Lacroes Calls for Political Unity and Revenue Solutions

GREAT BAY – Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes has called for an urgent, collective approach to addressing St. Maarten's financial and social challenges, proposing that Parliament and government hold a closed-door working session to develop practical revenue-generating measures and solutions to problems affecting residents. He warned that political divisions, insufficient coordination and a lack of follow-through continue to undermine the country's ability to move forward.

Speaking during Wednesday's continuation of the 2027 national budget debate, Lacroes expressed frustration with what he described as a growing tendency for government officials and politicians to focus on individual accomplishments and public recognition rather than working together to address national challenges.

The MP said responsibility for generating revenue cannot rest solely with the Minister of Finance. Instead, every ministry should identify opportunities within its portfolio, develop workable proposals and coordinate with Finance to determine how those measures can be implemented.

He proposed a closed-door session involving members of Parliament and government officials, explaining that such an environment could encourage constructive discussions without individuals feeling pressured to compete for public recognition or political credit.

Lacroes emphasized that the country's challenges are interconnected and cannot be addressed by individual ministries working independently. He pointed to healthcare, the cost of living, taxation and social services as examples of areas where coordinated policy decisions are necessary.

He also encouraged ministers to put forward revenue proposals based on the activities and responsibilities of their respective ministries, rather than expecting the Minister of Finance to independently develop every initiative. He suggested that properly researched proposals could then be submitted to Finance for evaluation and implementation.

For Lacroes, the problem is not necessarily a shortage of ideas, but the absence of sufficient cooperation to transform those ideas into workable government policy.

Demands Clarity on SZV and Government's Financial Exposure

Turning to the country's finances, Lacroes questioned whether government has adequately assessed and documented its financial exposure relating to SZV, healthcare funds, government-owned companies and liquidity risks.

He referenced information identifying average healthcare deficits of approximately 50 million guilders and questioned why Parliament had not received a consolidated assessment showing the country's financial obligations and potential liabilities.

The MP requested a detailed schedule for 2027 identifying existing budgeted expenditures, loan guarantees, contingent liabilities and other financial commitments.

He also sought an update on the legal opinion concerning cross-financing within the social insurance system, questioning when Parliament can expect to receive the document.

Lacroes expressed concern about the continued financial difficulties surrounding SZV, asking government to provide a clear plan for addressing outstanding obligations and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system.

He also highlighted situations involving individuals who are employed but have not been properly registered for social insurance, questioning who is being held accountable and how government intends to address the consequences for both workers and public finances.

The MP questioned whether weaknesses in registration and compliance are placing additional financial pressure on taxpayers, particularly when uninsured individuals require medical treatment that must ultimately be covered through public resources.

He also raised concerns about residents who experience difficulties obtaining health insurance because of their age or immigration status. He suggested that government examine whether temporary insurance arrangements could be offered through SZV, allowing individuals to meet administrative requirements while generating additional revenue for the social insurance system.

Casino Revenue and Assistance for Vulnerable Residents

The MP suggested that government consider taxing casino winnings as a potential revenue-generating measure rather than imposing additional charges based on gambling transactions.

He proposed examining a tax of approximately 10% on winnings, with a portion of the revenue directed toward rehabilitation and social programs.

Lacroes linked the proposal to concerns about elderly residents who spend considerable time in casinos, suggesting that the lack of recreational and social activities for seniors may contribute to the problem.

He argued that additional revenue should be used to strengthen services for vulnerable groups, including elderly residents who struggle to cover basic living expenses.

The MP also questioned whether government is sufficiently reviewing its existing expenditure and subsidy arrangements. He suggested that organizations receiving recurring government subsidies should demonstrate financial accountability and that support could eventually be adjusted when activities become financially sustainable.

He argued that this could allow government to direct more resources toward new initiatives and community programs while maintaining appropriate support for established events.

Teachers, Healthcare and Ambulance Services

Lacroes renewed his call for better compensation and working conditions for teachers, questioning how government expects educators to perform effectively when some are forced to work multiple jobs to support their families.

He stressed that teachers should not be placed in situations where they are struggling financially while also being expected to provide assistance to students who arrive at school without breakfast or other basic necessities.

The MP requested measurable education targets for 2027, including baseline information and expected improvements in access, educational quality and learning outcomes.

On healthcare, he questioned the delays residents experience when seeking medical treatment and referrals, drawing on his family's personal experience to illustrate the difficulties patients can encounter navigating the system.

He explained that obtaining appropriate treatment for his son had taken several years, raising questions about the time required for medical assessments, approvals and necessary procedures.

Lacroes questioned whether financial considerations and administrative procedures are contributing to delays that can affect patients' health and quality of life.

He requested measurable targets for General Health Insurance, mental health reform and other healthcare programs, particularly improvements in waiting times, access to treatment, patient safety and costs.

The MP also demanded clarification on the condition of the ambulance fleet, asking how many vehicles are operational, how many require repairs and when replacement ambulances are expected to arrive.

He requested that the Minister of VSA reconcile the amounts allocated for ambulance fleet renewal and related emergency service expenditures with the actual number of vehicles expected to become available.

Lacroes further questioned what insurance protections are in place when patients are referred overseas for treatment, particularly in situations where complications arise during procedures performed outside St. Maarten.

He also referenced discussions with the Minister of VSA concerning food additives and the potential health implications of imported food products, asking what steps government intends to take following those consultations.

Infrastructure, Housing and Environmental Concerns

Addressing the Ministry of VROMI, Lacroes renewed his call for improvements to St. Peters Road, questioning why persistent water accumulation and drainage problems have not been resolved despite repeated requests.

He also asked about plans for land associated with Rainforest Adventures, suggesting that government consider agricultural use while carefully evaluating the potential environmental consequences of further development.

The MP cautioned that removing vegetation from areas already vulnerable to flooding could worsen drainage problems and place additional pressure on surrounding communities.

On housing, Lacroes questioned whether government still intends to explore arrangements allowing eligible tenants of social housing to eventually purchase their homes.

He emphasized that homeownership remains an important goal for many families and suggested that public housing should provide a pathway toward greater financial independence.

Lacroes also requested clarification on the proposed road fund, including when the necessary legislation would be introduced and how government intends to secure a reliable source of financing for road maintenance.

Government Must Produce Measurable Results

Throughout his contribution, Lacroes repeatedly questioned the lack of clear implementation schedules and measurable outcomes across government ministries.

He requested updates on outstanding GEBE recommendations, audited financial statements, education targets, tourism performance and government subsidies.

The MP also questioned whether tourism marketing expenditures are being assessed against measurable results, including visitor spending, arrivals and the economic benefits generated by individual campaigns.

He requested clearer information on business license processing times, economic inspections and the use of tourism statistics to guide future marketing decisions.

Lacroes nevertheless acknowledged positive developments, including civil servants who volunteered their time to assist residents with government services on a Saturday. He encouraged the Prime Minister to recognize and appreciate such efforts, emphasizing that improving morale requires more than financial compensation.

The MP said that government must place greater emphasis on communication with its employees and recognize the contribution of public servants who continue providing services under difficult circumstances.

He also stressed the need to improve accountability when government commissions studies or receives recommendations, arguing that reports should lead to implementation rather than remain unused.

Lacroes concluded that St. Maarten's challenges require more than additional discussions and individual proposals. He maintained that government and Parliament must develop a shared approach, establish clear responsibilities and follow through on decisions that can improve the lives of residents.

His message was that meaningful progress will depend on political cooperation, practical revenue measures and a willingness to address problems collectively rather than allowing differences between ministries or political factions to delay solutions.

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