PHILIPSBURG:--- On the occasion of the International Day of Parliamentarism, the President of Parliament of Sint Maarten delivered a compelling address reflecting on fifteen years of the country’s parliamentary democracy.

In her remarks, the President acknowledged the strides Sint Maarten’s Parliament has made since 2010 but also pointed candidly to the challenges that continue to undermine public trust, including party hopping, weak coalition frameworks, and outdated electoral systems.

“Fifteen years ago, we dreamed of a Parliament that would stand strong for the people,” the President said in her speech. “And yes, we have made strides. But we must also be honest with ourselves: too often, the trust that should firmly connect this Parliament to the people feels strained and uncertain. The next fifteen years must not look like the last — they must be better.”

Highlighting the need for decisive electoral and constitutional reform, the President urged Members of Parliament and the wider public to focus on building systems that protect the voice of the people and support long-term national development.

Key reforms emphasized include measures to discourage party hopping, a review of the proportional representation system, and a commitment to more transparent and principled politics.

“Reform should never protect Parliament from the people — it must protect the people’s voice inside Parliament,” the President affirmed.

Looking ahead, the President called on all branches of government and society to embrace openness, transparency, and genuine dialogue as Sint Maarten navigates challenges such as climate change, digitalization, and economic diversification.

The speech marks both Sint Maarten’s recognition of the International Day of Parliamentarism and a milestone celebration of fifteen years since the establishment of its Parliament.

The Hague:--- While President Trump left The Hague after the NATO summit on Wednesday evening, entrepreneurs and professionals gathered at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao for an inspiring networking event organized by the Caribbean Business Hub (CBH).

The evening was opened by chairman Nico de Visser, who emphasized CBH's ambitions: stimulating entrepreneurship, from inspiring circular projects and investment funds to innovative (franchise) formulas on all the Caribbean islands and Latin America. CBH achieves this by informing, facilitating, supporting, and most importantly, matching. New is their online marketplace for business acquisitions, financing requests, and real estate opportunities. Personal contact remains the beating heart of their approach during networking events.

Next year, the ambition will grow further when CBH organizes the Caribbean & Latin Village: a large fair for entrepreneurs, franchisees, hospitality tycoons, real estate agents, service companies, stakeholders, and investors. Exhibitors and sponsors can already respond now.

Architect George Polman, director of AG Architects in Haarlem, the Netherlands, gave an impressive keynote, which he began in Papiamento – a powerful signal about the importance of cultural alignment in international business. He presented very inspiring megaprojects on Bonaire. They range from exclusive, colorful villas and mansions in Caribbean style to creating new destinations for old buildings, as well as high-quality social housing with the same characteristic look. According to George Polman, social enterprises have a significant positive impact on society. By also building high-quality homes for the less fortunate, the gap between rich and poor is narrowed.

Then, Mrs. Penningston pitched her Curaçao company, a striking example of Caribbean entrepreneurship making the leap to the European market. She talked about Blue Curaçao liqueur, which was invented and developed on the island itself in 1896. The tamarind liqueur, their tropical surprise, was also presented during the liqueur tasting.

The evening was concluded by Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel, who encouraged attendees to actively seek opportunities on the islands and emphasized that entrepreneurs are welcome on all the Caribbean islands, particularly on Curaçao.

With a tropical buffet, good conversations, and a constructive atmosphere, the event was once again a success. The next CBH networking event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), under the leadership of Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has announced the temporary closure of the Department of Economic Licenses’ service desk at the Public Service Center (PSC), effective July 1, 2025, for a period of four to six weeks.

This decision is part of a strategic effort to address recurring public concerns, improve turnaround times, and strengthen the quality of service provided to the business community, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It aligns with the Ministry’s broader mission to ease the process of doing business in St. Maarten.

“I’ve listened to the complaints and frustrations from the public and the staff of the Department, and I am taking decisive action,” stated Minister Heyliger-Marten. “The goal is to assist the staff by restructuring internal processes, give them time to only address the backlog, and reintroduce a system that prioritizes their concerns by means of efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.”

Key updates during the closure include:

A new digital document submission: Applicants will be able to upload required documents from wherever they are. This will make the process easier, more flexible, and reduce the need to come in person unless absolutely necessary. More updates on how you can receive assistance during closure via the of Small Economic Development Corporation SEDC and/or the Chamber of Commerce COCI, we be mentioned later this week.

Discontinuation of the current online system: The existing online submission platform will be phased out. A new short-term digital solution will be introduced to ensure more reliable and user-friendly service.

Return to walk-in service: After the service desk reopens, morning hours will accommodate walk-in submissions and inquiries using a number system. Afternoon hours (1 PM to 4 PM) will be dedicated to application status updates.

Follow-up for existing appointments: All individuals with appointments scheduled for July and early August will be contacted during the first week of July to inform them of next steps and address their pending requests.

To manage this transition, a dedicated internal project team has been assigned to support implementation, clear the backlog, and enhance communication between the department and the public.

“The Ministry fully recognizes the vital role that MSMEs play in our economy and the challenges they face when accessing basic services,” added Minister Heyliger-Marten. “This restructuring represents a short- to mid-term solution that will bring relief now, while we continue working on broader long-term reforms through the Country Packages.”

The Department will also participate in the upcoming Go Local Event, hosted in Philipsburg on the Boardwalk from July 24 to 27, 2025. During this event, the department will host an informational tent to share updates, answer public inquiries, and promote awareness about the new licensing process.

While the temporary closure may cause some short-term inconvenience, the Ministry is confident that these measures will result in improved service, renewed public trust, and a more efficient approach to licensing that reflects the needs of a modern economy.

[HILIPSBURG:--- On Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, Disciples Toastmasters Club held its end-of-term celebration. The celebration consisted of the induction of its newest member, awards and recognition, as well as the installation of its club executive for the 2025-2026 term.

Cassandra Richardson was inducted as the eighth new member, enabling the club to achieve its tenth award to be recognized as a President's Distinguished club for the 2024-2025 term. This was followed by the awards & recognition aspect of the ceremony, where members were awarded for their achievements and recognized for their outstanding contributions during the year.

With the term concluding on June 30, the club took the opportunity to install its new executive board for the upcoming term officially. In keeping with customary procedures, members were either nominated or volunteered for leadership roles, followed by a formal election process. The newly elected board members are now set to lead the club into another year of growth and achievement, beginning July 1st.

The members are as follows;

Tashana James as Club President; Cedranella Kirindongo as Vice President Education; Oliver Williams as Vice President Membership, Delano Samuel as Vice President Public Relations, Shevon Kelly as Treasurer & Shirmell Wilson as Sergeant At Arms. Outgoing Club President Valerie Brazier will function in an advisory capacity as Immediate Past President.

The Disciples Toastmasters Club is one of the many clubs on the island of St. Maarten. The meetings offer numerous benefits, including a joyous environment where people are free to learn and grow. The meetings are educational and engaging. There are presentations on various topics. Some of the speeches are amusing, resulting in a captivating experience for all.

All persons are welcome to visit the club meetings. Guests are encouraged to attend the Disciples Toastmasters club meetings, which are held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month at 5 pm, at the St. Maarten Academy academic section in St. Peter's.

Done by Oliver Williams