEATT’s immediate mandate. Issues raised that fall outside the Ministry’s direct responsibility but are critical to economic progress will be documented and explored further through coordinated follow-up. This approach underscores the importance of stakeholders not only attending but engaging constructively and substantively.
Participation includes a broad cross-section of society:
• The private sector
• Labor unions
• Government-owned entities such as the Port, Airport, and GEBE
• Independent institutions including the SER, Integrity Chamber, Ombudsman, and High Councils of State
• All Ministries : TEATT, ECYS, JUS, FIN, VROMI, VSA, AZ
The consultation also aligns with ongoing reforms under the E6 Country Package, with support from TWO and RVO, whose involvement has helped make this initiative possible and reinforces the commitment to sustainable, long-term economic development.
Input gathered during the week will directly inform the development of a Strategic Economic Development Plan, supported by an Expert Group and followed by additional targeted consultations where necessary. The objective is clear: a plan that is realistic, actionable, and supported by those who will help implement it.
Stakeholders who have received invitations are encouraged to register. Those who believe their expertise aligns with the themes and who wish to contribute meaningfully are also invited to participate. Registration remains open until this Friday, January 30th, 2026. A detailed agenda will be shared thereinafter with registrants to guide participation.
Further information may be obtained via:
• Mr. Miguel de Weever, Secretary General – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Mr. Shervin Frederick, Head of ETT – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
This consultation represents a deliberate shift—from fragmented discussions to coordinated planning, and from reacting to challenges to governing Forward by Design. Meaningful progress now depends on meaningful participation.