St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Hands-Off or All-In? Doran Pushes for Sint Maarten’s Right to Mullet Bay.

jurendydoran18112024 PHILIPSBURG:--- MP Egbert Doran is voicing serious concerns over the government’s recent handling of the Ennia amendment, specifically regarding the sale of the Sun Resorts Ltd. N.V.-owned portion of Mullet Bay. What was initially presented as a crucial move to secure local influence over this valuable land has now become a source of public confusion, raising questions about the true intentions of Finance Minister Marinka Gumbs and Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. Doran is urging the community to stay vigilant and keep a close watch on the government's actions.
When the Ennia amendment was first introduced, Finance Minister Gumbs and Prime Minister Mercelina were clear advocates, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding local interests. The amendment, they claimed, would allow the government to have a say in the future of Mullet Bay's Sun Resorts land, a significant piece of property distinct from Mullet Bay Beach. However, since the amendment was approved, the tone has shifted. Instead of actively pursuing opportunities to keep the Mullet Bay property under local control, the government has taken a "hands-off" approach, placing doubt on their original promises.
MP Doran, who is now speaking out since the contradictory behaviour, views this shift as a betrayal of public trust. He stresses that the property in question is not merely a commercial asset; it’s an integral part of the island’s cultural and historical landscape. “This isn’t just about land,” Doran emphasizes. “This is about transparency and making sure the government honors its promises to protect St. Martin’s interests.”
Finance Minister Gumbs, the advocate of the amendment, has now adopted a cautious stance, citing the complexities of Ennia’s financial situation. Prime Minister Mercelina, during a press briefing on November 5th, responded to direct questions about the government's intentions by stating, "The decision to sell has bee made, but no further actions or discussions have happened yet. Once there’s more clarity, we’ll explore our financial capacity to engage in this process." This vague language has only fueled concerns, prompting Doran to publicly demand greater clarity and transparency.
Doran’s decision to speak out comes from a growing sense that the public has been left in the dark, and he believes the government may not be fully committed to safeguarding the Sun Resorts land. He wants the community to stay alert, watching for any signs that political caution or private interests could undermine the original goal of maintaining local control over this strategically significant property.
A central point of Doran’s concerns is the government’s lack of a clear strategy for acquiring the Mullet Bay land. He argues that Sint Maarten should have the first right of refusal to purchase the property at a fair market price, especially given Ennia’s financial instability, which was aggravated by the overvaluation of the Mullet Bay assets. Doran questions why Sint Maarten should have to compete in a public bid for land that the community has a legitimate claim to, given the island’s financial support during Ennia’s crisis.
MP Doran’s decision to raise these concerns is about more than the fate of the Mullet Bay land—it’s about holding the government accountable. He is urging the public to demand more transparency from Finance Minister Gumbs and Prime Minister Mercelina, as the government's reluctance to act decisively has left many wondering whether the urgency displayed during the amendment’s passage was genuine or simply a political move.
For Doran, the government’s cautious approach suggests a deeper problem, and he believes it’s critical for residents to keep a close eye on how this situation unfolds. “We need to ensure that this isn’t just about politics,” Doran asserts. “The public deserves to know exactly what’s happening, and our leaders need to be held accountable if they fail to protect the interests of our community.”
As discussions about the Sun Resorts Ltd. N.V.-owned portion of Mullet Bay continue, Sint Maarten's residents face an uncertain future. MP Doran’s call for a more proactive and transparent government response is echoed by many who feel the community’s interests may be at risk. The hope is that the government will honor its initial promises and take meaningful steps to secure this significant piece of land for the people of Sint Maarten.
For now, the community watches closely, aware that the next steps taken—or not taken—by the government will reveal whether the intent behind the Ennia amendment was truly about safeguarding local interests. MP Doran's call to action is clear: this is a moment for vigilance, for the people of Sint Maarten to demand clarity and accountability from their leaders before it's too late.
Doran is calling for an independent appraisal that would consider not only the land’s true market value but also the contributions Sint Maarten made to stabilize Ennia’s finances. “We cannot afford to miss this opportunity,” Doran warns. “Why should Sint Maarten have to go through a bid when it was Ennia’s inflated valuations that brought us to this point in the first place? This land should first and foremost benefit the people of St. Martin.”

MP York submits urgent request for VROMI Committee Meeting in Light of Recent Weather Challenges.

