PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has outlined Government’s role in fuel pricing and the measures currently under review, including fuel excise.
The Minister’s remarks were made in response to questions during the Council of Ministers Press Briefing held on Wednesday.
Fuel prices in Sint Maarten are primarily driven by international market developments. As global oil prices fluctuate, these changes are reflected locally through the established pricing mechanism. Government does not set fuel prices arbitrarily but regulates them through a maximum price mechanism based on international market developments.
Fuel prices are driven primarily by international market developments, while local consumption patterns can influence how strongly those increases are felt in Sint Maarten.
A key component of that structure is the excise tax on fuel. The Minister confirmed that Government is actively reviewing the current excise framework. However, such measures require careful consideration, as excise revenues form part of the national budget and support public expenditure across multiple sectors.
The Minister added that similar adjustments to the excise structure were implemented in 2022. While these provided short-term relief, they also created ongoing budgetary implications that continue to affect Government’s financial position today.
She further explained that any changes at this stage are dependent on the status and finalization of the 2026 budget and require alignment with the Ministry of Finance, which determines the broader fiscal impact of such measures.
“Any adjustment to excise must be weighed against its broader financial impact. These are not isolated decisions and require coordination with the Ministry of Finance, particularly in the context of the 2026 budget,” the Minister said.
Beyond fiscal measures, Government continues to assess the downstream impact of fuel price increases on goods and services. TEATT maintains regular communication with shipping companies to track cost developments and uses this information to guide market oversight.
Through its inspection services, the Ministry reviews the pricing of essential goods to ensure that increases at the retail level remain proportionate to actual cost changes. Where irregularities are identified, engagement takes place with businesses to address them.
At present, no significant or disproportionate increases in the basket of basic goods have been recorded. However, Government notes that the situation remains dynamic and subject to ongoing global developments.
The Minister also acknowledged the broader economic effects of rising fuel costs, including potential impacts on transportation, utilities, and tourism. While external factors such as aviation fuel prices may influence airfares, current tourism indicators remain stable, with hotel occupancy and forward bookings performing in line with expectations.
Government will continue to keep international developments under close review and assess targeted measures where necessary to mitigate local impact.
Recognizing that fuel pricing is a complex issue and one that deserves clearer public explanation, the Minister has asked the Ministry to prepare a comprehensive breakdown of the fuel pricing mechanism in Sint. Maarten. The goal is to give residents a clearer understanding of the main factors that influence the final price at the pump and to make that information more accessible to the public. The Ministry expects to share that overview in the coming weeks as part of Government’s ongoing commitment to transparency and public understanding.
Construction Phase Launched for Sister Marie Laurence School Under Trust Fund Project in Collaboration with MECYS.
MIDDLE REGION, PHILIPSBURG: --- Students and educators are one step closer to returning to classrooms at Sister Marie Laurence School (SML) in Middle Region as the Fostering Resilient Learning Project (FRLP) marks the start of the construction phase following the signing of the works contract. SML is the first FRLP sub-component to move into this phase. The FRLP also includes the planned reconstruction of the Charles Leopold Bell (CLB) School and the Sint Maarten Library as part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport’s (MECYS) commitment to strengthening public education facilities in Sint Maarten.
The contractor, Steel Structures T&T Ltd, began to mobilize in the first quarter of the year; the bulk of construction activity, especially the more visible works, will not begin immediately. Initial works will be carried out by local subcontractors, including surveys, site setup, safety installations, and ground preparation. While a ceremonial groundbreaking took place on April 17 to mark the official start of construction, the majority of construction activities, such as foundation and substructure work, are expected in the summer months.
The groundbreaking event acknowledged the partnership between MECYS, NRPB, the World Bank, Catholic School Board (SKOS), the governing body of Sister Marie Laurence School, and other stakeholders.
During the event, The Honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, welcomed the transition into the construction phase, “The reconstruction of Sister Marie Laurence School allows students to return to a safe and permanent learning environment within their own community. Many families have had to adjust to temporary arrangements and longer commutes, and this phase brings greater stability. The Ministry recognizes that strong schools are essential to the development and future of our country.”
Prime Minister of St Maarten, the Honorable, Dr. Luc Mercelina, shared his remarks at the ceremony, “This project speaks to something bigger than one school—it reflects the kind of country we are building together. When we invest in schools like Sister Marie Laurence, we are investing in the future strength of Sint Maarten—our economy, our communities, and the next generation of leaders who will carry this nation forward.
I want to acknowledge the Middle Region community's patience and the importance of staying the course, even when progress takes time. What we see today is the result of partnership, persistence, and a shared belief that our people deserve quality, resilient infrastructure. This is how we move Sint Maarten forward—step by step, project by project—building a stronger, more secure future for all.”
Others addressing the audience at the groundbreaking ceremony included SKOS Board President Dr. Marlon Halley, NRPB Director Claret Connor, and Ms. Toyin Jagha, World Bank Country Manager. Whilst Father Daniel Lee performed a blessing of the grounds.
