PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten says her ministry is actively pursuing new funding opportunities and policy reforms to strengthen agriculture, animal husbandry, and food sustainability on St. Maarten.

During the Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister Heyliger-Marten confirmed that her ministry has submitted between eight to twelve proposals for funding through European Union sustainability programs coordinated via The Hague and Brussels. Among these, several focus specifically on agricultural development and sustainability initiatives.
“We have put in at least between eight and twelve requests for anything sustainable that supports the development of the island,” Heyliger-Marten said. “One of the main ones we’re tapping into is the agricultural fund, which amounts to several million euros. Once we get confirmation, I’ll be able to announce those projects officially.”

The Minister noted that St. Maarten has long lagged in structured agricultural policy and oversight. To address this, the government is moving forward with the establishment of the Agriculture, Livestock, and Fishery (ALF) Agency, an entity that will manage and regulate the sector more effectively.

“Right now, when it comes to agriculture, animal husbandry, and fishery, we have only five people between the policy and inspectorate departments,” the Minister explained. “That’s not nearly enough. The new ALF agency will create a proper structure, with qualified staff who can monitor and support farmers, fishermen, and livestock owners.”

However, the path to agricultural renewal is not without challenges. St. Maarten continues to face serious issues with wild animal infestations, including green iguanas and vervet monkeys, which have been destroying crops in several communities. Farmers have also reported repeated attacks by stray dogs on goats and sheep, resulting in severe losses for small-scale livestock operations.

Community members have raised growing concerns about the lack of clear control or a compensation program for affected farmers. As the Ministry promotes local food security and sustainability, questions remain about how the government intends to protect farmers from these threats and whether there are mechanisms in place to compensate for losses resulting from such damage.

The Minister acknowledged the need for stronger animal control measures but emphasized that a coordinated approach is required, involving multiple ministries, including TEATT, VSA (Public Health, Social Development, and Labor), and VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure).
“We are working to rebuild agriculture from the ground up,” Heyliger-Marten said. “But it will take time, resources, and cooperation across ministries to protect and sustain our farmers and livestock truly.”

When asked about earlier proposals for a floating farm in the Great Salt Pond — an idea introduced by Dutch counterparts and inspired by a similar initiative in Rotterdam — the Minister said the concept had been explored but was ultimately deemed financially unfeasible for now.
“We did consider the floating farm model, both for production and agri-tourism,” she said. “It was a creative idea and could one day work here with investors, but at this point it’s not financially sustainable.”

Minister Heyliger-Marten reiterated her commitment to promoting food sustainability and agricultural resilience, noting that ongoing initiatives are key to reducing import dependency and revitalizing rural livelihoods on the island.
“Agriculture is not just about crops or livestock,” she said. “It’s about food security, sustainability, and national resilience. We are determined to build the structures that make this possible.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  During Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling reaffirmed her commitment to accountability, transparency, and integrity in the execution of justice-related duties, emphasizing that the ministry continues to take steps to restore and strengthen public trust in law enforcement institutions.
Minister Tackling addressed ongoing concerns about the functioning of the justice system. It underscored that her ministry’s focus remains on improving operational efficiency and ensuring that all agencies under the justice umbrella adhere to the principles of fairness and professionalism.
“Our goal is not only to enforce the law but to uphold the values that make our justice system credible and trustworthy,” Tackling stated. “We must continue to build a structure that reflects transparency and accountability to the people we serve.”
The Minister noted that the Ministry of Justice has been assessing internal processes, particularly in personnel management, compliance, and oversight, to identify gaps that may hinder service delivery. She reiterated her dedication to creating a system where every decision is guided by integrity and due process.
Addressing questions from the media, Minister Tackling declined to comment on ongoing investigations or cases, but assured that all actions taken by her ministry comply with established legal frameworks and ethical standards. She also called on the public and the media to allow these processes to unfold through proper channels.
“Accountability starts from within,” she said. “It is our duty to ensure that justice is not only done but also seen to be done, without prejudice, influence, or bias.”
The Minister added that collaboration across government agencies remains key to achieving meaningful reform within the justice sector. She acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement officers but expressed confidence that ongoing reforms will yield tangible results in strengthening institutional capacity.
Minister Tackling concluded her remarks by reaffirming her commitment to open dialogue with the public and stakeholders, ensuring that the Ministry of Justice remains responsive and transparent in its operations.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has clarified that recent discussions with the business community about funding public safety initiatives are not requests for donations but a response to offers of partnership from local stakeholders. Speaking during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister Tackling emphasized that the initiative was driven by the private sector’s willingness to assist in addressing Sint Maarten’s growing security concerns.

“This was not a matter of the Ministry begging for money,” Minister Tackling stated. “The business community approached us asking what they could do to help strengthen safety and security. In that meeting, I made it clear — you can come to the table and help, or you can’t. But we will continue to do what we can within our budget to ensure public safety.

