Mercelina cites legal and contractual concerns, offers a confidential parliamentary discussion and later confirms that a written response will be provided.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has told Parliament that inquiries into VSA consultant agreements are ongoing, preventing the ministry from publicly answering certain questions about the contracts at this stage.

Speaking on behalf of VSA Minister Claret Connor, Mercelina said disclosure could affect the integrity and outcome of the inquiries, as well as the country’s contractual and legal position and that of the parties involved.

The response followed questions from MP Veronica Jansen-Webster about consultant agreements, changes in contract expenditure and contracts categorized as “other.”

Confidential Session Offered

Mercelina said the decision to withhold details publicly did not reflect unwillingness to be transparent or accountable.

He said Parliament would be fully informed once the inquiries concluded and information could be shared without prejudice.

He also offered a closed, confidential session if Parliament wished to discuss the matter under its rules.

The responses did not identify the agreements involved, their values, the parties concerned or a date for completing the inquiries.

An inquiry does not itself establish wrongdoing, and Mercelina announced no findings in the supplied presentation.

York Seeks Clarity on Written Answers

MP Darryl York subsequently asked whether the refusal concerned only an answer on the microphone or whether Parliament would receive no answer at all.

Mercelina replied that an answer would be provided in writing.

That commitment distinguishes the public withholding of details from providing information to Parliament. However, the oral exchange did not establish how much detail the written response would contain or whether any material would remain confidential.

Question About Programme Reductions Remains

Jansen-Webster also asked which programmes within community development, family and humanitarian affairs were being reduced or discontinued.

Her question challenged why support for vulnerable families, seniors and the community appeared to be declining while consultancy expenditure increased.

Mercelina responded by listing structural initiatives: reviewing the financial aid ordinance, conducting a household expenditure study, researching unemployment benefits, pursuing pension reform, developing a social registry and preparing a seniors policy framework.

He said these initiatives would make assistance more targeted and sustainable.

However, that response did not identify the specific programmes being reduced or discontinued, their budget changes or the reasons for individual reductions.

The initiatives describe the ministry’s reform agenda. They do not, by themselves, resolve the comparison raised between consultancy spending and direct community support.

Parliament’s next opportunity to assess the issue will depend on the promised written answers and any confidential discussion that follows.

Mercelina says a rise beyond annual indexation requires assessment, while temporary agency regulation, dismissal reform and unemployment benefits remain under development.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has stopped short of committing government to a 30% minimum wage increase, telling Parliament that such a change would require advice and an assessment of its effects on employment, businesses and prices.

Responding to MP Ardwell Irion while acting for VSA Minister Claret Connor, Mercelina explained that the existing framework provides for annual minimum wage indexation using the second-quarter Consumer Price Index published by the Department of Statistics.

He said the government must also periodically seek advice on whether the minimum wage should rise beyond that adjustment.

The Department of Labor requested that advice in March 2026, and it remains awaited.

Thirty Percent Increase Not Approved

Mercelina said the law provides a route to establish a new hourly minimum wage by national decree containing general measures.

However, he did not announce approval of a 30% increase, a new hourly rate or an implementation date.

His answer establishes that a larger adjustment is possible within the framework, while leaving the scale and timing dependent on further advice and assessment.

Temporary Employment Agencies Face Proposed Regulation

Responding to MP Darryl York on labor-sector problems, Mercelina said legislation to regulate temporary employment agencies is being finalized.

He described gaps in the sector that can facilitate illegal employment and exploitation, including situations where labor rules were not fully applicable or consistently followed.

Once completed, the proposal would move to stakeholder consultation and legislative review, with operational preparations for implementation.

Repeated Short Contracts Remain a Concern

Mercelina acknowledged longstanding concerns about successive temporary contracts and the need to balance flexibility with worker protection.

He said the Civil Code changes regulating employment contracts took effect in 2022 and are being monitored for subsequent evaluation.

The presentation did not announce a new restriction on successive contracts or a date for completing that evaluation.

Dismissal Reform and Unemployment Benefits Linked

The ministry is also considering reviewing and possibly streamlining dismissal legislation.

Mercelina said that work is in its initial phase and would proceed alongside the establishment of an unemployment benefit scheme.

Other initiatives include targeted inspections against illegal employment, administrative enforcement tools, modernizing employment permit rules, and stronger dialogue between government, employers and workers.

Assistant Mediator Position Vacant

Mercelina confirmed that the Department of Labor's assistant mediator position is vacant.

The government mediator receives administrative, policy and legal support from colleagues when required.

For employees facing rising living costs and insecure contracts, the presentation outlines several avenues for reform. It does not yet establish when a larger wage increase, unemployment benefits, or new agency rules will become available.

Doran presses for action as Prime Minister warns the levy will not close every financial gap and provides no implementation date or final allocation percentage.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has told Parliament that the Council of Ministers is working to accelerate tourist tax legislation, with part of the future revenue intended to help government meet its outstanding obligations to SZV.

