PHILIPSBURG:---  Chairlady of Parliament and veteran Member of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams has outlined an ambitious vision for strengthening Kingdom cooperation while also addressing pressing national concerns ranging from the ongoing GEBE crisis to governance reforms and democratic accountability. During an extensive interview, Wescot-Williams reflected on recent developments at the Inter-Parliamentary Kingdom Consultation (IPKO), the Kingdom's democratic structure, and challenges confronting Sint Maarten.

IPKO Reform Initiative Gains Broad Support

Fresh from attending the latest IPKO meeting in The Hague, Wescot-Williams described the successful adoption of her proposal aimed at making the inter-parliamentary platform more effective and results-oriented.

The veteran parliamentarian emphasized that while dialogue among the four Kingdom parliaments remains important, discussions must translate into tangible outcomes.

According to Wescot-Williams, the newly adopted framework focuses on greater accountability, improved follow-up mechanisms, and more structured decision-making. She noted that future IPKO meetings will place greater emphasis on tracking previous agreements and ensuring participating governments and parliaments report on progress achieved.

"The platform must yield results," she stressed, explaining that Parliamentarians from Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, and the Netherlands embraced the proposal as a means of enhancing cooperation and strengthening mutual respect within the Kingdom.

Push for Greater Kingdom Accountability

A major component of the reform agenda is bringing Kingdom ministers directly before the four parliaments that participate in IPKO.

Wescot-Williams argued that ministers responsible for Kingdom affairs, including Defense and Foreign Affairs, should be accountable not only to the Dutch Parliament but also to the parliaments of the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom.

She welcomed the participation of the Dutch State Secretary at the recent IPKO session and expressed hope that future consultations will include more Kingdom ministers engaging directly with parliamentarians from all four countries.

Caribbean Countries Challenge Dutch Abstention on Slavery Resolution

One of the most significant issues discussed during the consultation concerned the Kingdom's abstention from a United Nations vote on slavery and reparatory justice.

Wescot-Williams revealed that neither Sint Maarten, Aruba, nor Curaçao had been consulted before the Kingdom cast its abstention vote.

The Chairlady expressed strong dissatisfaction with what she described as a lack of consultation on a matter of profound historical significance to the Caribbean countries.

Following discussions among the Caribbean delegations, a formal objection was drafted and communicated to both Kingdom authorities and Dutch counterparts.

"The issue is deeper than simply saying, 'Oops, next time we'll know better,'" she said, emphasizing that decisions affecting the Caribbean countries must involve their governments and representatives.

She further argued that the incident highlights the need for a broader discussion about Kingdom representation at international institutions such as the United Nations.

Democratic Deficit Remains Unresolved

Wescot-Williams also addressed the longstanding issue of the so-called "democratic deficit" within the Kingdom.

She explained that a committee established by IPKO in 2024 is currently reviewing historical reports and recommendations aimed at addressing the lack of parliamentary influence over certain Kingdom-level decisions.

The committee is expected to deliver its findings in October 2026.

According to Wescot-Williams, previous studies have often been shelved without meaningful implementation. She urged all participating parliaments to commit seriously to addressing the recommendations once the report is finalized.

Kingdom Conference Expected this Year

Another major development emerging from IPKO is the anticipated Kingdom Conference scheduled for later this year.

The conference, expected to bring together governments at the highest level, has been discussed for years but repeatedly delayed.

Wescot-Williams disclosed that Sint Maarten has offered to host the gathering, which could take place in November.

Importantly, she is advocating for parliamentary involvement in the conference process rather than limiting participation to government officials alone.

The Dutch State Secretary reportedly expressed support for exploring a role for parliaments in the conference proceedings.

GEBE Leadership Crisis Raises Concerns

Turning to domestic matters, Wescot-Williams addressed the surprise resignation of GEBE Transition Manager Thomas Roggendorf, whose tenure lasted slightly over a year.

She admitted that the resignation did not entirely surprise her, given the mounting challenges surrounding the utility company.

The MP questioned whether the current governance structure of government-owned companies is appropriate for a utility provider responsible for essential services such as electricity and water.

According to Wescot-Williams, the existing framework often creates conflicts between the government's responsibilities as a shareholder and its obligations to citizens.

