Next steps: Brug directs financial audit, project review and short-term stabilization plan for SZV

GREAT BAY-Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Richinel Brug, has issued a series of concrete directives aimed at restoring transparency, accountability, and financial stability at the Social & Health Insurances (SZV).

Effective October 15, 2025, the newly appointed Adjunct Director, Mr. Elton Felisie, serving as Temporary Director, has been formally instructed to carry out several key actions to strengthen oversight and ensure responsible management of public funds.

Among the immediate measures to be implemented:

• Independent Financial Assessment:

Mr. Felisie has been directed, in accordance with Article 21, Subsection 8 of the SZV Ordinance, to commission a full financial review of SZV. The goal is to provide Parliament with a transparent and objective overview of the institution’s current financial position. Minister Brug emphasized that “the last time this legal requirement was fulfilled was under Minister Emil Lee,” reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to accountability and compliance with the law.

• Technical Review of Capital Projects:

All ongoing and proposed SZV projects — including the General Hospital, any financing proposals involving SZV, and the planned SZV headquarters — will undergo a comprehensive technical and cost-value assessment.

“As Minister of VSA, I will not succumb to pressures to approve the construction of a new SZV building that is multiple times above market value,” said Minister Brug. “We must act responsibly with public funds.”

• Short-Term Financial Plan:

The Temporary Director has also been tasked with presenting a three- to six-month financial stabilization plan outlining cost-cutting and efficiency measures to safeguard SZV’s core operations and service delivery during the ongoing transition period.

• Transition and Legislative Preparations:

With major reforms — including the 1B law, Health Levy, and General Health Insurance — not expected to take effect before January 1, 2027, both the Ministry and SZV will work jointly on interim solutions. These include new cost-saving mechanisms, revenue-generation opportunities, and strategic dialogue with financial partners to ensure the institution’s sustainability.

Minister Brug underscored that these actions are driven by the Ministry’s duty to protect the people of St. Maarten. “SZV plays a crucial role in the lives of our workers, seniors, and families — from healthcare to pensions,” he said. “That responsibility is not taken lightly. These steps are about ensuring SZV is stable, transparent, and able to meet the needs of our people both today and tomorrow.”

He reaffirmed his long-term vision for institutional reform and public accountability. “As Minister, I remain committed to good governance, efficiency, and sustainability. We are not only addressing the challenges of the present; we are laying the foundation for the future of social protection on St. Maarten.”

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