PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Alliance Board takes note of the recent public statements made by the URSM regarding the ongoing grievances of our Fire and Ambulance personnel. While we understand the government’s desire to reassure the public, we urge the URSM to keep its eyes on the road ahead and take them off the rear-view mirror. Every government inherits challenges, and this administration is no exception.

It is important to remember that, when he was a Member of Parliament, Prime Minister Luc Mercelina brought a motion of no confidence against then Minister of VSA Emil Lee, sending him home just seven months after a natural disaster. Yet today, without having faced any disaster himself, Prime Minister Mercelina and his URSM Board claim that almost two years in office is too short to deliver results. That contradiction speaks volumes. You cannot justify sending one minister home in seven months, then ask for sympathy after two years. That is the hypocrisy the public should see for what it is.

So at the end of the day, if everyone keeps pointing fingers, it takes away from productivity, from solutions, and from real progress for the people. It is time to focus on fixing the issues at hand instead of finding new ways to shift blame. The constant political deflection may serve short-term optics, but it does nothing to restore trust or show respect to those who serve this country faithfully.

If reflection on the past is to be made, let it be with the purpose of learning from it. The National Alliance understands that real growth comes from acknowledging what could have been done better and doing it differently now. The party refuses to be caught up in the political back and forth with the Prime Minister and his board, especially on such a sensitive matter.

What is truly reckless is not the call for respect from the Fire and Ambulance workers, but the way this government continues to mishandle legitimate union concerns. When a union describes meetings as one way briefings instead of genuine discussions, that is not progress, that is frustration. When civil servants who risk their lives every day feel disrespected, the issue is not political, it is human.

Standing with the people does not mean standing against government. It means holding government accountable to its promises. Real leadership is not about hiding behind press releases and photo opportunities, but about showing up, listening, and putting commitments in writing.

What our Fire and Ambulance workers are asking for is not unreasonable. They are asking for respect, dialogue, and fairness. These are not abstract concepts; they are the foundation of good governance. Leadership means creating an environment where people feel heard, valued, and respected.

The National Alliance stands with all public servants who continue to serve this country with professionalism and patience. The Fire and Ambulance personnel have waited long enough. Sint Maarten deserves leadership that listens, not lectures. The time for excuses and political spin has passed.

It is time for this administration to speak less and deliver more. The people are waiting.

National Alliance Board

PHILIPSBURG:---  Six Members of Parliament have issued an urgent request for a Public Meeting to address what they describe as "systemic neglect" of the nation's fire and ambulance personnel. The call to action, outlined in a formal letter to the Chairlady of Parliament, highlights a prolonged labor dispute that the MPs warn is escalating into a threat to public safety and national stability.
The letter dated November 10th, 2025, and signed by MPs Omar E.C. Ottley, Francisco A. Lacroes, Lyndon C. Lewis, Egbert J. Doran, Ardwell M.R. Irion, and Darryl T.J. York invoke constitutional articles to demand the urgent session.
At the heart of the issue is a sustained "go-slow" action by fire and ambulance workers that began on April 14th, 2025. According to the letter, this protest is a "stand of solidarity" and a "cry for fairness, recognition, and justice." The MPs state that the ongoing situation is no longer an isolated labor issue but a symptom of deeper problems that demand immediate government intervention.
The parliamentarians are calling for the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, and the Minister of Justice to be summoned to Parliament. The goal is to provide a full account of the situation and present a clear course of action to resolve the dispute.
The letter outlines four key demands that require resolution:
• Correct placement of all personnel within the official Function Book.
• Enforcement of established career paths within the emergency service departments.
• The application of retroactive measures where they are due.
• A binding, time-specific written commitment from the government to execute these measures without further delay.
The MPs expressed grave concern about the timing of the unrest, noting that Sint Maarten is entering its peak tourism season. They warn that the continued uncertainty within the emergency services poses a "direct risk to public confidence, economic stability, and the nation’s reputation."
The letter concludes with a strong reminder of Parliament's constitutional duty to hold the Executive accountable and safeguard the people of Sint Maarten before the matter "deepens into a crisis." The request emphasizes that the time for dialogue has passed and that decisive action is now essential to restore trust and ensure the continuity of critical emergency services.

