PHILIPSBURG:--- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has issued a firm and unequivocal rejection of any notion, suggestion, or call to dismantle the current governing coalition. In a strongly worded statement, Prime Minister Mercelina reaffirmed the Government’s stability, clarity of purpose, and commitment to serving the people of Sint Maarten in accordance with the clear mandate received during the August 2024 Parliamentary Elections.

“I categorically reject any and all attempts to undermine the integrity of this coalition Government,” declared Prime Minister Mercelina. “This Government is united, focused, and steady in its commitment to the people. Let there be no doubt—this coalition remains intact and is working tirelessly to address the real challenges facing our country.”

The Prime Minister made it clear that any Member of Parliament who seeks to participate in efforts to break up the coalition is acting against the expressed will and mandate of the electorate, as this Government only started on November 26, 2024.

“Any Member of Parliament who entertains or engages in such political disruption clearly would not heed the message sent by the people during the August 2024 Parliamentary Elections,” he stated. “Those individuals would not only be turning their backs on voters —they would also be undermining our democracy and attempting to reverse the stability that our citizens voted for.”

PM Dr. Mercelina also addressed the harmful effect of such speculation being circulated and sensationalized by regional media.

“This type of misinformation going viral—especially in media outlets in Curaçao and beyond—is not just irresponsible, it is defamatory. It creates a negative image of our country and misrepresents the political maturity of Sint Maarten. We must reject this kind of narrative and focus on nation-building, not rumor-mongering,” he emphasized.

Reiterating his Government’s priorities, PM Dr. Mercelina stressed the coalition’s commitment to governing with integrity, transparency, and purpose.

“We are focused on the people's business—from addressing the national energy crisis and strengthening healthcare to securing sustainable development and rebuilding key institutions. We refuse to be distracted by noise or driven off course by political opportunism,” said the Prime Minister.

He further urged all elected officials to remain grounded in service to our people and our country.

“Let us rise above political games and do what the people elected us to do: lead with honor, govern with vision, and protect the stability of this country,” PM Dr. Mercelina concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- June marks Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on an issue that has too often been left in the shadows. During this month, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs delivered an inspiring message that urged us to rethink our approach to men’s emotional well-being. She reminded us of the courage it takes for men to show vulnerability and the critical need for open, compassionate conversations.

Challenging Harmful Stigmas

For generations, men have been taught to mask their struggles, to keep their emotions hidden behind a façade of strength. Phrases like "men don't cry" have perpetuated a toxic culture that equates vulnerability with weakness. Minister Gumbs, however, reframed this narrative by declaring, “Vulnerability is not weakness; it is courage.”

This message is more relevant than ever. Studies consistently show that men are less likely than women to seek mental health support, often due to societal pressure to appear “strong.” The consequences can be devastating, leading to loneliness, substance abuse, and even higher suicide rates among men. It’s evident that we must dismantle these outdated stigmas to create a society where men feel free to express their feelings without fear of judgment.

A Poetic Call to Action

One of the most poignant moments in the Minister’s address came when she referenced Rene Koto Wilson’s heartfelt poem, A Man’s Pain. The poem gave voice to the silent struggles countless men face every day. With raw honesty, it spoke of the weight men carry in solitude, a burden made heavier by the demands of societal expectations.

Wilson’s bravery in sharing his experiences serves as a call to action for all of us. It challenges us to listen more, judge less, and offer our support without hesitation. It also reminds us that asking a simple question— “How are you, really?”—can open the door to a much-needed conversation.

The Role of Community and Support Networks

The work of organizations like the St. Maarten Mental Health Foundation plays a critical role in addressing men’s mental health issues. Despite facing numerous challenges, this dedicated organization continues to provide professional care and resources to those in need. Their services are vital in creating safe spaces where men can seek help without fear of stigma or ridicule.

Minister Gumbs commended the foundation for its relentless efforts, reminding us of the importance of community in fostering mental wellness. Whether through professional support or personal outreach, we each have a role to play in building a supportive environment for mental health.

Making Mental Health a Daily Priority

While Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is a valuable opportunity to raise awareness, Minister Gumbs emphasized that mental health must be a daily priority. Too often, we only address these issues during moments of crisis or designated awareness campaigns. Instead, we need to normalize regular check-ins and emotional openness in our everyday lives.

The challenge lies in creating cultural change. It means teaching young boys that it’s okay to express their feelings, encouraging men to seek help when needed, and providing the necessary resources to make support accessible. By starting these conversations early and often, we can shift the narrative and pave the way for healthier, more connected communities.

A United Commitment to Change

Minister Gumbs closed her remarks with a powerful call to action, urging all of us to break the silence surrounding men’s mental health. “We often expect others to tell us what they’re going through—perhaps it’s time we dare to ask, ‘How are you, really?’” She said. This simple yet profound question embodies the essence of this movement.

Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month is more than just a calendar event; it’s a reminder of our collective responsibility to support each other. Whether it’s through listening, sharing resources, or challenging stigmas, we all have a role to play.

