PHILIPSBURG:--- At Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina addressed ongoing discussions between the Government of St. Martin and the Fire and Ambulance Department, represented by the WICSU/PSU union.
The Prime Minister began by emphasizing that the relationship between the government and the Fire Department remains cooperative, despite public perception of tension.
“From the side of government, there is no hard feeling, no tension toward the Fire and Ambulance Department. On the contrary, this government realizes that for years there has been neglect of these hardworking people,” said Dr. Mercelina.
He outlined three main issues under discussion with the union:
- The Function Book,
- The Placement Process, and
- Retroactive Payment.
Government Agreement on All Three Issues
Dr. Mercelina confirmed that the government has agreed to all three union requests and has communicated this formally.
“In letters dated October 24th, November 5th, and today, November 12th, I have clearly stated the government’s agreement to accept the Function Book, to carry out the placement process, and to realize the retroactive payment,” he said.
The Function Book
According to the Prime Minister, the Function Book process began before his tenure and was approved through the official CCSU platform involving the unions and government. It was published in February 2025, making it the current lawful framework for civil servants, including the Fire Department.
Although some workers later expressed concerns, Dr. Mercelina agreed to revisit the Function Book but cautioned that doing so could delay the placement and retroactive payment processes. After discussion, both sides agreed to maintain the February 2025 Function Book for now, with a review scheduled within three years.
“They decided to accept the current Function Book under the condition that we revisit it within the coming three years. I agreed with that too,” he confirmed.
Placement Process
The placement of employees depends on the Function Book and must be executed within a legal framework. The Prime Minister announced that he has already signed the necessary landsbesluit (national decree) to establish both a placement committee and an objection committee, which will ensure that employees are fairly evaluated and placed.
“Last Friday I signed the advice for the national decree, and this morning the full dossier was sent to the Governor for ratification,” he stated.
Retroactive Payment
Dr. Mercelina confirmed that the government has also agreed to provide retroactive payments to eligible Fire Department personnel.
“We are going to agree with the request of the Fire Department for the retroactive payment for those who are eligible,” he said.
He explained that after the placement process, there will be a claim process to determine each worker’s entitlement and the applicable retroactive period.
Union’s Request for a Commitment Letter
The Prime Minister addressed the Fire Department’s demand for a separate “commitment letter”, despite multiple letters already sent on official letterhead bearing his signature and the government’s seal.
“If the Prime Minister’s signed letters on official letterhead, carrying the government stamp and stating the word ‘commit,’ are not considered a commitment, then we are undermining trust and the recognition of how people should communicate in good faith,” he said.
Dr. Mercelina reiterated that his letters dated October 24th, November 5th, and November 12th already constitute a formal and binding commitment by the government to fulfill all three requests.
Financial and Legal Process
Prime Minister Mercelina clarified that financial approval was obtained from the Minister of Finance before making commitments regarding retroactive payments.
“Before I can commit to such a demand as retroactive payment, the first person that I have to consult is the Minister of Finance. After agreement with the Minister of Finance, we decided to agree with the request of the Fire Department,” he confirmed.
He added that while formal Council of Ministers approval and Governor ratification are still in process, the necessary legal framework is already in motion.
Prime Minister’s Closing Message
Dr. Mercelina concluded by reaffirming that his government is fully committed to resolving the outstanding issues with the Fire and Ambulance Department.
“This government is fully committed to accommodating and working on all the demands requested by the Fire Department. Considering the clear and consistent commitments made, I do not think there is justification for a continuation of the go-slow,” he said.
