PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and his Chief of Staff Stuart Johnson met with the Temporary Work Organization (TWO) on Monday to receive an update on the progress of the Country Package measures. Ms. Angelique Gumbs, Acting Secretary General and Head of BAK, along with support staff, also attended the meeting held at the TWO office.
During the session, the Prime Minister was presented with a comprehensive overview of the ongoing collaboration between Sint Maarten and TWO, which is structured under a Mutual Agreement set to expire in April 2027. The presentation detailed key financial commitments made from 2021 to August 2024 across various sectors, including financial management, public sector efficiency, taxation, economic development, healthcare, education, and justice reforms.
PM Dr. Mercelina emphasized the significance of these measures, stating, “The Country Package is not just about reforms—it is about securing a more resilient, efficient, and future-ready Sint Maarten. We must ensure that every measure translates into tangible improvements in the lives of our people.”
Several crucial projects were discussed, including the General Health Insurance, General Health Registrar, Tax Legislation, and critical reforms in education, justice, and economic development. The Prime Minister underscored the necessity of thorough research before implementing reforms, a step that has been diligently pursued through the development of Plans of Approach funded by TWO. With research findings now available, the initiatives are shifting from planning to execution.
“Moving from research to implementation is a pivotal moment,” PM Dr. Mercelina noted. “However, we must be mindful that successful implementation requires robust government capacity. If we do not address our structural limitations, we risk stalling our progress. Strengthening institutional capacity must be a top priority.”
The discussion also touched on the sustainability of these reforms beyond 2027 and the evolving role of TWO in Sint Maarten’s development. The Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that reforms are not just initiated but successfully institutionalized for long-term impact.
“We are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more efficient government,” PM Dr. Mercelina concluded. “This is a defining moment for Sint Maarten, and we must seize this opportunity to build a future that is fiscally responsible, socially inclusive, and economically sustainable.”
Further discussions will continue to assess the progress of the Country Package measures and evaluate the strategic direction of the collaboration between the Government of Sint Maarten and TWO beyond 2027.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Infrastructure Department at the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby announces that the Infrastructure Department will be taking down illegally placed billboards across the island. This action is part of ongoing efforts to ensure public safety, maintain the island’s aesthetic appeal, and uphold regulatory compliance.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In a momentous year marking its 50th anniversary, the Indian Merchants Association (IMA) has elected a new board, ushering in a fresh chapter for the organization that has long been a cornerstone of support for both local businesses and the community at large. After a decade without elections, the recent vote has brought forth Mr. Sunil "Sunny" Khatnani as the incoming president, succeeding Mr. Damu Rawtani.
