PHILIPSBURG:--- During a recent Council of Ministers press briefing, a pointed question was directed at the Minister of VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure) regarding the ministry's resilience to corruption and its capacity for timely decision-making. The inquiry, prompted by public frustration over long waits for building permits and even simple address verifications, cut to the heart of a growing concern: are delays engineered to solicit bribes?

The Minister’s response was refreshingly direct, acknowledging that the current structure is not equipped to handle the demands of modern Sint Maarten. This admission opened a detailed discussion on the deep-seated systemic issues plaguing the ministry and the government's strategy to address them.

A System Stuck in 1935

A significant challenge highlighted by the Minister is the island's building ordinance, which dates back to 1935. This nearly century-old code was designed for a vastly different era, one of small chattel houses and simple construction. Today, VROMI staff are tasked with applying these outdated regulations to complex, multi-story condominium projects with modern amenities like central air conditioning—features not even contemplated by the original law.

This mismatch between antiquated rules and modern reality creates a bottleneck. The law mandates a one-month turnaround for permits, a feasible target when only a few homes were built per month. Now, the ministry receives dozens of applications each week, making the legally required timeline nearly impossible to meet with current processes. The Minister emphasized that while policies have been created over the years to bridge this gap, a comprehensive update to the building ordinance is a top priority for the ministry.

From Paper Files to Digital Solutions

The inefficiency is compounded by archaic, paper-based workflows. The Minister described a process where applicants must submit multiple physical copies of documents, which are then individually stamped and manually distributed. This cumbersome system is not only slow but also increases the potential for files to be misplaced or delayed.

To combat this, the ministry is actively exploring modernization. The conversation has turned towards digitalization and the use of technology, including AI, to streamline the review of complex documents and speed up the entire process. The goal is to create an environment that facilitates proper, efficient decision-making, thereby reducing the opportunities for corrupt practices to take root.

Tackling Systemic Disconnects

The problem extends beyond VROMI's internal processes. The Minister pointed to a significant historical disconnect between government departments, particularly VROMI and the Cadastre. This lack of alignment leads to frustrating and time-consuming issues for the public. For instance, a road might be listed under different names in VROMI and Cadastre records, or an address recognized by one department may not exist in the system of another.

Such discrepancies turn a seemingly simple task like an address verification into a complex inter-departmental project. The government is now working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Cadastre to synchronize their data, a crucial step toward creating a more seamless and efficient public service experience.

Building Capacity for a Modern Government

Recognizing that policy changes alone are not enough, the ministry is also focused on building its human capacity. The existing government structure and hiring processes are slow and have not kept pace with the island's economic growth. To overcome this, the ministry has secured a 1.4 million euro subsidy to quickly bring in new personnel.

In an innovative move, the government is partnering with third-party agencies to hire eight new specialists who will join the ministry within weeks. This creative approach bypasses the lengthy traditional government hiring process, allowing VROMI to address its capacity shortages with the urgency required.

Broader Implications for Governance and Trust

The Minister's candid assessment reveals a government that is not shying away from its shortcomings. The issues within VROMI—outdated laws, inefficient processes, and departmental silos—are symptomatic of a broader challenge: the island's public infrastructure has not kept up with its rapid development.

By acknowledging that an inefficient system can create an environment where corruption might fester, the administration is taking a proactive stance. The focus is shifting from merely policing integrity to fundamentally fixing the broken processes that enable negative acts. This effort to modernize, streamline, and align government functions is about more than just efficiency. It is a critical move to restore public trust, support economic development, and build a government that is truly capable of serving the people of Saint Martin in the 21st century.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling recently provided an update on the status of the immigration services backlog, reporting significant progress in processing applications. During a press briefing, the Minister indicated that her department is now largely operating within the legally mandated four-month decision period for complete applications.
This update follows previous statements from the Minister, who acknowledged the backlog was a serious issue, even suggesting it might be "man-made," and vowed to eliminate it entirely by January 2026.

According to Minister Tackling, progress is evident in the applications currently awaiting her final approval. She noted that she was recently signing off on permits submitted in early January, suggesting a much faster turnaround time than in previous months.
The Minister credited the dedicated staff at the admissions department for the improvements. "I know that the ladies are working very, very hard at admissions," she stated, highlighting their commitment. "They are sometimes there at six o'clock in the morning, already working into the nights, the weekends, so really doing their best to make up that backlog."

