WICSU-PSU and Ambulance Department Mark Historic Milestone with Handover of Ambulance Unit and Signing of Covenant

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Board of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU), together with the members of the Ambulance Department, proudly acknowledges a historic milestone achieved in the advancement of emergency medical services in Sint Maarten.

The official handover of the Ambulance Unit at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village. This handover, also coupled with the signing of a covenant between the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), the Ambulance Department, and WICSU-PSU, represents a long-awaited breakthrough in addressing key concerns within the department.

For many years, ambulance personnel have operated under challenging conditions while continuing to provide essential services to the community. WICSU-PSU commends the Honorable Minister of VSA, Mr. Brug, for his willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue and for standing with the workers to bring these important developments to fruition.

The realization of the Ambulance Unit at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village realizes the significant and historic step forward in enhancing emergency preparedness during major national events. With this unit, it allows the Ambulance Department to continue to execute their task of public safety. The Union also recognizes the important role of the Stichting Overheids Gebouwen (S.O.G.) in supporting this initiative.

This medical unit is also a landmark for the wider VSA family. Especially for departments within VSA, such as CPS, that work closely with the Ambulance Department.

The realization of this unit, strengthens the collective capacity to contribute to the health, safety, and overall wellness of society, particularly as the unit can be utilized year-round beyond major events.

Additionally, the Union welcomes the formalization of the cooperation agreement between the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) and the Ministry of VSA, with WICSU-PSU participating in an observatory capacity. This partnership is both significant and long overdue. The Union looks forward to its continued development in strengthening coordination and public safety. The agreement will be further discussed and refined following the 2026 Carnival Celebrations.

The Union also emphasizes that the signing of the covenant between the Ministry, the Ambulance Department, and the Union establishes a structured and accountable framework for continued dialogue, negotiations, and tangible improvements in working conditions, while supporting the overall advancement and professionalization of the Ambulance Department.

While this achievement is a major step forward, WICSU-PSU emphasizes that it also represents the beginning of a new phase one that requires sustained commitment, continued collaboration, and the full execution of the agreements reached. The Union remains steadfast in its commitment to its members and to ensuring that the progress made translates into lasting and meaningful improvements.

This historic moment stands as a testament to what can be achieved when workers, their union, and government come together with a shared purpose.

The Board of the Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) On behalf of the Members of the Ambulance Department