MARIGOT, Saint Martin:--- The planned closure and restructuring of Saint  Martin Beach Resort, one of the French side's most significant hospitality properties, has triggered growing concern among employees, community members, and tourism stakeholders, with workers warning that the decision could have far-reaching social and economic consequences for the island.

During a recent press conference, employees and supporters of Saint Martin Beach Resort spoke out against a restructuring plan that has resulted in the dismissal of 122 workers. Speakers described the situation as a crisis affecting not only employees but also approximately 122 families and an estimated 500 residents who depend directly or indirectly on the hotel for their livelihoods.

The discussion, highlighted by Carl Javois and directed at public authorities and the Saint Martin Tourism Department, focused on concerns about the hotel's closure, job losses, and the potential impact on the island's tourism sector. While Javois publicized the issue, the statements at the press conference were made by employees and participants discussing the effects of the restructuring.

Employees Challenge Closure Justification

Speakers questioned the reasons given for the shutdown of Saint Martin Beach Resort, arguing that while maintenance and safety-related work may have been necessary, no official document required the establishment's immediate closure. They contended that repairs could have been carried out while preserving jobs and maintaining some level of operation.

According to participants, the closure occurred despite what they described as a successful tourism season. Workers expressed frustration that a hotel reportedly experiencing strong business activity would proceed with a plan that eliminates more than 90 percent of its workforce.
Employees also criticized what they described as an inadequate employment protection plan, arguing that it lacks concrete commitments regarding rehiring, future employment opportunities, or guarantees for workers once renovations are completed. Speakers questioned how displaced employees could realistically benefit from hiring priority provisions if work on the property is expected to continue for several years.

Allegations of Strategic Workforce Reduction

Among the most serious accusations raised during the press conference were allegations that management deliberately reduced the hotel's operational capacity in order to justify large-scale layoffs.

Participants referenced internal communications that they claim discussed limiting the number of available rooms and controlling operational activity during labor negotiations. According to speakers, those communications suggest a strategy aimed at facilitating workforce reductions rather than responding to unavoidable economic circumstances.

The allegations have not been independently verified, and no response from hotel management was included in the press conference materials.

Tourism Industry Concerns

Beyond the employment impact, speakers emphasized that the closure of Saint Martin Beach Resort represents a broader challenge for Saint Martin's tourism industry.

For decades, the hotel has been one of the French side's largest hospitality establishments and a key venue for conferences, conventions, business meetings, and large group events. Participants warned that the loss of the property reduces the island's ability to host major gatherings and could result in business being redirected elsewhere.

Speakers pointed to upcoming regional and international events that may no longer be able to take place on the French side because of limited accommodation capacity. They argued that the closure affects not only hotel employees but also restaurants, transportation providers, tour operators, and other businesses that benefit from visitor spending.

One participant described Saint Martin Beach Resort as a landmark property that helped shape Saint Martin's tourism identity, noting that generations of local residents contributed to its construction and operation. Others compared the situation to previous hotel closures on the island that resulted in long-term economic losses and diminished opportunities for local workers.

Calls for Transparency and Government Action

Throughout the press conference, participants repeatedly called on elected officials, labor authorities, and tourism stakeholders to examine the circumstances surrounding the restructuring.

Speakers urged authorities to investigate what they described as inconsistencies in the closure process and to ensure that local workers receive meaningful protections and opportunities should the property reopen in the future. They also called for greater transparency regarding renovation plans, timelines, ownership intentions, and commitments to rehire local employees.
For many involved, the issue extends beyond a labor dispute. They argue that the future of Saint Martin Beach Resort is closely linked to the future of tourism development and economic growth in Saint Martin.

As legal and administrative proceedings continue, employees say they will continue seeking answers, accountability, and a clearer vision for the future of one of the island's most recognizable hospitality properties.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Member of Parliament Egbert Jurendy Doran has publicly refuted allegations suggesting that the National Alliance-led Jacobs I Cabinet was responsible for removing local executives from key leadership positions within NV GEBE. Speaking during a public meeting of Parliament, MP Doran said he felt compelled to address statements and narratives that had circulated over the previous 36 to 48 hours regarding the utility company and the appointment of local professionals within its management structure.

