PHILIPSBURG:--- United People's Party Members of Parliament (MPs) Omar Ottley (Party Leader), Francisco Lacroes (Deputy Leader), and Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Faction Leader Lyndon Lewis successfully brought an amendment to the 2025 budget to enhance Parliament's legislative capacity. The proposal focused on improving the country's lawmaking processes by enabling factions to hire skilled professionals such as legislative lawyers.
Parliament has struggled with legislative backlogs and delays in proposing new laws for years due to limited legislative staffing available in parliament. This amendment addressed the issue by reallocating funds to support the faction’s yearly legislation. This will empower factions to hire qualified personnel to co-draft laws, conduct legal reviews, and provide policy advice.
The funds will come from the surplus presented by the minister of finance. The amendment will tackle inefficiencies, strengthen our lawmakers, and equip MPs to address pressing challenges with St. Maarten's legislation.
MP Omar Ottley expressed pride in co-authoring the amendment, calling it a "game-changer." He said, "For too long, we've heard complaints about Parliament's inability to function effectively due to a lack of resources. This amendment changes that. It's about delivering on promises and raising Parliament's performance. With this amendment, we can hire the expertise needed to move St. Maarten forward."
MP Lyndon Lewis emphasized, “Working towards a better and fruitful St. Maarten, we must continue raising the bar in Parliament as legislators. This amendment will give us the necessary manpower to amend, update, and propose new laws that will be beneficial to the people of St. Maarten.”
MP Francisco Lacroes, who co-authored and read the proposal in Parliament late Thursday night, praised its potential while urging all factions to contribute to the legislative process actively. He said, "This amendment equips Parliament with the tools to succeed. But I expect all factions, not just a few, to step up and deliver the laws our country needs." The amendment also proposes a fairer funding structure for faction budgets based on faction size. This structure ensures all factions can be equipped with the skilled staff needed to improve legislative efficiency, regardless of size.
The leader of the United People’s Party, MP Ottley, underscored the amendment's importance, stating that it demonstrates Parliament's commitment to better governance. With the additional resources, MPs will be better equipped to draft laws, review policies, and address national challenges.
The amendment marks a milestone in the growth and effectiveness of St. Maarten's Parliament.
With this amendment to legislative progress, MPs Ottley, Lacroes, and Lewis ensured that Parliament could function at its best. This amendment addressed the longstanding inefficiencies and provides a foundation for improved oversight and legislation. It sends a message of hope and commitment to solutions that directly benefit the people of St. Maarten.
