PHILIPSBURG:--- Six Members of Parliament have issued an urgent request for a Public Meeting to address what they describe as "systemic neglect" of the nation's fire and ambulance personnel. The call to action, outlined in a formal letter to the Chairlady of Parliament, highlights a prolonged labor dispute that the MPs warn is escalating into a threat to public safety and national stability.
The letter dated November 10th, 2025, and signed by MPs Omar E.C. Ottley, Francisco A. Lacroes, Lyndon C. Lewis, Egbert J. Doran, Ardwell M.R. Irion, and Darryl T.J. York invoke constitutional articles to demand the urgent session.
At the heart of the issue is a sustained "go-slow" action by fire and ambulance workers that began on April 14th, 2025. According to the letter, this protest is a "stand of solidarity" and a "cry for fairness, recognition, and justice." The MPs state that the ongoing situation is no longer an isolated labor issue but a symptom of deeper problems that demand immediate government intervention.
The parliamentarians are calling for the Prime Minister, the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, and the Minister of Justice to be summoned to Parliament. The goal is to provide a full account of the situation and present a clear course of action to resolve the dispute.
The letter outlines four key demands that require resolution:
• Correct placement of all personnel within the official Function Book.
• Enforcement of established career paths within the emergency service departments.
• The application of retroactive measures where they are due.
• A binding, time-specific written commitment from the government to execute these measures without further delay.
The MPs expressed grave concern about the timing of the unrest, noting that Sint Maarten is entering its peak tourism season. They warn that the continued uncertainty within the emergency services poses a "direct risk to public confidence, economic stability, and the nation’s reputation."
The letter concludes with a strong reminder of Parliament's constitutional duty to hold the Executive accountable and safeguard the people of Sint Maarten before the matter "deepens into a crisis." The request emphasizes that the time for dialogue has passed and that decisive action is now essential to restore trust and ensure the continuity of critical emergency services.
Click here to view the letter submitted to Parliament.
