PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs Jr., recently announced several key infrastructure and housing initiatives aimed at sustainable development on St. Maarten. The announcements include major road rehabilitation on Billy Folly Road and a public consultation for the St. Maarten Wastewater Management Project.
Minister Gumbs confirmed that roadworks on Billy Folly Road, commonly known as Pelican Road, will commence on Thursday, November 13th. The project, executed by Wynwood Road's infrastructure, is expected to be completed by Friday, December 5th, pending favorable weather conditions. A partial one-lane road closure will be in effect from Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., for the duration of the works.
This project is a notable example of a public-private partnership, with a coalition of local businesses and stakeholders contributing $496,500 to supplement the government's $94,000 investment. "In the governing program's entry for VROMI, private-public partnerships are regarded as vital for the future development of St. Martin," Gumbs stated, expressing gratitude for the stakeholders' commitment to corporate social responsibility. He noted that similar initiatives for other infrastructure projects are currently being negotiated.
Additionally, the Minister invited all residents to a public consultation for the St. Maarten Wastewater Management Project (SWMP). The event is scheduled for Wednesday, December 10th, at 6 p.m. at the Bel Air Community Centre. This $25 million project, co-funded by the St. Maarten Trust Fund and the government, aims to expand the sewage network, particularly in the Cul-de-Sac area.
The goal is to reduce reliance on septic tanks and enhance the operation of the ATLH Road Wastewater Treatment Plant. The project will "support protecting public health and safeguard St. Maarten's surface water, groundwater and coastal areas from pollution, helping to preserve the island's natural environment and support a sustainable tourism economy," said Minister Gumbs. He emphasized that public feedback is vital to shaping the project's final design.
On the housing front, the Minister confirmed that the government is awaiting the transfer of funds from the Netherlands for the purchase of a parcel of land known as Remainder Belvedere Estate. In anticipation of the funding, the necessary advice for the purchase is being processed for approval. Minister Gumbs also noted that the new housing policy is nearing finalization and regular meetings with the Housing Foundation are ongoing to address inventory and future projects.

PHILIPSBURG:--- At Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina addressed ongoing discussions between the Government of St. Martin and the Fire and Ambulance Department, represented by the WICSU/PSU union.

The Prime Minister began by emphasizing that the relationship between the government and the Fire Department remains cooperative, despite public perception of tension.

“From the side of government, there is no hard feeling, no tension toward the Fire and Ambulance Department. On the contrary, this government realizes that for years there has been neglect of these hardworking people,” said Dr. Mercelina.

He outlined three main issues under discussion with the union:

1. The Function Book,
2. The Placement Process, and
3. Retroactive Payment.

Government Agreement on All Three Issues

Dr. Mercelina confirmed that the government has agreed to all three union requests and has communicated this formally.

“In letters dated October 24th, November 5th, and today, November 12th, I have clearly stated the government’s agreement to accept the Function Book, to carry out the placement process, and to realize the retroactive payment,” he said.

The Function Book

According to the Prime Minister, the Function Book process began before his tenure and was approved through the official CCSU platform involving the unions and government. It was published in February 2025, making it the current lawful framework for civil servants, including the Fire Department.

Although some workers later expressed concerns, Dr. Mercelina agreed to revisit the Function Book but cautioned that doing so could delay the placement and retroactive payment processes. After discussion, both sides agreed to maintain the February 2025 Function Book for now, with a review scheduled within three years.

“They decided to accept the current Function Book under the condition that we revisit it within the coming three years. I agreed with that too,” he confirmed.

Placement Process

The placement of employees depends on the Function Book and must be executed within a legal framework. The Prime Minister announced that he has already signed the necessary landsbesluit (national decree) to establish both a placement committee and an objection committee, which will ensure that employees are fairly evaluated and placed.

“Last Friday I signed the advice for the national decree, and this morning the full dossier was sent to the Governor for ratification,” he stated.