She pointed to longstanding delays in appointing key executives, board members, and strategic leadership, while critical operational issues continue to affect the utility.

"How long are we going to go through all of this?" she questioned.

Growing Frustration Over Utility Bills

The Chairlady acknowledged growing public frustration with GEBE's billing practices and escalating fuel-clause charges.

She noted that many residents have reported receiving utility bills containing substantial outstanding balances that they struggle to understand or verify.

Wescot-Williams said she intends to seek additional clarification directly from GEBE regarding the basis for these charges.

She also highlighted concerns raised in a redacted investigative report conducted jointly by RAC Curaçao and BTP Sint Maarten, which examined tariff structures and billing procedures.

According to her account, GEBE disputed portions of the report's conclusions and promised to provide alternative data and explanations. However, she indicated that Parliament has yet to receive a comprehensive response.

Consumer Protection Body Welcomed

Regarding the newly formed Association for Consumer Protection Sint Maarten (ACP SXM), Wescot-Williams welcomed the concept of a consumer protection organization.

While she admitted she had not yet reviewed the association's specific objectives, she said consumer advocacy bodies play an important role in assisting residents facing challenges with service providers and other businesses.

The organization is among the groups supporting a protest march on June 15 concerning GEBE's billing practices.

Call for Alternative Energy Solutions

Wescot-Williams stressed that Sint Maarten must accelerate efforts to develop alternative energy solutions.

She referenced funding opportunities available through Dutch sustainability programs and questioned why the country has not yet fully accessed resources earmarked for renewable energy development.

The MP advocated programs to help households install solar panels and reduce their dependence on costly traditional energy sources.

Such measures, she argued, could provide long-term relief for families struggling with high electricity costs.

Parliamentary Delays Explained

Responding to criticism about delayed parliamentary meetings and a backlog of agenda items, Wescot-Williams explained that many sessions depend on the availability of ministers and requested information from government departments.

She maintained that Parliament regularly schedules meetings but often faces delays when ministers are unable to attend or when requested documentation remains outstanding.

The Chairlady also noted that quorum requirements must be met before public meetings can begin, contributing to occasional delays.

Time for a National Dialogue on Governance

Reflecting on Sint Maarten's development sixteen years after attaining country status on October 10, 2010, Wescot-Williams called for a comprehensive review of the country's governance structure.

While defending democratic institutions such as the Ombudsman, Council of Advice, and Integrity Chamber, she acknowledged concerns about the costs and capacity requirements associated with maintaining multiple institutions in a small country.

The MP suggested it may be time for an honest national conversation about how Sint Maarten can modernize and streamline aspects of governance while preserving essential democratic safeguards.

"We need a national dialogue on the direction of this country," she said.

Coalition Stability Remains Intact

Addressing recent political tensions surrounding the departure of Minister Richinel Brug, Wescot-Williams acknowledged that the situation was difficult for all involved.

However, she defended the coalition's handling of the matter, explaining that the minister's own political party had determined it could no longer maintain him in office.

Despite the controversy, she emphasized that coalition partners acted in what they believed to be the broader interest of political stability and governance.

The Democratic Party leader concluded by reaffirming her commitment to open dialogue with the public and continued engagement on issues affecting Sint Maarten's future.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, Ms. Melissa D. Gumbs, issued a response to the press release by the Windward Islands Teachers’ Union (WITU) concerning classroom conditions at the Marie Genevieve de Weever Primary School (MGDW).

Gumbs stated that the Ministry welcomes constructive engagement on matters affecting the health, safety, and wellbeing of teachers, staff, and students. However, when public statements omit important facts, the Ministry has a responsibility to ensure that the full record is placed before the public.

On Friday, 5 June 2026, the Division of Public Education received a notification from the school manager of a proposed sit-out by the staff of MGDW planned for Monday, 8 June 2026. On Sunday, 7 June 2026, Minister Gumbs received a communication from the President of WITU confirming the intention of its members at MGDW to have a sit-out, and inviting the Minister to attend a meeting with union members, school management, and staff of MGDW on Monday, 8 June 2026, at 7:30 a.m.

Despite the extremely short notice, the Minister responded in writing later that day, outlining the status of the November 2025 Stop Work Order, the corrective measures undertaken, and the Ministry’s understanding of the concerns raised. In that response, she urged WITU to advise its members not to disrupt the morning school schedule and rescheduled the meeting to 12:50 p.m., at the end of the school day, so that the concerns could be heard without affecting instructional time, students, or parents.

