Local contractors seek clarity on World Bank tender commitments

GREAT BAY--The Coalition of Local Contractors, Consultants, Architects, and Heavy Equipment Operators has written to the Council of Ministers of Sint Maarten, copying Parliament and the local media, to express growing concern about the lack of follow-through on commitments made earlier this year regarding local participation in National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and World Bank–funded projects.

In their letter dated October 9, 2025, the coalition reminded government that during the Public Procurement Information Session of June 17, 2025, World Bank Procurement Practice Manager for Latin America and the Caribbean Mr. Jean-Jacques Verdeaux announced two key measures to promote local inclusion:

• Civil works contracts would require 30 percent local employment, and

• Tender criteria would be adjusted to account for local development through the hiring of local staff, training, and transfer of know-how.

The coalition noted that these measures were to be implemented in July 2025 and were welcomed as a positive step toward ensuring Sint Maarten professionals could participate meaningfully in the island’s recovery projects.

However, the group says that the most recent tenders published in September 2025, including bids for gyms, sports facilities, and solid waste disposal supervision, do not reflect these commitments. None of the new documents include a 30 percent local employment requirement or evaluation points for local participation and knowledge transfer.

The coalition warned that this inconsistency creates uncertainty within the construction and engineering sector. “While public statements suggested a more inclusive direction, the official tender documents continue under the previous model,” the letter stated, adding that a clear policy position is needed so that “the intent is transparently and consistently applied.”

“These conditions effectively shut out small and medium-sized Sint Maarten firms from competing,” the coalition wrote, emphasizing that the island’s contractors are capable of quality project delivery but continue to face systemic hurdles.

Furthermore, information reaching this media house suggest that many local contractors have chosen not to bid for certain recent projects, citing eligibility barriers that remain unchanged. One major concern is the requirement to demonstrate an average annual construction turnover of USD 600,000 over the past three years. Even in joint ventures, at least one partner must meet this threshold, a condition that many smaller local firms are unable to satisfy. They argue that this contradicts the assurances that the procurement framework would create a more level playing field and enable broader local participation.

Despite these challenges, the coalition reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue and partnership with the NRPB and the World Bank, expressing confidence that with better alignment between commitments and practice, Sint Maarten can achieve both high-quality project delivery and meaningful local capacity building.

The letter was signed by Hans Hootsmans (Liccom N.V.) and Michiel Witteveen (Windward Roads B.V.) on behalf of the coalition.

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