PHILIPSBURG--A motion of no confidence has been submitted in Parliament against Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs, with Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis sharply criticizing what he described as ongoing failures in leadership, infrastructure management and public service delivery.
The motion, presented during a parliamentary meeting on April 1, calls for the immediate resignation of the minister, citing what Lewis characterized as a lack of effective policy implementation, poor execution within the ministry, and growing dissatisfaction among residents.
MP Lewis of the Nation, Opportunity and Wealth (NOW) party opened his remarks by stating that despite detailed presentations by Party for Progress (PFP) Minister Gumbs, the reality on the ground reflects a different picture. He pointed specifically to the minister’s own acknowledgment that certain laws—such as those governing garbage disposal—are not being properly enforced.
According to the MP, this admission underscores what he called a broader failure to execute even basic responsibilities within the ministry. “The bare minimum is not being executed,” Lewis said, arguing that this has led to deteriorating conditions across the island.
A major point of concern raised during his address was the continued absence of two senior civil servants, who remain at home while still receiving full salaries. Lewis described this as a burden on taxpayers and suggested that their absence is affecting the ministry’s operational capacity.
“The country is suffering under the leadership of this current minister,” Lewis stated, adding that effective governance requires not only policy direction but also active management of personnel and resources.
The MP also highlighted complaints from members of the public regarding a lack of communication from the ministry. He said residents have reported that correspondence sent to the minister often goes unanswered, which he described as disrespectful and indicative of a broader disconnect between government and citizens.
Lewis stressed that holding public office is a choice and comes with the responsibility to serve the people. He reminded Parliament that ministers are appointed to act in the best interest of the country and must be held accountable for their performance.
Turning to conditions in various communities, Lewis painted a picture of neglect, citing areas where garbage accumulation has created unsanitary environments. He referenced a location near Nazareth, where he said children are exposed to unhealthy conditions due to uncollected waste and the presence of flies.
“Who is to blame? It is the current minister,” he said, emphasizing that maintaining public health and sanitation falls squarely within the ministry’s responsibilities.
Infrastructure issues were also a central theme in his criticism. Lewis pointed to the poor condition of roads across the island and the presence of abandoned vehicles along public roadways, which he described as both hazardous and damaging to the country’s image.
He noted that he had received complaints from residents about specific areas, including the stretch between Illidge Road and Bush Road, where derelict vehicles remain unaddressed. According to Lewis, these issues reflect a lack of proactive leadership.
“The minister himself should take his own initiative… drive around and see what needs to be done,” he said, arguing that leadership requires direct engagement with the realities faced by citizens.
Environmental concerns were also raised, particularly regarding the state of the landfill. Lewis claimed that garbage continues to spread into surrounding areas, including near the Great Salt Pond, creating both environmental and public health risks.
In addition to these issues, the motion outlines several structural concerns related to policy and economic development. It states that the minister has failed to establish clear frameworks to support economic activity, particularly in relation to the processing of building permits.
According to the motion, delays in permit approvals are hindering development, negatively impacting the construction sector and reducing employment opportunities. The construction industry is identified as a key driver of economic growth, and prolonged delays are said to have ripple effects on small businesses and the wider economy.
The document further criticizes the absence of a clear and actionable plan to address drainage systems and road infrastructure. While studies have been referenced, Lewis argued that there is little transparency regarding timelines, deliverables or implementation.
The condition of the landfill is also highlighted as a major concern, with the motion stating that the minister has not presented a strategic approach to address ongoing environmental and health risks.
Additionally, Lewis accused the minister of lacking initiatives to attract foreign investment, arguing that this has contributed to stagnation in economic growth and reduced opportunities for national development.
Based on these concerns, the motion concludes that Minister Gumbs “no longer has the confidence of Parliament” and calls for his immediate resignation in accordance with Article 33 of the Constitution of St.Maarten.
The motion also includes provisions outlining restrictions on the minister’s authority should it be adopted. These include prohibiting the signing of new agreements or long-term commitments, instructing government entities to refrain from major financial decisions, and limiting actions that could bind the country or future administrations.
Furthermore, the motion states that the minister could be held personally responsible for decisions taken after the adoption of the motion that may have significant financial or administrative consequences.
Lewis emphasized that his actions were not driven by personal motives but by his responsibility to represent the people of St. Maarten. He described the motion as a necessary step to address what he sees as ongoing governance failures.
“Idon’t do this with joy. I do this for the country that I was born and raised in,” he said.
The motion has been formally submitted to Parliament and is supported by MPs Omar Ottley, leader of the United People’s (UP) party and Egbert Doran, leader of the National Alliance (NA).
It will now be registered and circulated among Members of Parliament.