The proposal outlines a range of security improvement measures totaling roughly $500,000 that could accelerate safety enhancements in key areas. While open to collaboration, Minister Tackling stressed that the government will retain full control over implementation, ensuring that assistance is not tied to strings.

“We have a safety plan, and you can assist with that plan — but that does not mean a business can dictate where a police officer is stationed,” she explained. “The goal is to improve overall safety, not to provide private security through public resources.”

When asked whether businesses contributing to the initiative might receive tax breaks or other concessions, Minister Tackling was clear:

“It’s not my intention, nor within my authority, to offer tax breaks in return for support. If businesses choose to help, it should be because they recognize the shared benefit of a safer Sint Maarten, not because they expect something in return.”

She also reiterated that while some businesses have expressed willingness to contribute financially, the government remains responsible for sustaining safety and security through its own resources and long-term planning.

“We’re looking at creative ways to stretch our budget and accelerate the implementation of safety measures,” Tackling said. “But even without external support, our commitment remains the same — to protect the people of Sint Maarten.”

In response to concerns about the Crime Fund, the Minister noted that those resources are designated for long-term crime prevention initiatives, not short-term operational needs.

“That fund is meant to reinvest in education, community programs, and projects that reduce crime at the root,” she said. “We won’t turn it into another general-use fund.”

The Minister concluded by acknowledging the broader challenges facing public safety, including low compliance rates and capacity limitations within law enforcement, but reaffirmed that collaboration between government, police, and the private sector remains essential to building a safer Sint Maarten.

“Security is everyone’s business,” she said. “We all have a role to play — from how we secure our own properties to how we support the police and each other. This is about partnership, not privilege

~Stakeholders Unite to Address Challenges and Chart Path Forward for Fair, Inclusive Labor Market~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Labor Relations team of the Division of Labor Affairs and Social Services successfully convened a comprehensive panel discussion on October 30, 2025, bringing together key stakeholders to address critical challenges in Sint Maarten's labor relations landscape and explore pathways toward a more equitable and productive work environment. The Panel discussion was led by the Section Head, Labor Market - Natasha A. Richardson, as Moderator.

The panel featured expert perspectives from government officials, union representatives, human resources professionals, and legal advisors. Honorable Minister Richinel Brug (VSA) attended alongside representatives from WICSU-PSU, WIFOL, WICLU, WITU, WIHUA, the Social Economic Council (SER), and the Tripartite Committee.

Key Insights and Priorities

The discussion identified lack of awareness of workers' rights and outdated legislation as the primary obstacles to effective labor relations in Sint Maarten. Panelists emphasized that resolving these systemic issues requires both immediate organizational action and long-term legislative reform.

Immediate organizational priorities include:

• Transforming HR from administrative functions to strategic partnership roles.
• Implementing continuous performance management and clear communication policies.
• Ensuring workplace policies are communicated in languages employees understand.
• Investing in training and professional development.

Systemic reforms identified as essential:

• Strengthening social dialogue through the active Tripartite Committee.
• Prioritizing cross-departmental collaboration among government agencies.
• Updating labor legislation to address modern workplace realities including bullying, psychological safety, and harassment.
• Establishing a living wage—not just minimum wage—to support marginalized groups.
• Implementing equity-driven reforms with inclusive policy making.

Expert Perspectives

Ms. Peggy-Ann Dros-Richardson, Head of Labor Affairs, highlighted critical gaps including failures to register workers with SZV, cross-border employment challenges, and the need for interdepartmental coordination. "It is unbelievable that ministries operate in silos," she stated, calling for integrated oversight of business compliance.

Ms. Sharon Cangieter, President of WICSU-PSU, stressed the importance of inclusive social dialogue: "Reforms must be guided by equity, not just equality. Those most affected must have a seat at the table during decision-making—not after decisions are made."

Mr. Andrew Budike, Chief Labor Inspector of IVSA, emphasized that awareness is foundational: "If people knew their rights, the situation would be different. The way forward is cooperation between business/ employer representatives and government workers."

Ms. Eunelda Cairdo, LLM, Legal Advisor for the Department of Labor, confirmed that legislative updates are underway in stages, with human rights and ILO regulations guiding the drafting process. She highlighted the importance of the Tripartite Committee as a mechanism for balanced consultation between government, employers, and workers.

Ms. Krystal Wanga, HR Consultant at Strategic Elements, emphasized prevention through leadership development: "Conflict starts with poor communication. Clear guidelines from day one and continuous performance management are essential."

Looking Ahead

The panelists shared a unified vision for Sint Maarten's labor future:

• Ongoing social dialogue with transparent stakeholder engagement
• United labor voices through the Chamber of Labor Unions
• Resilient workforce development through education and training initiatives
• Strategic HR partnerships that go beyond administrative functions
• Accountability mechanisms ensuring employers implement strong, fair policies

The Labor Relations Team has developed detailed internal procedure documents for the dispute process, available via QR code on their Facebook page.

For more information about labor relations resources and support, contact the Division of Labor Affairs and Social Services Labor Relations Team – This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the Division Face Book Page.