“I just want to bring it clear to the people of St. Maarten,” Doran stated, emphasizing that in the modern digital era, records exist to verify decisions and actions taken by governments and public officials.

“I believe in this digital realm and this digital world that we live in. Everything is recorded, so nobody can hide behind anything,” Doran said. “Of course, there are also always people who want to spin narratives, which is always possible.”

Jacob's cabinet did not dismiss local executives

Doran explained that when the Jacobs I Cabinet took office in November 2019, vacancies were advertised for several senior management positions within GEBE, including director-level posts.

According to the parliamentarian, claims that local executives were dismissed under the National Alliance administration are inaccurate.

“Under the Jacobs Cabinet, no local individuals were fired from GEBE,” Doran declared.

He specifically named several individuals whose departures or appointments have recently become the subject of political discussion.

“Not Ms. Iris, not Veronica Janssen-Webster, who's currently here, and nor Mr. Chittick,” he said.

Doran noted that the vacancies in question were published during the tenure of then-Minister Christopher Wever, who held responsibility for the utility company at the time.

“Christopher Wever was the minister in charge, and under that tenure, the vacancies went out,” Doran stated.

National Alliance appointed local professionals

Going further, MP Doran argued that the National Alliance administration was actually responsible for appointing local professionals to those positions rather than removing them.

“To the contrary, the National Alliance under William Marlin appointed those local individuals,” Doran said.

He stressed that public debate should be based on documented facts rather than political rhetoric.

“Therefore, we have to call a spade a spade and be very, very clear,” he remarked.

The parliamentarian also challenged anyone with contrary information to publicly refute his statements.

“I challenge anyone here; at least two persons in this room have the opportunity to rebut and clarify if that's not the case,” Doran said.

He concluded his intervention with a direct summary of his position.

“Therefore, we did not fire them; we hired them.”

Debate continues over GEBE leadership

Doran’s comments came amid growing political discussion surrounding governance and leadership issues at NV GEBE, the country’s sole electricity and water provider.

Shortly after Doran’s remarks, MP Omar Ottley referenced ongoing concerns about the company’s management situation, describing the utility as “a ship without a captain” and indicating that further discussion on GEBE was expected during a meeting scheduled for Friday.

The exchange highlights ongoing political scrutiny of GEBE’s leadership structure, appointment processes, and overall governance, as Parliament continues to examine matters related to the state-owned utility company.

As debate continues, Doran has urged the public to rely on documented records and verifiable facts regarding decisions taken during the Jacobs I administration, maintaining that the National Alliance government appointed local professionals to key GEBE positions rather than dismissing them.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Chairlady of Parliament and veteran Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams has outlined an ambitious vision for strengthening Kingdom cooperation while also addressing pressing national concerns ranging from the ongoing GEBE crisis to governance reforms and democratic accountability. During an extensive interview, Wescot-Williams reflected on recent developments at the Inter-Parliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO), the Kingdom's democratic structure, and challenges confronting Sint Maarten.

IPKO Reform Initiative Gains Broad Support

Fresh from attending the latest IPKO meeting in The Hague, Wescot-Williams described the successful adoption of her proposal aimed at making the inter-parliamentary platform more effective and results-oriented.

The veteran parliamentarian emphasized that while dialogue among the four Kingdom parliaments remains important, discussions must translate into tangible outcomes.

According to Wescot-Williams, the newly adopted framework focuses on greater accountability, improved follow-up mechanisms, and more structured decision-making. She noted that future IPKO meetings will place greater emphasis on tracking previous agreements and ensuring participating governments and parliaments report on progress achieved.

"The platform must yield results," she stressed, explaining that Parliamentarians from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands embraced the proposal as a means of enhancing cooperation and strengthening mutual respect within the Kingdom.

Push for Greater Kingdom Accountability

A major component of the reform agenda is bringing Kingdom ministers directly before the four parliaments that participate in IPKO.

Wescot-Williams argued that ministers responsible for Kingdom affairs, including Defense and Foreign Affairs, should be accountable not only to the Dutch Parliament but also to the parliaments of the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom.

She welcomed the participation of the Dutch State Secretary at the recent IPKO session and expressed hope that future consultations will include more Kingdom ministers engaging directly with parliamentarians from all four countries.

