GREAT BAY--URSM faction leader MP Sjamira Roseburg used her closing remarks for the 2025-2026 Parliamentary Year to focus less on broad political reflection and more on what the faction says it actually delivered for the people, outlining legislation submitted, motions passed, budget amendments secured, community initiatives launched and oversight carried out across several sectors.
“I want to use these remaining few minutes not to speak in generalities, but to show you, the people, concretely what the URSM faction has been doing in Parliament on your behalf,” Roseburg said.
She described the faction’s approach as one built around “legislation that protects people, oversight that holds government accountable, and presence in the community we serve.”
Roseburg said the faction also demonstrated a willingness to hold its own coalition accountable, pointing to support from some URSM members for a motion of disapproval concerning the Ministry of VROMI.
She acknowledged that the vote was uncomfortable because the VROMI minister is part of the governing coalition, but said coalition membership should not prevent MPs from exercising oversight.
“Real partnership means holding every ministry accountable. Even in uncomfortable situations,” she said.
Foster care, amputees and financial assistance
Roseburg highlighted the work of MP Veronica Jansen-Webster, saying she focused on people who are often overlooked.
Among the initiatives cited was successful lobbying with the Minister of Justice for an increase in the foster parent stipend and support for foster children transitioning out of care.
Jansen-Webster also worked through Parliament’s Women’s Caucus on victim support following a ParlAmericas conference on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, launched a survey toward animal legislation, raised concerns about services for amputees and highlighted the financial and emotional burden families face in an unregulated care industry.
During the 2026 budget debate, Roseburg said Jansen-Webster brought two amendments, both of which passed unanimously.
One addressed staffing shortages in the Ministry of General Affairs’ Personnel and Organization and Facilities departments, allowing temporary external consultants to help bridge shortages while recruitment continues.
The second addressed the growing number of people depending on Financial Assistance, the social safety net for households unable to cover basic living expenses.
Jansen-Webster also continued advocating for General Health Insurance and raised concerns about the 5.45 per cent inflation rate and its impact on households.
Special needs, public safety and discrimination
Roseburg also highlighted the work of MP Chris Wever, who served as Vice Chair of Parliament and presided over several meetings, including much of the 2026 budget debate.
She said Wever continued advocating for children with special educational needs, public awareness and stronger educational inclusion.
He has also been examining possible legislative and administrative measures for a sexual offenders registry, while continuing to support the performing arts and raising concerns about discrimination against students.
Together with Roseburg, he also continued pushing for legislation addressing hair discrimination.
Eight legislative initiatives
Roseburg used a significant portion of her remarks to outline her own legislative work.
She said custom licence plate legislation was finalized and submitted to the Minister of Finance in early September.
Abortion law reform was also finalized and submitted, while legislation dealing with BBO exemptions on basic necessities was submitted with provisions aimed at ensuring tax savings are actually passed on to consumers.
She said amendments to the LTU and rental laws are in the final stages of review by the Social Economic Council.
Ley Olimpia legislation, targeting non-consensual image sharing and technology-facilitated gender-based violence, including AI-generated harassment content, is being prepared for submission in the coming parliamentary year.
She also highlighted proposed legislation for a small claims court and a multi-judge chamber, as well as cyberbullying legislation, both of which are also being carried forward.
Motions, GEBE and Justice workers
On parliamentary oversight, Roseburg said the faction’s illegal dumping enforcement motion passed 11-4, while its consumer price monitoring motion passed unanimously.
A budget amendment to fund external legislative lawyers, aimed at addressing shortages delaying the legislative agenda, passed 14-1.
Roseburg also noted that the Crime Fund policy plan, which began with a motion she brought in 2024, was incorporated into this year’s budget in accordance with the law.
She said URSM continued pressing GEBE for accountability, including a lawful disconnection policy and audited accounts, while also pushing the Ministry of Justice on outstanding payments owed to Justice workers.
Community initiatives
Roseburg also pointed to initiatives outside Parliament.
The Drive Smart SXM road safety campaign is active with support from the Ministry of Justice, while the community legal helpdesk continues offering free consultations to vulnerable residents.
She also said that, building on a motion brought forward in 2025, government is assisting more than 60 additional children with breakfast in schools.
‘Let this be the year of tangible results’
Looking ahead, Roseburg said government has spent the past two years reviewing systems, developing policies and laying foundations, but argued that the next parliamentary year must be about visible implementation.
“Our faction’s message today is simple: let this coming parliamentary year be the year of tangible results,” she said.
Roseburg said residents need to see projects move, services improve and commitments produce results in their daily lives.
She also renewed the call for relief on water and electricity costs, saying the fuel clause must ultimately be brought under control.
Roseburg said the record she outlined showed that the faction had not spent the parliamentary year “sitting still.”
“Legislation submitted. Motions passed. Budget amendments secured. Government held accountable. And most importantly, real matters affecting the people addressed,” she said.
She pledged that URSM would continue pushing for “real, tangible results that the people can see and feel” in the coming parliamentary year.
Roseburg also disclosed that the URSM board had approved additional financial support for the faction’s legislative work, saying drafting legislation can be costly and that faction members had also used personal funds.
She closed by thanking faction staff Estica Cannegieter and Igmar Woodley for their work behind the scenes, as well as the people of St. Maarten for their trust.
“We know the work is not finished, and we intend to keep earning that trust every single day,” Roseburg said.
