PHILIPSBURG:---  In a powerful show of public service unity, NAPB- Sint Maarten and ABVO -Sint Maarten have formally declared their solidarity with WICSU-PSU, representing firefighters and ambulance workers, as frontline emergency services continue to face mounting pressures over staffing, safety, and working conditions.

NAPB- Sint Maarten and ABVO- Sint Maarten issued a joint statement today expressing unwavering support for their fellow emergency responders, citing shared values, mutual challenges, and the critical need for investment in public safety infrastructure.

"Firefighters and paramedics stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us every day on the front lines. Today, we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them," said Marcus Pantophlet, president of NAPB- Sint Maarten. "Their fight for fair conditions and adequate resources is our fight too."

"Solidarity among public safety workers sends a clear message: we are united in our commitment to protect the public—and each other," added President Sharlon Cathalina, president of ABVO- Sint Maarten.

WICSU-PSU, representing firefighters and ambulance workers, welcomed the support.

The unions are urging elected officials and the public to recognize the essential role that all emergency responders play—and the urgent need to provide the resources and respect these roles deserve.

Simpson Bay:---  Arrow Restaurant Simpson reaffirms its commitment to excellence by offering its operations team an intensive 3-day, 12-hour workshop designed to strengthen their leadership and management skills within the hospitality sector. This initiative is part of the restaurant’s vision to invest in the continuous development of its staff to ensure high-quality service and a superior experience for its customers.

The program, facilitated by Kenty Lichtenberg, of Be Your Own Brand, focused on key areas such as: leadership fundamentals and team communication, personality styles and their impact on teamwork, conflict resolution and crisis management, strategies for employee motivation, recognition and retention, excellence in customer service, and innovation through artificial intelligence tools applied to the restaurant industry.

During the sessions, participants had the opportunity to reflect, practice, and apply dynamics tailored to their daily roles, which helped reinforce their sense of belonging and encourage effective collaboration. With a practical and interactive methodology, the workshop provided not only knowledge but also immediate tools to improve internal processes and customer care. “Participants, in a highly interactive and hands-on way, were able to resolve real-life case scenarios from their day-to-day operations. At the end of the workshop, they also received a certificate of participation, an element that will continue to foster a mindset of personal development for the Arrow Restaurant team, and of course, add value for their customers,” said Kenty Lichtenberg.

General Manager Maireni Montás highlighted the importance of this type of training: “We trust that these initiatives are fundamental for improving customer service, managing internal processes, and, above all, strengthening each member’s sense of belonging to a team with a vision of progress and growth.” Arrow Restaurant Simpson thus reaffirms its leadership as a reference in local hospitality, betting on the development of its people as the main driver of its success.

“We hope that many smaller / mid-size organizations in the hospitality industry continue to understand the importance of capacity building for their personnel. With the fast developments in technology and operational processes, learning is a key element of business longevity”,  says Kenty Lichtenberg of Be Your Own Brand.

PHILIPSBURG: --- NOW, Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis is urgently calling on Prime Minister Dr. Luc Marcelina and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richnel Brug, to address without further delay the grievances of the Ambulance and Fire Departments. The ongoing “go slow” action by these departments can potentially put the lives of our citizens and visitors at serious risk.  

MP Lewis was informed of a horrific accident that occurred early this morning in Simpson Bay, in the vicinity of the Anguilla Dock on Airport Road. One of the individuals involved in the accident was the daughter of a well-known civil servant. According to information received, the ambulance response took approximately 25 minutes to arrive at the scene. Such a delay in emergency response for a serious accident is deeply concerning and could have easily resulted in the tragic loss of life.  

“This incident is not only alarming but also a wake-up call for the government to act swiftly regarding the demands agreed upon with the ambulance and fire departments,” MP Lewis stated. “The men and women of our Ambulance and Fire Departments are essential frontline workers, yet they continue to face inadequate resources and unresolved labor concerns. Promises were made to these workers by the previous Prime Ministers, including the current Dr. Luc Mercelina, and it is unacceptable that those commitments have not yet been fulfilled.”  