Caribbean Countries Challenge Dutch Abstention on Slavery Resolution

One of the most significant issues discussed during the consultation concerned the Kingdom's abstention from a United Nations vote on slavery and reparatory justice.

Wescot-Williams revealed that neither Sint Maarten, Aruba, nor Curaçao had been consulted before the Kingdom cast its abstention vote.

The Chairlady expressed strong dissatisfaction with what she described as a lack of consultation on a matter of profound historical significance to the Caribbean countries.

Following discussions among the Caribbean delegations, a formal objection was drafted and communicated to both Kingdom authorities and Dutch counterparts.

"The issue is deeper than simply saying, 'Oops, next time we'll know better,'" she said, emphasizing that decisions affecting the Caribbean countries must involve their governments and representatives.

She further argued that the incident highlights the need for a broader discussion about Kingdom representation at international institutions such as the United Nations.

Democratic Deficit Remains Unresolved

Wescot-Williams also addressed the longstanding issue of the so-called "democratic deficit" within the Kingdom.

She explained that a committee established by IPKO in 2024 is currently reviewing historical reports and recommendations aimed at addressing the lack of parliamentary influence over certain Kingdom-level decisions.

The committee is expected to deliver its findings in October 2026.

According to Wescot-Williams, previous studies have often been shelved without meaningful implementation. She urged all participating parliaments to commit seriously to addressing the recommendations once the report is finalized.

Kingdom Conference Expected this Year

Another major development emerging from IPKO is the anticipated Kingdom Conference scheduled for later this year.

The conference, expected to bring together governments at the highest level, has been discussed for years but repeatedly delayed.

Wescot-Williams disclosed that Sint Maarten has offered to host the gathering, which could take place in November.

Importantly, she is advocating for parliamentary involvement in the conference process rather than limiting participation to government officials alone.

The Dutch State Secretary reportedly expressed support for exploring a role for parliaments in the conference proceedings.

GEBE Leadership Crisis Raises Concerns

Turning to domestic matters, Wescot-Williams addressed the surprise resignation of GEBE Transition Manager Thomas Roggendorf, whose tenure lasted slightly over a year.

She admitted that the resignation did not entirely surprise her, given the mounting challenges surrounding the utility company.

The MP questioned whether the current governance structure of government-owned companies is appropriate for a utility provider responsible for essential services such as electricity and water.

According to Wescot-Williams, the existing framework often creates conflicts between the government's responsibilities as a shareholder and its obligations to citizens.

She pointed to longstanding delays in appointing key executives, board members, and strategic leadership, while critical operational issues continue to affect the utility.

"How long are we going to go through all of this?" she questioned.

Growing Frustration Over Utility Bills

The Chairlady acknowledged growing public frustration with GEBE's billing practices and escalating fuel-clause charges.

She noted that many residents have reported receiving utility bills containing substantial outstanding balances that they struggle to understand or verify.

Wescot-Williams said she intends to seek additional clarification directly from GEBE regarding the basis for these charges.

She also highlighted concerns raised in a redacted investigative report conducted jointly by RAC Curaçao and BTP Sint Maarten, which examined tariff structures and billing procedures.

According to her account, GEBE disputed portions of the report's conclusions and promised to provide alternative data and explanations. However, she indicated that Parliament has yet to receive a comprehensive response.

Consumer Protection Body Welcomed

Regarding the newly formed Association for Consumer Protection Sint Maarten (ACP SXM), Wescot-Williams welcomed the concept of a consumer protection organization.

While she admitted she had not yet reviewed the association's specific objectives, she said consumer advocacy bodies play an important role in assisting residents facing challenges with service providers and other businesses.

The organization is among the groups supporting a protest march on June 15 concerning GEBE's billing practices.

Call for Alternative Energy Solutions

Wescot-Williams stressed that Sint Maarten must accelerate efforts to develop alternative energy solutions.

She referenced funding opportunities available through Dutch sustainability programs and questioned why the country has not yet fully accessed resources earmarked for renewable energy development.

The MP advocated programs to help households install solar panels and reduce their dependence on costly traditional energy sources.

Such measures, she argued, could provide long-term relief for families struggling with high electricity costs.