darrylyork18112024 PHILIPSBURG:--- In light of the severe weather impacts experienced over the past week, Member of Parliament and Chair of the VROMI Committee, Darryl York, has formally submitted an urgent request for a VROMI Committee meeting. The recent flooding and widespread damage across Sint Maarten have raised serious concerns about the island’s preparedness for extreme weather conditions, highlighting critical vulnerabilities in its infrastructure.
The purpose of the meeting is to assess the current state of Sint Maarten’s infrastructure and to evaluate the government’s immediate and long-term responses to these challenges. MP York stressed the importance of proactively addressing these vulnerabilities, especially given the increasing frequency of climate-related events.
One of the key areas of focus will be an in-depth review of the weather-related issues, particularly identifying the most affected areas and understanding the weaknesses in existing infrastructure. MP York is seeking an update from the Ministry of VROMI on the steps taken to address immediate threats, such as road clearances and repairs, following the inclement weather. Given the frustrations expressed by residents regarding delays and inadequate responses, it is crucial that the government provides a clear account of the actions taken to mitigate the damage and prevent future disruptions.
Another focal point will be discussing the government’s long-term resilience strategies, with a particular emphasis on sustainable measures to enhance the island’s ability to withstand future weather events. MP York is calling for concrete solutions to protect infrastructure and ensure that future storms and flooding do not result in similar damage.
Additionally, MP York is requesting an update on the government’s action plan for managing Sint Maarten’s ponds. This plan, which was expected to be submitted within 30 days following MP York’s recently passed motion, is vital to maintaining the environmental health of the island’s crucial wetland areas.
A central theme of the meeting will also be public trust and accountability. MP York has emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability from Minister Patrice T. Gumbs. The Minister will be asked to address how the government plans to learn from recent challenges and what concrete plans are being implemented.
The meeting will also address traffic management issues, particularly the persistent congestion in the areas around L.B. Scott Road and Ebenezer during peak morning hours. The public has voiced growing dissatisfaction with the current traffic woes, and MP York seeks clarity on both short- and long-term plans for alleviating this issue.
The meeting, with VROMI Minister Patrice T. Gumbs in attendance, will be a crucial opportunity for constructive dialogue to develop actionable measures aimed at improving Sint Maarten’s infrastructure and resilience. MP York is hopeful that the discussions will address current shortcomings and prevent future issues. “This is about restoring public trust and ensuring that Sint Maarten’s infrastructure is prepared for future challenges,” stated MP York. The VROMI Committee remains committed to fostering dialogue and driving effective solutions to protect Sint Maarten’s residents and resources.

Minister of VSA Swears in Pharmacy Assistant for Cay hill Pharmacy.

veronicapharmacy18112024 PHILIPSBURG:---Today, November 18, 2024, the Honorable Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Veronica Webster-Jansen, officially swore in Ms Sewradj Aarti, a newly appointed Pharmacy Assistant for Cay hill Pharmacy. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in their professional journey and highlighted the importance of the healthcare sector in St. Maarten.

In her address, Minister Webster-Jansen emphasized the vital role that pharmacy assistants play in ensuring quality healthcare and supporting the well-being of the community. “As healthcare professionals, you are on the frontline of patient care, providing essential services to those in need. Your dedication and commitment to excellence strengthen our healthcare system,” she stated.

The newly sworn-in assistant pledged to uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism in their duties. Their role at Cayhill Drugstore will include assisting with dispensing medications, providing health advice, and supporting patients in managing their prescriptions effectively.

This appointment reflects the Ministry of VSA’s ongoing commitment to enhancing healthcare services and supporting the growth of skilled professionals in St. Maarten.

The Ministry congratulates Ms. Sewradj Aarti on this achievement and wishes them success in their new role.

World Antimicrobial Awareness Week Kicks Off Around the Globe.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW), kicked off on November 18 around the globe and runs until November 24.

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) says Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites no longer respond to antibiotics used to treat a wide range of bacteria making infections difficult to treat and at times impossible, increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.

Antibiotics and other antimicrobials play a key role in the success of modern medicine and have greatly improved the health of humans and animals. But overuse and misuse has reduced their efficacy, with more pathogens developing the ability to survive the antimicrobials designed to eliminate them, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

This year, the theme of WAAW is, Educate. Advocate. Act now.”
This theme was chosen based on feedback from an online survey among stakeholders from the human, animal, plant, and environmental health sectors, which collected nearly 200 responses globally.

The objective of WAAW is to spread information to different groups within the community and for persons to be able to learn more about Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and why it’s a global concern and what impact it could have on Sint Maarten.

Antibiotic medicines were discovered a century ago and have significantly extended average life expectancy. Every day, these essential medicines save millions of lives.

AMR is directly responsible for 1.3 million deaths and contributes to five million deaths every year. But this is just the start. AMR also threatens the world’s economic future, with an estimated global annual cost of up to US$3.4 trillion by 2030 and 28 million people pushed to poverty by 2050, the WHO points out.

“Together, we should ensure the international community sets ambitious goals during high-level meetings on AMR and that countries allocate sufficient resources to meet AMR national action plans.

“By sharing real-life experiences of AMR, we aim to illustrate its tangible impact and promote global action. WHO urges governments, NGOs, civil society groups, youth and student organizations, universities, healthcare professionals, private stakeholders and media to act and engage local communities in raising awareness around this global health crisis,” the WHO adds.

Minister Lewis Recognizes International Men’s Day.

lyndonlewis18112024 PHILIPSBURG:--- On this International Men’s Day, observed annually on November 19, Minister of Justice and Acting Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Mr. Lyndon Lewis, extends heartfelt recognition to men across the nation and around the globe for their invaluable contributions to society.

International Men’s Day provides an opportunity to celebrate positive male role models and to raise awareness about the importance of men's mental health, physical well-being, and social contributions as leaders, fathers, mentors, and community builders.

"Today, we honor the men in our lives who strive to lead by example, uplift their families and communities, and contribute to the development of a better society. On this special day, let us

also reflect on the challenges men face, particularly in areas such as mental health, work-life balance, and social expectations. Together, we must continue to build a society where men are free to express their strengths and vulnerabilities without fear of judgment."

As Acting Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sport, Minister Lewis emphasized the importance of engaging young men in positive activities and programs that foster discipline, leadership, and teamwork, equipping them to contribute meaningfully to society.

The Ministry encourages all residents to take a moment today to show appreciation to the men in their lives and to support initiatives that promote the well-being of men and boys in Sint Maarten and beyond.