“Stick to capabilities”: MP Meyers defends minister Tackling amid personal criticism

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Franklin Meyers on Wednesday called for a more respectful and professional tone in parliamentary debates, urging his fellow MPs to refrain from making personal judgments about ministers and instead assess their qualifications and ability to carry out their duties.

MP Meyers’ remarks were made during the continuation of the Central Committee meeting on the 2025 national budget and came in response to comments by MP Lyndon Lewis, who accused Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling of distancing herself from staff and the public, and lacking the social engagement expected of her office.

“It’s a sad thing when we start to judge people’s character,” Meyers stated. “Not everyone is the same. I’m a personable person, but that doesn’t mean everyone has the same style. That doesn’t mean they aren’t doing the work.” He reflected on his own experience in holding political office and emphasized that public familiarity with a name does not equate to knowing the individual or their professional demeanor.

Meyers cautioned that turning parliamentary discourse into personal attacks does a disservice to the institution and the people of St. Maarten. “When we are talking about any person, I think it’s prudent to speak about their capabilities rather than their personality. That is what does justice to this House and to the people of this country.”

He acknowledged that differences in leadership style are to be expected and that performance should remain the core criterion for evaluation. “Let’s stick to the question of whether someone is capable of handling the function, yes or no,” Meyers added.

Earlier in the session, MP Lyndon Lewis criticized Minister Tackling for what he described as a lack of engagement with staff and the public. “It is also known already that the Minister of Justice is not a social person,” Lewis said. “The people are complaining that the minister does not touch base with them. They feel out of touch.” He also questioned the minister’s decision to relocate her office, implying it was a further sign of disconnection.

In light of those remarks, MP Meyers reiterated the importance of maintaining respectful dialogue and focusing on governance. He alluded that the Parliament must not become a space where personal styles are weaponized. “Our duty is to the people, and that means staying focused on the facts, the performance, and the policy, not the personality.”

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