PHILIPSBURG:--- The ongoing paving of side roads in Cole Bay has sparked both praise and concern among residents, as questions arise about the quality and oversight of the work being carried out. Roads such as Man Jack and others in the area have been undergoing improvements, but feedback from the community suggests that not all projects are meeting expectations.

During Wednesday’s press briefing, the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs Jr., addressed these concerns, responding to a question raised by a resident about the government's control over contractors and the value being delivered for taxpayer money.

SMN News highlighted that while contracts are signed with specific terms and expectations, the work being executed on the ground often deviates from what was agreed upon. An example of a road in Cole Bay that was supposed to be paved but, according to residents, only received minor patchwork to fill a few holes. This discrepancy has left many questioning whether the government is ensuring that contractors are held accountable and that the public is getting its money's worth.

In his response, Minister Gumbs Jr. reassured the public that project management is a critical component of all government infrastructure projects. He explained that the Department of New Works is responsible for overseeing these projects, ensuring that benchmarks are met, and conducting regular inspections. He emphasized that funds are only disbursed once specific milestones are achieved and a checklist of deliverables is completed.

"I haven’t heard any complaints about what contractually has to be done, has not been done," Minister Gumbs Jr. stated. However, he acknowledged the concerns raised and committed to bringing the matter to the attention of the New Works Department. "I will, of course, take this information back to the team to see how we can sort of verify these statements being made," he added.

The Minister also highlighted the structured approach to project management within the government, which includes regular inspections and accountability measures to ensure that contractors deliver on their commitments. Despite this, the feedback from Cole Bay residents suggests that there may be gaps in the system that need to be addressed.

The paving of side roads in Cole Bay is part of a broader effort to improve infrastructure and enhance the quality of life for residents. However, the concerns raised underscore the importance of transparency, accountability, and effective communication between the government, contractors, and the community.

As the government continues its road improvement projects, residents will be watching closely to see if their concerns are addressed and if the promised quality of work is delivered. Minister Gumbs Jr.'s commitment to investigating the matter is a step in the right direction, but the community will be looking for tangible results to restore confidence in the process.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The ongoing discussions surrounding GEBE tariffs and the fuel clause have become a central topic of public and political discourse in St. Maarten. Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, in response to her Ministry’s involvement in controlling cost of fuel sold to NV GEBE, said her ministry's involvement and the collaborative efforts being undertaken to address the situation.

GEBE Tariffs and the Role of the Ministry of TEATT

Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged the widespread attention that GEBE, the island's utility company, has garnered in recent months. She emphasized that her ministry plays a critical role in regulating price controls and rates related to GEBE. This includes oversight of the fuel clause, which directly impacts the cost of electricity for consumers.

The Minister explained that the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) conducted a comprehensive breakdown of the fuel clause, which has been submitted to GEBE for review. This analysis is a key step in understanding the cost structure and ensuring transparency in the pricing mechanism. However, the process is ongoing, with discussions continuing between various stakeholders, including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI).

"Price control and price rates related to GEBE do fall under the Ministry of TEATT," Minister Heyliger-Marten stated. "I am most definitely working in collaboration with the Prime Minister and other ministers to address these issues."

The Investigation and Public Concerns

When asked about the ongoing investigation into GEBE, Minister Heyliger-Marten clarified that it falls outside her purview to announce or decide on legal actions. She noted that the Justice Department is responsible for determining the next steps based on the findings of the investigation. While the details remain under review, the Minister encouraged the public to stay informed through the available reports.

The GEBE saga has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the transparency and accountability of the utility company's operations. Minister Heyliger-Marten's comments reflect the government's commitment to addressing these concerns through a collaborative and multi-ministerial approach.

Collaboration and Next Steps

The Minister highlighted the importance of collaboration among government entities to resolve the issues surrounding GEBE. A meeting in Parliament, scheduled for the following day, is expected to provide further clarity on the matter. The Prime Minister is anticipated to deliver a comprehensive update, including the outcomes of ongoing discussions and the proposed way forward.

