Minister Heyliger-Marten outlines vision and challenges in extensive radio interview.

grishaheyligermarten26022025PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, appeared on 102.7 FM’s "The Breakfast Lounge" this morning, providing a comprehensive overview of her 16 months in office. The Minister detailed the significant challenges her ministry has faced, outlined key initiatives underway, and shared her strategic vision for St. Maarten's economic future.

Reflections on 16 Months of Governance

Minister Heyliger-Marten described her tenure as comprising two distinct phases: six months as a caretaker government managing daily affairs, followed by ten months of active governance. She used the analogy of a chef entering a messy kitchen to describe the state of affairs she inherited. "Before you can cook the meal that you promised, you need to clean up. And that's what I've been doing the last 10 months, is cleaning up," she stated, referring to inherited budgets and systemic issues.

The Minister pointed out that the previous administration finalized both the 2024 and 2025 budgets. For 2025, the TEATT ministry, responsible for the core economic pillar of tourism, was allocated just 23 million guilders, or 5% of the total 530-million-guilder national budget. Of this, only 4 million guilders are designated for tourism promotion, a figure she noted is dwarfed by the marketing budgets of competing destinations.

Despite the financial constraints, Heyliger-Marten emphasized a proactive approach. She revealed ongoing collaboration with the Minister of Finance on a plan to inject an additional 200 million guiders into the economy without further burdening residents and businesses.

Key Initiatives and Sector Reforms

Soualiga Marketplace: Addressing public concerns, the Minister confirmed that construction on the Soualiga Marketplace has begun, with soil betterment and foundation work underway. The project, expected to be completed in six to eight months, will also feature an independent advisor to ensure financial and procedural oversight. A solution for providing long-awaited relief to the vendors is being finalized and is expected to be announced next month.

Airport Controversy and Cross-Border Relations: The Minister addressed the recent letter from Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) restricting French nationals from receiving access cards. (PJIA) restricting French nationals from receiving access cards. She clarified that she was not consulted prior to the letter's issuance and acted swiftly to recommend its retraction to prevent a shutdown and mitigate damage to cross-border unity. "It was a very divisive letter," she said, "I've always been a proponent of one people, one nation." She advocated for a comprehensive, inter-ministerial approach to resolve the long-standing issue of cross-border labor, which has been tolerated for years.

Tourism and Airlift: On a positive note, Heyliger-Marten announced significant boosts in airlift. Southwest Airlines is set to launch new routes from Orlando and Baltimore/Washington in April, with potential future expansion to Texas. Frontier Airlines will begin flights from Atlanta in December, and Air Caraïbes will add service from France in November. Increased flight frequencies from JetBlue, Air Canada, and Sun Country complement this. The next strategic focus, she noted, is expanding into the South American market. To support this growth, the ministry is working to establish a St. Maarten Tourism Authority (STA) with a proposed independent marketing budget of at least 10 million US dollars.

Taxi and Bus Sector Overhaul: The Minister detailed a major cleanup of the taxi and bus licensing system, citing findings from the Integrity Chamber and SOAB that pointed to non-compliance and procedural bypasses in a large number of licenses issued just before the last election. An inspection revealed that of over 600 registered taxis, only around 400 paid their road tax, leaving over 200 potentially idle. The ministry is now reviewing the legal basis for revoking non-compliant or inactive licenses. Future reforms will include mandatory training and certification for all drivers in customer service, safety, and local knowledge.

Regarding ride-sharing app SXM Taxi, the Minister clarified that while she issued their business license, she cannot, as the regulator, endorse a service that adds a 10-15% surcharge to government-regulated rates. The ministry is developing its own regulatory app, planned for launch next year in conjunction with the new training programs.

Digital Infrastructure and Economic Diversification

Minister Heyliger-Marten confirmed that an agreement is in place with Starlink, ensuring the country receives revenue from its operations. Simultaneously, the government is providing support to TelEm to facilitate the launch of its 5G network, a project being developed using Huawei technology. She expressed confidence that a fully supported TelEm "will be unbeatable" and able to compete effectively.

The Minister also addressed plans to combat price gouging and diversify the food supply. An "Out Agency" is being established to support local farmers and fishermen, promote regional trade, and reduce dependence on U.S. imports. Currently, 20 local farmers and fishermen are participating in a 12-week business and technical training program, after which they will be eligible for low-interest loans to expand their enterprises.

Concluding the interview, Minister Heyliger-Marten reiterated her commitment to her "R4 effect" mantra: Reshaping, Restructuring, and Rebuilding St. Maarten's economy through systematic and legally sound reforms.


