PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, during the weekly press briefing, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina emphasized the critical progress made during his mission to the World Bank headquarters in Washington, D.C., regarding the implementation of trust fund projects in St. Maarten. The mission, which included key representatives such as the Minister of VROMI, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, and the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport, Ms. Melissa Gumbs, focused on addressing delays and ensuring tangible results for the island's development.
One of the key outcomes of the discussions was the agreement to simplify procurement processes, a move aimed at enabling local contractors to participate in the bidding for major projects. Historically, the stringent procurement criteria set by the World Bank have excluded many local and regional contractors from competing, as the requirements were deemed too complex and tailored to larger, international firms.
Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina highlighted that this issue was explicitly addressed during the meetings. "The World Bank realized that their procurement demands were too high, making it nearly impossible for local contractors to participate. They admitted that working in the Caribbean is different from working in Western countries, and they are now committed to adapting their processes to our reality," he stated.
The revised approach will not only simplify the procurement criteria but also include a campaign to encourage participation from contractors in St. Maarten, as well as neighboring islands like Curaçao and Aruba. The Netherlands, as a key stakeholder in the trust fund, has also pledged its support to ensure the successful realization of these projects.
The trust fund, which has a deadline of 2028, is allocated to critical infrastructure projects, including the construction of an Emergency Operations Center (EOC), the repair of 13 school gyms and 12 sports complexes, and the reconstruction of key educational facilities like the Charles Leopold Bell School and Sister Marie Laurence School. Additional funding has also been secured for waste management projects, including a $5 million increase for wastewater infrastructure and $20 million for the closure of the landfill by 2032.
While the focus remains on prioritizing local contractors, the Prime Minister acknowledged the need for flexibility. "If we cannot find local contractors to meet the requirements, we must look beyond St. Maarten to ensure these projects are completed. The ultimate goal is to deliver these much-needed facilities for the people of St. Maarten," he explained.
The Prime Minister also stressed the urgency of utilizing the €550 million trust fund granted by the Netherlands before the 2028 deadline. He is actively engaging with the World Bank and the Netherlands to ensure that unspent funds remain available for St. Martin beyond the deadline, if necessary.
This shift in procurement strategy marks a significant step toward empowering local businesses and fostering economic growth within the region. By involving local contractors, the government aims to not only expedite the completion of these vital projects but also create job opportunities and strengthen the local economy.
As the clock ticks toward 2028, the government of St. Martin remains committed to ensuring that every dollar of the trust fund is used effectively to build a resilient and thriving future for the island.