Retroactive Payment

Dr. Mercelina confirmed that the government has also agreed to provide retroactive payments to eligible Fire Department personnel.

“We are going to agree with the request of the Fire Department for the retroactive payment for those who are eligible,” he said.

He explained that after the placement process, there will be a claim process to determine each worker’s entitlement and the applicable retroactive period.

Union’s Request for a Commitment Letter

The Prime Minister addressed the Fire Department’s demand for a separate “commitment letter”, despite multiple letters already sent on official letterhead bearing his signature and the government’s seal.

“If the Prime Minister’s signed letters on official letterhead, carrying the government stamp and stating the word ‘commit,’ are not considered a commitment, then we are undermining trust and the recognition of how people should communicate in good faith,” he said.

Dr. Mercelina reiterated that his letters dated October 24th, November 5th, and November 12th already constitute a formal and binding commitment by the government to fulfill all three requests.

Financial and Legal Process

Prime Minister Mercelina clarified that financial approval was obtained from the Minister of Finance before making commitments regarding retroactive payments.

“Before I can commit to such a demand as retroactive payment, the first person that I have to consult is the Minister of Finance. After agreement with the Minister of Finance, we decided to agree with the request of the Fire Department,” he confirmed.

He added that while formal Council of Ministers approval and Governor ratification are still in process, the necessary legal framework is already in motion.

Prime Minister’s Closing Message

Dr. Mercelina concluded by reaffirming that his government is fully committed to resolving the outstanding issues with the Fire and Ambulance Department.

“This government is fully committed to accommodating and working on all the demands requested by the Fire Department. Considering the clear and consistent commitments made, I do not think there is justification for a continuation of the go-slow,” he said.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, through the Unleashing the Blue Economy of the Caribbean (UBEC) Project, continues to build the capacity of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in fisheries, marine tourism, and waste management through a series of practical, skills-based training workshops.

These workshops, held under the UBEC Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, are designed to strengthen MSME operations and help entrepreneurs prepare successful grant applications.

The first two sessions, namely the Grant Proposal Writing and Effective Record-Keeping for MSMEs have already been completed, equipping participants with valuable tools to manage and grow their businesses. The series continues throughout November and December with additional in-person and hybrid sessions focused on financial management, continuity planning, marketing, and more.

Training Schedule & Registration – Grenada MSME Workshops

3) Business Contingency & Continuity Planning – Hybrid
Dates/Time: Nov 17–20, 2025

9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Nov 17–18, Online)
1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Nov 19, In Person)
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Nov 20, Online)
​Venue: Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), Frequente, St. George’s
​Register by: Nov 14, 2025
​Registration: https://bit.ly/4qXmnHa
You will learn to:

Prepare for disruptions with an effective continuity plan
Identify business risks and critical operations
Develop recovery strategies and assign roles
Strengthen resilience to maintain service delivery
​

4) Banking & Insurance Information Session – In Person
Date/Time: Nov 21, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
​Venue: Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), Frequente, St. George’s
​Register by: Nov 18, 2025
​Registration: https://bit.ly/3WOIzFE

You will learn to:

Explore available banking and insurance facilities
Understand financial tools and services for MSMEs
Strengthen business stability and risk management
​

5) Business Plan Development – Hybrid
Dates/Time: Dec 1–5, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
​Format: Dec 1–2 (Online); Dec 3–5 (In Person)
​Venue: Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), Frequente, St. George’s
​Register by: Nov 28, 2025
​Registration: TBA

You will learn to:

Develop a professional business plan
Articulate your vision, goals, and market strategy
Prepare realistic financial projections
Strengthen your grant proposal application
​

6) Food Safety Compliance for Food Processors – In Person
Dates/Time: Dec 8–10, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
​Venue: Grenada Investment Development Corporation (GIDC), Frequente, St. George’s
​Register by: Dec 5, 2025
​Registration: TBA

