PHILIPSBURG:--- What began as a routine sitting of Parliament quickly escalated into a heated exchange over government responsiveness and accountability, as Members of Parliament (MPs) voiced growing frustration at what they described as a widening “democratic deficit” between the legislative and executive branches.
The third public meeting of the 2025–2026 parliamentary year moved swiftly from formalities to fury, with MPs accusing ministers of failing to appear before Parliament and of allowing critical matters to languish without answers.
‘The People Should Not Suffer for Political Malpractice’
MP Egbert Doran led the charge, delivering a scathing critique of what he called “a dangerous trend” of ministerial neglect.
“We have traveled to the Netherlands to discuss the democratic deficit,” Doran said. “But there seems to be a serious democratic deficit right here in the House of Parliament. The people should not have to suffer for this political malpractice that is taking place.”
Doran’s remarks drew murmurs of agreement across the chamber as he cited several pending meetings—including those concerning banking legislation, dividend tax reform, and the Central Bank—that remain unscheduled or unanswered by the respective ministries.
MP York Demands Answers
Following Doran, MP Daryl York underscored the same frustration, revealing that his faction had sent three unanswered letters to the Ministry of Finance, one as far back as May.
“It doesn’t take months to answer whether tax holidays were granted or not,” York said. “This delay is unacceptable.”
York emphasized that such delays undermine not only the efficiency of Parliament but also public confidence in government. “When basic questions about tax policy go unanswered for months, it sends a troubling message about transparency,” he warned.
Growing Concerns Over Accountability
The exchange highlighted a recurring tension in Sint Maarten’s political landscape—MPs say ministers frequently postpone meetings or fail to respond to written inquiries, leaving Parliament unable to perform its oversight role effectively.
Observers noted that Thursday’s confrontation could signal a tougher stance by Parliament heading into the new legislative year, especially as several critical issues—including fiscal policy, state-owned enterprises, and public sector accountability—remain unresolved.
As one MP privately remarked after the session, “It’s not just about politics anymore; it’s about principle. The people deserve a government that answers when called.”
