PHILIPSBURG:---  Natasha Manuela-Gumbs, a seasoned local businesswoman and tax accountant with nearly two decades of experience, has expressed grave concern about a new policy that "takes away proper healthcare as an option for new and small business operators on St. Maarten. Manuela-Gumbs, who has always worked in the interest of her clients, is the number 16 candidate on the United People's Party slate for the August 19, 2024, Parliamentary Elections. She is leveraging her expertise on the political stage to advocate for the people of St. Maarten. Her primary focus is rectifying a recent change made by the St. Maarten Health Insurance Provider (SZV) that she believes undermines the efforts of the UP-Party Leader and former Minister of VSA, the Honourable Omar E.C. Ottley. The SZV policy, updated on July 12, 2024, has annulled previous exemptions and forced all Directors and Majority Shareholders out of SZV Health Insurance coverage. This policy reversal has left many without viable healthcare options, a situation that Manuela-Gumbs finds unacceptable.
"There has to be a solution for our local business owners," she stated. "We need policies that support, not hinder, their ability to thrive. The Ottley Care program is critical to that solution, ensuring that healthcare is accessible and affordable for everyone, especially those who contribute so significantly to our community."
Manuela-Gumbs calls for immediate action on the Sustainable and Affordable Access to Health & Wellness on Sint Maarten (SAAHA) proposal, submitted by MP Ottley on October 12, 2023. This proposal, which has yet to be passed or implemented, promises to provide a sustainable healthcare framework that benefits the local business community and the broader population.
"Passing the SAAHA proposal is essential for our island's future," she asserted. "It's time we prioritize the health and well-being of our people, and that starts with ensuring every business owner has access to affordable healthcare. This initiative will alleviate the burden on individuals and strengthen our economy by keeping more money within our local system." The policy has excluded many local business owners, particularly new entrepreneurs, from obtaining medical coverage under the SZV. This policy shift has forced many to resort to costly private insurance options, a burden that is unsustainable in St. Maarten's high cost-of-living environment.
"Local business owners are the backbone of our economy, yet they are the ones who suffer the most from these detrimental changes," said Manuela-Gumbs. "The new SZV policy has thrown many into the cold, stripping them of affordable healthcare coverage and leaving them to fend for themselves with expensive private insurance."
As a staunch advocate for small business owners, Manuela-Gumbs underscores the critical need for the Ottley Care National Health Levy, a program introduced by MP Ottley before he left office. The Ottley Care program is designed to provide sustainable and affordable healthcare access. Manuela-Gumbs believes this solution is vital for St. Maarten's economic and social well-being.
"The only way to ensure small business owners and entrepreneurs receive proper healthcare coverage is through the Ottley Care program," she emphasized. "This initiative is not just about healthcare; it's about creating a robust tax structure that supports our economy and brings much-needed revenue back into our government coffers."

PHILIPSBURG:--- The controversial ENNIA Insurance bailout agreement has sparked significant debate among the Governments of Curacao and St. Maarten. The proposed deal is at the heart of this contention, which could burden St. Maarten taxpayers with millions of dollars in costs over the next fifty years. Attorney at Law, former Minister of Finance, and ex-ENNIA employee Richard Gibson Sr. have provided a detailed analysis of the situation, raising critical concerns about the agreement's implications for St. Maarten.
Gibson Sr. has emerged from retirement to address what he perceives as a hasty and ill-considered decision by Former Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. Gibson asserts that the bailout agreement was signed without consulting or seeking approval from the Parliament of St. Maarten.
As Gibson highlights, one of the most troubling aspects of the agreement is its timing. The deal was signed just days before the January 11, 2024, Parliamentary Election, raising suspicions about the urgency and transparency of the process. Gibson questions why such a significant financial commitment was made without parliamentary consent, which he insists was required and prudent.
"The agreement signed cannot go forward without the approval of Parliament, which the former Minister of Finance knew," Gibson stated. He emphasized that this procedural misstep not only undermines democratic processes but also jeopardizes the financial stability of St. Maarten. Gibson's analysis underscores a critical imbalance in the benefits derived from the bailout. ENNIA, a Curacao-based company, pays taxes and primarily operates in Curacao, with 95% of its employees residing there. This means that most of the economic activities and benefits associated with the company will remain in Curacao. In stark contrast, St. Maarten, with only 3,000 of ENNIA's 30,000 policyholders, needs to gain more from the proposed financial support.
"Investing in a Company in another country could be a good idea, but only if you get a fair return on your investment," Gibson remarked. He advocates for a more balanced approach where St. Maarten's contribution to the bailout would also secure an interest in ENNIA, ensuring potential returns for the island if the company performs well. Gibson firmly believes that St. Maarten's 3,000 policyholders should be safeguarded, but not at the taxpayers' expense. He suggests alternative methods to protect local policyholders without committing St. Maarten to an unfavorable financial agreement for the next 50 years.
"The Curacao 27,000 policyholders should be taken care of by Curacao, and St. Maarten should take care of its 3,000 policyholders," Gibson proposed. He insists that any financial support should be contingent on receiving equitable benefits, thereby ensuring that the interests of St. Maarten are adequately protected.
Given these concerns, Gibson calls on the Parliament of St. Maarten to be critical when considering the current agreement. He emphasizes the need for a more transparent and mutually beneficial arrangement that prioritizes St. Maarten's and its taxpayers' interests.
"Sending all this money to Curacao to support a Curacao company that we do not own any shares in is a bad idea and should be rejected. “The agreement should never have been signed, but I hope the Parliament of St. Maarten rejects it out of hand."
Gibson's critique highlights the need for careful consideration and due diligence in governmental financial commitments, particularly those with long-term implications. As the debate continues, the people of St. Maarten await the Parliament's decision on this contentious issue, hoping for a resolution that protects their economic future and ensures fair treatment for all stakeholders.