PPP/C Secures Decisive Victory in 2025 Elections, GECOM Declares.

philipsali04092025Georgetown Guyana:--- The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has declared the official results for all ten electoral districts, confirming a clear victory for the incumbent People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) in the 2025 General and Regional Elections.

Based on the results declared, the PPP/C is set to begin a second term in office after securing a commanding 242,498 votes. The party won a majority in eight of the ten electoral districts.

The PPP/C successfully claimed victory in Regions One, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six, Eight, and Nine. In a significant shift, the party also made historic gains in Regions Four and Eight, areas that have traditionally been strongholds for the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

Meanwhile, the newcomer political party We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) made a notable entrance by winning Regions Seven and Ten, which were previously held by APNU. WIN gathered a total of 109,066 votes across the country.

The declarations from all ten districts finalize the outcome of the 2025 elections, which saw six political parties competing for leadership.

ODM: New System has High Potential for Development. Review Storm-Hurricane Preparedness Plans and Remain Vigilant.

eochurricanepreparness04092025PHILIPSBURG:--- Fire Chief and National Disaster Coordinator of the Office of Disaster Management (ODM) Clive Richardson, is calling on residents and the business community to remain vigilant and to review their storm-hurricane preparedness plans as a new weather system several hundred miles in the eastern tropical Atlantic, according to the Miami-based National Hurricane Center (NHC) is starting to become better organized.

The NHC said on Thursday that the tropical wave has an 80 per cent chance to develop and could be in the area of the Lesser Antilles by the middle of next week.  

The Colorado State University (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science in its most recent seasonal forecast, says the hurricane season looks to pick up markedly towards the middle of September and continue into the second half of the month.

On Wednesday, the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) met, where the 10 Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) participated in a debrief related to the preparations for the passing of Hurricane Erin in mid-August.

The 10 ESFs that make up the national disaster management organization of the country are: ESF-1 NV GEBE Electricity/Water Production; ESF-2 Bureau Telecommunications & Post (BTP); ESF-3 Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environmen,t and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI); ESF-4 Fire Department; ESF-5 Police Department; ESF-6 Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA) Medical Assistance; ESF-7 Ministry VSA Evacuation, Shelters, Relief and Mass Casualties; ESF-8 Department of Communication (DCOMM); ESF-9 Ministry of General Affairs; and ESF-10 Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunications (Ministry TEATT).

“The various ESFs reviewed the actions that they took in response to the developing threat posed by Hurricane Erin, which became a category 5 hurricane within a short period of time to the north of the islands. This significant development of the hurricane shows that as a nation, we have to always be prepared and vigilant by monitoring weather reports.

“In the debrief, we reviewed pre-storm preparations and the mobilization of resources and deployment of crews by certain ministries and ESFs. The coordination and proactive measures taken were instrumental in the initial response to keep clear roads of debris and waterways.

“The post-Erin assessment indicates that the EOC's preparedness and response framework performed effectively. The EOC will use this debrief to refine our standard operating procedures, to ensure a resilient response in the future, in the event of future storms/hurricanes. 

“The hurricane season is not over! We are now in the peak month, and I call on the nation and the business community to remain prepared to take action when called upon to do so,” Chairman of the EOC Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Luc Mercelina said on Thursday.

Monitor local weather reports from the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/ as the country is now in the peak period of the season.

The remaining 2025 storm names are: Gabrielle, Humberto, Imelda, Jerry, Karen, Lorenzo, Melissa, Nestor, Olga, Pablo, Rebekah, Sebastien, Tanya, Van, and Wendy.

For more information on hurricane preparedness and to find a list of official resources, please visit the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane, where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart,” or you can use the following link: https://shorturl.at/VbaxC

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather-related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

The hurricane season runs through November 30.

Prime Minister of Sint Maarten Congratulates Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on His Third-Term Election Victory.

mercelinaholiness04092025PHILIPSBURG:--- The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, extends heartfelt congratulations to the Most Honorable Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, on securing a historic third term in office following Jamaica’s general elections on September 3, 2025.

Prime Minister Mercelina commended the people of Jamaica for their continued trust in Prime Minister Holness’ leadership. “This victory is a clear demonstration of the Jamaican people’s confidence in the progress made under Prime Minister Holness and their belief in his vision to guide the nation forward during a period of significant challenges,” Dr. Mercelina stated.