The Ministry therefore notes that WITU’s public statement does not mention the proposed sit-out, the short notice given to the Ministry, the Minister’s written response of June 7, or the request that the matter be handled in a way that avoids unnecessary disruption to students and parents.

During the June 8 meeting, the Ministry again provided a comprehensive overview of the actions taken following the November 2025 inspection conducted by the Public Health Inspectorate of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), including remediation works carried out in response to the Stop Work Order and Directive issued at that time.

Minister Gumbs reconfirmed that the Public Health Inspectorate lifted the Stop Work Order on January 12, 2026. The Stop Work Order had applied to classrooms 103, 104, 109, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117 at MGDW, following the Inspectorate’s November 2025 inspection of the entire school, which was carried out after the Minister requested VSA’s review of health conditions at several public schools.

“This does not mean that every structural or maintenance concern at MGDW had been resolved,” Gumbs clarified. “It means that the classrooms placed under the Stop Work Order were the areas identified by the Public Health Inspectorate as presenting the most critical health concerns at that time, and that those specific concerns were addressed to the satisfaction of the same authority that issued the order.”

The Ministry does not accept the impression that teachers were left without information on this matter. Updates were provided at school level, classrooms were returned to use following the lifting of the Stop Work Order, and staff were requested on multiple occasions to submit any remaining or additional concerns in writing. This was also communicated during the Minister’s April visit to MGDW, when the only matter raised with the Minister was the pending air-conditioning installation, not renewed concerns related to the Stop Work Order.

During the June 8 meeting, staff were again given the opportunity to identify unresolved concerns related to the original Stop Work Order. The Ministry reiterated that the specific issues that formed the basis of that Stop Work Order had been addressed, while also acknowledging that additional concerns were being raised regarding other classrooms and maintenance-related matters.

Following the meeting, and at the Ministry’s initiative, the Head of DPE and a member of the Minister’s Cabinet conducted a walkthrough with WITU, school management, and teachers from the affected areas. The walkthrough documented concerns in several spaces, including classrooms 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 112A, and the counselor’s storeroom. The issues observed included missing louvers, ceiling tile deficiencies, possible pest entry points, plumbing concerns, and storage areas requiring cleaning and treatment.

For clarity, several of these spaces were not among the classrooms covered by the original Stop Work Order, which applied to classrooms 103, 104, 109, 113, 114, 115, 116, and 117. This distinction matters. It does not make the newly identified concerns any less important, but it does mean they must be treated as additional or newly documented maintenance concerns requiring follow-up, rather than as evidence that the original Stop Work Order matters were left unresolved. These matters have been documented for follow-up, and the Ministry will request further reassessment by VSA where necessary.

The Ministry has never claimed that all public schools are free of maintenance challenges. On the contrary, MECYS has repeatedly acknowledged the need for a more structured, sustainable, and properly funded approach to public school maintenance. This is why DPE is moving forward with a public tender for preventive maintenance across all public schools, with the intention of having a structured maintenance contractor and inspection schedule in place for the coming school year.

“It was disappointing to see many of the facts and processes shared during the meeting omitted from the subsequent public narrative, while recommendations reiterated by the Ministry were presented as though they originated elsewhere,” Gumbs stated. “Dialogue must be honest, complete, and responsible. The Ministry cannot allow an incomplete public narrative to stand where important facts have been omitted, particularly where those omissions may create the impression that no action was taken or that concerns were ignored.”

Ruby Labega Primary School

Gumbs also provided an update on the Ruby Labega Primary School roof as part of the Ministry’s broader work to address longstanding maintenance and structural concerns across public schools. A June 1 site visit with structural engineers confirmed that, due to the advanced deterioration of the roofing materials and the current roof design, it would not be feasible to install galvanized roofing sheets on top of the existing roof structure. The current roofing system will therefore need to be fully replaced.

“The approach we are taking now is to initiate an emergency public tender process by the end of June, with the intent to start works in July,” Gumbs stated. “The target timeline for completing these works is September 2026.”

