MP York: TELEM remains a fiscal risk as Parliament waits six weeks for answers

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Darryl York has raised concerns over government’s ability to demonstrate measurable results after nearly two years in office, questioning outstanding issues surrounding TELEM, promised relief measures, government operations and the need for clearer accountability.

During the clarification round of the 2026 Budget Debate, York pressed the Minister of Finance and the Prime Minister for answers on what the government has delivered, what remains outstanding and what tangible results residents have experienced.

One of the key issues raised was TELEM, which has been identified by government as a national fiscal risk. York submitted questions six weeks ago concerning the company’s governance structure, restructuring process, employee turnover, outsourcing, investments, financial position and future strategy.

However, Parliament has yet to receive answers.

The Minister of Finance confirmed during the debate that TELEM management had not provided the requested information despite multiple reminders from the Ministry. The turnaround plan expected since last year remains unfinished, and the appointment of a permanent CEO continues to be linked to the completion of that process.

The lack of information, York argued, raises concerns about Parliament’s ability to properly conduct oversight over a government-owned company facing financial and operational challenges.

The TELEM discussion formed part of a broader line of questioning from York regarding government’s ability to show concrete achievements and measurable outcomes.

“What are the tangible things that the people of St. Martin could sit back and say, we have felt it, we are seeing it, we have hope in it?” York asked.

York also questioned whether government’s stated accomplishments match the expectations of residents after nearly two years in office.

“We are not standing here expecting the Prime Minister to tell us a quick scan and a recruitment plan are his main successes,” he said. “Those are the type of things we would have expected after year one. Going into year three, we are expecting more.”

The MP specifically raised concerns regarding announced household assistance measures, noting that commitments had been made but that residents were still waiting for implementation.

“December came, December went, no one got the subsidy,” York said.

He argued that after repeated discussions about relief measures, the public deserves clarity on what assistance will be provided, who will qualify and when support will actually reach residents.

York also addressed the Tax Administration, acknowledging that investments in new computer systems may improve efficiency but stressing that technology alone cannot resolve capacity challenges.

He pointed out that effective tax administration requires qualified personnel who can assess, inspect, collect and execute, and that the department’s human resource challenges remain an important issue that must be addressed.

The MP also questioned government’s ability to monitor and resolve delays within the Treasury.

York asked how many requests remain unanswered and how many approved payments remain outstanding. He noted that the response indicated that government does not currently maintain statistics on unanswered Treasury correspondence.

According to York, if a department’s workload exceeds its capacity, that is exactly the type of issue government should be able to identify and address. Without proper measurement and reporting, he said, government cannot effectively respond to operational challenges.

York said the issues raised do not necessarily require new legislation or additional funding, but rather stronger accountability mechanisms and clearer reporting.

He called for a firm deadline for TELEM to provide Parliament with the requested information, with enforcement through the shareholder representative rather than continued requests for updates.

The MP also called for a consolidated government delivery report to be presented to Parliament, outlining what was promised, what has been completed, what remains outstanding and what measurable benefits residents have received.

York said that as government moves further into its term, the standard of accountability must shift from future intentions to completed actions and measurable results.

“Going into year three, we are expecting more,” York said.

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