MP Doran presses Gumbs on garbage tender, road funds, permits and Alegria pursuit

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Egbert Doran on Wednesday dedicated his sharpest line of questioning to focus on the management of the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), challenging Minister Patrice Gumbs over the controversial garbage collection tender, the lack of road repairs, the handling of development permits and what he described as conflicting information concerning government funds.

Speaking during Wednesday's continuation of the 2027 national budget debate, Doran questioned whether the ministry is adequately addressing its responsibilities, arguing that several critical issues remain unresolved while residents and businesses continue to experience their consequences.

The former Minister of VROMI placed particular emphasis on the garbage collection tender, questioning the legality and transparency of the process and warning that government could face costly litigation if the concerns surrounding the bidding and evaluation procedures are not properly addressed.

Doran questioned how the minister could publicly state that no contracts had been awarded while companies had already been notified of their ranking and were reportedly being engaged in discussions concerning contracts.

He also revisited the cancellation of the original tender earlier this year, questioning the reasons companies were reportedly disqualified for failing to initial official documents submitted with their bids.

According to Doran, documents such as business licenses and other official certificates should not be treated in the same manner as a bidder's own proposal. He asked the Prime Minister, who has responsibility for legal affairs, to explain the legal basis for disqualifying companies under such circumstances.

The MP further questioned the decision to restart the tender after bidders had already been exposed to competing prices and proposals. He suggested that such an approach could undermine confidence in the process and expose government to legal challenges.

Doran made clear that his concerns were not directed at any particular company winning or losing a contract, but rather at whether the process was conducted fairly and in accordance with the applicable rules.

He also expressed concern about the effect of the changes on garbage collection workers and their families, questioning the consequences for people who previously depended on the sector for employment.

Road Funds, Unfulfilled Promises and Conflicting Explanations

Turning to the country's road network, Doran questioned the absence of road repair tenders despite repeated assurances that improvements would be undertaken.

He pointed to what he described as conflicting explanations from the Ministers of VROMI and Finance concerning the availability and management of road funding.

The MP requested that the Minister of Finance clarify the situation before Parliament, including whether the explanations provided by the Minister of VROMI accurately reflect the government's financial position.

He also questioned the status of approximately five million guilders referenced in connection with road improvements and how the funding situation would affect projects promised for 2026.

Doran criticized the continued deterioration of roads and questioned why government had not moved more aggressively to address problems that residents encounter daily.

He recalled that during his tenure, road maintenance teams and contractors were mobilized to respond to urgent conditions, particularly following heavy rainfall.

He also asked what had happened to funds previously allocated for road signs, noting that signs ordered during his time in office had not, to his knowledge, been installed.

Questions Development Permits and Public-Private Partnerships

Doran also raised concerns about the ministry's handling of development matters, particularly the Alegria development.

He questioned why the Minister of VROMI would continue engaging with representatives of the development concerning a possible permit after legal proceedings in which Doran said government had successfully defended its position.

The MP asked what justification existed for pursuing a different approach after the time and public resources invested in the legal disputes.

He also questioned a public-private partnership involving bridge repairs, seeking clarification about the relationship between the proposed infrastructure work and a development permit associated with the same company.

Doran said he supports public-private partnerships when they are transparent and properly structured, but questioned what the private party would receive in return for financing or undertaking public infrastructure improvements.

He specifically raised concerns about the timing of a publication in the National Gazette, questioning why a permit-related notice was published so close to the expiration of the objection period.

The MP asked whether the arrangement had received the approval of the Council of Ministers and requested an explanation of the terms and benefits involved.

He additionally sought clarification concerning 17 hectares of land associated with Rainforest Adventures, including whether outstanding financial obligations had been settled.

On housing, Doran requested an update on the Virginia Heights housing project, which he said has remained unresolved within the ministry since 2021 despite the country's continuing need for affordable housing.

Budget Execution and Missing Revenue Measures

Beyond VROMI, Doran criticized the government's overall approach to the 2027 budget, questioning whether the projects being presented can realistically be implemented.

He referenced concerns raised by the Council of Advice and the Committee for Financial Supervision (CFT), particularly regarding the preparation of capital projects and government's ability to secure financing.

The MP questioned how government intends to obtain financing for its 2027 capital expenditure plans when concerns surrounding the 2026 loan request have not been fully resolved.

While acknowledging that the budget was submitted on time, Doran argued that meeting statutory deadlines means little if the projects and financial arrangements contained in the budget are not sufficiently prepared for execution.

He also questioned the absence of new revenue-generating measures, particularly the long-discussed tourist levy or environmental fee.

Doran asked the Minister of Finance whether the ministry is ready to introduce such a measure and, if not, what continues to delay its implementation.

He argued that government cannot continue increasing its financial demands on residents and businesses through existing taxation and enforcement measures while delaying alternative revenue sources.

Healthcare, Public Services and Other Concerns

Doran also sought answers concerning shortages within the ambulance department, asking whether it was accurate that only one ambulance team had been available to cover the Dutch side of the island.

He requested information on staffing shortages, funds reportedly allocated for ambulance personnel uniforms and whether government had considered obtaining temporary assistance from other parts of the Dutch Caribbean or the Netherlands.

The MP also questioned delays involving fire department personnel placements and outstanding payments, the status of back pay for Justice workers and the protection of schoolchildren from potentially hazardous conditions at the Marie Laurence School.

He further questioned government's approach to food security, suggesting that agricultural partnerships and access to land elsewhere in the region should be examined alongside local initiatives.

"Too Late Will Be the Cry"

In closing, Doran warned that St. Maarten cannot afford to continue operating under the same approach while the problems affecting residents become more difficult to manage.

He argued that government must move beyond the presentation of plans and demonstrate its ability to deliver results, particularly in infrastructure, public services, economic relief and revenue generation.

The MP questioned whether the country could withstand another two years of the current situation without significant changes in how government functions and responds to public needs.

He urged both the executive and legislative branches to recognize the seriousness of the challenges and act before conditions deteriorate further.

Doran concluded with a warning that if the country's leadership fails to recognize what is happening and take corrective action, "too late will be the cry."

‍