PHILIPSBURG — Consumer prices in Sint Maarten remained largely stable during the first quarter of 2026, despite increases in fuel prices and transportation costs, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the Department of Statistics (STAT). 
The CPI rose modestly by 0.43 percent between the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, moving from 115.28 to 115.78. Compared to the same period last year, inflation increased by just 0.66 percent, signaling what officials described as “balanced pressures across essentials.”

The report comes at a time when residents have voiced growing concerns about the cost of living, particularly fuel prices, which climbed sharply during the quarter. Gasoline prices rose 6.8 percent compared to the previous quarter, while diesel prices jumped 9.8 percent. Year-over-year increases were also significant, with gasoline up 5 percent and diesel up 10.8 percent. 
STAT noted, however, that the full impact of global fuel volatility was not yet reflected in the first-quarter data. Price collection for the CPI occurs during the first two weeks of each month, before the escalation of fuel costs tied to the conflict involving Iran later in March. 

Housing costs helped soften inflationary pressure. The heavily weighted Housing, Water, and Energy category — which accounts for 36.1 percent of the CPI basket — declined 1.57 percent year-over-year, largely due to lower electricity costs and more affordable apartments on the market. Electricity prices alone fell by nearly 10 percent compared to the same quarter last year. 
Transportation costs, meanwhile, increased by 2.45 percent annually, driven in part by a surge in airfare. Transport by air rose 13.88 percent year-over-year, according to the report.
Food prices also continued to edge upward, with Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages rising 1.29 percent compared to Q1 2025. STAT attributed the increase mainly to higher prices for general food products, coffee, tea, and cocoa. Some relief was seen in dairy products; however, prices of milk, cheese, and eggs declined during the quarter. 
Despite concerns over inflation, STAT emphasized that overall consumer prices remain relatively stable.
“The offset movements in other sub-categories contributed to keeping overall CPI growth modest at only 0.66 percent in Q1 2026,” the report stated. 
The Fuel Clause — another closely watched indicator tied to electricity costs — rose just 0.53 percent quarter-over-quarter and was down 16 percent compared to the same period last year, further easing pressure on household expenses.
STAT said the full report and supporting tables will be available on its website and encouraged residents with questions to contact the department directly. 

Pond Island:---  The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has announced a new strategic partnership with Expedia Group, one of the world’s largest travel platforms, as part of its 2026 Summer Marketing Campaign. The partnership will place St. Maarten at the center of global travel search and continues the Ministry’s shift to data-driven tourism marketing.
The Minister described the partnership as a major step forward in the country’s evolving tourism strategy.
“Expedia’s decision to partner with St. Maarten reflects strong global confidence in our destination,” the Minister stated. “This collaboration gives us access to real-time traveler insights, targeted marketing tools, and international reach that strengthens our competitiveness in a crowded global market.”
The partnership components will allow St. Maarten to increase targeted visibility in key North American and European markets, take advantage of data‑driven traveler insights and booking trends, highlight the island’s summer offerings, and drive increased exposure across Expedia’s global network of travel brands.
The Minister emphasized that the partnership aligns with TEATT’s broader shift toward digital‑first tourism marketing, combining structured global alliances with organic online visibility.
“In recent months, St. Maarten has also benefited from significant organic exposure through global online creators and digital communities,” Heyliger‑Marten added. “Whether through structured partnerships like Expedia or through viral moments that showcase our island to millions, St. Maarten is increasingly present in the global digital conversation.”
This approach reflects TEATT’s strategy to diversify the island’s audience, reach younger demographics, and strengthen long‑term destination awareness.
“Today’s travelers discover destinations online long before they book,” the Minister said. “By embracing both formal partnerships and organic digital visibility, we are ensuring that St. Maarten remains top‑of‑mind for future visitors.”
“The Expedia partnership forms part of TEATT’s ongoing efforts to support the tourism sector, protect jobs, and stimulate economic activity during the summer period and beyond. Expedia’s global marketing footprint, including its sponsorship of major digital creators such as IShowSpeed during his Caribbean tour, demonstrates the value of aligning St. Maarten with forward‑thinking travel platforms. Partnering with Expedia at this moment, TEATT is placing the island within the same modern digital ecosystem that is shaping global travel trends.”
“Our goal is simple,” Heyliger‑Marten concluded. “We want to ensure that St. Maarten continues to shine on the world stage, not by chance, but by strategy.”

Pond Island:---  St. Maarten has become the first Dutch Caribbean island to launch the MOBI app, a digital platform that strengthens maritime security and supports compliance with the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code. The application was introduced during a recent maritime workshop on St. Maarten and was made possible through cooperation with the Kingdom Maritime Administration (KMA), the Port of Rotterdam, and the Port of Amsterdam.
The MOBI app is designed to digitize and streamline key maritime security processes, including incident reporting, document management, inspections, ISPS audits, and compliance monitoring. By providing secure and real-time access to critical information, the platform improves coordination among maritime stakeholders and enhances situational awareness across the sector.
The implementation of the application marks an important step in St. Maarten’s efforts to modernize its maritime security framework and meet international obligations under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The introduction of the MOBI app was supported by a series of stakeholder sessions held in April. Representatives from government agencies, port operators, and other maritime partners participated in practical demonstrations and technical discussions focused on the app’s day-to-day use and operational benefits. Feedback gathered during these sessions will help guide the next phase of implementation.
“The introduction of the MOBI app represents an important step in strengthening maritime security through the use of modern digital tools,” TEATT Minister Grisha Heyliger-Martens said in the rollout. “By engaging stakeholders early and ensuring they understand how the application works in practice, we are laying the foundation for effective and sustainable implementation.”
St. Maarten and Aruba first expressed interest in the application after a presentation by a MOBI representative at the Kingdom Maritime Administration conference and workshops held in Aruba in 2025. Aruba is expected to launch the app in September 2026, with other Dutch Caribbean islands to follow.
The launch of the MOBI app reflects St. Maarten’s broader commitment to upholding international maritime security standards while improving efficiency, transparency, and compliance within the sector.

Simpson Bay:---  After welcoming more than 800 visitors during its first edition, Princess Juliana International Airport is preparing to once again transform its terminal into an evening of shopping, entertainment, and community connection with the return of its Shopping Experience on Friday, May 29, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

For one special evening, the airport will open its doors not only to travelers but also to the wider community, giving visitors a unique peek inside the terminal while exploring exclusive offers from the airport’s concessionaires ahead of the summer season.

“We were very excited by the turnout and enthusiasm during our first Shopping Experience, where we welcomed over 800 visitors into our terminal,” said Jovanka de Randamie, Business Intelligence & Data Manager. “This year, we are looking forward to bringing that same energy back and offering even more exciting summer deals for our guests.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the airport’s concessionaires while enjoying a unique mix of shopping, food, and beverage experiences throughout the terminal. Guests can visit the airport museum, shop for souvenirs, enjoy drinks at the airport bars, purchase electronics, discover new shades and accessories by Hotlook, and even customize their own “Love SXM” shirt printed on-site during the event. The Shopping Experience will showcase the diverse offerings at Princess Juliana International Airport in a fun, welcoming atmosphere for families, residents, and travelers alike.

The airport encourages the public to come out, enjoy the evening atmosphere, explore the terminal, and take advantage of exclusive shopping opportunities available only during the Shopping Experience.

For more details and registrations, visit www.sxmairport.com