St Maarten’s Ministry of Tourism has resigned, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

Tourism Minister Roger Lawrence has stepped down because of “medical challenges,” according to a statement from Prime Minister Silveria Jacobs. 

Health Minister Omar Ottley, who had been filling in for Lawrence for some time, will now serve as acting Tourism Minister “until a replacement has been sworn in,” Jacobs said. 

“As is well known, the Minister of TEATT has been unable to execute his duties for some time. As per the replacement regulation for Ministers, Minister Ottley has been carrying the responsibility for the Ministry with the support of the Council of Ministers,” Jacobs said. 

Lawrence’s portfolio also included Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications. 

“This is, without a doubt, one of the most difficult decisions that I had to take. However, having the people’s best interest at heart, first and foremost, and considering the current situation of country Sint Maarten, I found comfort in taking what I consider, the honorable and unselfish decision by making my position as Minister of TEATT available,” Lawrence wrote in a statement.