PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger Marten, said on Wednesday that Philipsburg, the island’s capital, is becoming a “ghetto” due to the amount of garbage piled up and littering by residents, businesses, and visitors.
Heyliger Marten said the last six months ago, she expressed concerns that Philipsburg was beginning to resemble a ghetto, and unfortunately, the situation has worsened. The Minister said she has been bombarded with countless text, photos and calls about the blatant disregard for cleanliness, especially on the boardwalk, which has become overwhelmed with waste by concerned citizens and businesses in town.
She called on the community to understand that keeping the town clean is not solely the responsibility of the government or garbage collection services. Businesses and the community at large must also play a collaborative role. With this in mind, and in partnership with the Ministry of VROMI, the government is urgently addressing this issue. Key solutions include:
• Improving communication between businesses and the garbage company.
• Enforcing forced garbage collection schedules and clear signage.
• Introducing penalties for non-compliance and incentives for keeping the area clean.
• Purchase of additional garbage bins.
• Upgrading waste management infrastructure and launching public awareness campaigns.
• Exploring third-party monitoring to ensure accountability.

She reiterated that this requires the cooperation of all stakeholders. However, if these efforts do not succeed, penalties will be enforced. Keeping town clean is a shared responsibility—one we must all take seriously.

 PHILIPSBURG:--- The construction for the Soualiga Market that began in September has once again been delayed.
Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger Marten announced on Wednesday that during the excavation phase, the contractors encountered unexpected soil quality issues that required foundation design adjustments.
Heyliger Marten said the Ministry of VROMI is currently reviewing the adjustments. Once the final permitting process is complete, construction will resume. The Ministry anticipates this will take another week or two before it is completed.
The Minister said that although the project has encountered several setbacks, construction will proceed during the peak tourist season.
She said the Ministry understands the potential impact on vendors, given their distance from the town and visitors' challenges in accessing them during this phase.
To address the setback, the Ministry is actively exploring solutions to provide the necessary support.

Considering these challenges, they broadened their approach to create a win-win solution for both the vendors and the wider Philipsburg area.
Heyliger Marten said they are in the process of launching a pilot project called "Stop and Shop," which aims to drive tourist traffic to the town and encourage shoppers to explore, shop, and enjoy what Philipsburg has to offer. This program incentivizes tourists to spend time in town and provides convenient transportation back to their cruise ships.

To ensure the success of the Stop and Shop initiative, the Ministry has partnered with key stakeholders who will play pivotal roles in its implementation.
Heyliger Marten extended her gratitude to some of the Tour Bus Operators for their enthusiasm and engagement in this program. Since 60% of cruise passengers participate in tour activities, their involvement is crucial. If they could encourage even 50% of these passengers to extend their visit and shop in Philipsburg after their tours, it would be a significant boost to local businesses.
In collaboration with the Ministry of VROMI, the Ministry is exploring the possibility of creating a layby near the old administration building off Walter Nisbeth Road. This idea, currently under discussion, would help reduce traffic congestion in Philipsburg by providing a dedicated space for buses to drop off passengers efficiently. The plan includes encouraging tour operators to communicate the shopping incentive to tourists at the end of their tours, accompanied by a complimentary ride back to their cruise ships.
Participating retail stores will also play a key role by offering exclusive in-store discounts and promotions. These stores will provide vouchers or tokens for free return rides, redeemable through participating taxi or ferry services. This added convenience ensures that visitors can shop stress-free and enjoy their time in Philipsburg.
The Stop and Shop program will be monitored biweekly as a pilot project. If successful, the Ministry plans to develop a dedicated bus terminal to support long-term needs. Combined with the layby, this terminal will streamline bus parking and improve tourist flow into Philipsburg, benefiting market vendors and the wider community. By enhancing convenience and appeal, this initiative aims to boost our local economy.

~ Providing a plan for relief will take more than two weeks~

PHILIPSBURG: --- Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina in responding to questions by SMN News as to when will his government appoint the management board of NV GEBE, the Prime Minister said he is busy with his legal advisors to ensure the legal framework were followed correctly in the procurement and procedures and ensuring that corporate governance and the articles of incorporation of NV GEBE were respected, all of which are part of the process.
Mercelina said he has a meeting scheduled as early as this week to discuss the management team's appointments.
Regarding the loan negotiations that the Prime Minister initiated with BZK for the purchase of three engines, Mercelina said that while the negotiations have not yet started, St. Maarten must meet certain conditions in order to acquire the loan.
The conditions he said he is expecting are as follows:
• St. Maarten will have to commit to the energy transition for the future, such as renewable and green energy. This includes some environmental requirements, such as considering the energy supply's impact on the environment.
• Quarterly updates must be provided on the purchase of the engines and installation.
• Reports must be provided per the progress and appointment of a full management team.
• A review of the corporate governance is needed to ensure that NV GEBE is healthy.
• The repayment timeframe of the loan will also have to be negotiated, which could range from 25 to 30 years. The interest rates for the loans, which the Prime Minister said could be based on the Netherlands' “international capital market,” will also have to be negotiated.

