PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Darryl York did his homework as he prepared for the 2025 budget debate. The newly elected Member of Parliament ensured that he took photographs depicting the garbage overflow in various areas on St. Maarten. He asked the Minister of VROMI what exactly his plan of action is to deal with the state of the country’s environment with the overflow of garbage.
MP York said the larger garbage bins are improper for collecting garbage because of the open top and the stench and rodents they harbor. He described the island as a ‘pigpen”, and he wants to know what precisely the Minister of VROMI is doing to assist the garbage haulers or to rectify this issue. York said the garbage situation has never been this bad. He made clear that while there is a health hazard, there is overflowing garbage in areas with schools. “Imagine there are overflow, rats, a continuous stench, and wind. Therefore, I need to know if there is a short-term comprehensive plan to tackle the issue.
MP York also called on the Minister of VROMI to address the hillside policy since several areas are eroding. He said that soon enough, people’s homes would be washed away, which could cause loss of lives.
The National Alliance Member of Parliament also asked the Minister of VROMI to provide parliament with his plans on tackling the drainage issues in St. Maarten, especially the capacity, since the rainfall over the last months shows that the drains are too shallow and cannot accommodate the amount of rainfall.
Other Members of Parliament who addressed the issue are MP Francisco Lacroes, MP Ardwell Irion, and MP Veronica Jansen Webster.