You will learn to:

Understand food safety principles and best practices
Identify critical control points in processing
Maintain hygiene and quality standards for compliance
​

7) Introduction to Sales & Marketing – Online
Dates/Time: Dec 15–16, 2025 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
​Register by: Dec 12, 2025
​Registration: TBA

You will learn to:

Understand the basics of sales and marketing
Identify your target customers and reach them effectively
Apply low-cost strategies to boost visibility and sales
​

🌊 Empowering Grenada’s Blue Economy

These interactive sessions are helping MSMEs to enhance business planning, proposal writing, financial literacy, and operational management, making them more resilient and competitive within the Blue Economy.

By participating in these workshops, MSMEs gain the knowledge and confidence to apply for funding under the UBEC Regional MSME Matching Grants Programme, which provides between USD $5,000 and $25,000 to support business expansion, equipment upgrades, innovation, and sustainability efforts.

​

📅Application Deadline for Grant Funding
Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

​

📧Contact & Registration Information
🌐Learn more about the Window 1 Call for Proposals:https://bit.ly/3WfsZm1
💻Visit UBEC Online: https://oecs.int/en/unleashing-the-blue-economy
📩For more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
📧Send applications to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
👩🏽‍💼UBEC Business Development Services Consultant (Grenada):This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The OECS Commission and the UBEC Project urge all MSMEs in Grenada’s Blue Economy to take advantage of these remaining training opportunities. Strengthening business skills and understanding the grant process are essential steps toward securing funding and driving innovation, sustainability, and growth across the sector.

The importance of Bridging the Climate Finance Gap

November 4 2025: As the world gathers for COP30 in Belém, Brazil, the Green Overseas (GO) Programme, funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France, will bring a clear message: Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) are not just vulnerable to climate change, they are key actors in global climate solutions - and urgently need access to climate finance to strengthen adaptation and mitigation efforts. The GO Programme is working to bridge this finance gap, supporting OCTs in building resilience, accessing international funds, and calling for their voices to be heard in global climate negotiations.

This year’s COP, described by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva as the “COP of Truth”, calls for real-world progress and solutions that move beyond commitments to measurable change. For the OCTs, this moment is both urgent and defining. Facing rising seas, coastal erosion, and intensifying storms, these territories stand at the frontline of climate disruption, while holding vast marine areas that are essential to global ecological balance.

Mike Eman, Prime Minister of the Government of Aruba commented: "As I reflect, as Prime Minister of Aruba, on the issues to be addressed at COP30, I cannot do so apart from what is happening with our island friends in Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa has left deep devastation. It is a sobering reminder of how closely our destinies are intertwined as islands in one shared sea. The crises of our century - inequality, ecological collapse, and distrust - all spring from fragmentation. We have forgotten that humanity and nature form one living system - man and his biosphere. The principle of the Common Good offers a path back: it calls us to align policy with the long arc of the common good and resilience, not short-term gain. Guided by this vision, Aruba is reshaping its institutions around a model of broad prosperity. Our decision to definitively dismantle the oil refinery and repurpose its vast site for a sustainable and inclusive new economy marks a clear turning point - from an industrial past toward a regenerative future.”
The Climate Paradox
Despite their unique vulnerabilities, OCTs face difficulties in accessing international climate finance mechanisms. Their political status, autonomous but not sovereign, places them outside frameworks designed for developing nations, leaving many without the resources necessary to build adequate climate resilience or implement effective adaptation and mitigation measures. Access to targeted climate finance is therefore critical to ensure OCTs can protect communities, ecosystems, and economies from the escalating climate impacts they are facing as island communities.

