MP Lewis tables motion of no confidence against Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis on Wednesday tabled a motion of no confidence against Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs, citing what he described as the Minister’s failure to provide adequate leadership, clear policy direction, and effective action in several key areas under the Ministry’s responsibility. The motion was supported by MPs Omar Ottley and Egbert Doran.

The motion, tabled during Parliament’s meeting of April 1, 2026, argues that Minister Gumbs has failed to establish clear and effective policy frameworks and to take the necessary actions to support economic activity at a time when government revenue generation is critical. This motion will have to be voted upon at the end of the public meeting which was not expected to conclude today, considering the amount of questions that the Minister has to answer.

Among the central concerns raised in the motion is the handling of building permits. The motion states that the Minister has failed to implement a clear, efficient, and timely mechanism for the processing and approval of permits, a situation the MPs said has negatively affected the construction sector, one of the country’s main economic drivers. According to the motion, this has reduced economic activity, limited employment opportunities, and placed additional strain on small businesses that depend on construction-related development.

The motion also points to what the MPs described as the absence of a clear and actionable plan to address drainage systems and the road network. While reference has been made to ongoing multi-year studies, the motion states that there have been no defined project timelines, no transparency regarding deliverables, and no indication of when infrastructure works will begin or be completed.

The deteriorating condition of roads across St. Maarten was also highlighted, along with the presence of damaged and abandoned vehicles along public roads. The motion states that these issues pose safety risks, create a widespread eyesore, and negatively affect the country’s image.

In addition, the motion asserts that Minister Gumbs has shown a lack of clear vision and strategic direction in addressing the condition and management of the landfill, which the MPs said continues to pose environmental, public health, and aesthetic concerns for both residents and visitors.

The motion further claims that the Minister has failed to introduce strategic initiatives to attract foreign investment and has not implemented policies needed to position St. Maarten as an attractive and competitive destination for investors. According to the text of the motion, this has contributed to stagnation in economic expansion and reduced opportunities for national development.

Based on those concerns, the motion states that Minister Gumbs has failed to adequately lead the Ministry of VROMI in the best interests of St. Maarten and therefore no longer has the confidence of Parliament.

The motion also references Article 33, paragraph 2 of the Constitution of St. Maarten, stating that any minister who receives a vote of no confidence from Parliament is required, with immediate effect, to place his or her position at the disposal of the Governor, thereby tendering resignation without delay.

In addition to calling for the Minister’s resignation, the motion seeks to impose immediate restrictions on Gumbs’ authority in the event the motion is adopted. It states that, effective upon adoption, the Minister would be prohibited from signing agreements, contracts, long-term policies, or financial commitments that could obstruct or encumber an incoming Minister of VROMI or otherwise bind the country over the long term.

The motion further requests that, in any caretaker capacity after a vote of no confidence, the Minister instruct management and boards to refrain from entering long-term financial commitments, hiring new personnel in management positions, or entering into long-term agreements. It also states that he should not take any decision as caretaker minister that would bind St. Maarten’s entities.

The motion concludes by stating that the Minister should be held personally responsible for any decision taken following the motion of no confidence against him and that the motion would take effect immediately upon adoption.

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