Jamaica’s elections were held against the backdrop of economic concerns, social inequalities, and a continued commitment to national security. Dr. Mercelina acknowledged Jamaica’s remarkable 43% decline in killings so far this year under Holness’ leadership, describing it as an achievement that has restored hope and stability on the island. “Such strides in combating violence while pursuing economic growth and stability stand as an example to the wider Caribbean of what determination and strong governance can accomplish,” he added.

The Prime Minister also recognized the low voter turnout of 38.8% as a reminder of the importance of strengthening citizen engagement in democracy, particularly across the Caribbean. He praised the peaceful conduct of the elections, noting the role of all contesting political parties, including the opposition leader Mark Golding, who graciously conceded.

Highlighting Sint Maarten’s commitment to regional cooperation, Dr. Mercelina said: “As fellow Caribbean nations, we share common aspirations of sustainable development, greater equity for our people, and resilience in the face of global challenges. Sint Maarten looks forward to deepening collaboration with Jamaica under Prime Minister Holness’ continued leadership, particularly in areas such as security, trade, tourism, and climate resilience.”

Dr. Mercelina also extended warm congratulations to the Jamaican community living on Sint Maarten. “Our Jamaican brothers and sisters have long been an integral part of our society, contributing richly to the cultural, social, and economic fabric of Sint Maarten. As Jamaica celebrates this new chapter of leadership, we also celebrate with our local Jamaican community, whose ties to both their homeland and to Sint Maarten strengthen the bond between our peoples.”

In closing, Prime Minister Mercelina wished Prime Minister Holness continued strength and success as he embarks on this new chapter of leadership. “On behalf of the Government and people of Sint Maarten, I extend my warmest congratulations and look forward to working together for the prosperity and advancement of the Caribbean region.”

Photo caption: The Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and Prime Minister Andrew Holness co-chairing The Summit of the Future Interactive Dialogue: “The Future Starts Now: enhancing the global system for current and future generations” last year at the United Nations General Assembly 2024 in New York.

Sint Maarten Moves Closer to Long-Term Waste Management Solutions.

landfillvromi04092025PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten took another step toward resolving its long-standing landfill challenge, as government officials, technical experts, and more than 200 community members gathered at the Belair Community Center to discuss plans to close the landfill by 2032.

Hosted by the Government of Sint Maarten through the Ministry of VROMI and the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB), the session marked the continuation of a conversation that began in 2022, when more than 90 stakeholders first shared their ideas on the island’s waste future.

“This is not the first time we are having this conversation together,” said NRPB Director Claret Connor in his opening remarks. “Back in 2022, we heard directly from stakeholders about their ideas and concerns. Tonight is a continuation of that process—guided not only by technical studies but also by your lived experience as a community. Change is never easy, but if we want future generations to inherit a healthier, safer, and more sustainable Sint Maarten, these are the choices we must face and make together.”

Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs emphasized the government’s commitment to change: For too long, the landfill has been a symbol of frustration and a health risk for our people. Tonight, we are not only looking at technical solutions, but also reaffirming that Sint Maarten now has the financing, the expertise, and the will to finally take action. Waste Vision 2050 gives us a direction, and with your partnership, we can start to make that vision a reality.

Participants heard how the USD 85 million Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP) has already delivered visible results, from removing over 130 shipwrecks and cleaning 10 kilometers of shoreline to providing landfill staff with training and equipment. Families and businesses living next to the landfill were also safely resettled.

Experts from Witteveen+Bos and TAUW shared the results of their studies, which explained the current risks to the landfill and outlined the proposed solutions. Plans include reshaping the landfill to make it safer and better managed, building a protective ring dike, and covering it with clean soil and vegetation to further stabilize the slopes and begin the process of closing.

At the consultation, participants asked whether Government would collaborate with private sector and NGO actors on areas such as medical waste, tires, recycling, and the import of goods. Questions also focused on timelines and the impact of new policies, with some skepticism given with past delays but recognition of the urgency to act. Minister Gumbs underscored that while EDMP focuses on the landfill intervention, the project is complementary to the Government’s larger vision towards the creation of a circular economy. This will be supported by waste diversion solutions (recycling, composting, for example) and backed by strong legal and financial instruments to enhance government’s capacity and ability to sustainably manage waste in the future.

The landfill intervention will be a multi-year effort, with construction expected to begin in 2026 and extend over three years. Once completed, the site will be stabilized, capped, and vegetated, significantly reducing risks.

Together, the Government and the community can transform the landfill from a symbol of frustration into the foundation of a cleaner, safer, and more resilient Sint Maarten. As Minister Gumbs reminded the audience: “It will take all of us.”


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