Gumbs explained that her objective is to avoid relocating students during reconstruction, as this would disrupt learning. However, DPE and the Ministry are also exploring temporary mitigation measures, including possible class adjustments, in the event parts of the works extend beyond the reopening of school.

“It is my full intention to ensure that there is minimal disruption to teaching and learning experiences as we address this long-running structural issue,” Gumbs stated. “All timelines are, of course, tentative and fully reliant on the success of the public tender and the mobilisation ability of the winning bidder. This is one of the more concerning structural integrity challenges at our public schools, and it highlights the critical need for the preventive maintenance SLA that is being tendered alongside all other pending matters.”

Shared Responsibility & Proper Reporting

Gumbs noted that sustaining safe school environments requires more than emergency repairs. It also requires timely reporting, consistent follow-up, and shared care for school spaces once improvements are made. “The Ministry has its responsibilities, and we will continue to act on them,” Gumbs stated. “At the same time, proper reporting and care for public school facilities help ensure that issues are identified early, documented clearly, and addressed in a timely manner.”

“Trying to catch Ministries, whether this one or any other, in a ‘gotcha’ moment does not help the teachers, students, or parents we are all trying to serve,” Gumbs concluded. “The challenges in our public schools were not created overnight, and they will not be solved overnight. But there is a difference between holding the Ministry accountable and presenting only part of the story in a way that creates unnecessary public distrust. Where facts are omitted or presented without full context, it becomes harder to move the work forward.

I will not engage in a public back-and-forth, but I will say this: there are measured approaches to solving decades-long structural problems, and there are reactive approaches that may create even greater disruption. My focus remains on the measured path: addressing urgent concerns, moving the preventive maintenance process forward, and ensuring that teaching and learning are disrupted as little as possible while we work through these long-standing challenges.”

 [ES1]We need to include a paragraph about the classroom tour and the findings.

SAINT-MARTIN:--- La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, is proud to announce "Dames à Âmes: A Collective Voice for Resilience and Feminine Radiance," an exclusive charity gala dedicated to supporting La Maison des Femmes de Saint-Martin. This prestigious event will take place on Saturday, June 20th, 2026, from 7:00 PM, within the intimate and exclusive setting of Villa Sula at La Samanna.
The gala aims to raise critical funds for La Maison des Femmes, an invaluable local organization providing essential mental, legal, and professional support to women victims of violence on the island. Recent budgetary cuts have severely impacted these vital services, creating an urgent need for community assistance. La Samanna has stepped forward to lead this fundraising effort, ensuring that all proceeds directly benefit the association.
"This event is for a cause incredibly dear to my heart," says Stephanie Moritel, Hotel Manager at La Samanna. "The services provided by La Maison des Femmes are indispensable, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they can continue their life-changing work. 'Dames à Âmes' is more than a fundraiser; it's a powerful statement of solidarity and a celebration of women's strength and spirit. This is a truly community gathering, inviting all individuals, men and women alike, to unite in support of a cause that benefits our entire island."
The evening promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a curated cocktail & culinary experience, a special entertainment program, and an impressive lineup of talent and influential figures:
• Honorary Host: Renowned film producer and actress Sidra Smith.
• Patron of La Maison des Femmes: Clara Kata.
• Exclusive Performances:
o J'nai Bridges, the internationally acclaimed 3-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano. o Melky Jean, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and founder of The Carma Foundation. o DJ Killerz, a prominent DJ and music producer from Martinique.
A silent auction with amazing lots will be a key highlight, offering guests the chance to bid on unique experiences and luxury items. These include:
• A bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc with a second skin.
• A 2-night stay at Eden Apartment Fourteen.
• A signed gold record by Kalash.
• A private dinner with Chef Foini.
• A weekend at La Samanna (including dinner at L'Oursin + 1 night).
• A dinner in the wine cellar.
• A dinner at La Spiaggia.
• A day of lunch + couple's massage.
• A Vitamix mixer.
• A set of Prestige wine glasses.
• 2 VIP tickets for GIMS at Défense Arena Bercy.
• A signed item from GIMS.
• VIP Aquafest tickets.
• A 2-night stay at Villa Ambiance.
• Signed cleats by Djibril Cissé.
• A $150 dinner at Momohana.
• A 3-night stay with chef and butler at Chateau des Palmiers.
• A signed jersey by Thierry Henry.
• A Virgil Abloh Vuitton T-shirt.
• A weekend at Villa Nuit d'Étoiles.
• A Thai Savana dinner for 2.
• A 1-year membership for 1 person at Liberty Gym.
• An Air France SXM-CDG business class flight.
• An Air France X Delsey Cruise tote bag.
• 2 round-trip tickets from SXM on the Winair network.
• A weekend at The Fourteen.
• 2 tickets for the concert of Aya Nakamura in Montreal.
• 2 tickets for the concert of BTS in Paris.
For those unable to attend the gala, an online bidding form will be available to participate in the silent auction prior to the event.
"Your presence can transform lives: for the healing, dignity, and future of all Saint Martin women," emphasizes Stephanie Moritel. "This profound opportunity allows our community to unite, fostering a collective voice for resilience."
Event Details:
• What: "Dames à Âmes: A Collective Voice for Resilience and Feminine Radiance" Charity Gala
• When: Saturday, June 20th, 2026, from 7:00 PM
• Where: Villa Sula, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, Saint-Martin
• Tickets: $175 per person. Limited availability. Reservations and prepayment required. Reserve your tickets using the link https://sevn.ly/xf3QBiku

