PHILIPSBURG:--- In a pivotal address marking the close of the 2024–2025 Parliamentary year, Chairlady of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams unveiled a series of bold constitutional reform initiatives aimed at enhancing accountability and strengthening the democratic framework of Sint Maarten. Delivered on Monday, September 8, her speech underscored the urgent need for structural changes to ensure a more effective and transparent Parliament.

Central to her proposals are amendments to Article 59, which governs the dissolution of Parliament, and the operationalization of Article 33, which regulates motions of no confidence. These reforms, Wescot-Williams emphasized, are critical to aligning parliamentary processes with the original intent of the Constitution and fostering greater trust in governance.

Reforming Article 59: Dissolution of Parliament

Wescot-Williams announced the submission of her long-discussed initiative to amend Article 59, which currently allows Parliament to be dissolved by national decree. She highlighted the need for a comprehensive review of this provision, stating, “Application of Article 59 currently is not keeping with the spirit of how it was put in our Constitution. Parliament must have this discussion.”

A start note has been prepared to outline the rationale and options for reform, ensuring that the dissolution of Parliament is used judiciously and in alignment with democratic principles. The proposed changes aim to prevent misuse of this mechanism and to safeguard the stability of Sint Maarten’s parliamentary system.

Operationalizing Article 33: Motions of No Confidence

Equally significant is Wescot-Williams’ push to operationalize Article 33, which governs motions of no confidence. While the Constitution mandates that ministers who lose Parliament’s confidence must resign, the procedural steps for implementing such motions remain undefined.

“Motions must not remain paper declarations,” Wescot-Williams asserted. “Parliament must move from motion to materialization, from request to result. They must be intentional, balanced, and most of all realistic.” By drafting an ordinance to detail the application and procedural steps of no-confidence motions, the Chairlady aims to ensure that these critical tools of accountability are both effective and enforceable.

Broader Structural Reforms

Beyond constitutional amendments, Wescot-Williams called for deeper structural reforms within Parliament. She proposed the establishment of topical committees on health and education, the expansion of investigative capacity, and the embedding of a culture of structured decision-making. This approach, she explained, would focus on addressing problems through clear responsibilities, actionable steps, and measurable accountability.

“The people of Sint Maarten deserve more than reflections of the past. They deserve direction for the future. They deserve a Parliament that leads transformation and a government that acts as one,” she declared.

A Vision for the Future

Wescot-Williams’ proposals reflect her commitment to fostering a more transparent, accountable, and effective Parliament. By addressing the gaps in Articles 59 and 33 and advocating for broader structural reforms, she aims to build a governance system that truly serves the people of Sint Maarten.

As Sint Maarten navigates its next chapter, these reforms could mark a turning point in the country’s democratic evolution, ensuring that Parliament remains a strong and trusted institution for years to come.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a comprehensive address marking the close of the 2024-2025 parliamentary year, a Member of Parliament, Francisco Lacroes, delivered a powerful call for greater accountability, transparency, and a renewed focus on the needs of St. Maarten's citizens. The speech highlighted a year of significant challenges and underscored key priorities for the nation's future, urging for cross-party collaboration to build a more resilient and equitable society.

Reflecting on the past year, the MP emphasized several critical issues that demanded parliamentary attention. A major point of concern was the mold infestation in the Government Administration Building, which posed serious respiratory health risks to civil servants. The speaker noted that initial inquiries into remediation efforts and health assessments were met with silence, prompting a public denouncement of the lack of government action and a demand for immediate steps to ensure the safety of public employees.

The speech also addressed the urgent need for economic and energy transitions. The MP reiterated calls to move St. Maarten toward liquefied natural gas (LNG), a strategic shift framed as essential for the island to remain competitive, create jobs, and foster sustainable growth. This came in response to shipping giant CMA CGM rerouting operations due to Port St. Maarten’s current limitations.

A significant portion of the address was dedicated to scrutinizing government spending and advocating for fiscal responsibility. The MP raised serious concerns over the allocation of US$1.4 million for the Soul Beach Festival, arguing that such an expense was unjustifiable given the island's pressing needs in education and infrastructure. The speech criticized a perceived pattern of governance that favors bailouts and tax breaks for wealthy entities while neglecting vulnerable citizens.

In a push for social justice, pivotal motions were introduced during the recent budget debates. One proposal aimed to address the "inhumane conditions" at the Pointe Blanche Prison through measures like electronic monitoring, sentence reduction, and enhanced rehabilitation programs. Another motion urged for relief for residents and businesses struggling with high utility bills from NV GEBE.

Throughout the address, the speaker maintained a firm stance on upholding the interests of the people, stating that no form of intimidation would deter their commitment. The MP affirmed a willingness to table a motion of no confidence if necessary to ensure the government remains accountable to its constituents.

In closing, the parliamentarian issued a strong appeal for unity among fellow MPs to work across party lines. The speech concluded with a vision for a St. Maarten that prioritizes health, opportunity, and fairness for all its citizens, fueled by the lessons learned over the past year. "Let us build a resilient, inclusive, and economically viable nation," the speaker urged, framing the end of the parliamentary year not as a conclusion but as a catalyst for continued progress.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Social & Health Insurances SZV proudly announces the restructuring of its Human Resources Department into the People & Culture Department. This evolution is part of SZV’s broader Beyond 3.0 transition program, reinforcing our role as an employer of choice and advancing our commitment to service excellence, leadership, and public value.

The People & Culture Department will continue to manage core operational functions such as talent acquisition, benefits, compliance, and performance management. However, its renewed focus will champion employee experience, engagement, well-being, and development. This aligns with SZV’s vision of becoming a flexible, purpose-driven workplace where every employee feels valued, heard, and inspired.

Key focus areas include:

• Empowerment & Connection: shifting from managing resources to empowering individuals through personalized support and structured feedback loops.
• Well-being & Innovation: expanding access to wellness services and introducing smarter systems that improve transparency and access to information.
• Strategic Alignment: introducing new roles such as People Experience & Engagement Specialist and Talent Acquisition & Development Specialist, designed to meet evolving workforce needs.

Director of SZV, Glen A. Carty, stated: “This transition to People & Culture reflects our dedication to putting people first. We are proud of this milestone, but our journey is far from over. Together, we are building an SZV where trust, accountability, and empowerment guide how we serve and care for our employees, and ultimately, our community.”

Manager of People & Culture, Jahaira Boasman, added: “Our employees are the heart of SZV. With this transformation, we are reimagining how we support, engage, and develop our people. From wellness initiatives to career growth opportunities, People & Culture is about creating an environment where every individual feels connected, supported, and inspired to thrive.”

As SZV moves forward, its focus remains on empowering its employees, enhancing trust, and delivering public value through every step of its transition journey.

Simpson Bay:--- Authorities continue to work diligently to remove the WestJet aircraft from the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA). A recovery team from WestJet is also on site to complete the operation.

At this time, progress is looking positive, and it is expected that the aircraft will be removed around 11:00 AM. Once the aircraft has been cleared and SXM Civil Aviation has completed the necessary runway inspection, flight operations will resume.

We remain optimistic and will continue to keep the public and our stakeholders updated as the situation develops.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates on flight schedules and any potential changes.