A number of persons, including fire and ambulance workers, gathered in the public tribune of Parliament on Monday to watch the meeting in person. Among them were leaders of the WICSU/PSU and NAPB unions.
PHILIPSBURG--The Governor has ratified the draft landsbesluit for the Fire Department’s placement process, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina announced during Monday’s urgent public meeting of Parliament on the escalating situation involving fire and ambulance personnel.
Mercelina said the confirmation had come on Monday morning, marking a major step in resolving years-long disputes over placement, promotions, career lines and retroactive payments.
Three ministers were invited for the meeting: Mercelina, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Richinel Brug and Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling. Meeting Chair MP Chris Wever said that although the Justice Minister had been invited, after review it had been determined that the issue involving the Fire and Ambulance Departments does not fall under the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice.
MPs harshly criticised the Prime Minister during the meeting, accusing him of delaying solutions, “meddling” in the affairs of other ministries, and finding money for everything else except what matters. His reluctance to sign the commitment letter requested by the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union/Private Sector Union (WICSU/PSU) was also questioned and he was also accused of holding the news about the ratified landsbesluit in his back pocket to throw it in the face of the union.
Mercelina said he had signed the advice for the draft national decree to establish the placement and objection committee on November 7, which was sent to the governor last week Wednesday, November 12, and ratified on Monday morning. He said the process will ensure transparent placement based on qualifications and the approved function book, adding that civil servants may claim payment “for work that you have done while not being recognized in your former position placement.”
On the union’s demand for a binding written commitment, Mercelina said he cannot promise timelines he does not fully control. He insisted he is already operating in good faith: “I am using my letterhead from government, my authentic signature and authentic stamp, and using words like commitment, engagement … how more can you commit something that you committed already,” in several letters.
He said the general placement process includes retroactive payment where due, recognition of career lines, and a mechanism for reviewing the function book over the next three years.
Mercelina acknowledged the workers' frustrations: “Their dedication to public safety even in challenging circumstances deserves acknowledgement and respect.” He said government supports mediation and dialogue, but added, “What we cannot support is continued disruption when solutions are on the table and commitments are being delivered.”
Mercelina said the issue of the Fire Department had generated considerable public discussion in recent years and indicated that although he “inherited these matters,” he takes full responsibility as Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs and is “committed to addressing the concerns of the Fire Department.”
He said the issues date back many years and outlined the full history: work on the Fire Department function book began in 2021 with an external expert due to long-standing tensions, slow progress, and delays in feedback. By 2023, the function book was completed and paired with ICT’s function book. It was sent to the Committee of Civil Servants Union (CCSU) in March 2023, approved on May 1, 2023, then reviewed by the Advisory Council. After review, government proceeded with implementation, and continued discussions with WICSU/PSU. The function book was ratified by the Governor on February 4, 2025 and went into effect on March 25, 2025.
He explained that in October, 2024, after being urgently called to the Fire Department, he learned of concerns regarding the draft function book that had been approved by the CCSU in 2023. He agreed to halt the publication process pending a review. By letter dated December 11, 2024, he informed WICSU/PSU that after reviewing union feedback he would move forward with the function book and resubmit it to the Council of Ministers for approval, noting it would be unfair to delay ICT’s function book – approved through the same process – especially since management confirmed no structural issues.
He described additional tensions during Carnival between St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) and fire and ambulance workers, which led to meetings with ministers, unions, and support staff to agree on a way forward. More correspondence followed, including new issues in April 2025 and the need for a draft covenant to cover outstanding concerns. The first negotiation meeting was held, but before the draft covenant could be negotiated, the union’s team demanded commitments to end the go-slow action. “This is where we are now,” he said, noting that negotiations have not yet begun.
Mercelina also recounted a meeting with faction leaders in August 2025, where he presented a chronological overview. He submitted that documentation formally to Parliament and said MPs had requested clarity in four areas: correct placement in the function book, recognition and enforcement of career lines, application of retroactive measures, and a binding, time-specific commitment from government.
During the meeting, Mercelina outlined the various correspondences exchanged with the union, showing images of the written correspondences.
He closed his lengthy presentation by saying government's record is clear. He said government has engaged, has acted and is busy delivering and will continue to do so because the Fire Department deserves the right acknowledgement and payment. He said government’s commitment is not to appearances but to the outcomes and not for confrontation but for cooperation. “Everything is ready for us to continue this process for the benefit of the staff of the Fire Department and by extension the people of St. Maarten,” he said.
Up to the time of the meeting Mercelina had not yet received a response from the union regarding the PM’s proposal of four names for a mediator.
