MP Roseburg welcomes addition of Mourillon at SER, supports push for increased capacity

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg has welcomed the appointment of Mrs. Jamie Mourillon as Policy Advisor at the Social and Economic Council, SER, and encouraged continued steps to expand capacity so the Council can meet legislative timelines and reduce backlogs.

MP Roseburg praised the SER for strengthening its team with Mourillon, noting her combined legal and social governance background. Mourillon holds a law degree from Erasmus University Rotterdam and a social work degree from Hogeschool Utrecht, and is MfN-certified as a mediator with specialization in labor mediation and conflict resolution through Merlijngroep. Her experience in public governance and advisory settings supports a balanced approach that joins legal precision with a human-centered view.

“I commend the SER for adding Jamie Mourillon to its team,” MP Roseburg said. “I also support the SER’s push for more capacity so that we avoid creating a larger backlog in legislative advice that must be rendered on draft laws submitted by various MPs.” She noted that in recent months, she reached out to the SER to inquire about the progress of the advice and received a clear and transparent explanation regarding the delays and the Council’s ongoing capacity-building process.

MP Roseburg referred to the legal stipulation of a maximum six weeks for the SER to render advice on legislation and stressed that staffing must match the volume and complexity of requests. “Capacity needs to increase in order to meet the legal stipulation of a maximum six weeks to deliver advice,” she said. “If the six weeks elapse, some sort of mechanism must be identified so that MPs can continue on a trajectory to deliver laws to the people of St. Maarten, which should be the ultimate goal for everyone.”

The MP noted the SER's statements in Parliament on Tuesday seeking a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss expansion of its function book to acquire more capacity, in particular legislative lawyers. She encouraged constructive engagement to secure a clear and timely pathway for appointments and resources.

MP Roseburg also explained that her remarks follow her engagement with the SER regarding a legislative proposal she initiated. The proposal was submitted to Parliament in the second half of 2024, proceeded to the Council of Advice for vetting, and was received by the SER in February 2025. She stated that she had sought updates and received an explanation of delays and the Council’s capacity measures. With Mourillon now on board, the MP said she looks forward to steady progress.

“The work of Parliament depends on the responsiveness of advisory institutions,” she said. “When advisory bodies are resourced and timelines are respected, the public sees measurable movement from draft to law.”

“I sincerely commend both the Board and the staff for their dedication and professionalism. Their combined efforts ensure that Parliament and Government can continue to make informed, balanced, and timely decisions in the interest of the people of Sint Maarten,” MP Roseburg concluded.

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