MP Lacroes requests question hours on tax incentives and LNG transition

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes has submitted formal requests for two consecutive Question Hours in Parliament, one with the Minister of Finance on tax holiday policy and one with the Prime Minister on the country’s LNG transition, energy diversification and related public benefits.

The first requested Question Hour focuses on St. Maarten’s tax holiday regime and other special fiscal incentives that continue to play a central role in economic discussions. MP Lacroes is seeking clear answers on how tax holidays are granted, monitored and evaluated, and whether these incentives deliver measurable benefits for the wider population rather than only for individual recipients. He stresses that every tax reduction or exemption must be justified by clear social or economic returns for the people of St. Maarten, and that this is part of Parliament’s duty to exercise proper oversight.

The second requested Question Hour is linked to a motion that MP Lacroes submitted and that Parliament adopted as a resolution during the June 2025 budget debates. That motion sets a strategic direction for St. Maarten’s energy sector and calls for coordinated action between utilities company GEBE, the Harbor Group and the relevant ministries to pursue fuel diversification, including a transition to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable alternatives. The resolution also instructs government to develop feasibility studies, structure public-private partnerships and secure concrete community benefits, such as solar infrastructure at sports facilities and other public locations.

“By adopting this motion as a resolution, Parliament set both the roadmap and the public expectations. It is now the government’s responsibility to report, act and deliver,” MP Lacroes said. “Question Hour gives Parliament the means to require regular, open updates and to ensure the voices of our constituents are heard as these national objectives are pursued.”

Both requests are based on Article 69 of the Rules of Order, which allows Members of Parliament to pose questions directly to Ministers and the Prime Minister in a public meeting. MP Lacroes notes that this mechanism is essential to keep government accountable to the entire island on key matters such as economic management, public investment and sustainable development. The text of the adopted motion and the accompanying resolution outlines a phased approach to energy reform, fiscal oversight and community engagement, with timelines for implementation and regular reporting.

The two Question Hours are expected to be scheduled soon, and the public, media and other interested parties will be able to follow the proceedings live or through broadcast coverage.

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