PHILIPSBURG:--- “Today marks a turning point for St. Maarten’s electricity future.” Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, stated as she announced the official publication of the Ministerial Decree designating the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) as Supervisor under the Electricity Concession Ordinance. This marks the first time since the Ordinance was established that the legal supervisory mechanism for the electricity sector has been activated.
Minister Heyliger-Marten stated that this step is “not only historic, but essential for restoring order, transparency, and long‑term stability in our electricity system.”
For years, the GEBE operated without the supervision afforded by law. The obligations between the Electricity Concession Ordinance and the Concession, including multi-annual planning, audited financials, quality reporting, maintenance standards, and tariff transparency, were not enforced. The result was predictable: unstable electricity supply, unverified tariffs, rising fuel clause charges, missing data, and a complete breakdown of public trust.
“The country is still recovering from the consequences of years of inaction, shortcuts, and political quick fixes that led to the near total collapse of GEBE,” the Minister said. “There was no proper oversight, and that left the people without protection.”
When this Government took office, the electricity sector was in crisis. Prime Minister Mercelina spent nearly two years stabilizing GEBE, rebuilding its Supervisory Board, and preventing further deterioration of the grid. The process to restore proper executive management is still ongoing.
“People forget how close we came to a total collapse,” the Minister said. “We inherited a GEBE that had no verified data, no audited financials, no approved multi-annual plan, and no functioning oversight. We had to rebuild the foundation before we could fix the roof.”
“When we assumed office in May 2024, the fuel clause was already above 40 cents per kilowatt hour. Yet at that time, those who now shout loudest were not calling it ‘too high.’ This shows the real issue: for years, governments reacted to symptoms instead of fixing the system. We are choosing a different path because leadership is not reflected by shouting; leadership fixes what’s broken. Anyone can demand instant action when they are sitting in opposition. Governing, however, requires understanding the consequences of every decision made.”
The Minister reiterated that under the Electricity Concession Ordinance, the Government cannot legally set electricity tariffs without verified, cost-oriented data from the concession holder. GEBE was given the opportunity to submit a complete tariff proposal as required by its concession itself. They did not. This triggered the need to activate the Supervisor, who now has the legal authority to:
• Request and verify all operational and financial data
• Inspect and audit GEBE
• Monitor compliance with the Concession
• Provide the Government with the verified information required to establish a lawful LBham tariff decree.
“This is the correct pathway,” the Minister said. “It is the only pathway that protects the people, protects the country, and ensures that any tariff decision we make will stand up legally and financially.”
The Minister addressed recent public commentary suggesting that the Government could bypass the Concession Ordinance and set tariffs immediately using the general Tariff Ordinance alone.
“This is simply not true,” the Minister said. “Electricity tariffs are governed by a specific law; the Electricity Concession Ordinance, and that law requires a National Decree containing general measures based on cost orientation regarding the concession holder’s investments and operational business activities concerning generation, distribution and supply of electricity. If Government were to take shortcuts now, the tariff would be unlawful, GEBE could collapse financially and the people would be worse off. I will not repeat the mistakes that caused the electricity crisis.”
She added “St. Maarten cannot afford another collapse. I will not gamble with the country’s economy, electricity system, or the people’s future just to satisfy political pressure or create catchy headlines.”
The Minister acknowledged the frustration many households and businesses feel.
“People want relief, and they deserve relief. But they also deserve a system that works, a system that is fair and a system that will not collapse again in two years. We are not here to repeat the mistakes of the past. We are here to fix them.”
The Minister reminds the public that during the previous administration, the relief that was given was possible only because the country received hundreds of millions in loans from the Netherlands during and after Covid-19. Loans that the people of St. Maarten, as taxpayers are still responsible for today.
“This is not about pointing fingers,” the Minister said. “It is a matter of understanding why we must fix the system structurally. Quick fixes feel good in the moment, but they leave the country weaker. We are choosing the responsible path, the path that protects the people long-term.”
The publication of the Ministerial Decree is the beginning of a new era of regulation in St. Maarten. For the first time, the Government will have structured oversight, enforceable compliance of the concession, transparent tariff methodology and a foundation for long-term energy transition.
“This is how we protect consumers,” the Minister concluded. “This is how we build a future where electricity is reliable, affordable and accountable. This is the beginning of a stronger, more reliable electricity future for every household and every business on our island.”

