PHILIPSBURG:--- A public meeting has been requested by Member of Parliament Francisco A. Lacroes, Chairman of the Committee of Parlatino Matters, to provide updates on Sint Maarten's participation in various Parlatino (Latin American Parliament) committee meetings over recent months. Scheduled for April 15, 2025, the session will encourage transparency by allowing Members of Parliament to present their findings and contributions from these regional gatherings.
The meeting aims to inform Parliament and the public about the key activities, discussions, and decisions made during Sint Maarten’s engagement in Parlatino's committee meetings. These updates are vital for reflecting on the island’s role in tackling shared challenges across Latin America and the Caribbean and ensuring accountability in its regional representation.
Agenda Highlights
The public meeting promises a series of presentations covering a broad range of critical issues addressed in different Parlatino committees. Members of Parliament who attended the meetings will share detailed reports on their engagements. Key agenda points include:
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Committee on Political, Municipal Affairs, and Integration
Updates will be provided by MPs F. Lacroes, L. Lewis, V. Kotai, and S. Roseburg on their participation in meetings held in October 2024, November 2024, and March 2025. -
Committee on Gender Equality, Children, and Youth
MPs V. Jansen-Webster, S. Roseburg, and D. York will report on discussions conducted during the same timeframe. -
Committee on Indigenous, Afro-Descendant Peoples and Ethnic Groups
Presentations will be delivered by MPs V. Kotai and D. Labega on matters addressed in March 2025. -
Committee on Human Rights, Justice, and Prison Policies
MP S. Roseburg will outline insights gained during the March 2025 meeting. -
Committee on Public Services and Consumer Protection
MPs F. Lacroes and V. Kotai will present updates from the April 2025 session. -
Committee on Economic Affairs, Social Debt, and Regional Development
Reports will be shared by MPs C. Wever and D. York on discussions held in April 2025.
The Importance of Parlatino Engagement
Parlatino serves as a vital forum for collaboration among member nations to address pressing regional concerns such as human rights, gender equality, economic development, and environmental sustainability. Sint Maarten’s participation underscores its commitment to fostering unity and finding collective solutions to the region’s challenges.
Through these committee discussions, Sint Maarten helps shape policies impacting not just the island but also its neighboring countries. By sharing the outcomes of these sessions, Parliament aims to highlight the strategic role Sint Maarten plays in influencing and addressing regional priorities.
Commitment to Transparency and Regional Cooperation
Chairman MP Francisco A. Lacroes emphasized that this meeting represents an important step toward fostering transparency and accountability. By engaging the public and Parliament, the session will help create a better understanding of how Sint Maarten contributes to Parlatino and leverages the platform to address shared issues.
This public meeting reflects Parliament’s efforts to provide open communication about Sint Maarten’s regional partnerships and reinforce its dedication to working collaboratively with Latin American and Caribbean nations. Citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to attend to gain deeper insights into the island's expanding role within the Parlatino framework.
For more information on the upcoming meeting, the public can reach out to the Parliament of Sint Maarten.
