PHILIPSBURG:--- In a comprehensive address marking the close of the 2024-2025 parliamentary year, a Member of Parliament, Francisco Lacroes, delivered a powerful call for greater accountability, transparency, and a renewed focus on the needs of St. Maarten's citizens. The speech highlighted a year of significant challenges and underscored key priorities for the nation's future, urging for cross-party collaboration to build a more resilient and equitable society.
Reflecting on the past year, the MP emphasized several critical issues that demanded parliamentary attention. A major point of concern was the mold infestation in the Government Administration Building, which posed serious respiratory health risks to civil servants. The speaker noted that initial inquiries into remediation efforts and health assessments were met with silence, prompting a public denouncement of the lack of government action and a demand for immediate steps to ensure the safety of public employees.
The speech also addressed the urgent need for economic and energy transitions. The MP reiterated calls to move St. Maarten toward liquefied natural gas (LNG), a strategic shift framed as essential for the island to remain competitive, create jobs, and foster sustainable growth. This came in response to shipping giant CMA CGM rerouting operations due to Port St. Maarten’s current limitations.
A significant portion of the address was dedicated to scrutinizing government spending and advocating for fiscal responsibility. The MP raised serious concerns over the allocation of US$1.4 million for the Soul Beach Festival, arguing that such an expense was unjustifiable given the island's pressing needs in education and infrastructure. The speech criticized a perceived pattern of governance that favors bailouts and tax breaks for wealthy entities while neglecting vulnerable citizens.
In a push for social justice, pivotal motions were introduced during the recent budget debates. One proposal aimed to address the "inhumane conditions" at the Pointe Blanche Prison through measures like electronic monitoring, sentence reduction, and enhanced rehabilitation programs. Another motion urged for relief for residents and businesses struggling with high utility bills from NV GEBE.
Throughout the address, the speaker maintained a firm stance on upholding the interests of the people, stating that no form of intimidation would deter their commitment. The MP affirmed a willingness to table a motion of no confidence if necessary to ensure the government remains accountable to its constituents.
In closing, the parliamentarian issued a strong appeal for unity among fellow MPs to work across party lines. The speech concluded with a vision for a St. Maarten that prioritizes health, opportunity, and fairness for all its citizens, fueled by the lessons learned over the past year. "Let us build a resilient, inclusive, and economically viable nation," the speaker urged, framing the end of the parliamentary year not as a conclusion but as a catalyst for continued progress.