MP Lewis stressed that the ongoing go-slow action is a direct reflection of the frustration of these vital departments. He warned that failure to address the situation immediately may lead to further delays, jeopardizing public safety.  

“I urge the Prime Minister and the Minister of VSA  to move beyond words and deliver to these civil servants under their leadership of what was promised. Our citizens cannot afford a repeat of this morning’s delay, nor can we gamble with lives due to administrative inaction,” MP Lewis said. “It is imperative that the grievances of the Ambulance and Firefighter Departments are resolved, and the necessary resources are allocated so they can perform their duties effectively and efficiently.”  

MP Lewis concluded by emphasizing that the government’s failure to act is not only a breach of trust but also a matter of life and death. He calls on Ministers responsible to honor their commitments and resolve the matter promptly before another tragedy occurs.

PHILIPSBURG: --- A contentious public meeting of Parliament on Thursday laid bare the deep-seated issues plaguing St. Maarten’s sole utility provider, NV GEBE. Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina faced a barrage of questions and interruptions as he outlined the government's response to the ongoing energy crisis, high electricity costs, and a collapse of public confidence in the company. The session culminated in the revelation that the government has formally requested the resignation of GEBE's entire Supervisory Board.

The meeting, convened on an urgent basis, tackled the pressing concerns of residents and businesses who have endured a year of instability, including daily blackouts and soaring bills. Prime Minister Mercelina acknowledged the severity of the situation, attributing the crisis to "years of mismanagement and lack of proper decision-making" by previous administrations.

Relief Plans Ignite Controversy

A significant portion of the discussion focused on providing financial relief to consumers. The Prime Minister detailed a two-pronged approach while dismissing several popular but, in his view, unworkable proposals.

Key Relief Initiatives:

1. Targeted Social Relief: GEBE will proceed with its plan to allocate 50,000 Caribbean guilders per month to assist approximately 250 of the most vulnerable households. This program, developed in collaboration with the Social Services department, is expected to launch in September 2025.

2. Government Household Subsidy: Acknowledging that relief must extend beyond the most vulnerable, the Prime Minister announced that the government is developing a new household-based subsidy. This measure aims to provide direct relief to the "hard-working class" for a period of six to 12 months, with a target start date of December 1, 2025.

However, the Prime Minister’s presentation sparked controversy. He systematically dismantled proposals to waive concession fees or reduce the port's throughput fee, explaining that these funds are essential for government operations and the port's financial stability.

The debate grew particularly heated over the issue of Turnover Tax (TOT) on fuel. MP Omar Otley vehemently contested the Prime Minister's assertion that fuel sold to GEBE for electricity generation is exempt from TOT, claiming to have invoices from fuel supplier Sol to both GEBE and the harbor that included the tax. The sharp exchange, which included accusations of lying, underscored the deep distrust surrounding GEBE's financial operations.

Shake-Up at the Top: Government Demands Accountability and New Leadership

Perhaps the most significant development was the government's move to overhaul GEBE's leadership. Prime Minister Mercelina confirmed that on August 1, 2025, the shareholder formally requested the voluntary resignation of all four members of the GEBE Supervisory Board of Directors.

He cited a "loss of confidence" in the board's ability to guide the company, pointing to a failure to act with urgency and a lack of compliance, highlighted by the fact that audited financial reports have not been submitted since 2019.

"Despite repeated engagement, the current supervisory board has not acted with the urgency and effectiveness towards the situations," Mercelina stated, emphasizing the need for decisive action to restore trust and stability.

Internal Conflicts and Outstanding Issues at GEBE

The final agenda point, concerning internal unrest and a demand from middle management for the CEO's removal, was handled with caution. The Prime Minister declined to discuss the sensitive internal conflict in a public forum, stating he had requested a formal explanation from the Supervisory Board to understand the situation before determining the government's position.

The meeting was adjourned before members of Parliament could begin their rounds of questioning, leaving many issues unresolved. It will be reconvened at a later date, promising further scrutiny as the government pushes forward with its plans for subsidies and a complete overhaul of GEBE's governance.