Speaking as Acting Minister of VSA on behalf of Minister Claret Connor, Mercelina said that commitment remains in place.

“It has already been agreed that a portion of the tourist levy revenues will go towards government’s outstanding obligations,” he said, referring to SZV.

He explained that addressing those obligations would help relieve pressure on healthcare funds and allow them to serve their intended purposes.

Doran Demands Steps to Expedite the Levy

MP Egbert J. Doran asked what the Council of Ministers would do to move the measure forward after hearing its potential benefits for healthcare and social support.

He pressed for practical action to ensure that the proposal materializes sooner rather than later.

Mercelina replied that the legal framework must be established first.

“That is what we are now pushing and trying to accelerate,” he said.

He indicated that government would subsequently examine the percentage to be contributed towards SZV obligations.

His responses did not provide a commencement date, tax rate, collection mechanism or final allocation percentage.

Tourist Tax Will Not Solve Every Shortfall

Mercelina cautioned against treating the proposed levy as a complete answer to government’s financial pressures.

“We must not think, though, that the tourist tax is going to solve all the gaps that we have in our financial framework,” he said.

He maintained that additional sustainable revenue could help support healthcare and social assistance, but its final distribution would require broader government decisions.

The tourist levy falls within the Finance Minister’s responsibility.

SZV Balances Still Being Reconciled

Mercelina said government’s outstanding obligations to SZV are being reviewed and reconciled so that a structural repayment approach can be developed.

The presentation did not specify the reconciled balance or provide a repayment timetable.

He also identified measures intended to improve healthcare sustainability, including pharmaceutical cost containment, stronger premium collection, prevention and management of noncommunicable diseases, and improved information exchange between providers.

Insurance Reform Serves a Different Purpose

Mercelina distinguished the tourist levy from General Health Insurance.

The levy would generate government revenue. General Health Insurance is intended to improve healthcare financing and sustainability by broadening participation and addressing coverage gaps.

The distinction matters because anticipated tourist tax proceeds and insurance reform are not interchangeable solutions.

For now, the levy remains a prospective source of support. Parliament still needs the legislation, implementation arrangements and allocation decisions to assess how much it can contribute—and when that contribution will begin.

Remembered for his Carnival appearances, musical talents, and contributions to baseball, Richardson leaves cherished memories across Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina and Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis have extended heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Louis Lambert Richardson, affectionately known as “Pork Chop,” following his passing.

Both leaders remembered Richardson as a beloved personality whose humor, vibrant spirit and love for Carnival brought joy to generations of Sint Maarten residents.

“It is with deep sadness that we bid farewell to Louis ‘Porkchop’ Richardson. For so many in our community, his name brings back memories of laughter, music and the joy of Carnival. As we mourn his passing, our thoughts are first with his family and loved ones, who have lost someone dear to them,” Prime Minister Mercelina said.

Raised in Philipsburg, Richardson shared his talents as a saxophonist and steelpan musician. He also contributed to baseball as a player and Little League coach, while his creativity and humor made his Carnival appearances memorable.

“Porkchop had a gift for making people smile. He brought that gift into our streets, our celebrations and our everyday lives. His presence will be deeply missed by those who knew him personally and by the many who came to know and love him through his contributions to our community,” Mercelina stated.

MP Lewis recalled Richardson’s unmistakable personality and the anticipation surrounding his participation in Carnival each year.

“Pork Chop brought a special joy to Carnival. People looked forward to his presence because of the laughter and vibrant energy he shared. His love for our culture was evident, and he holds a special place in the hearts of many,” Lewis said.

Describing Richardson as one of Sint Maarten’s great cultural icons, Lewis said his legacy would endure through the memories and stories shared by those whose lives he touched.

“His legacy lives on in the memories, smiles, and stories we will continue to share. When we remember Carnival and the personalities who helped make it unforgettable, Pork Chop will always be among them,” Lewis stated.

Both leaders placed Richardson’s family at the center of their condolences, acknowledging the personal loss behind the passing of a widely recognized community figure.

“Behind the familiar name was a father, an uncle, a relative and a friend. To his children and the entire Richardson family, please accept my sincere sympathy. May the memories you shared with him, and the love and support of those around you, bring comfort during this difficult time,” Prime Minister Mercelina said.

Lewis also expressed hope that Richardson’s loved ones would find strength in the affection surrounding them.

“To his family and friends, may you find strength in one another and comfort in the love surrounding you. Thank you for sharing him with Sint Maarten. We mourn with you and will remember him with warmth and gratitude,” Lewis said.

On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, Mercelina extended sympathy to Richardson’s friends and the cultural and sporting communities he served.

“We are grateful for the joy he gave us and for the memories he leaves behind. May his family find strength in knowing that he was loved and appreciated by so many. May Louis ‘Porkchop’ Richardson rest in peace,” the Prime Minister concluded.