Minister Heyliger-Marten's proactive involvement underscores the Ministry of TEATT's dedication to ensuring fair and transparent pricing for consumers. By working closely with other government officials and agencies, the Ministry aims to address the challenges facing GEBE and restore public confidence in the utility provider.

Broader Implications

The GEBE situation serves as a reminder of the critical role that government oversight plays in regulating essential services. As discussions continue, the public will be looking to the government for decisive action and clear communication. Minister Heyliger-Marten's commitment to collaboration and transparency is a step in the right direction, but the road ahead will require sustained effort and accountability from all parties involved.

In conclusion, the GEBE saga remains a complex issue with far-reaching implications for St. Maarten's residents and businesses. As the government works to address these challenges, the public can expect further updates and, hopefully, tangible solutions in the near future.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided an extensive update on the progress made by the Department of Economic Licenses. Six weeks into a focused effort to address the backlog of pending licenses, the department has successfully cleared approximately 75% of outstanding files. Starting with over 500 pending licenses, of which 300 require additional information, the department has made significant strides.

Staff and summer students under the government's BOP program reached out to clients via phone and email, setting clear deadlines for submissions. Applications lacking responses were marked incomplete and may not proceed further. Additionally, over 200 clients who had received approval but had not collected their licenses were reminded to do so, with warnings of potential cancellations.

A major milestone during this period was the pilot of an online submission system. Nearly 100 applications were submitted digitally, reducing the process from 15-20 minutes in person to just 3-5 minutes online. This step aligns with the country’s broader digital transformation goals under the Country Package Reform, specifically Measure E6. Safeguards are in place to ensure incomplete or incorrect applications are declared null and void, preventing future backlogs.

To support this transition, updated license requirements, tutorial videos, and FAQs will be published on the government’s website this week. The department’s front desk will reopen on Monday, August 25th, at the Public Service Center, now serving as an information desk to guide clients on digital submissions and provide clarity on license types and application statuses. Submissions will only be accepted online moving forward.

Public Transportation Sector: Cleanup and Five-Phase Plan

Minister Heyliger-Marten also addressed the ongoing cleanup and reform of the public transportation sector. Following the reinstatement of the confirmation letter process earlier this year, the department has made significant progress in understanding the industry’s landscape. Reports from the Integrity Chamber and SORB were shared publicly, and the issuance of confirmation letters has been temporarily suspended to consolidate data and finalize the cleanup.

Key findings include the registration of over 600 taxi drivers, surpassing the previously assumed 521. Of these, 400 drivers received confirmation letters, and a detailed Know Your Customer (KYC) process verified 247 as fully compliant. The data revealed a concentration of drivers aged 61-80, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. Additionally, only 75 of the 400 permit holders have assistant drivers, with 40 assisting those aged 65 and older.

The Minister outlined a comprehensive five-phase plan to reform the sector:

1. Data Verification and Compliance Review (2025): Cleanup of transportation permit records, verification of compliance with insurance, road tax, and inspections, and establishment of a database of active versus dormant permits.
2. Permit Rationalization and Driver Certification (2025-2026): Revocation of non-compliant permits, launch of certification programs focusing on island knowledge, customer service, and safety, and mandatory medical checkups.
3. Legislative Framework (2026): Draft amendments to the passenger traffic ordinance, pilot mandatory digital dispatching, and engage stakeholders.
4. Finalized Legislation and Unified Transport Policy (2027): Submit legislation to Parliament and consolidate policies.
5. Establishment of a Transportation Authority (2027-2028): Transition responsibilities from the government to a central authority to oversee public transportation.

The Minister emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the process and announced plans to strengthen collaboration between the Department of Economic Licenses (DEL), the Inspectorate of Economic Transportation (IETA), and the Receiver’s Office to ensure consistent databases and enforce protocols.

Looking Ahead

Minister Heyliger-Marten reaffirmed her commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and sustainable public transportation system that serves both residents and visitors. The confirmation letter process will remain an annual exercise to ensure compliance, and the public will be kept informed as the five-phase plan progresses.

In closing, the Minister commended the dedication of her team and the public’s patience during this transition. With these reforms, St. Martin is moving closer to a streamlined, efficient, and digital system for economic licenses and public transportation.