The Prime Minister was also asked to expound on the relief he plans to provide to the people of St. Maarten since he voted against the motion that was tabled and passed by UPP leader Omar Ottley. Mercelina said he did not vote for the motion because he wanted to remain realistic and not being a popular politician.
At the moment, the government is busy negotiating with someone who could form part of a committee that would begin discussions with the relevant stakeholders. He said these discussions would address the fuel clause that has been affecting everyone, businesses and households.
The Prime Minister said his government is busy discussing the reduction of the fuel clause with its stakeholders, SOL, NV GEBE, The Harbor Group, and Seven Seas.
Asked when he intends to return to the Parliament of St. Maarten to update them on the government’s plans for relief. SMN News reminded the Prime Minister that he was given two weeks by the Chairlady of Parliament to present such plan since both the Chair of Parliament and the Prime Minister voted against the motion, Mercelina said “if you want to be serious with the issue of mitigating the invoices which includes the fuel clause then it its very unrealistic to think that this can be realized in two weeks.”
Mercelina further said it would take more than two weeks to discuss the matter with the five stakeholders that he has to address the matter with. Besides discussing it, he said data would have to be collected and analyzed, and then a second round of discussions would have to take place with proposals and counter proposals. He said he could not imagine having a clear-cut solution in two weeks. Mercelina concluded by saying that he is looking at the motion and has been considering some items in the motion to provide relief.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The University of St. Martin (USM) is taking a bold step in the global fight against gender-based violence (GBV) by hosting a significant event in observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. This day, recognized worldwide, serves as a critical reminder of the persistent and systemic violations of women’s rights and the urgent need for collective action to address this scourge.
USM’s event promises to be a cornerstone in raising awareness and fostering meaningful dialogue about GBV. With an emphasis on understanding the systemic and intersectional roots of violence against women, the program will offer an inclusive platform that highlights the societal impacts of this issue while showcasing the transformative work of advocates and organizations locally and internationally.
The event underscores the importance of collaborative, multidisciplinary approaches in addressing GBV. It aims to inspire attendees from diverse sectors—government, non-profits, academia, business, and community groups—to join forces in building a safer and more equitable society. Whether you are a policymaker, advocate, educator, entrepreneur, or concerned citizen, this event offers valuable insights and actionable solutions that can drive change.
A Program to Educate, Inspire, and Mobilize Action
The evening is structured into three distinct and engaging segments:
Segment 1: Film Screening – "UNITE FOR BISSAU (Nô Kumpu Guiné)"
Directed by Lara Lee of Cultures of Resistance Films, this documentary takes audiences to Guinea-Bissau, where women are defying societal norms to assert their rights. The film captures their brave efforts in agroecology, their resistance to female genital mutilation and forced marriage, and their establishment of community-led institutions that challenge entrenched patriarchy.
Segment 2: Inspiring Presentations from Transformative Leaders
Two dynamic speakers will bring their unique experiences and innovative strategies to the stage:
• Samantha Blostein, Founder and Director of Research for Change, will share her work in advancing outcomes for survivors of GBV. Through systemic reform, trauma-informed approaches, and gender-focused advocacy, Samantha’s consultancy empowers organizations to create lasting impact.
• Delna Buhariwalla, Co-Founder and Executive Director of COOK-UP, will highlight her work in fostering entrepreneurship among women of color. With her expertise in social justice and economic development, Delna exemplifies how business innovation can address systemic barriers and transform communities.
Segment 3: Open Dialogue and Discussion
The event will culminate in an interactive discussion moderated by Dr. Gale Rigobert, USM’s Dean of Academics, and Cassandra Richardson, Director of Victim Support Services. This session will encourage attendees to share perspectives, explore actionable solutions, and contribute to a collective vision for eradicating violence against women.
Why You Should Attend
This event is not just an academic exercise or a call to reflection; it is an urgent invitation to action. GBV affects all facets of society, and addressing it requires input and commitment from every sector. For policymakers, it offers insights into community-driven solutions. For business leaders, it highlights the role of economic empowerment in dismantling systemic inequities. For educators, advocates, and citizens, it is an opportunity to learn, engage, and contribute to a global movement of solidarity and change.
By attending, you will join a growing network of individuals and organizations dedicated to ensuring that women everywhere live free from violence and inequality. Your presence matters, as it sends a powerful message of collective support and commitment to this critical cause.
Event Details
Thursday, 21 November 2024
6:30 PM
USM Lecture Hall
This event is a chance to be part of a transformative evening of education, empowerment, and community-building. Together, let us reaffirm our shared responsibility to create a world where violence against women is not tolerated and equity is not an aspiration but a reality.