Parliamentary Delays Explained

Responding to criticism about delayed parliamentary meetings and a backlog of agenda items, Wescot-Williams explained that many sessions depend on the availability of ministers and requested information from government departments.

She maintained that Parliament regularly schedules meetings but often faces delays when ministers are unable to attend or when requested documentation remains outstanding.

The Chairlady also noted that quorum requirements must be met before public meetings can begin, contributing to occasional delays.

Time for a National Dialogue on Governance

Reflecting on Sint Maarten's development sixteen years after attaining country status on October 10, 2010, Wescot-Williams called for a comprehensive review of the country's governance structure.

While defending democratic institutions such as the Ombudsman, Council of Advice, and Integrity Chamber, she acknowledged concerns about the costs and capacity requirements associated with maintaining multiple institutions in a small country.

The MP suggested it may be time for an honest national conversation about how Sint Maarten can modernize and streamline aspects of governance while preserving essential democratic safeguards.

"We need a national dialogue on the direction of this country," she said.

Coalition Stability Remains Intact

Addressing recent political tensions surrounding the departure of Minister Richinel Brug, Wescot-Williams acknowledged that the situation was difficult for all involved.

However, she defended the coalition's handling of the matter, explaining that the minister's own political party had determined it could no longer maintain him in office.

Despite the controversy, she emphasized that coalition partners acted in what they believed to be the broader interest of political stability and governance.

The Democratic Party leader concluded by reaffirming her commitment to open dialogue with the public and continued engagement on issues affecting Sint Maarten's future.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs, issued a response to the press release by the Windward Islands Teachers’ Union (WITU) concerning classroom conditions at the Marie Genevieve de Weever Primary School (MGDW).

Gumbs stated that the Ministry welcomes constructive engagement on matters affecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of teachers, staff, and students. However, when public statements omit important facts, the Ministry has a responsibility to ensure that the full record is placed before the public.

On Friday, 5 June 2026, the Division of Public Education received a notification from the school manager of a proposed sit-out by the staff of MGDW planned for Monday, 8 June 2026. On Sunday, 7 June 2026, Minister Gumbs received a communication from the President of WITU confirming the intention of its members at MGDW to have a sit-out, and inviting the Minister to attend a meeting with union members, school management, and staff of MGDW on Monday, 8 June 2026, at 7:30 a.m.

Despite the extremely short notice, the Minister responded in writing later that day, outlining the status of the November 2025 Stop Work Order, the corrective measures undertaken, and the Ministry’s understanding of the concerns raised. In that response, she urged WITU to advise its members not to disrupt the morning school schedule and rescheduled the meeting to 12:50 p.m., at the end of the school day, so that the concerns could be heard without affecting instructional time, students, or parents.

The Ministry therefore notes that WITU’s public statement does not mention the proposed sit-out, the short notice given to the Ministry, the Minister’s written response of June 7, or the request that the matter be handled in a way that avoids unnecessary disruption to students and parents.

During the June 8 meeting, the Ministry again provided a comprehensive overview of the actions taken following the November 2025 inspection conducted by the Public Health Inspectorate of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), including remediation works carried out in response to the Stop Work Order and Directive issued at that time.

Minister Gumbs reconfirmed that the Public Health Inspectorate lifted the Stop Work Order on January 12, 2026. The Stop Work Order had applied to classrooms 103, 104, 109, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 at MGDW, following the Inspectorate’s November 2025 inspection of the entire school, which was carried out after the Minister requested VSA’s review of health conditions at several public schools.

“This does not mean that every structural or maintenance concern at MGDW had been resolved,” Gumbs clarified. “It means that the classrooms placed under the Stop Work Order were the areas identified by the Public Health Inspectorate as presenting the most critical health concerns at that time, and that those specific concerns were addressed to the satisfaction of the same authority that issued the order.”

The Ministry does not accept the impression that teachers were left without information on this matter. Updates were provided at school level, classrooms were returned to use following the lifting of the Stop Work Order, and staff were requested on multiple occasions to submit any remaining or additional concerns in writing. This was also communicated during the Minister’s April visit to MGDW, when the only matter raised with the Minister was the pending air-conditioning installation, not renewed concerns related to the Stop Work Order.

