Government Urges Fair Pricing and Launches Cultural Tourism Push for Carnival 2026.

PHILIPSBURG:--- As St. Maarten prepares for the upcoming Carnival season, officials are emphasizing both economic responsibility and new opportunities for cultural tourism growth.

Concerns about rising global costs have prompted a direct appeal to the business community to maintain fair pricing during Carnival. While acknowledging that businesses are facing higher costs, authorities stress that excessive pricing could negatively affect both residents and the island’s reputation as a tourist destination.

Carnival, they note, should not become a pe...

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St. Maarten Gears Up for Carnival 55 with Bacchanal Boulevard and Community Push.

PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten is preparing for an exciting Carnival season, with new initiatives aimed at enhancing both cultural expression and economic activity across the island.

A major highlight  of Carnival 55 is the introduction of  Bacchanal Boulevard , a vibrant vending area along the Pondfill featuring  40 booths. The initiative is designed to revive the lively atmosphere long associated with Carnival, providing opportunities for local vendors and enhancing the visitor experience.

The Government has once again partnered with Ko...

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URSM Party Leadership Calls for Minister’s Resignation, Minister Rejects Allegations.

PHILIPSBURG: --- A political dispute has emerged within the Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), as party leadership formally requested the immediate resignation of Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, who has rejected the request and disputed the claims made against him.

The request was issued in a March 26, 2026, letter from URSM President Brenda Brooks, citing concerns over governance, integrity, and alleged conflicts of interest.

Party Withdraws Support

In the letter, Brooks stated that the party ha...

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TEATT Minister outlines digital reforms and stronger support for entrepreneurs.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten on Tuesday outlined reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business, during the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) Town Hall at the Belair Community Center.

Addressing a cross-section of the business community, the Minister stressed that economic growth requires partnership between the Government and the private sector, supported by trust, dialogue, and collaboration.

A key development is a pilot within the Depart...

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