United People’s Party Members of Parliament (MPs) Omar Ottley (Party Leader), Francisco Lacroes (Deputy Leader), and Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Faction Leader Lyndon Lewis successfully brought an amendment to the 2025 budget to enhance Parliament’s legislative capacity. The proposal focused on improving the country’s lawmaking processes by enabling factions to hire skilled professionals such as legislative lawyers.
Parliament has struggled with legislative backlogs and delays in proposing new laws for
years due to limited legislative staffing available in parliament. This amendment addressed
the issue by reallocating funds to support faction’s yearly with legislation. This will empower
factions to hire qualified personnel to co-draft laws, conduct legal reviews, and provide policy
advice.
The funds will come from the surplus that has been presented by the minister of finance. The
amendment will tackle inefficiencies, strengthening our lawmakers, and equip MP’s to
address pressing challenges with St. Maarten’s legislation.
MP Omar Ottley expressed pride in co-authoring the amendment, calling it a “game-
changer.” He said, “For too long, we’ve heard complaints about Parliament’s inability to
function effectively due to a lack of resources. This amendment changes that. It’s about
delivering on promises and raising Parliament’s performance. With this amendment, we can
hire the expertise needed to move St. Maarten forward.”
MP Lyndon Lewis emphasized “working towards a better and fruitful St. Maarten, it is
imperative that we continue raising the bar in Parliament as legislators. This amendment will
give us the necessary man power to amend, update and propose new laws that will be
beneficial to the people of St. Maarten”
MP Francisco Lacroes, who co- authored and read the proposal in Parliament late Thursday
night, praised its potential while urging all factions to contribute to the legislative process
actively. He said, “This amendment equips Parliament with the tools to succeed. But I expect
all factions, not just a few, to step up and deliver the laws our country needs.” The
amendment also proposes a fairer funding structure for faction budgets based on faction
size. This structure ensures all factions can be equipped with the skilled staff needed to
improve legislative efficiency, regardless of size.
The leader of the United People’s Party MP Ottley underscored the amendment’s
importance, stating that it demonstrates Parliament’s commitment to better governance. With
the additional resources, MPs will be better equipped to draft laws, review policies, and
address national challenges.
The amendment marks a milestone in the growth and effectiveness of St. Maarten’s
Parliament.
With this amendment to legislative progress, MPs Ottley, Lacroes, and Lewis ensured that
Parliament can function at its best. This amendment addressed the longstanding
inefficiencies and provides a foundation for improved oversight and legislation. It sends a
message of hope and commitment to solutions that directly benefit the people of St.
Maarten.