PHILIPSBURG:--- From July 7 - 11, a delegation of representatives from St. Maarten, comprised of Gina Illidge, Marketing Officer of the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), Jacqueline Louis, STB's Caribbean Agent (IMBRACE) and Sjaoel Richardson, Director of Operations FIT, Rising Sun Tours, partnered with representatives from Air Century to embark on a series of sales calls and informative presentations. Geared towards raising awareness and increasing tourism among distinct target audiences throughout the Dominican Republic, these promotions also highlighted Air Century's services to Aruba, Curaçao, Puerto Rico, and Cuba, with select trips starting at only $149.

"The purpose of these meetings and informative presentations is to strengthen the connection between St. Maarten and the Dominican Republic while also highlighting the benefits of these promotional efforts for the advantage of both destinations, considering the many family reunions and business relations that take place between these two islands," expressed Felipe Gutiérrez, Commercial Director of Air Century.

During this destination marketing promotion, over 40 major travel agencies and tour operators with direct connections to over 500 travel agents were deeply engaged in presentations, sales calls and in-depth discussions to stimulate the awareness, knowledge and dedication towards promoting St. Maarten as a unique destination among their individual, group and business clients.

"St. Maarten is a melting pot with a lot to offer. I'm truly pleased that we succesffully achieved our mission to provide pertinent information about our beloved destination and inspire these agents to actively promote and sell our tourism products," shared Gina Illidge, who passionately delivered compelling presentations in fluent Spanish, along with professional support by Ms. Louis and Mr. Richardson.

Through this joint team effort, Air Century hosted a half-day seminar, as well as a series of sales visits, over the course of three days, to several agencies. This allowed the St. Maarten delegation, aka "Team St. Maarten," to share insightful details regarding the distinct features of St. Maarten, as Air Century highlighted their connecting routes and promotions. Presentations were framed around the common historical and cultural ties - which incited the interests of the agents, the close geographic proximity, as well as, the direct connections and specials being offered by Air Century. Also highlighted, were the distinct features that set St. Maarten apart from other destinations, including the diverse multi-cultural society, culinary prowess, extensive rage of cultural activities, entertainment, upcoming events, quality service-oriented hospitality, investments, trade, and opportunities for regional cross-cultural exchanges, with St. Maarten serving as a hub within the Caribbean.

"With consideration of the geographic proximity, history, culture, family, friends and business relations, the ties that connect St. Maarten to the Dominican Republic are endless. Building upon these countless connections, our aim is to leverage the D.R.'s growing prominence and forge mutually-beneficial partnerships to target distinctive groups, particularly those with disposable income for inbound and luxury travel," shared Jacqueline Louis.

Working energetically together, "Team St. Maarten" were very well-received with enthusiasm from the Travel Agents; who are looking forward to ongoing collaborations, cross-promotions, marketing tools with unique selling points and creative content to share destination St. Maarten as an additional product throughout their large networks of agents and clients.

Additionally, all partners are working together on ongoing awareness campaigns and package deals to further promote and sell the extensive range of unique products and services offered by St. Maarten.

"We recognize the potential of the Dominican market. Many travelers are not aware of all that St. Maarten has to offer. Therefore, it was of pivotal importance to sit in front of the vendors to share about St. Maarten and the full services offered by Rising Sun Tours," shared Sjaoel Richardson.

