Port-of-Spain, Trinidad:--- Vincent A. Pereira, Chairman of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL), announced today that the Group achieved a profit attributable to equity holders of US$329 million for the year ended September 30, 2025. This is an increase of US$29 million or 9.7% over the 2024 reported profit of US$300 million, driven by sustained loan growth, prudent risk management, and improved operational efficiency.

In presenting the results, Mr. Pereira said, “For the past financial year, the Republic Financial Holdings Limited Group has delivered record results, strengthened its balance sheet, and deepened relationships with our customers and communities. Despite a dynamic and often challenging global and regional economic environment, the Group’s exceptional year has been one of strong performance, disciplined execution, and meaningful progress in advancing our strategic priorities.”

Based on these results, the Board of Directors has declared a final dividend of US$0.58 per share, bringing the total dividend to US$0.90 per share for the fiscal year (2024: US$0.85), an increase of 5.3% or US$0.05, over the previous year. With a closing share price of US$15.96, this equates to a dividend yield of 5.63% (2024: 5.09%) and a total annual dividend payment of US$147 million (2024: US$140 million). The final dividend will be paid on December 5, 2025, to shareholders on record as of November 21, 2025.

Mr. Pereira added, “RFHL’s capital and liquidity positions remain robust, providing a solid foundation for continued growth and innovation, and our capital adequacy ratios remain robust across all sixteen countries where we operate and at the consolidated level.”

He went on to say, “Throughout the year, we continued to execute on our strategic priorities, enhancing customer experience, accelerating digital transformation, and embedding sustainability and good governance at the core of our operations. We also recognise that our success is really measured by the positive impact we create in the communities we serve. Through our social investment programs and partnerships, we continued to support national communities, youth development, and small business growth, helping to build more inclusive and resilient economies everywhere we operate.”

“Looking ahead”, Mr. Pereira noted, “While global uncertainties and market volatility will persist, we remain confident in our ability to navigate change and seize new opportunities. Our strategic focus remains clear; to deliver sustainable value to our shareholders, provide exceptional service to our customers, and foster a culture of integrity, innovation, and inclusion across the organization.”

Mr. Pereira closed with an expression of gratitude saying, “On behalf of the Board, I wish to extend my sincere appreciation to our management team and employees for their commitment, dedication and professionalism, and to our customers and shareholders for their continued trust and support. Together, we look forward to another year of progress, growth, and shared success.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union-Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) has issued a firm ultimatum to the government, demanding a signed commitment letter by 5 PM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. The demand comes amid a deepening dispute over retroactive placements and payments for personnel in the Fire and Ambulance Departments. Failure to meet the deadline could trigger widespread solidarity actions from both public and private sector union members.

In a detailed letter sent to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina on November 10, the union rejected the government's position that informal text or written messages suffice as binding agreements. WICSU-PSU President Sharon Canigieter stated that a formally signed commitment is essential to rebuilding trust, which has been severely eroded by unresolved issues over the years.

The core of the conflict stems from the non-retroactive implementation of a new function book for the Fire Department. The union contends that an understanding was reached to implement the function book to secure benefits for retiring staff, with the promise that discrepancies would be corrected within a three-year window. However, the government has stated that retroactive application is not possible, a move the union describes as a breach of trust.

"The position of both departments remains clear: if the Government agrees to the requests presented, there should be no obstacle to signing the commitment letter," the union wrote. "This formality is significant given the longstanding mistrust that has existed and has further escalated due to recent developments."

The letter highlights a history of unfulfilled promises and dismissed evidence, including documentation dating back to 2003 and a National Decree from 2017 that the union claims were ignored. This has fueled ongoing uncertainty and led to the "Go-Slow" action initiated by the Fire Department on April 19, 2025.

In response to the growing impasse, the union has added new conditions to its original proposal. The revised commitment letter now demands:

• Confirmation of a date for retroactive placement and payment.
• Acknowledgment of correction pages for the 2025 function book.
• Assignment of a neutral mediator to help facilitate a transparent resolution.

The union emphasized the critical role of the Fire and Ambulance personnel, describing them as "highly skilled professionals who safeguard the lives, property, and safety of the people of Sint Maarten." It argues that their dedication, often performed under conditions of severe understaffing and with unaddressed grievances, demands "written, transparent, and enforceable commitments—not verbal assurances that allow for ambiguity or reinterpretation."

With the clock ticking towards the Wednesday deadline, the government faces a critical decision. If a signed commitment is not received, the WICSU-PSU has warned that members across various sectors are prepared to stand in "full solidarity" with their colleagues, potentially escalating the current labor action significantly.

Click here to read the WICSU/PSU response to Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina.

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.