Minister of VROMI Briefing and Updates

GREAT BAY--At this morning’s DCOMM Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs outlined how his ministry is approaching traffic congestion, enforcement, solid waste, housing and key infrastructure, while also responding to questions on internal matters and the Belvedere cemetery plans.

Key points from the Minister’s remarks

• Traffic congestion: short term fixes versus long term planning
  The Minister said certain turns and intersections are major bottlenecks, especially on Pondfill and Simpson Bay Road. In the short term he wants better traffic regulation, clear signage and road repairs, but he stressed that real relief will only come from long term infrastructure changes, controlling car imports and a full transportation review. He noted that if the country wants to curb car imports, it must provide a proper bus system. The current approach of only looking for “low hanging fruit” will not solve the critical traffic problem. A more complete transport strategy, including the number of buses on the road, is needed. The Minister reminded the public that many issues raised, such as garbage trucks stopping during rush hour, buses blocking lanes and heavy construction vehicles using Link 1, are already regulated in existing laws and policies. Garbage haulers in some areas are obliged to collect between 5:00 and 7:00 am before the school rush, yet he has observed collections in live traffic after 7:15 am.
• Strengthening enforcement and introducing fines
  Gumbs admitted that government must improve its enforcement arm. He said work is ongoing within the solid waste financial framework and that a “quick win” for enforcement should be mobilized within the next two weeks. He emphasized that warnings alone are not enough, and that a system of fines is needed when people repeatedly ignore the rules, not as aggression, but to stop behavior that makes life uncomfortable for everyone else.
• Complaint by Charlon Pompier and ongoing investigation
  On the complaint filed by Mr. Charlon Pompier against the Secretary General of VROMI, the Minister confirmed that a formal procedure took place with the involvement of HR. That process led to the suspension of Mr. Pompier. He added that the investigation continues and, because it is ongoing, he cannot share further details at this time.
• Belvedere cemetery location and community consultation
  The Minister clarified that the planned cemetery will not be placed inside the existing Belvedere housing development. It will be on an adjacent portion of Belvedere Remainder, roughly from the Rockland Estate wall back to Oyster Pond Road. He said there will be public consultation as part of the master plan and that strict guidelines on zoning, community layout and green space will be followed, based on the National Housing Policy and conditions requested by the seller, to avoid “bulldozing” anything into the neighborhood without engagement.
• Solid waste: landfill capping, diversion and regional cooperation
  On the landfill, he noted that the EDMP project funded by the Trust Fund focuses on improving and closing the existing dump. In parallel, government has started pilot projects to divert construction and demolition debris and to develop composting, since a large share of waste is organic, such as food scraps and yard waste. He said construction is one of the largest economic activities in St. Maarten, and a private partner has already been diverting and repurposing construction waste.
  The Minister said that even with diversion, some residual waste will always remain. Government is exploring options, including incineration, waste to energy and exporting waste, in cooperation with regional partners. He referred to work with the French side and Saint Barths, including the Gustavia “zero waste” appeal, and an earmarked budget for a study on regional cooperation for waste solutions.

• Tourism related waste from cruise and yachting sectors
  In peak season, cruise and yachting activity increases waste volumes. He explained that cruise and yacht waste reaches the landfill through private haulers under international shipping and port agreements, not through direct contracts with government. Discussions with the harbor focus on limiting what actually comes off vessels and increasing diversion, while still respecting international obligations.
• Scrap metal piles and private operator in Sucker Garden area
  Addressing visible piles of wrecks and scrap metal near the landfill road, Gumbs said these belong to a private scrap operator who has been exporting metal for years. He acknowledged complaints about stockpiling and roadside dumping by others when the site is closed. Government is discussing how to formally integrate the operator into the future waste system while insisting on higher standards for site management, since improved waste policy also requires cleaner operations.
• Stormwater pump project status
  On the stormwater pump project, he said an extra 500,000 euros was secured and the works contract has been awarded to Windward Roads. The ministry is now finalizing the supervision contract. While there have been delays, he expects execution to start once supervision is in place, and in the meantime, traditional pond water management continues, until the new system increases capacity and efficiency.
• Road Fund implementation and Audit Chamber follow up
  The Minister confirmed he is responding this week to the General Audit Chamber on the Road Fund. The fund already exists in law, but has never been implemented. With SOAB, the ministry has drawn up a roadmap to make the fund operational so that road tax revenues go directly into a dedicated fund for roads, drainage and streetlights, instead of disappearing into the general budget. He said it is his intention during his mandate to have the Road Fund recognized and functioning, to secure structural financing for infrastructure.
• Budget timing and impact on Road Fund plans
  Asked about delays in the 2025 budget amendment and 2026 budget debate, he stated that his projected Road Fund implementation timeline is not dependent on those processes. If the fund can be implemented earlier, adjustments can be made through a budget amendment, but for now his planning for the Road Fund proceeds on a separate timeline.

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