UP Party - United People's Party

29/01/2026

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SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Parliament of Sint Maarten today debated a motion sharply criticizing the manner in which the Prime Minister has handled long standing issues affecting the Fire Department, Ambulance Services, and key departments under his responsibility, according to a press release f...

14/01/2026

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MP Omar Ottley says St. Maarten does not need to reinvent the wheel to expand opportunities for locals, it needs to restart the work that already proved itself. In a statement earlier this week and follow-up responses to inquiries from The Peoples' Tribune, Ottley highlighted job fairs tied to investor obligations, scholarship pathways into technical skills, and sector-based labor tools that he argues created measurable results, including funding for NIPA and training in water management. He says the bigger failure has been limited continuity after his term ended, even as complaints grew louder. In other words, the problem is not a lack of local talent, it is the lack of consistent systems that recruit, train, pay, and promote locals into leadership.

For full story: https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com/articles/ottley-proven-workforce-policies-stalled-after-his-vsa-term-calls-for-renewal-and-enforcement

12/01/2026

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Bless week 🙏🏾

GREAT BAY--MP Omar Ottley on Friday told Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs, and by extension all ministers, that the absence of a motion of disapproval against Gumbs should be viewed as a warning rather than a sign of comfort, as he intends to continue pressing for stronger communication, transparency, and accountability in government.

Ottley made the remarks during a public meeting of Parliament convened for the conditional nomination of attorney Jairo Bloem to the Board of the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten (CBCS). The nomination has since been withdrawn by government after Bloem withdrew his name. There has been talk for months that a motion of disapproval or no confidence would be brought against the Finance Minister for what political opponents perceived was her mis-handling of the aforementioned nomination.

For full story: https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com/articles/ottley-warns-ministers-no-motion-of-disapproval-today-is-a-warning-not-a-free-pass-for-tomorrow

03/01/2026

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament MP Francisco A. Lacroes has called for an emergency sitting of Parliament within the next 24 hours, citing urgent national security and humanitarian concerns following the reported capture of Venezuela’s head of state and his spouse.

In a statement issued under the subject “Urgent National Security and Humanitarian Concerns Following the Capture of Venezuela’s Head of State,” MP Lacroes said the development has created a volatile geopolitical situation that requires immediate attention, with potential implications for the wider Kingdom and its Caribbean territories.

For full story: https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com/articles/mp-lacroes-calls-for-emergency-sitting-of-parliament-on-venezuela-attack

02/01/2026

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GREAT BAY--As 2025 drew to a close, Member of Parliament Omar Ottley reflected on a year defined by purposeful legislative work, persistent advocacy, and unwavering dedication to the people of St. Maarten, demonstrating that meaningful impact can be made from the legislative branch, even while in opposition.

For full story: https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com/articles/mp-ottley-progress-is-not-defined-by-position-but-by-purpose

01/01/2026

Happy New Year 2026 to one and all 🙏🏾