MP Lewis sets justice reform, cost of livingas priorities for new Parliamentary Year

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis used his closing remarks for the 2025-2026 Parliamentary Year on Monday to call for stronger accountability from government, improved follow-up by Parliament and greater attention to the unresolved issues affecting Justice workers, the cost of living, public infrastructure and essential government services.

Lewis, faction leader of the Nation Opportunity Wealth faction, said one of his main areas of focus during the past parliamentary year was governmental oversight and consistently holding ministers accountable, while ensuring that concerns brought to him by members of the public were raised in Parliament.

He pointed to issues involving Justice personnel and other civil servants, pensioners, public safety, infrastructure, garbage collection, education, public transportation and the overall quality of government services as matters he repeatedly brought forward during the year.

“As an opposition Member of Parliament, I not only criticize. I investigate, question, propose solutions and give a voice to the citizens who feel ignored,” Lewis said.

As Vice Chair of Parliament’s Justice Committee and a former Minister of Justice, Lewis said he continued advocating for the proper placement and payment of Justice workers, implementation of Phase Two, improved working conditions and adequate resources for law enforcement personnel.

He also highlighted his calls for greater transparency in decisions affecting the Ministry of Justice, including his request for an independent review of the temporary designation of the acting Secretary General of Justice.

Lewis said his approach has been to recognize the service provided by Justice workers while insisting that government meet its obligations to them.

Looking ahead to the new parliamentary year, Lewis said unresolved matters involving Justice personnel will remain among his priorities, including outstanding placements and financial obligations owed to active and retired Justice workers.

He listed the operational needs of the prison, Customs, Immigration, Coast Guard, Police, Court of Guardianship, Victim Support Services and the National Detective Agency among the areas requiring continued attention.

Lewis also referred to the court action involving the National Detective Agency and the Minister of Justice concerning long-awaited salary increases and indexations.

Crime prevention, community policing and strengthening Justice training will also remain areas of focus, he said.

Outside of Justice, Lewis said Parliament must continue addressing the deteriorating condition of roads, garbage collection and public infrastructure.

“These are not political issues. They directly affect the daily lives, health, safety and dignity of our residents,” he said, pointing to situations in which residents have had to pay privately for garbage removal and motorists continue to contend with damaged roads.

Lewis said that while not every intervention during the past year produced the outcome he wanted, consistently bringing these matters into the public domain and placing them on the parliamentary agenda remained important.

The MP said the cost-of-living crisis must receive greater attention in the coming parliamentary year, noting that many families continue to work while struggling to keep pace with food, electricity, housing and other basic expenses.

He also called for greater attention to the overall care of senior citizens.

Education, Lewis said, must also become a stronger priority. He called for safe and adequately staffed schools, as well as learning environments that allow teachers and students to succeed.

He said St. Maarten must prepare young people not only to find employment, but also to become entrepreneurs, innovators and responsible leaders.

Reflecting on Parliament’s own performance, Lewis said the legislature did not always do enough to ensure ministers followed through on their commitments.

“I believe Parliament fell short in ensuring consistent follow-up and holding ministers accountable for their commitments,” Lewis said.

He noted that too many parliamentary questions remain unanswered and that several matters affecting the public were not addressed with the urgency they deserved.

For the new parliamentary year, Lewis said he wants Parliament to place the needs of the people of St. Maarten above political interests, improve its legislative productivity and ensure that motions, commitments and parliamentary initiatives result in meaningful action.

“My commitment remains firm. I will continue asking the difficult questions, if need be, demanding transparency and advocating for practical solutions that improve the quality and well-being of all the people of St. Maarten,” Lewis said.

He concluded by calling for cooperation among all seven factions represented in Parliament, saying the new parliamentary year should begin with renewed determination and a clear understanding of the work ahead.

“Together with courage, cooperation and accountability, we can move St. Maarten forward,” Lewis said.

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