PHILIPSBURG:--- In a move that reeks of political vendettas and administrative chaos, Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr. has “relieved” two senior civil servants—Head of Infrastructure Charlon Pompier and Head of New Works Kurt Ruan—from their duties. The letter informing them of this decision, however, raises more questions than it answers.
The letter, which failed to follow basic administrative procedures, was not booked in by the Division of Internal Affairs (DIV) and lacks a DIV number—a glaring oversight for such a significant action. While the Minister claims the two are not suspended, all the hallmarks of a suspension are present: their access passes revoked, phones disconnected, and emails blocked. The lack of transparency and procedural adherence is alarming, leaving the public to speculate about the true motives behind this decision.
The Front Street Repairs: A Convenient Excuse?
Speculation is rife that the Minister’s fury stems from the Front Street Road repairs conducted in March 2025 while he was conveniently vacationing in Miami. With Carnival Parade preparations looming, VROMI had just two weeks to repair the road. Given the urgency, the Ministry adhered to the procurement for paying contractors and requested multiple quotations from all civil works contractors registered at the Ministry of VROMI for the execution of similar infrastructure works. It was mentioned that VROMI used these procedures just three years ago.
The repairs were completed on time, but the Minister only begrudgingly signed off on the work order months later in July, reportedly displeased with the choice of contractor—a local company he personally dislikes.
This raises a critical question: Is the Minister’s decision to relieve Pompier and Ruan from their duties a retaliatory act against their involvement in the Front Street repairs? If so, this is not just petty, it’s a gross misuse of power.
A History of Tension and Retaliation
Charlon Pompier, a founding member of the Party for Progress (PFP), has been a thorn in the side of the party leadership for some time. Known for his outspoken criticism of the party’s ad hoc decision-making, Pompier has refused to compromise his integrity, even when pressured to leak confidential information. Most recently, he filed a formal complaint against the Secretary General, further straining his relationship with the party.
Pompier also raised red flags when Minister Gumbs Jr. controversially withdrew a contract from Avyanna and handed it to All Waste in Place, despite legal advice warning against such a move. The legal counsel explicitly cautioned that this action could have serious repercussions, yet the Minister proceeded, ignoring the advice of his own experts. Pompier’s principled stance on this issue likely made him a target for retaliation. Not to mention the Chief of Staff of the Minister of VROMI Cabinet is affiliated with All Waste in Place… This, of course, shows that the Minister has blatant corruption in his cabinet.
A Pattern of Abuse?
The Minister’s actions appear to be part of a broader pattern of political interference and abuse of power. By sidelining experienced civil servants like Pompier and Ruan, Gumbs Jr. is not only undermining the Ministry’s operations but also sending a chilling message to others who dare to question his authority. The lack of transparency, procedural irregularities, and apparent personal vendettas are deeply troubling and demand immediate scrutiny.
What’s Next for VROMI?
The public deserves answers. Why were Pompier and Ruan relieved of their duties without a clear explanation? Why was the letter not properly processed through DIV? And most importantly, is this yet another example of political interference in the civil service?
Minister Gumbs Jr. owes the people of this country an explanation. Until then, the stench of corruption and political vendettas will continue to hang over VROMI, eroding public trust in the Ministry and its leadership.
