York: Government keeps presenting plans without money or solutions

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Darryl York has questioned the government's priorities in the 2027 national budget, arguing that despite repeated discussions about the cost of living, electricity prices, pensioner relief, deteriorating infrastructure and public services, residents are being presented with another budget that offers few concrete solutions to the problems affecting their daily lives. He also raised concerns about the readiness of the new St. Maarten General Hospital, the quality of government road construction, school maintenance and the transparency of public-private partnerships.

Speaking during Wednesday's continuation of the 2027 national budget debate, York challenged the Council of Ministers to explain why several issues that have dominated parliamentary discussions for years remain without clear implementation plans or timelines.

The MP pointed specifically to the absence of meaningful measures addressing GEBE's fuel clause, gasoline prices, pensioner tax relief, traffic congestion and the introduction of new revenue-generating initiatives.

While thanking civil servants, particularly those within the Ministry of Finance, for preparing the budget, York questioned whether its timely submission should be regarded as a major accomplishment when concerns remain about the country's financial planning and ability to execute projects.

He referenced the Committee for Financial Supervision's (CFT) inability to issue positive advice on the 2026 capital investment loan request, questioning whether similar shortcomings have been addressed in the 2027 budget.

York asked the Minister of Finance to provide a detailed explanation of each concern raised by the CFT and identify the corrective measures taken before the new budget was submitted.

Demands Timelines for Gasoline and Pensioner Relief

The MP called on the Minister of Finance to clarify the government's position on gasoline price relief, noting that previous statements suggesting openness to such measures have not provided residents with a clear indication of what government intends to do.

He questioned whether the minister's willingness to consider gasoline relief represents an actual commitment and, if so, when consumers could expect to see a reduction.

York also renewed his call for tax relief for pensioners, pointing out that the issue had been prominently discussed during the election campaign but had not translated into an identifiable measure in the 2027 budget.

He asked the minister to provide a firm timeline for introducing relief rather than continuing to discuss possible adjustments without implementation dates.

Questions GEBE Investments and Government Interference

Turning to GEBE, York questioned the government's handling of the utility company's investment decisions and whether political involvement has contributed to some of its longstanding challenges.

He referenced an earlier parliamentary loan approval intended to finance the purchase of three generators, questioning whether delays in the procurement process and increased costs had affected the company's ability to obtain the originally planned equipment.

The MP asked who would be held accountable if procurement delays resulted in reduced generating capacity.

York also questioned the Council of Ministers' recent engagement with fuel supplier SOL, asking what the meeting was intended to accomplish and what tangible results had been achieved.

He requested clarification on whether the government's approach to SOL was being coordinated across the relevant ministries, particularly given differing public statements and initiatives concerning fuel costs.

The MP further suggested examining whether GEBE should receive greater decision-making autonomy to pursue strategic investments without unnecessary political interference.

He referenced earlier opportunities for the utility company to invest in fuel storage facilities and other infrastructure, questioning whether previous government decisions had limited GEBE's ability to strengthen its operational independence.

York asked the Prime Minister whether government would consider reviewing the company's governing arrangements to provide greater flexibility for investment decisions while preserving appropriate oversight and accountability.

Road Funding and Construction Quality

York also challenged the Ministers of Finance and VROMI to provide a clear and consistent explanation of the money available for road repairs and infrastructure improvements.

He referenced conflicting public statements concerning road funding, including figures of approximately five million and nine million guilders, and questioned whether the amounts being discussed were actually available or depended on financing that had not yet been secured.

The MP specifically asked how much money would be available for road repairs as of January 1, 2027, rather than how much government hopes to secure during the year.

He argued that residents dealing with potholes, drainage problems and deteriorating road conditions need to know when actual repairs will begin.

Expanding on his concerns, York challenged suggestions that road contractors alone should be blamed for the poor condition of the country's roads.

Drawing on his previous professional experience in road construction, he explained that the quality and durability of roadworks depend largely on the specifications and materials government contracts companies to provide.

"We get what we pay for," York said.

He compared the construction standards used on airport runways with the resurfacing methods commonly applied to public roads, explaining that the airport's infrastructure is designed and constructed to withstand substantially greater demands.

York said that when less durable resurfacing methods were applied to airport parking areas, similar problems developed, but improvements followed when more appropriate construction methods were used.

His central point was that government must examine the specifications it requires and the quality it pays for before placing responsibility entirely on contractors.