Intra-Caribbean travel is of paramount importance for sustainable tourism and trade throughout the region, and beyond.
Therefore, STB invites stakeholders to participate in these marketing and sales initiatives to further highlight their specific businesses, products and/or services.

For further information on the Caribbean marketing promotions please contact, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 Grenada, July 19, 2024. On July 11, CCRIF Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Isaac Anthony and members of the CCRIF team met with Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Dickon Mitchell; Minister of Finance, Hon. Dennis Cornwall and other key officials to present the payouts totalling US$44 million for the triggering of the Government’s tropical cyclone, excess rainfall and COAST (fisheries sector) policies, following damage from Hurricane Beryl. Both teams took the opportunity to further discuss the importance of disaster risk financing and financial protection for the country, as well as the insurance penetration rates in the Caribbean and the multi-hazard environment that the Caribbean exists in.

 Mr. Anthony reminded the team that CCRIF is the Caribbean and Central America’s development insurance company and therefore, “the Facility is committed to improving the resilience of the Caribbean and Central America to climate change and natural hazards to help them to recover faster following natural disasters by providing access to quick liquidity, which can help countries to build back better”.

The Prime Minister indicated that, “while these funds [from CCRIF] may not cover all rebuilding costs, they will enable us to begin the journey of restoration of our homes, our communities and our nation”. This is exactly what CCRIF was set up to do – to fill the liquidity gap and provide an injection of liquidity following a natural disaster to allow members to begin recovery efforts.

In addition to the US$44 million paid to the Government of Grenada, CCRIF made payouts to both the electric and water utility companies in Grenada under their policies. These payouts to the Grenada Electricity Services Limited (GRENLEC) and the National Water and Sewerage Authority (NAWASA), represent the first payouts made by CCRIF for policies for electric and water utilities since these two products were launched.

 Between the Government of Grenada and the water and electric utilities, Grenada has all six parametric insurance policies CCRIF has on offer – tropical cyclone, excess rainfall, earthquake, and for the fisheries and electric and water utility sectors. The CCRIF CEO reiterated the importance of countries financially protecting their economies and stated that “Grenada is a best practice example for other small island states in ensuring that its economy is financially protected and also taking steps to ensure that key economic sectors are also financially protected.” He further stated, “Governments must view electricity and water as public goods, even when they are privately managed, as without either, economic growth and development prospects continue to be stymied even after a disaster.” CCRIF is working with Caribbean Electric and Water utilities to encourage them to obtain the respective policies. However, Mr. Anthony pointed out that, “not all countries at this time can fully adopt a risk layering approach, as not all countries have access to the various disaster risk financing options other than CCRIF parametric insurance that are available.”

Below is the complete list of payouts to Grenada—the Government and the electric and water utility companies—for Hurricane Beryl.

 As of the new policy year, which began on June 1, 2024, CCRIF has 30 members: 19 Caribbean governments, 4 Central American governments, three electric utilities, three water utilities, and one tourist attraction. Other countries that have received payouts following Tropical Cyclone Beryl are St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and the Cayman Islands. Since its inception in 2007, CCRIF has made 75 payouts totaling US$385,509,438 to 21 of its 30 members in the Caribbean and Central America.

Following CCRIF’s value proposition, all payouts are made within 14 days of the event to allow countries and sectors to begin recovery efforts. CCRIF CEO Mr. Anthony reminds members that CCRIF was not set up to cover all the losses on the ground but to provide quick liquidity after a natural hazard event. However, he stresses that “while CCRIF’s payouts may be relatively small compared to the overwhelming cost of rebuilding, governments have expressed appreciation for the rapid payouts, which they can use to address immediate priorities and to support the vulnerable.” Governments have used CCRIF payouts for a variety of purposes, including providing food, shelter, medicine, and building materials to affected persons; immediate recovery and repair activities; stabilizing facilities such as water treatment plants; supporting key economic sectors such as agriculture and tourism; and implementing mitigation activities to increase resilience, for example, improving critical infrastructure such as roads, drains, bridges, schools and other buildings and enhancing early warning systems. CCRIF’s assessments based on monitoring the use of payouts by members have revealed that its payouts have benefitted over 3.5 million persons in the Caribbean and Central America.

Recognizing that the financial protection gap is still wide and the insurance penetration rate across the Caribbean and Central America is still low despite the number of parametric insurance products that the Facility has on the market, CCRIF continues to develop additional products. Currently under development by CCRIF are products for slow-onset events such as drought, a multi-peril agricultural insurance product, and a product for fluvial flooding.