During the June 8 meeting, staff were again given the opportunity to identify unresolved concerns related to the original Stop Work Order. The Ministry reiterated that the specific issues that formed the basis of that Stop Work Order had been addressed, while also acknowledging that additional concerns were being raised regarding other classrooms and maintenance-related matters.

Following the meeting, and at the Ministry’s initiative, the Head of DPE and a member of the Minister’s Cabinet conducted a walkthrough with WITU, school management, and teachers from the affected areas. The walkthrough documented concerns in several spaces, including classrooms 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 112A, and the counselor’s storeroom. The issues observed included missing louvers, ceiling tile deficiencies, possible pest entry points, plumbing concerns, and storage areas requiring cleaning and treatment.

For clarity, several of these spaces were not among the classrooms covered by the original Stop Work Order, which applied to classrooms 103, 104, 109, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117. This distinction matters. It does not make the newly identified concerns any less important, but it does mean they must be treated as additional or newly documented maintenance concerns requiring follow-up, rather than as evidence that the original Stop Work Order matters were left unresolved. These matters have been documented for follow-up, and the Ministry will request further reassessment by VSA where necessary.

The Ministry has never claimed that all public schools are free of maintenance challenges. On the contrary, MECYS has repeatedly acknowledged the need for a more structured, sustainable, and properly funded approach to public school maintenance. This is why DPE is moving forward with a public tender for preventive maintenance across all public schools, with the intention of having a structured maintenance contractor and inspection schedule in place for the coming school year.

“It was disappointing to see many of the facts and processes shared during the meeting omitted from the subsequent public narrative, while recommendations reiterated by the Ministry were presented as though they originated elsewhere,” Gumbs stated. “Dialogue must be honest, complete, and responsible. The Ministry cannot allow an incomplete public narrative to stand where important facts have been omitted, particularly where those omissions may create the impression that no action was taken or that concerns were ignored.”

Ruby Labega Primary School

Gumbs also provided an update on the Ruby Labega Primary School roof as part of the Ministry’s broader work to address longstanding maintenance and structural concerns across public schools. A June 1 site visit with structural engineers confirmed that, due to the advanced deterioration of the roofing materials and the current roof design, it would not be feasible to install galvanized roofing sheets on top of the existing roof structure. The current roofing system will therefore need to be fully replaced.

“The approach we are taking now is to initiate an emergency public tender process by the end of June, with the intent to start works in July,” Gumbs stated. “The target timeline for completing these works is September 2026.”

Gumbs explained that her objective is to avoid relocating students during reconstruction, as this would disrupt learning. However, DPE and the Ministry are also exploring temporary mitigation measures, including possible class adjustments, in the event parts of the works extend beyond the reopening of school.

“It is my full intention to ensure that there is minimal disruption to teaching and learning experiences as we address this long-running structural issue,” Gumbs stated. “All timelines are, of course, tentative and fully reliant on the success of the public tender and the mobilisation ability of the winning bidder. This is one of the more concerning structural integrity challenges at our public schools, and it highlights the critical need for the preventive maintenance SLA that is being tendered alongside all other pending matters.”

Shared Responsibility & Proper Reporting

Gumbs noted that sustaining safe school environments requires more than emergency repairs. It also requires timely reporting, consistent follow-up, and shared care for school spaces once improvements are made. “The Ministry has its responsibilities, and we will continue to act on them,” Gumbs stated. “At the same time, proper reporting and care for public school facilities help ensure that issues are identified early, documented clearly, and addressed in a timely manner.”

“Trying to catch Ministries, whether this one or any other, in a ‘gotcha’ moment does not help the teachers, students, or parents we are all trying to serve,” Gumbs concluded. “The challenges in our public schools were not created overnight, and they will not be solved overnight. But there is a difference between holding the Ministry accountable and presenting only part of the story in a way that creates unnecessary public distrust. Where facts are omitted or presented without full context, it becomes harder to move the work forward.

I will not engage in a public back-and-forth, but I will say this: there are measured approaches to solving decades-long structural problems, and there are reactive approaches that may create even greater disruption. My focus remains on the measured path: addressing urgent concerns, moving the preventive maintenance process forward, and ensuring that teaching and learning are disrupted as little as possible while we work through these long-standing challenges.”

 [ES1]We need to include a paragraph about the classroom tour and the findings.