Cole Bay Hill Safety Concerns Remain Unresolved

The MP also renewed concerns about road markings and the absence of surveillance cameras along Cole Bay Hill, referencing a previous fatal traffic accident and the legal difficulties that reportedly followed.

York said that incorrect road markings had affected the application of certain traffic regulations following the accident, while the absence of cameras had also created difficulties.

He questioned why these issues remain unresolved months after public discussion and why no identifiable provisions for the necessary improvements appear in the budget.

The MP asked the Minister of VROMI when the road markings would be corrected and the Minister of Justice when cameras would be installed.

He criticized what he described as a reactive approach to public safety, where serious incidents generate temporary attention but the underlying problems remain unaddressed.

Questions Public-Private Partnership for Bridge Repairs

York also raised concerns about a proposed public-private partnership involving bridge and canal repairs in Sucker Garden.

He made clear that he supports public-private partnerships in principle but questioned whether government is applying consistent standards when accepting private assistance for infrastructure projects.

The MP referenced an arrangement under which a developer would reportedly finance more than one million guilders in repairs to public bridges and canal infrastructure, with the developer selecting the contractor.

While acknowledging that the arrangement could provide needed improvements without direct government expenditure, York questioned how the ministry intends to address liability and oversight responsibilities associated with work on public infrastructure.

He contrasted the proposal with his own experience attempting to assist a public primary school he previously attended.

According to York, he offered to help repair damaged roofing, structural cracks and bathroom facilities at the school but was informed that certain repairs could not proceed because of liability considerations.

He questioned why a private developer could be permitted to undertake repairs to bridges and canals while an elected representative offering assistance to a public school faced restrictions.

York said that more than a year after his offer, some of the problems at the school remained unresolved.

He argued that government should establish transparent and consistent procedures for accepting private assistance, particularly when public facilities require urgent repairs and government has limited financial resources.

Criticizes Delays in School Repairs and Education Planning

York devoted considerable attention to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS), expressing dissatisfaction with the ministry's presentation and what he considers insufficient progress on school repairs and other educational priorities.

The MP questioned why school maintenance problems continue despite repeated assessments, reports and discussions about funding shortages.

He challenged government to explain what measures are being taken to address the immediate needs of students and teachers rather than relying solely on longer-term projects financed through external programs.

York also questioned the ministry's rejection of a proposed budget amendment that he said would have provided additional resources for cultural activities through a reallocation from travel expenditure.

He argued that government should be prepared to consider constructive proposals regardless of which member of Parliament introduces them.

The MP suggested that a coordinated school adoption initiative could allow elected representatives, businesses and other community stakeholders to contribute toward improving school facilities, provided appropriate safeguards and oversight arrangements are established.

He emphasized that students and teachers should not continue experiencing deteriorating conditions while government repeatedly cites funding limitations.

New Hospital Must Be Ready to Operate, Not Simply Open

One of York's principal concerns involved the anticipated completion and opening of the new St. Maarten General Hospital.

While acknowledging the importance of completing a project that has been under construction for years, the MP questioned whether the country's healthcare system is adequately prepared to operate the facility once construction is completed.

York warned against focusing solely on the ceremonial opening of the building without ensuring that the personnel, equipment, medical services and operational systems are in place.

He asked the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) to provide Parliament with a comprehensive operational readiness assessment covering staffing, medical equipment, specialist services, information systems, licensing, financing and the transition from the existing hospital.

The MP requested clarification on which medical departments would be fully operational when the hospital opens, which services would be introduced later and whether some planned services would remain unavailable during the initial operating period.

He also questioned reports that the hospital contractor had requested additional financing, asking whether government and the contractor had reached an agreement and how much additional expenditure might be required.

Nursing Shortages and Recruitment of Specialists

York placed particular emphasis on the availability of qualified healthcare professionals, questioning whether existing staffing shortages could affect the hospital's ability to operate at full capacity.

He requested figures on the number of nurses currently employed, the additional nursing personnel required for the new hospital and the government's strategy for recruiting and retaining qualified staff.

The MP also questioned whether nurses have received cost-of-living adjustments, including for 2025 and 2026, and requested information on how consistently such adjustments have been provided over the past decade.

He raised concerns that staffing shortages may be preventing nurses from participating in professional training because they are needed to maintain existing hospital operations.

York also questioned whether government and the hospital have actively approached St. Maarten professionals working or studying abroad about returning to contribute to the country's healthcare system.

He requested information about recruitment plans for medical specialists, including the types of specialists required and the progress made in filling those positions.

Will the New Hospital Reduce Overseas Medical Referrals?

