COLE BAY, Sint Maarten – The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina was present earlier this morning on his own initiative on Orange Grove Road in Cole Bay, as efforts continued to address abandoned and derelict vehicles within the community.
The initiative included the removal of identified car wrecks as well as the placement of notices on other vehicles earmarked for removal, forming part of continued efforts to address abandoned vehicles and improve the overall cleanliness and appearance of communities across Sint Maarten.
The removal of car wrecks and the broader cleanliness of the country have been long-standing concerns and priorities of Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina, who has consistently emphasized that keeping Sint Maarten clean requires sustained action by the Government together with greater responsibility from residents, property owners and the wider community.
The Prime Minister also recognized and expressed his appreciation for the Minister of VROMI and the team of the Ministry of VROMI, as well as all other personnel and stakeholders who have continued working to ensure that these matters are addressed and that clean-up efforts move forward.
“For me, this is about more than removing a few car wrecks. It is about restoring pride in our communities and taking responsibility for the appearance of our country,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina stated. “Abandoned vehicles cannot simply be allowed to remain indefinitely along our roads and within our neighborhoods. They negatively affect the appearance of our communities and, in many cases, can become environmental and public safety concerns.”
The Prime Minister stressed that the exercise in Cole Bay must be viewed as part of a wider commitment to improving cleanliness throughout Sint Maarten and ensuring that attention is given to long-standing issues that directly affect the quality of life of residents.
“The cleanliness of Sint Maarten has been a concern of mine for a very long time. We cannot speak about improving our tourism product, strengthening our communities and creating a better quality of life without also addressing what people see when they leave their homes every morning,” said Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina. “Our roadsides, neighborhoods and public spaces must reflect the pride that we have in our country.”
Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina also called on vehicle owners to take the notices being issued seriously and to make the necessary arrangements for vehicles that have been abandoned or left in a deteriorated condition.
“Government has a responsibility, but our citizens also have a responsibility. Keeping Sint Maarten clean cannot be achieved by the Government alone. I am therefore appealing to vehicle owners and the wider public: let us take greater responsibility for our surroundings. If a vehicle is no longer operational and has become a wreck, it should not become a permanent fixture in our communities,” the Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister further noted that attention has also been taken of garages and other locations that place car wrecks throughout the districts or along public roadsides. Relevant stakeholders will be reaching out for further follow-up to ensure that such actions do not continue going forward.
“It is not the intention to clean up an area and then place back the same type of garbage or car wrecks in the facility. That would be counterproductive and not forward-thinking,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina stated.
The Prime Minister emphasized that he wants to see the removal of car wrecks and community clean-up efforts continue throughout the country rather than being treated as a one-time exercise.
“Today we are in Cole Bay, but the objective must be a cleaner Sint Maarten from district to district. This requires consistency, enforcement, cooperation and, most importantly, a change in mindset. We have one Sint Maarten, and every one of us has a role to play in taking care of it,” Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina concluded.
Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina reaffirmed his commitment to supporting coordinated efforts aimed at removing derelict vehicles, addressing illegal dumping and encouraging greater community responsibility as the Government continues working towards a cleaner, safer and more attractive Sint Maarten for residents and visitors alike.
