PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Lyndon C. J. Lewis convened a meeting with members of the Nationaal Algemeen Politiebond (NABP) and the Algemene Bond van Overheid & Overige Personeel Opgericht (ABVO) this Monday. The meeting, requested by the unions, served as an introductory platform for their boards and members to familiarize themselves with the Minister's cabinet and receive an update on several pressing matters, including the pending National Decrees for justice personnel.

During the discussions, Minister Lewis, who has an extensive background in law enforcement and in handling HR legal issues related to the same, clarified the specifics of the phases. In Phase I, via the national decree, officers are to be appropriately placed in their correct positions and scales, ensuring they receive fair remuneration starting in January 2023. However, retroactive payments dating before that date, a point of contention, are set to be addressed in the subsequent Phase II. Minister Lewis expressed concerns about the current structure of the Nation Decree, indicating that he would have preferred a single National Decree that ensures consideration of the position, scale, and retroactive payment, noting that the current National Decree only places the individual in that function effective as of January 2023. Nonetheless, Minister Lewis stated that while the current agreed-upon process by his predecessor would not be halted, he seeks to refine these processes for the betterment of all parties involved.

To that point, the Minister also announced a shift in how ceremonial acknowledgments are handled; celebrations will be reserved for completing the National Decrees processes and issued directly to the concerned personnel. Additionally, he voiced concerns over the current pace of processing of 25 National Decrees per week. He intends to review and potentially increase this by reviewing where additional resources may be available to complete this task.

The Union raised concerns about the condition of the police station, among other topics. Minister Lewis responded by stating that discussions were already underway with the Chief of Police, Carl John, to assess the building so that the necessary funds could be acquired to fix the issues.

Rogerrel Mauricia, President of the police union NAPB, expressed optimism about the new approach, stating, "We must weather the storm and come out the other side stronger than ever."

Minister Lewis assured that this meeting marks the beginning of a series of collaborations to foster a transparent, efficient, and fair environment for all justice workers. “Our goal is to work together, not just to address immediate concerns but to continue with the dialogue to improve the work environment for all, thereby improving the safety and security of our country,” he stated.

The Ministry of Justice plans to hold further consultations as often as necessary to ensure transparency in refining and implementing the proposed changes.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, alongside the Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labor (VSA) Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster, Minister of Finance Ms. Marinka Gumbs, and key officials met with the Director and Executive Team members of Social & Health Insurances SZV on Monday, May 13, 2024, in a pivotal session addressing critical facets of our nation’s healthcare infrastructure.
The discussion prioritized a review of critical factors fundamental to the effective functioning of SZV, outlining a strategic legislative trajectory, the financial standing of the health care funds, premium collection and compliance, outstanding government debts and settlements, current government payments, operational intricacies pertinent to medical referrals, and the imperative provision of mental health services.
The Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina, underscores his administration's unwavering commitment to fortifying our healthcare infrastructure and ensuring equitable access to quality services for all citizens. Commenting on the outcome of the Monday session, the Prime Minister stated, “Acknowledging the dynamic nature of our healthcare landscape, action points were meticulously identified to propel SZV into a future characterized by resilience and efficiency. As our society evolves, it is imperative that our healthcare systems adapt to meet the evolving needs of our citizens. I was pleased with the collaborative spirit exhibited in this session and look forward to the implementation of the actionable insights garnered”.

In the coming weeks, sessions between government officials and SZV will continue. SZV will share more information about the latest developments within its Strategic Plan, construction of the new office building in Cay Hill, and other key government partnerships and projects designed to improve citizens' access to their SZV benefits and individual health care outcomes by prioritizing mental health and preventive care.
“We look forward to working with our new government to address ongoing challenges and continue to keep our focus on enhancing the quality of life for our people. Only by working together, we can achieve this.” – Glen A. Carty, SZV Director

SZV representatives who presented during the session were Mr. Glen A. Carty, Director; Mrs. Parveen Boertje, Chief Transition Officer; Mr. Elton Felisie, Chief Financial Officer; Mr. Reginald Willemsberg, Chief Operations Officer; and Mr. Perry Wilson, Chair of the Supervisory Council.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Justice, Lyndon C.J. Lewis, has taken note of the video currently circulating, which depicts officers using force during an apprehension. Minister Lewis takes this matter seriously and has taken immediate action to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
Minister Lewis is committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that all practices by law enforcement personnel are conducted within the bounds of legality and ethical standards.
The Minister of Justice understands the public's concerns and assures all citizens that any actions found to deviate from our standards of conduct will be met with appropriate disciplinary action. The public is urged to remain patient and allow this investigation to be conducted effectively and impartially.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Minister Lewis thanks the public for their attention to this matter and their trust in the judicial process.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Monday, May 13th, 2024, the Cabinet of VSA, represented by Minister Veronica Jansen—Webster, and the Social & Health Insurance SZV, led by Mr. Glen Carty, held a collaborative meeting to enhance the delivery of healthcare services to the people of our nation.

The meeting, which included cabinet staff and SZV board chairman Mr. Perry Wilson, focused on various key topics, including SZV's day-to-day operations, the importance of utilizing the SZV portal, and the perceived challenges associated with sending patients abroad for medical treatment.

In a cordial and informative exchange, Minister Jansen-Webster and her team posed pertinent questions regarding SZV's operations, to which Mr. Carty provided insightful explanations and clarifications. The atmosphere was conducive to open dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of SZV's role in the healthcare system.

Mr. Carty expressed his enthusiasm for fostering a strong working relationship with the Minister of VSA and cabinet staff. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency in addressing the healthcare needs of our community. Additionally, Mr. Carty proposed holding workshops to further enhance mutual understanding and cooperation between the Ministry of VSA and SZV.

Minister Jansen- Webster commended SZV for its commitment to serving the people of our nation and expressed her full support for initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services. She reiterated her dedication to working closely with SZV to address challenges and explore opportunities for innovation and improvement.

Moving forward, the Ministry of VSA and SZV are poised to embark on a journey of collaboration, with the shared goal of ensuring accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for all residents of our beloved nation.