~A year-long journey in mindful creativity culminates at the John Larmonie Center~

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, May 23rd, the final glaze strokes were applied to the last ceramics pieces to be loaded into the kiln, bringing the Let’s Act Break Free Ceramics Project to a close. What began as a creative initiative with the National Institute of Arts (NIA) and Milton Peters College has grown into a rich, community-centered experience that engages adults and teens in mindful artistic practice throughout the school year.

The program was structured across five themed six-week sessions, each designed to inspire participants while honoring Caribbean culture and heritage. The themes spanned a rich variety of traditions and celebrations, from coal pot making and Christmas decorations to a dedicated Black History Month session.

The program goals were 3-fold:                                                                                             Preservation of Cultural Heritage - Participants learned about traditional Caribbean ceramic techniques and historical artifacts, deepening their connection to local cultural roots.

Creative Skill Development - Attendees gained hands-on experience in ceramics, enhancing their artistic skills in a supportive and engaging environment.

Community Engagement and Economic Opportunity - Exhibitions provided a platform for participants to showcase their work to the public — and for emerging artists, an opportunity to sell their creations.

Workshops were well attended throughout the year, and participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. NIA’s commitment to providing meaningful one-on-one attention meant that class sizes were intentionally kept small — ensuring every student received the guidance and focus they deserved while still reaching as many community members as possible.

To celebrate the work of this year’s participants, NIA will present a public display of student ceramics at the John Larmonie Center, Longwall Road from May 28th through June 5th, 2026. The public is warmly invited to view the exhibition free of charge.

On Thursday, June 5th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, join NIA for a special closing reception. While exploring the exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to meet and greet the instructors and hear about exciting future plans for the program.

This program was made possible through the Let’s Act Program for Strengthening Cultural Participation. NIA extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, supporters, and the wider community whose enthusiasm made this project a success.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on May 25, 2026.

The Central Committee meeting, which started and was adjourned on January 16, 2026, with a continuation and adjournment on February 9, 2026, will be reconvened on Monday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure will be returning to Parliament to provide the answers to questions posed by the Members of Parliament.

The agenda point is:

Nature policy Plan Sint Maarten 2025-2029 (IS/365/2025-2026 dated November 18, 2025)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament

PHILIPSBURG:--- Tensions escalated at the Pointe Blanche Prison today after prisoners reportedly reacted angrily when no food was available in the prison kitchen following the suspension of a scheduled “food day” as punishment for last week’s inmate strike.
The strike was reportedly organized by inmates protesting what they described as inhumane and deplorable living conditions inside the prison.
According to information reaching SMN News, at least three inmates suffering from mental health issues were allegedly being housed inside a classroom that lacked basic sanitary facilities, including a bathroom and other hygienic accommodations. Sources claim the room housing the prisoners was not properly cleaned, forcing the inmates to remain in unsanitary conditions.
The alleged conditions reportedly sparked outrage among prisoners and led to last week’s protest action inside the facility.
In response to the strike, prison management allegedly revoked a scheduled “food day” — a day when inmates normally receive special meals or additional food items from relatives. However, the situation reportedly deteriorated further today when the prison kitchen allegedly had no food available to feed prisoners at all.
The development reportedly caused frustration and unrest among inmates, with some reacting negatively after learning that meals were unavailable.
Family members of prisoners and concerned citizens continue to question the deteriorating conditions at Pointe Blanche Prison, which has repeatedly come under criticism over overcrowding, infrastructure problems, and the treatment of mentally ill detainees.
Human rights advocates have long argued that the prison lacks adequate resources and facilities to properly care for inmates suffering from psychiatric conditions, warning that continued neglect could lead to serious consequences if immediate action is not taken.
Up to press time, prison management and the Ministry of Justice had not publicly commented on the latest allegations.