Prime Minister responds to union and opposition MPs, lays out facts on Fire and Ambulance talks

GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina responded on Friday to statements by WICSU-PSU and Members of Parliament from the National Alliance and the United People’s Party, and laid out the facts of the matter. He confirmed that the Government submitted a letter to the Parliament of Sint Maarten clarifying its position on the ongoing discussions concerning the Fire and Ambulance Department, signed by the Prime Minister and delivered November 7, 2025, with supporting attachments.

Before this official submission, the Prime Minister had already shared a chronological overview of the dialogue between the Government and the union with a majority of the faction leaders in Parliament. That overview detailed the sequence of meetings, correspondence, and efforts made by both sides, reflecting the Government’s ongoing commitment to transparency and cooperation.

The Prime Minister’s letter comes in response to public remarks made earlier on Friday, November 7th, 2025, by representatives of the WICSU-PSU and Members of Parliament from the National Alliance (NA) and the United People’s Party (UPP) during a live broadcast.

“It’s important that the public has a clear understanding of what has actually taken place,” said Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. “The Government has remained open, respectful, and consistent in its engagement with the union. Our goal has always been to find solutions through dialogue.”

According to the Prime Minister, both parties had agreed to begin negotiations on a draft covenant meant to address longstanding matters within the Fire and Ambulance Department. These discussions were set to begin on September 26, 2025.

However, at the start of that meeting, the Government’s negotiation team was unexpectedly presented with three requests from the union, which the union asked to be formally committed to in writing before ending its ongoing go-slow action.

“That request was unexpected and caused some delay in getting the talks underway,” Dr. Mercelina explained. “Nevertheless, we chose to respond calmly and in good faith.”

After reviewing the situation, the Prime Minister noted that the document outlining the requests was not on official letterhead. To maintain proper procedure, he requested a signed version of the document, which the union subsequently submitted on the same day. Both letters — from the Government and the union — were attached to the correspondence now before Parliament.

Importantly, the Government had already confirmed in letters dated October 24, 2025, and November 5, 2025, that it agreed with the union’s requests. These written commitments reaffirm the Government’s willingness to move the process forward and maintain a spirit of mutual understanding and collaboration.

“The Government’s approach has always been guided by transparency, process, and mutual respect,” Dr. Mercelina added. “We will continue working with the union to reach practical and lasting outcomes that serve both our firefighters, ambulance staff, and the wider community.”

The Prime Minister reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to handling labor matters responsibly and collaboratively.

“Our Fire and Ambulance personnel play a vital role in keeping our country safe,” concluded Dr. Mercelina. “They deserve an environment where issues are addressed through open, structured, and respectful dialogue. That remains this Government’s focus — solutions that strengthen the Fire and Ambulance Department and, by extension, our entire public service.”

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