Click here to view the letter submitted to Parliament.

PHILIPSBURG:---  As part of the observance of Financial Literacy Month, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Marinka Gumbs, continues to champion financial empowerment through a series of educational sessions aimed at improving financial knowledge and money management skills among citizens.
Last Tuesday, civil servants had the opportunity to participate in an informative session on “Understanding Your Payslip,” which provided valuable insights into the various components that make up monthly earnings. The Minister noted that education begins at home, and as such, it was fitting to begin the series with sessions designed to benefit those serving within government.
A subsequent session held last Thursday for members of the public was also well attended and received overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants eager to enhance their financial literacy. The Minister expressed her satisfaction at being able to facilitate these sessions, noting her enthusiasm for sharing her extensive knowledge on payslip components an area with which she is deeply familiar through her years of experience in the private sector.
The Minister of Finance also had the opportunity to visit St. Joseph School and Martin Luther King Jr. School, where she engaged with students on the topic of budgeting. Minister Gumbs shared that she thoroughly enjoyed teaching the children about the importance of managing money from a young age, noting that financial awareness should begin early to build a foundation for responsible decision-making later in life.
Building on this momentum, the next session in the series will focus on “Budgeting Basics” This upcoming workshop, scheduled for Wednesday November 12, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Government Administration Building, will be conducted by Ms. Shineca Carty, popularly known as “The Budget Babe.” Ms. Carty will guide participants through practical strategies for creating and maintaining a personal budget, managing expenses, and setting achievable financial goals.
Encouraging wider participation, Minister Gumbs stated:
“Financial education is the foundation of economic empowerment. These sessions are designed to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to make informed financial decisions. I urge everyone who has not yet registered to take advantage of this opportunity to invest in their financial future.”
Interested persons are encouraged to register early for the remaining sessions, as spaces are limited. For further information or to register for upcoming sessions, please visit www.finlitsxm.com.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tomorrow, as the nation proudly celebrates St. Martin Day 2025, the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) calls on all citizens to reflect on 66 years of resilience, unity, and shared determination in the pursuit of a healthier, fairer, and more inclusive St. Martin. We have endured and overcome storms, both literal and figurative. From rebuilding after natural disasters to confronting social and economic hardship, our people have remained steadfast, the beating heart of our nation’s progress. This year’s celebration honors that unshakable spirit, recognizing our collective struggle and achievements in poverty alleviation, healthcare, and labor, the very pillars that uphold our people’s dignity and strength.
“St. Martin’s story is one of perseverance and pride,” stated the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA). “Over the past 66 years, our people have worked tirelessly to strengthen social foundation, ensuring that every citizen has access to healthcare, decent work, and the opportunity to rise above poverty. That is the true spirit of Sint Maarten, a people who never give up, who lift one another, and who continue to rise together.”
Throughout the years, the Ministry of VSA has championed initiatives to reduce inequality, expand healthcare access, and protect the rights and livelihoods of workers. These efforts are not just government programs; they are acts of patriotism in service to the people. Every policy, every partnership, and every program reflects our shared commitment to building a St. Martin where no one is left behind.
“On this St. Martin Day, we celebrate our people, the single mother striving for a better tomorrow, the nurse who never gives up on her patients, the worker who keeps our island moving. You are Sint Maarten’s greatest treasure. Together, we continue to rise.”
St. Martin Day 2025 is more than a commemoration of history, it is a celebration of the strength of our people, the sacrifices of our workers, the healing hands of our caregivers, and the hope of every citizen who dreams of a better tomorrow.
Happy St. Martin Day!