A community information session followed, during which the contractor and project management team were introduced, and residents received updates on the construction process. The session provided an opportunity for questions and engagement with community stakeholders.
Demolition of the Sister Marie Laurence site was completed on 2 December 2025, ahead of the planned early January completion date. Early completion allowed the project to stay on schedule and ensured that no site activity took place during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, reducing potential disruption for the nearby residents.
Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming stakeholder engagement sessions for updates and feedback and to stay informed by visiting the project web pages at www.nrpbsxm.org/frlp, Facebook @sxmnationalrecovery or via the NRPB WhatsApp channel tinyurl.com/23fry6mu. Feedback, questions and queries can be sent via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FRLP is implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport. The project is funded by the Trust Fund, which is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, and administered by the World Bank.
Minister of Finance Seeks Review of Tax Filing Requirements for Seniors.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Finance has requested the Inspectorate of Taxes to review the current requirement for senior citizens to submit annual income tax returns.
This request is part of ongoing efforts to improve public service delivery and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens.
The Minister noted that many seniors rely solely on their pension and have no additional income, yet are still required to file annual returns. This process often involves obtaining documentation in person, which can be time-consuming and physically challenging.
“Government systems must work efficiently and compassionately for our people,” the Minister stated. “For individuals with unchanged financial circumstances, this requirement may be unnecessarily burdensome.”
The Inspectorate has been asked to assess the feasibility of exempting seniors whose only income is a pension, as well as the potential benefits such a change could bring to overall system efficiency.
Findings from this review will help inform future policy aimed at creating a more accessible and streamlined tax system.
Further updates will be provided as the review progresses.
National Restoration Fund pays courtesy visit to Minister of ECYS Melissa Gumbs.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport, the Honorable Melissa Gumbs, hosted a courtesy visit by the National Restoration Fund (NRF), represented by CEO Mr. Ugur Ozcan & CFO Mr. Coen Reinders. During the courtesy visit, a number of topics were discussed, including current projects on Sint Maarten, NRF policies on heritage and monument preservation, and the possibility of the NRF supporting future initiatives by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport.
The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport also discussed the recent acquisition of the Belvedere Plantation South and the potential plans that include the restoration of the main house and surrounding buildings on the property that spans over 125,000 square meters. In her discussion with the NRF, Minister Gumbs further explained her vision for the property, including possibly accessing funding for the development of a park that would be self-sustaining and act as a green space for highlighting and safe-guarding the country’s culture and heritage. It is the Minister’s intention to bring these discussions further along with the NRF and other funding avenues.
The National Restoration Fund (www.restauratiefonds.nl) indicated that they are currently engaged with the restoration project taking place at Pasture Piece monument located at #105 LB Scot Road. Pasture Piece is one of 50 properties that are listed on the Monument List of Sint Maarten. It was built in the early 1900’s and now houses a Bed & Breakfast, Museum & Event Space. With roots tracing back to the Van Romondt family and the Retreat Estate sugar plantation, every corner of Pasture Piece tells a story—one of culture, resilience, and Caribbean grace, for more information visit www.pasturepiecesxm.com. The courtesy visit ended with a site visit to Pasture Piece.
70 persons obtain Dutch Citizenship during second Naturalization Ceremonies of 2026.
HARBOUR VIEW, PHILIPSBURG:--- On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the second naturalization ceremony of 2026 was held at the Cabinet of the Governor of Sint Maarten. During two separate ceremonies, a total of 70 individuals took the declaration of allegiance before the Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency Mr. Ajamu G. Baly, thereby formally obtaining their Dutch citizenship.
The newly declared Dutch citizens represent 15 different nationalities across the community of Sint Maarten. The youngest was 1 year and the oldest was 73 years. In his address to the attendees, Governor Baly emphasized the significance of Dutch nationality and highlighted the core values of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in general and of Sint Maarten in particular. He also pointed out the rights and responsibilities that accompany citizenship, as well as the connection to the Sint Maarten community and the Kingdom. He emphasized the importance of embodying the Friendly Island spirit and urged individuals who had obtained Dutch nationality to do so in their daily lives.
Dutch nationality can be acquired in several ways: automatically at birth if at least one parent is Dutch, through adoption or acknowledgment, or through formal procedures such as the option or naturalization process. These procedures are governed by stringent requirements set out in the Kingdom Act on Dutch Nationality. To honor the completion of this milestone, the Governor’s Cabinet organizes naturalization ceremonies for all individuals who obtain Dutch nationality through the option or naturalization procedure. Attendance at the naturalization ceremony is mandatory and must be done within one year of the decision being rendered.
These ceremonies take place across the Dutch Kingdom. By publicly marking this milestone, the Cabinet wishes to promote awareness and understanding of the process of acquiring Dutch citizenship.