The MP further questioned whether the new hospital would significantly reduce the number of patients who must travel overseas for medical treatment.

He asked government to identify which procedures currently performed abroad could become available locally, when those services are expected to begin and how many patients could benefit annually.

York requested an assessment of the annual costs associated with overseas medical referrals, including treatment, transportation and accommodation, as well as the potential savings that could be achieved over the first three years of the hospital's operation.

He also asked whether government had evaluated the five most expensive categories of overseas medical referrals to determine whether providing those services locally would be medically appropriate and financially beneficial.

The MP questioned whether the new hospital could eventually provide specialized services to neighboring islands, including Saba, St. Eustatius and Anguilla, creating additional opportunities for regional healthcare cooperation and revenue generation.

He also requested a comparison of the projected annual operating costs of the new hospital with those of the existing facility, including personnel, utilities, equipment, maintenance and technology.

Raises Concerns About Treatment in Colombia

York also returned to concerns about the quality of medical care provided to St. Maarten patients referred to Colombia.

He questioned whether the Ministry of VSA and SZV are conducting sufficient independent monitoring of the services patients receive abroad.

The MP recalled that a former Minister of VSA had visited medical facilities overseas and subsequently reported positively on their operations, but questioned whether patients and accompanying family members had been consulted during that assessment.

He argued that evaluations should consider the experiences of patients and their families rather than relying exclusively on information provided by healthcare institutions.

York requested an update on a particular case he had previously brought to the attention of the current Minister of VSA, indicating that the details should be handled confidentially.

He emphasized that the substantial sums spent on overseas healthcare must be accompanied by appropriate quality control and accountability.

Financial Transaction Tax and Low-Income Earners

York also addressed the financial transaction tax concept raised by the Ministry of TEATT, acknowledging the importance of exploring new revenue sources while warning that any proposed system must be carefully evaluated.

He questioned what would happen to minimum wage earners and other low-income residents if a transaction tax were introduced while existing income taxes were reduced or eliminated.

The MP argued that individuals who already pay little income tax might not benefit significantly from reductions in wage or profit taxes but could experience higher costs when making purchases or carrying out financial transactions.

He asked whether the Ministries of TEATT and Finance had examined the possible effects on purchasing power, inflation and household expenses.

York requested clarification on whether economic studies had been conducted and what coordination had taken place between the two ministries before the concept was presented to Parliament.

Justice Spending and Revenue Collection

The MP also questioned the management of government vehicles, referencing a proposed allocation of approximately 2.2 million guilders for vehicles within the Ministry of Justice.

He asked why government continues purchasing vehicles without what he considers an adequate system for maintaining and repairing its fleet.

York suggested examining whether a centralized maintenance facility, standardized vehicle procurement and properly trained mechanics could reduce costs and prevent relatively new vehicles from remaining out of service for extended periods.

He also raised concerns about outstanding fines, referencing a reported backlog of more than 3,000 cases and questioning whether changes to the collection and enforcement system could help government recover revenue more effectively.

The MP suggested examining whether certain fines could be handled administratively rather than relying entirely on the Prosecutor's Office.

He also requested a review of existing fine amounts and immigration-related fees, including whether current charges adequately reflect the costs of providing government services.

Questions Project Execution and Cemetery Plans

York questioned whether ministries have sufficient staff to implement the number of projects included in the 2027 budget, pointing to departmental staffing shortages and the absence of clear timelines for several proposed initiatives.

He warned that presenting projects without adequate personnel, financing and implementation schedules could result in continued delays.

On VROMI matters, the MP requested clarification concerning plans for a new cemetery in Belvedere, questioning whether residents had been properly consulted and informed about the proposed location.

He emphasized that projects affecting residential communities require adequate communication and opportunities for public input.

Calls for Solutions Instead of Repeated Presentations

In closing, York maintained that government must move beyond announcing projects and explaining funding shortages to demonstrating when promised improvements will be delivered.

He questioned how residents can be expected to remain patient when longstanding problems involving education, healthcare, road safety, utilities and public infrastructure continue to dominate successive budget debates.

The MP argued that financial limitations must be accompanied by clear priorities, realistic planning and greater cooperation across government.

York emphasized that residents deserve more than assurances that projects are being studied or prepared. They need to know what is being done, how it will be financed and when they can expect results.

He concluded by questioning the repeated presentation of ambitious government plans without the resources and implementation structures necessary to execute them, referring to the situation as "Champagne dreams and bare budgets."

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