MP Meyers to Parliament: Turn pressure and uncertainty into progress

GREAT BAY--SAM faction leader MP Franklin Meyers used his closing remarks for the 2025-2026 Parliamentary Year to call for resilience, renewed focus and continued cooperation as St. Maarten confronts challenges in healthcare, Justice, education, garbage collection, infrastructure and public safety.

Reflecting on what he described as an interesting year filled with pressure, challenges and uncertainty, Meyers said difficult periods can also create the conditions for growth.

“We don’t grow when things are easy, we grow when we face challenges,” Meyers said.

He noted that St. Maarten has faced serious difficulties before and has repeatedly recovered, saying the country’s ability to rise after adversity speaks to both its people and those elected to represent them.

Meyers said significant work remains to be done in healthcare, Justice and education, as well as in other areas where residents continue to expect improvement.

He expressed confidence that these issues can be addressed in the coming parliamentary year, but stressed that progress will require effort from both elected representatives and the wider community.

“There is much to be done,” Meyers said. “The better days are in front of us, but it’s a goal that we as a people and we as representatives of the people must work towards achieving.”

Crime, garbage and infrastructure remain concerns

Meyers pointed to several ongoing challenges facing the country.

He said the crisis surrounding GEBE appears to be coming under greater control, but noted that St. Maarten continues to face problems with garbage collection, infrastructure and rising crime.

As a tourism-dependent country, Meyers said public safety must remain a priority.

Quoting the Minister of Justice, he said, “A safe place to live is a safe place to visit.”

Meyers said the country must take crime seriously not only because of its impact on tourism, but because residents have a right to feel safe in their own communities.

He also argued that the pressure facing the country should be used as an opportunity to reconsider priorities and determine more clearly where St. Maarten wants to go.

“Today’s tears, the pressure and the tears that we face today, waters tomorrow’s gardens,” Meyers said.

He said it is through difficult periods that the country can refocus and guide itself toward the future it wants.

Parliament as ‘Defenders of the Constitution’

Meyers described Members of Parliament as the current “Defenders of the Constitution,” noting that they were chosen by the electorate to represent St. Maarten during this period.

He said the responsibility should be treated as an opportunity to help shape a stronger country.

“We are the ones that have been chosen by the people,” Meyers said.

He added that while new political parties may emerge in the future, the sitting members are the representatives entrusted with serving the country now.

Meyers also spoke about his faith, saying he believes difficult periods can bring forward those capable of confronting them.

“I believe that God chooses his strongest soldiers for his most difficult battles,” he said, adding that he sees the current moment as an opportunity for Parliament and government to improve the country.

SAM remains committed to coalition

Meyers said the SAM faction remains steadfast in its commitment to the governing coalition despite the difficulties encountered during the parliamentary year.

He acknowledged that governing has been challenging, but argued that no administration in St. Maarten’s political history has been free of obstacles.

While people may look back on previous periods and remember them as better times, Meyers said every government has faced its own difficulties.

He said SAM therefore intends to continue supporting the coalition while confronting the challenges ahead.

“We look forward to the continued challenges, knowing that we as a government and we as a people will overcome those challenges,” Meyers said.

He concluded his remarks on a message of confidence that St. Maarten can continue moving forward by confronting its problems directly and using adversity as an opportunity to strengthen the country.

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