~MP says Parliament must lead by example following Monday’s incident involving MP Dimar Labega~

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Ardwell Irion on Tuesday publicly addressed the incident that occurred on the floor of Parliament Monday afternoon, during which he said he was attacked by fellow MP Dimar Labega.
Speaking during a parliamentary meeting on Tuesday afternoon, Irion described the situation as “unfortunate” and expressed disappointment that the matter had become public through media reports rather than being addressed internally by those involved.
“It is unfortunate to even have to have this discussion on the floor of Parliament,” Irion stated. “My preference would be to focus on the matters that are most pressing and touching to the people.”
While acknowledging the seriousness of the altercation, Irion used the moment to call for higher standards of conduct among elected officials, arguing that Members of Parliament must set the tone for the wider community.
“We cannot be condescending and ridiculing the public if we, as Members of Parliament, cannot and will not set an example of what we want and expect to see from the general public,” he said.
Irion emphasized that political disagreement and criticism are part of democracy and parliamentary life. Drawing comparisons to political systems abroad, including the United States, he noted that politicians are regularly scrutinized and challenged by opponents.
“In politics, we discuss each other,” Irion said. “I have been criticized in opposition, in coalition, and as a minister. I don’t take criticism as a hindrance — I take criticism and turn that into solutions.”
The MP also defended his right to speak freely in Parliament and rejected what he described as intimidation or threats aimed at limiting debate.
“There’s not one MP who’s going to tell me that I cannot call out issues, discuss matters, or bring motions because I must be concerned about a threat,” Irion declared. “I fear no man. None.”
Irion stressed that Parliament provides procedures and mechanisms for members to respond when they feel offended or misrepresented, including points of clarification and parliamentary questions, rather than physical confrontation.

“Our duty is oversight of government. Our duty is to hold each other accountable,” he said. “Inside of here, we discuss what we say, what we do, and how government operates.”
He concluded by stating that while apologies had been acknowledged, clear standards for conduct moving forward were necessary.
The incident has sparked public discussion about decorum and professionalism within Parliament, with many now calling for calm and respect among the nation’s elected representatives.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tensions continued to rise in Parliament on Tuesday afternoon as Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes delivered a passionate presentation during the notification segment of the parliamentary meeting, sharply criticizing the handling of ongoing issues involving VSA and the Prime Minister, Dr. Luc Mercelina.
Addressing the Chairlady of Parliament, Lacroes expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of clarity, accountability, and communication from government officials amid growing public concern. He stressed that Parliament and the people of St. Maarten deserve straightforward answers regarding the controversy that has dominated recent political discussions.
“What I have seen happening in this House of Parliament, in my opinion, is unacceptable,” Lacroes stated during his presentation. He pointed out that ministers had appeared before Parliament multiple times while key questions remained unanswered.
The MP noted that meetings requested since April 4th have still not produced the necessary information for Members of Parliament to make informed decisions. According to Lacroes, the ongoing public accusations and political back-and-forth have become an embarrassment for the country.
“Because it is an embarrassment when accusations are thrown left and right in government, then we all look bad,” he said.
Lacroes also commended the Minister of VSA, Richinel Brug, for appearing before Parliament and facing questions directly, but he urged complete honesty from both the minister and the Prime Minister.
“Tell us the truth. Tell us exactly how it is and what about, from A to Z, and we expect the same thing from the Prime Minister,” he declared.
The MP further voiced concern that Parliament was once again being sidelined in important national matters, while the public continues to criticize lawmakers for perceived inaction.
“Everything again is holed up. And then the people out there saying Parliament ain’t doing nothing,” Lacroes stated, calling on the Chairlady to protect the dignity and authority of Parliament.
The parliamentary discussions surrounding the VSA matter and the Prime Minister's role are expected to continue as Members of Parliament push for further explanations and accountability from the government.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Orco Bank Sint Maarten today announced the launch of Orco Cares, a new community impact program that formalizes the bank's long-term commitment to the people and places of Sint Maarten through volunteerism and community service.
Unlike a one-time initiative, Orco Cares is designed as a permanent umbrella under which Orco Bank will engage with the Sint Maarten community year-round, starting with participation in SXM Doet on Saturday, May 16, 2026.
"Sint Maarten is not just where we operate, it's our home," said Judy King, of Orco Bank Sint Maarten. "Orco Cares is our way of putting that belief into action. We believe a bank's value is measured not only in financial terms, but in the strength of the community it serves."
For its inaugural initiative, Orco Cares will mobilize 23 Orco Bank employees to participate in two community improvement projects in Sucker Garden. Volunteers will work alongside the No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation to refurbish an agricultural greenhouse used for youth education programs, and assist the Lion Civic Center in installing safety fencing around an outdoor gazebo used daily by children.
Both projects are part of SXM Doet, Sint Maarten's annual national volunteer day, during which organizations and individuals across the island dedicate time and resources to improving the community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, is expected to appear before Parliament on Tuesday and Wednesday during meetings where a motion of no confidence is expected to be presented against him. Ahead of those meetings, Minister Brug says the people of Sint Maarten deserve clarity about how and why the situation reached this point.

According to Minister Brug, the issue is not about misconduct, neither about his Chef de Cabinet, but about his refusal and that of his Chef de Cabinet to participate in actions requested by the Prime Minister, he believed were not in line with the law and principles of good governance.

“For a whole year, I raised concerns internally about decisions and actions that I believed were improper and not in the best interest of proper governance,” Brug stated. “I spoke up because that is my responsibility as Minister and because I refuse to stay silent when something does not feel right.”

The Minister said tensions escalated after he formally informed both the Prime Minister and members of his party that he intended to report certain matters to the Integrity Chamber and the Ombudsman, and bring the concerns into the public domain.

“The moment I made clear that I was prepared to formally report these matters and inform the public, suddenly a motion was brought against me,” Brug said. “The people can decide for themselves what that says.”

Minister Brug stressed that throughout his tenure he acted openly, transparently, and in good faith.

“I have never claimed to be perfect. In government, difficult situations arise and mistakes can happen. But I have never hidden from accountability, never acted with bad intentions, and never refused to answer questions or explain my decisions.”

“What I will not accept is being used as a scapegoat to protect or continue actions within VSA that I believe are improper or illegal. I refused to approve or participate in things I did not believe were lawful, and I will not compromise my integrity to satisfy political interests.”

The Minister stated that he faced pressure on several occasions to make decisions he did not believe were legally or morally correct.

“I refused to cross certain lines. My responsibility is to the people of Sint Maarten, the law, and the institutions of this country — not to political pressure.”

Minister Brug said the matter goes beyond politics and should concern everyone who believes in transparency and proper governance.

“If speaking up about possible wrongdoing becomes the reason someone is targeted politically, then we have a serious problem as a country. Integrity and accountability should never be treated as threats.”

While recognizing Parliament’s authority to debate and vote on the motion, Minister Brug said he will continue to stand by his actions and principles.

“My conscience is clear because I know I acted in good faith and in the best interest of this country. I will continue to defend the principles of transparency, legality, and proper governance, regardless of the political consequences.”

Minister Brug concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the people of Sint Maarten.

“My loyalty has always been to the people of this country and to doing what is right. That will not change.”