PHILIPSBURG:--- Update from the Minister of Finance on the technical issues delaying the ratification and publication of the 2025 National Budget (15/655/2024-2025 dated February 27, 2025)

This meeting was requested by MP E.J. Doran, MP D.T.J. York, MP A.M.R. Irion, MP O.E.C. Ottley, MP F.A. Lacroes, and MP L.C.J. Lewi.s

which was adjourned on May 8, 2025, and could not take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 14.00 hrs. due to a lack of quorum, will be reconvened on Thursday, Ma y 15, 2025, at 15.00 hrs.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Justice of Saint-Maarten, Nathalie Tackling, has issued a formal update regarding the incident that took place on Wednesday, May 14, at the Pointe Blanche prison. The event, which began as a refusal by inmates to return to their cells, escalated into a fire that required a swift and coordinated response from emergency personnel.

Timeline of Events

The situation unfolded around 4 p.m. when reports reached the Minister of Justice about inmates refusing to comply with instructions to return to their cells. While initial efforts to mobilize police units were underway, a fire broke out inside the prison, escalating the crisis.

Emergency responders, including the prison staff, the fire department, KPSM police officers, VKS officers, the Marines, ambulance personnel, and other support teams, quickly sprang into action.

By 5:30 p.m., the Minister of Justice arrived at Pointe Blanche but was unable to enter the facility due to ongoing emergency operations. A crisis team had already been convened around 4 p.m., and the Minister relocated its operations to the Philipsburg police station. The team worked tirelessly until nearly 9 p.m., after which it returned to Pointe Blanche prison when the situation was deemed safe for entry.

Efforts to combat the fire proved successful, with firefighters extinguishing the blaze by 6 p.m. Despite this, significant challenges remained. Structural damage and safety concerns forced 51 inmates out of their cells overnight, prompting emergency relocation measures.

Emergency Response and Housing Efforts

Officials and emergency personnel worked into the early hours of the morning to ensure all inmates were accounted for and provided with temporary accommodations. Some inmates were transferred to the Philipsburg police station, while others were housed in various rooms and spaces in the Pointe Blanche prison with bedding provided by the Marines. Adequate staffing levels were maintained throughout these arrangements to ensure safety for both inmates and staff.

By nearly 3 a.m., emergency teams had secured accommodation for all inmates. Meanwhile, assessments of the structural integrity of the prison and the extent of the fire damage are ongoing.

Ongoing Stabilization Efforts

The Minister of Justice stressed that stabilizing the situation remains the government's top priority. Inspections are currently being conducted by VROMI officials, fire department inspectors, and representatives from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), which is overseeing the construction of a new prison facility.

Authorities are also exploring solutions to address the immediate needs created by the incident. These include utilizing alternative facilities such as the Philipsburg police station and the Simpson Bay Foreigner Detention Center. Additionally, discussions are underway with other facilities within the Kingdom to determine how they might assist during this critical period.

Assurance to the Public

The Minister of Justice assured the public that the situation is being treated with the utmost urgency, emphasizing the government's commitment to the safety of all inmates and staff.

"Everyone is safe, and we are doing our best to stabilize the incident," the Minister stated. "We thank the public for their patience, understanding, and support during this challenging time."

While the situation remains under close observation, the Minister indicated that updates would follow as additional information becomes available. For now, officials are focused on ensuring safety and assessing the next steps in addressing the damage and providing secure accommodation for those impacted by the incident.

This marks a critical moment for the Pointe Blanche prison, but the swift and dedicated response by emergency teams highlights a strong commitment to public safety and order.

PHILIPSBURG:---  For the second time this week, the governing coalition has been unable to secure a quorum for a Parliament meeting concerning the crucial 2025 national budget.

On Thursday morning, only six Members of Parliament were present in the House, falling short of the required number to proceed. Four other MPs were reportedly attending a Parlatino conference abroad, raising questions about the coalition’s priorities during a time of financial uncertainty.

The repeated failure to ensure quorum, especially on such vital matters, has drawn increasing criticism from the public and opposition MPs.

“This is becoming a dangerous pattern,” said one opposition member. “We are now in mid-May, and the 2025 budget remains unresolved. The people of Sint Maarten deserve better.”

This marked the second delay in a week for budget deliberations due to the absence of key coalition members. Without a quorum, Parliament was forced to adjourn, further stalling crucial national decisions.

Critics have pointed to the coalition's ongoing difficulties in fulfilling basic legislative duties as a sign of internal division and weak leadership, issues that Sint Maarten can ill afford amid growing financial challenges.

Parliament has not yet announced when the next meeting on the 2025 budget will take place.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ombudsman, Gwendolien Mossel, extends congratulations to the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) and the Windward Islands Teachers Union (WITU) for successfully organizing the Labor Symposium under the timely and impactful theme: “Empowering Workers and Employers – Know Your Rights, Build Your Future.”

The Ombudsman, who is currently on work-related travel, commends the unions for taking the initiative to bring together key stakeholders in labor relations and foster constructive dialogue on critical workplace issues. On the opening day, which focused on “Foundations and Frameworks in Labor,” Legal Advisor to the Ombudsman Ms. Aishira Cicilia delivered a compelling presentation on “The Role of the Ombudsman in Labor Issues.”

Key points highlighted in the presentation included:

• Ombudsman’s (and other High Councils) reports as a means for Parliament to execute their supervisory role relative to ministers;
• The challenges civil servants face when filing a labor-related complaint, and the need to address these concerns;
• The need for transparency, professionalism, and cooperation in public service, with standards of proper conduct guiding government interaction with the public.
• Observations that civil servants often feel undervalued, while employers face overwhelming bureaucracy, contribute to a culture of inefficiency and mistrust.

The Ombudsman emphasized the importance of open dialogue between employers, workers, and unions, and the role of collective advocacy in fostering fair and equitable labor practices.

“We hope the insights shared during this symposium will translate into real improvements in the labor landscape for both the private and public sectors,” Ms. Cicilia stated. “Together, we must build a culture of respect, accountability, and empowerment in our workplaces.”

The Ombudsman looks forward to seeing the knowledge and perspectives gained during this event drive meaningful action in the months and years ahead.