Ahab Downer, Director of the Green Overseas Programme said: “The OCTs of the EU and UK are undeniably on the frontlines of global climate change impacts. Though their administrations and peoples exhibit great and admirable resilience and adaptability in the face of climate-related adversity, substantial financial and technical support is imperative to help them meet the mounting challenges they face. The EU-funded Green Overseas "GO" Programme is proud to be proactive in helping to strengthen technical adaptation and mitigation capacities within and across these partner countries and territories and to facilitate their access to climate finance. The GO Programme is thus present at COP30 to participate in reminding decision makers across the globe that it is high time that they align to allocate requisite and necessary climate change support to these extraordinary and remarkable Overseas Countries and Territories.”
From Vulnerability to Leadership
Funded under the 11th European Development Fund, Green Overseas advocates for access to finance, strengthening local institutions, and showcasing how OCTs can lead the transition toward clean energy, biodiversity protection, and climate resilience. Green Overseas connects 25 EU and UK OCTs across the Caribbean, Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, and Southern Oceans, as well as the Arctic. Its work focuses on four strategic areas:
● Energy Transition – supporting renewable energy adoption and sustainable grid innovations.
● Climate Resilience – investing in coastal protection, ecosystem restoration, and disaster risk reduction.
● Access to Finance – opening pathways to international climate funds and preparing high-quality project proposals.
● Capacity Building – equipping local governments and institutions with the tools to plan and implement long-term strategies.
Through these efforts, Green Overseas acts as both a bridge and a voice, linking island territories with international institutions, climate financiers, and global decision-makers.
Solutions from the Islands
Across the globe, OCTs are developing innovative, scalable solutions that transform challenges into opportunities. Examples include:
● Saint Helena is reforming its energy regulatory framework to achieve 80% renewable electricity by 2028, proving that small islands can lead on clean energy transitions.
● Turks & Caicos is assessing the feasibility of floating offshore wind farms, unlocking the potential of ocean-based renewable energy for island grids.
● French Polynesia’s Tuamotu Atolls are creating 30-year shoreline projections to guide long-term coastal adaptation on some of the world’s most vulnerable islands.
● The Cayman Islands are taking a data-driven approach to resilience through the launch of the National Resilience Scorecard Project, a first-of-its-kind tool that will guide public and private investment decisions based on their contribution to national climate resilience.

Ms Lina Tode, GO Programme Caribbean Regional Coordinator, Expertise France commented: “The Green Overseas (GO) Programme aims at strengthening the climate resilience of Overseas Countries and Territories. In this framework, the Cayman Islands Resilience Scorecard project will be a strategic tool for evidence-based planning and to provide guidance for public and private investments towards alignment with national climate resilience objectives. Mainstreaming resilience into decision making is at the heart of the GO Programme, and the Cayman Islands Resilience Scorecard project will showcase a comprehensive tool to facilitate the achievement of this objective.”
The Green Overseas team will be present throughout COP30 in Belém, facilitating dialogue, organising and participating in side events, and connecting with global partners to ensure OCT perspectives are represented in international climate negotiations.
Press Contact:
For more information or to schedule interviews, please contact: Sarah Forster, Head of Event Programming This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The GO Programme is funded by the European Union under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). The GO Programme sets out to provide training and knowledge-sharing sessions between island stakeholders from each OCT to foster knowledge-consolidation and capacity building, leveraging each other’s best practices. GO also provides a pathway for each OCT to submit two funding proposals for energy transition projects and climate resilience.
Implemented by Expertise France since 2020, the GO Programme aims to accelerate the energy transition and enhance the resilience of the following 25 European and British Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) to climate change:

Pacific Ocean
French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Pitcairn, Wallis and Futuna Islands.

Caribbean
Anguilla, Aruba, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Montserrat, Saba, Saint Barthelemy,Saint Eustatius, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos Islands.

Arctic, Atlantic, Southern & Indian Oceans
Bermuda, British Antarctic Territory, British Indian Ocean Territory, Falkland Islands, French
Southern and Antarctic Lands, Greenland, Saint Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da
Cunha, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

More information about the Go Programme is available here: https://www.green-overseas.org
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