This June—and beyond—let’s honor the courage it takes to speak up. Let’s celebrate vulnerability as a strength. And most importantly, let’s commit to making mental health a shared priority, not just for men, but for everyone. Together, we can build a world where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Transparency and accountability are the cornerstones of healthy governance, particularly when it comes to the relationship between a government and its Parliament. This principle has recently come under scrutiny in St Maarten, where Member of Parliament (MP) Ardwell M.R. Irion has highlighted significant concerns regarding the government's refusal to provide essential documents requested by Parliament. This issue raises critical questions about the constitutional rights of Parliament, the government's obligations, and the broader implications for democratic oversight.

The Constitutional Right to Information

At the heart of the matter is Article 63(1) of the Constitution of St Maarten. This article explicitly states that government ministers are obligated to provide information to Parliament or its members upon request, unless such disclosure conflicts with the interests of the Kingdom, the country, or the law. The inclusion of this provision in the Constitution underscores the foundational role transparency plays in ensuring checks and balances within the governmental structure.

Parliament’s ability to access vital information is crucial for effective oversight. It enables elected representatives to scrutinize government policies, make informed decisions, and hold leaders accountable for their actions. When this right is obstructed, it undermines the democratic process and damages the institutional integrity of Parliament.

Misuse of the National Ordinance on Public Disclosure

The government, in its refusal to release the requested documents, has invoked the National Ordinance on the Public Disclosure of Government Information (Lvo Openbaarheid van Bestuur). However, as MP Irion emphasized, this ordinance governs public access to information for citizens, not the constitutional rights of Parliament.

Using this ordinance to justify noncompliance is a clear misapplication of the law. It distorts the institutional relationship between the government and Parliament by creating unnecessary barriers to the flow of information. Such actions not only erode trust but also raise concerns over the government’s commitment to transparency.

The Stakes of Withholding Information

This ongoing issue is particularly troubling in light of the upcoming public budget debate, a matter of national importance. The refusal to provide critical documents and supporting materials before deliberations hinders Parliament’s ability to fulfill its oversight responsibilities. The budget is a fundamental tool for planning and managing responsibilities. The budget is a fundamental tool for planning and resource allocation. Without full and accurate information, Parliament cannot effectively evaluate or critique these financial plans, which may lead to mismanagement or poor decision-making.

Transparency in budget discussions is not just a procedural requirement; it reflects the government’s broader values. A refusal to engage openly with Parliament sends a troubling message about the administration’s priorities and its willingness to operate behind closed doors at the expense of public accountability.

Upholding Transparency and Accountability

MP Irion’s call for action underscores the seriousness of this issue. By requesting the Presidium to demand the immediate release of documents and a formal legal justification from the government, he is advocating for the protection of Parliament’s constitutional rights. This proactive approach is crucial in countering the trends of opacity and ensuring that the principles of good governance are upheld.

A Call to Action

The government of Sint Maarten must recognize that transparency is not optional—it is an obligation enshrined in the Constitution. Open dialogue, timely information sharing, and a culture of accountability are essential for fostering public trust and ensuring ethical governance.

As citizens and stakeholders in Sint Maarten's future, we must demand swift action to address this issue. Parliament’s ability to function effectively depends on its access to accurate and timely information. The Presidium must act decisively to assert Parliament’s constitutional rights and ensure that these rights are respected in spirit and practice.

The people of Sint Maarten deserve a government that prioritizes openness and accountability, especially during pivotal moments like the national budget debate. Transparent governance is more than just a legal requirement—it is the hallmark of a democracy that values its citizens and their elected representatives.

Click here for the letter sent by MP Ardwell Irion to the Chairlady of Parliament, Sarah Wescot Williams.

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- The Caribbean guilder (Cg) banknote series received the Regional Best New Banknote Series 2025 Award at the High Security Printing (HSP) Latin America Conference in Rio de Janeiro. The judging criteria combined visual artistry with a high level of technical and security sophistication. Significant emphasis was also placed on how effectively the notes reflect the cultural heritage of the issuing country, as well as on the relevance of their overall design and symbolism to that country. Other recipients included the Bermuda Monetary Authority, which received the Best New Banknote Award for the recently issued 1 and 2 Bermuda Dollar notes, and the Bank of Guatemala, which won the Best New Commemorative Banknote Award for the 1 Quetzal note marking the centenary of the Guatemalan currency. A new category introduced this year, Best Environmental Project, was awarded to Papierfabrik Louisenthal GmbH. The award ceremony took place at the iconic Sugar Loaf Mountain. In her acceptance remarks, Raquel Lo-Fo-Wong, branch director for Sint Maarten, described the Regional Best New Banknote Series 2025 Award as a meaningful recognition of the many years of hard work that ultimately led to this special banknote series. The HSP Latin America Conference, organized annually by Reconnaissance,1 brings together representatives from governments, central banks, designers, and manufacturers to share and showcase the latest developments in secure printing technologies for banknotes, identity documents, and passports. During the three-day event, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), represented by Nancy van der Wal, Head of Corporate Communications, delivered a presentation on the importance of consistent and effective communication and marketing efforts in securing public support during the introduction of a new currency. CBCS partners, Crane Currency and the Royal Canadian Mint, also made significant contributions to this effort. The Regional Best New Banknote Series 2025 Award is not only a notable recognition for the CBCS, but above all for the communities of Sint Maarten and Curaçao.

Willemstad, June 18, 2025

CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN