PHILIPSBURG – In accordance with Article 56 of St. Maarten’s Constitution, 15 newly elected Members of Parliament (MPs) were officially sworn in today, September 20, 2024, by Acting Governor Dr. Emiko Bird-Lake. The swearing-in ceremony marks the beginning of the MPs’ tenure following the island’s snap parliamentary elections held on August 19. They have all promised to follow the principles of Integrity, Allegiance, The Rule of Law and the general interest of the people of St. Maarten.
Governor Bird-Lake administered the oath of office to the new MPs during a formal ceremony, which now allows them to take their seats in Parliament and begin their legislative duties. This new Parliament will play a crucial role in shaping the island’s political landscape and addressing pressing issues such as economic development, healthcare, and infrastructure.
“As you embark upon your new responsibilities, I want to highlight your three main tasks as elected parliamentarians, to represent the interests and concerns of the people of Sint Maarten, to act as co-legislator/a law maker to examine and be prepared to challenge the work of the government; scrutinize the expenditures, administration and policies.
Over the past years, we have endured environmental, social and economic challenges. We have been focusing mostly on building back a more resilient Sint Maarten which includes the well-being of our society, but in reality it is evident that it remains a struggle for many of us to thrive.
The main strategic goal should be to ensure that Sint Maarten can become self-sustainable in every aspect. To ensure that our future generations can survive and thrive on this our sweet Sint Maarten land. Decisions made must foster sustainability,” Dr. Bird-Lake charged.
She added that “as a parliamentarian a broad spectrum of knowledge, understanding and wisdom is needed. Wisdom usually does not fall into your lap. That is because wisdom is not just a mentality—it is a physical reality with practical applications. I encourage you members of parliament to lead and make decisions in an ethical and transparent manner. Set aside personal agendas and use your position in Parliament to ensure good governance. Maintain a united front as it remains a collective responsibility. You are democratically elected representatives of the people of Sint Maarten, and you must justify your decisions to the people of Sint Maarten.”
The MPs sworn in today include representatives from 7 political parties; Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), The Democratic Party (DP), National Alliance (NA), United People’s Party (U.P.P), Nation Opportunity & Wealth (N.O.W), Party for Progress (PFP) and the Soualiga Action Movement (S.A.M).
The new Parliament, which in principle, is expected to function until September 20, 2028 comprises
-Richinel Brug (URSM)
– Egbert Doran (NA)
-Melissa Gumbs (PFP)
– Grisha Heyliger-Marten (DP)
– Ardwell Irion (NA)
– Viren Kotai (DP)
– Francisco Lacroes (UP)
– Lyndon Lewis (NOW)
– Luc Mercelina (URSM)
– Franklin Meyers (SAM)
– Omar Ottley (UP)
– Sjamira Roseburg (URSM)
– Ludmila de Weever (PFP)
– Sarah Wescot-Williams (DP)
– Darryl York (NA)
Three of those elected are currently functioning as Ministers and will perform dual functions for a period of 3 months, until the next in line on their party’s list is sworn in.
The new parliamentarians will face immediate challenges as they work to address the issues that were central during the election campaign, including the energy crisis, economy, cost of living, and post-pandemic recovery efforts. They are also expected to bring fresh perspectives to ongoing debates about social development, governance, and tourism growth.
Immediately, following the swearing in at the Governor’s Cabinet, the new Chair and Vice Chairs of Parliament were appointed in the House of Parliament. They are Sarah Wescott-Williams, Sjamira Roseburg and Ludmila De Weever
Chairperson of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams said the MPs have an important responsibility to fulfill their duties in serving the people of Sint Maarten. She reminded them of the trust placed in them by the electorate and said she looks forward to furthering a robust parliamentary agenda premised on civic engagement.
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