PHILIPSBURG:--- Antonio Carmona Báez and Tadzio Bervoets received the President's Award at the 23^rd edition of the St. Martin Book Fair on June 6, 2026.

The presentation of the President's Award was the final highlight of the two-day literary festival, according to Book Fair Committee member Cindy Peters.

Antonio Carmona Báez, president of the University of St. Martin (USM), was present to accept his award at the USM campus, where the fair’s annual Main Book Launch and Closing Ceremony were held. Tadzio Bervoets, who earlier conducted the environmental workshop, “Protecting and Preserving St. Martin’s Beauty. Soualigans, We Need You,” was unable to attend the ceremony because of a family commitment, Peters said.

“The President's Award is presented to individuals and institutions whose work is noted for its excellence and for combining literary, cultural, and liberation components in the service of progress, for their people or nation and for humanity,” according to House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP), a co-founding organization of the St. Martin Book Fair.

Carmona Báez has taught general social sciences and political science at the University of Puerto Rico and political science at the University of Amsterdam, where he earned a PhD in International Relations.

He is the author of State Resistance to Globalization in Cuba and numerous articles, chapters, and scholarly contributions on political economy, social policy, Caribbean labor, and decolonial thought.

Carmona Báez has served as a political analyst and consultant for Latin American embassies in The Hague and has led training workshops for African and Middle Eastern diplomats at the Clingendael Netherlands Institute of International Relations. He also worked with the Non-Aligned Movement Chemical Weapons Convention States Parties and China in The Hague. Along with Melissa F. Weiner, he co-edited Smash the Pillars: Decoloniality and the Imaginary of Color in the Dutch Kingdom.

Tadzio Yuko Bervoets is a St. Martin writer and leading environmentalist who holds a master’s degree in Environmental Resource Management from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

His work spans coral reef conservation, marine park management, and regional environmental leadership, including the establishment of St. Maarten’s Man of War Shoal Marine Protected Area.

Bervoets is a co-founder of the Caribbean Shark Coalition and director of the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s BluEFin Project. His writing has appeared in St. Martin and regional news media, the climate justice anthology Writing for Our Lives, and the journal BIM: Arts for the 21^st  Century. His forthcoming book is titled Lamio: Stories and Poems.

Previous recipients of the Presidents Award, described by The Daily Herald as a “prestigious award,” include Edwidge Danticat (USA/Haiti), Computech (St. Martin), Benny Wenda (West Papua), Norman Girvan (Jamaica), George Lamming (Barbados), Quince Duncan (Costa Rica), Nicole Cage (Martinique), Casa de las Américas (Cuba), Kamau Brathwaite (Barbados), Will Johnson (Saba), Dorbrene O’Marde (Antigua), Rhoda Arrindell (St. Martin), and Derek Walcott (St. Lucia).

The President's Award is named in honor of the presidents of the Conscious Lyrics Foundation (CLF), House of Nehesi Publishers, and the University of St. Martin.

The St. Martin Book Fair, held June 5–6, 2026, was organized by CLF and the St. Martin Book Fair Committee in collaboration with USM, Computech, and SOS 95.9 FM.