While acknowledging that some older files might still be in the system, Minister Tackling explained that delays are often due to incomplete applications. She clarified that if an application is missing required information, such as a work permit, the four-month processing clock does not start until the file is complete.
Based on the current workflow, the Minister expressed confidence that the major delays are a thing of the past. "I don't get the impression right now that there's an enormous backlog and that we're very much now sticking within that four-month period," she concluded.
When asked about a separate personnel matter concerning the head of immigration, Minister Tackling declined to comment, stating, "I won't comment in the press on any ongoing personnel matters within the ministry." The focus remains on streamlining the application process and delivering timely decisions for residents and businesses.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During his weekly press briefing, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina provided an update on the ongoing dispute between the government and the WICSU/PSU union, which represents the nation's fire department workers. The Prime Minister outlined the key issues at the heart of the impasse and detailed the government's efforts to resolve them.
Dr. Mercelina identified several core components of the dispute: negotiating a covenant, the placement process for workers under a new function book, retroactive payments, and the role of a mediator. He emphasized that his government has made significant progress on issues that remained unresolved for years under previous administrations.
"The government has unequivocally agreed to the retroactive payment for fire department workers," Dr. Mercelina stated, acknowledging it as a matter of respect for past service. He also confirmed that the placement process, based on the new function book published on March 25, 2025, is moving forward. This function book was approved by the Committee of Civil Servants Unions (CCSU), which represents all unions.
Flexibility has also been shown in negotiations. According to the Prime Minister, the government agreed to the union's request to change the government’s negotiating team to keep discussions moving forward. Furthermore, both parties mutually agreed to appoint a mediator to help bridge the divide, and that process recently commenced.
However, Dr. Mercelina expressed concern over new demands that have emerged just as mediation began. He noted that the union is now asking to negotiate directly with the full Council of Ministers, bypassing both the appointed mediator and the Minister of General Affairs.
A primary point of contention is the union's demand that a "commitment letter" be converted into a binding "agreement letter." The Prime Minister cautioned that he cannot sign an agreement containing provisions that lack a legal basis for execution.
"I must operate within the legal framework of our country," he explained. "I cannot, in good conscience, sign an agreement containing items that lack a legal basis for execution. Doing so would be irresponsible and would ultimately set up our workers for disappointment when those promises cannot be legally fulfilled."
Dr. Mercelina reiterated his commitment to finding a fair and sustainable solution. "My intention for the fire department is more than good, out of a good heart," he affirmed. "I want this problem to be solved as soon as possible." He urged a return to the agreed-upon mediation process to finalize an agreement that honors the firefighters while upholding the laws of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:---  During the weekly press briefing, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced a historic step toward strengthening patient safety and professional standards with the introduction of a National Healthcare Professional Registry (HCPR). The Prime Minister described the new registry as a long-overdue reform aimed at improving healthcare quality for the people of St. Maarten.

Dr. Mercelina explained that over the years, the absence of a unified national system has led to ongoing confusion and limitations in recognizing qualified healthcare providers. “It is important for St. Maarten to have clarity on who is authorized to provide medical care in the country and what qualifications are required,” he stated. The current gap has at times created challenges that put patient safety and public trust at risk.

A particular challenge has been the reliance on international models, such as the Dutch BIG legislation. The Prime Minister noted that if the BIG law were strictly implemented, many competent doctors, even those who studied in other parts of Europe, would not qualify for registration in St. Maarten. “We’ve seen cases where highly qualified specialists from abroad, including European-trained doctors outside the Netherlands, were unable to practice here because their credentials were not recognized under the BIG requirements,” Mercelina said. This has sometimes forced the country to turn away much-needed expertise and has even led to situations in which specialists could operate elsewhere but not in St. Maarten due to legal technicalities.

Reflecting on this, Dr. Mercelina emphasized that HCPR is designed to address these long-standing barriers. The new registry will be custom-made for St. Maarten, ensuring local needs and realities are front and center. The HCPR will not only clarify who is authorized to deliver care but also set clear qualification requirements, ensuring a transparent and fair process.

Key Challenges and Context:

The BIG registration system, originating from the Netherlands, has been a significant hurdle for St. Maarten. While the Netherlands has robust educational institutions that ensure the quality of medical professionals, St. Maarten faces a different reality. The island does not have the same influx of medical professionals and must rely on expertise from other countries, such as Colombia and Venezuela.

Dr. Mercelina highlighted the contributions of foreign-trained specialists like Dr. Rojas, Dr. Ramos, and Dr. Pinto, who have been instrumental in providing urological care on the island. Their success underscores the potential of welcoming professionals from diverse backgrounds. However, the current reliance on the Dutch system has made it difficult to attract such talent, as the BICH registration does not address St. Maarten's unique needs.

Additionally, the island's healthcare system requires generalists capable of managing a wide range of medical cases, from trauma to routine surgeries. This contrasts with the highly specialized roles common in larger countries, making it challenging to find professionals who can adapt to St. Maarten's demands. Dr. Mercelina noted that generalists on the island often face situations requiring immediate and versatile responses, without the luxury of academic backup or advanced technology.

Features of the HCPR:

• Mandatory Registration: All healthcare professionals working in St. Maarten must register and periodically re-register.
• Continuous Professional Development: The registry will require ongoing education to ensure professionals remain current with medical advances.
• Competency and Skills Assessments: The system will ensure practitioners maintain high standards by regularly evaluating their skills.
• International Recognition: Importantly, the HCPR will recognize approved foreign medical registers and create an admission pathway for foreign-trained professionals, assessing not only their knowledge and technical expertise but also their familiarity with the local healthcare context.

Development and Implementation:

The development process for the HCPR began in 2019 with extensive consultation from healthcare professionals and reference to international examples. The draft legislation is currently under review at the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) before proceeding to parliamentary debate and eventual implementation.

Importance of the HCPR:

Dr. Mercelina stressed that the registry is not just a regulatory tool but a commitment to better, safer, and more accountable healthcare. It aims to attract professionals tailored to St. Maarten's unique needs, ensuring the island's healthcare system can meet the demands of its population and the new hospital.

He also emphasized the need for St. Maarten to establish its own legislation to serve its people effectively. “We are part of the kingdom, but we must be able to make legislation that is actually going to be beneficial to serve the people of St. Maarten,” he stated. The HCPR represents a critical reform that will support the medical community and reassure everyone who relies on their care.

Prime Minister Mercelina closed by expressing his personal commitment to seeing the HCPR become law. “This registry is not just a regulatory tool, but a promise to our people for better, safer, and more accountable healthcare in St. Maarten. It is a critical reform that will support our medical community and reassure everyone who relies on their care.”