Patrice Gumbs to Become Minister of VROMI Also Takes On Post of Deputy Prime Minister

PHLIPSBURG – Minister Plenipotentiary Patrice Gumbs has been recalled from the Netherlands and will be appointed as Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) tomorrow, Tuesday, 25 June 2024. The Party for Progress (PFP) has taken the decision to focus its resources on the Ministry of VROMI, and in particular, the GEBE crisis.

“While Kingdom relations remain a critical part of our agenda, especially as it relates to our financial stability, the current energy needs of the people call for urgent attention to this problem. In the limited time in the Netherlands, Minister Gumbs has hit the ground running using his knowledge and experience of government as well as his excellent diplomatic skills to work in the interest of Sint Maarten; we as a party believe his skills can play a critical role in addressing not only the current crisis but institute the necessary changes to strengthen VROMI,” stated PFP party leader and member of Parliament Melissa Gumbs.

Following Governor Baly’s refusal to sign the National Decree to appoint PFP candidate Raeyhon Peterson as Minister of VROMI, the Minister of Public Health, Social Affairs, and Labour Mrs. Veronica Jansen-Webster has been acting as deputy in this position since the cabinet took office on May 3rd. In the coalition agreement, PFP also receives the role of Deputy Prime Minister, which will form part of Minister Patrice Gumbs’ new portfolio.

In his time as Minister Plenipotentiary, Gumbs secured scholarships from the Indian Government, announced the creation of the diaspora database, and worked on realizing housing for students. This week a meeting with DUWO, one of the largest housing organizations in the Netherlands has been arranged with the Cabinet to discuss the expected needs for Sint Maarten students in the Netherlands. Gumbs also held discussions with representatives from the Dutch Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate on funding for energy transformation on Sint Maarten and the recently concluded TNO report that has gone to the Second Chamber, this following up from his leading the Sint Maarten part of the Kingdom delegation at the United Nations 4th Small Island Developing States Conference in Antigua in May.

Following on from the World Bank Trust Fund Steering Committee meetings held in Washington D.C. at the end of last month, Gumbs met with the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations on financial matters and to devise a capacity plan for the Government. Drawing on his experience in Foreign Affairs, Gumbs also held discussions with representatives of the French Embassy on matters related to the border between both sides of the island.

As part of his final duties, last Friday, Gumbs attended the Kingdom Council of Ministers meeting (RMR), for both his first and his last time, as well as the last of the current Dutch Government. In his address Gumbs stressed the importance of continued cooperation within the Kingdom based on mutual respect, accountability, and trust.

“Consideration has to be given by the Dutch to the small island realities of a developing country like Sint Maarten and what the Kingdom says abroad must also be reflected in its dealings internally; but, like in every relationship, we as Sint Maarteners have to do our part as well; and I and my Government look forward to the opportunities to bridge this gap with the incoming Dutch Government.”

Party for Progress thanked URSM and Minister Jansen-Webster, for their support during the past month. Deputy Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell will fill in the function upon Gumbs’ departure from the Netherlands.