PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Communication Union is formally calling on the Government of St. Maarten to immediately initiate an independent and transparent investigation, a FORENSIC AUDIT TO BE CONDUCTED into the growing number of serious concerns and rumors surrounding the operations, financial decisions, and external relationships of TelEm. Over the past months, allegations and speculation have circulated among employees and the public about possible information sharing, external cooperation, and the potential outsourcing or shifting of services, which could place local jobs, national infrastructure, and the company's financial stability at risk. These concerns have created deep uncertainty and fear among workers who depend on TelEm for their livelihood.
Of particular concern is the reported request from Curaçao for access to TelEm’s customer data, critical system information, rates, and operational setups. These are sensitive pieces of information that pertain directly to TelEm’s customers and its core infrastructure. Sharing such information with any third party, whether on or off the island, is extremely dangerous. It exposes the company and the country to potential sabotage, cyberattacks, and other security risks. Who would be held accountable if such an incident occurred?
Given the strategic importance of telecommunications to national security, emergency response, and economic stability, the government cannot afford to remain silent or passive. The Union is urging the Council of Ministers and all relevant authorities to act swiftly and responsibly by examining whether any decisions, agreements, or financial arrangements have been made that could compromise TelEm, its employees, or the country. If any irregularities, conflicts of interest, or harmful practices are found, immediate corrective action must be taken where and when necessary.
Employees deserve clarity, protection, and reassurance that their company is being managed in the best interest of St. Maarten and not placed in a vulnerable position. The continued uncertainty is damaging morale, eroding trust, and creating fear about the future of local employment and national control over essential services. A full and independent investigation will help restore confidence, ensure transparency, and confirm that all actions taken are lawful, responsible, and aligned with the interests of the people of St. Maarten.
The Union therefore calls on the government to treat this matter with the utmost urgency. It must be carefully noted that if these rumors are true, TelEm could be left in a highly vulnerable and exposed position. The Government, as the sole shareholder, has a responsibility to immediately conduct a thorough investigation and, a full forensic audit to safeguard the company, protect its employees, and secure the integrity of its operations and assets.
President of the SMCU

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Trust Fund’s Enterprise Support Project (ESP) is moving into a new chapter focused on supporting the growth and sustainability of local businesses. On Tuesday, February 10, at the National Recovery Program Bureau offices in Philipsburg, the final Micro, Small, and Medium-sized enterprise (MSME) approved for financing under ESP participated in a ceremonial signing. This brings them into the cohort of 323 businesses, strengthened through project support during Sint Maarten’s post-Irma recovery period. With this signing, ESP formally concludes its financing activity and now turns its focus towards delivering targeted programs centered on accelerating growth, sustainability, and long-term business success for the island’s MSMEs.
The signing ceremony was attended by the Honorable Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, and NRPB Director Claret Connor. Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of TEATT congratulated the final beneficiary, Yumi Lake from Alie Construction and Design.

“At TEATT, we always say small businesses are the backbone of Sint Maarten’s economy. And to hear about another local construction company benefiting from the Enterprise Support Project is a plus for us. Congratulations to the ESP for implementing this wonderful program. We are looking forward to continued work with ESP on creating an environment where MSMEs can continue to grow and shine.”

The Enterprise Support Project was established to assist local businesses affected by Hurricane Irma in reopening, stabilizing, and moving forward. Through access to loans and grants, businesses were able to make practical investments in their operations and future viability. For some, this included purchasing new equipment and technology, while others focused on reconstructing premises or replenishing damaged inventory, strengthening their ability to operate sustainably in the post-Irma economic environment. Nearly half of all supported businesses were run or owned by women, and more than 350 entrepreneurs participated in ESP-funded training, coaching, mentoring, and development programs.
ESP is implemented by the NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is funded by the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, financed by the Government of the Netherlands, and managed by the World Bank.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Mr. Richinel Brug, has formally requested the advice of the Social Economic Council (SER) regarding the potential introduction of a supplementary pension system for Sint Maarten.
This request is in line with the Governing Program 2024–2028 and forms part of the Ministry of VSA’s broader commitment to strengthening long-term income security and social protection. Pension reform is one of the Ministry's principal labor policy priorities, with various forms of reform planned throughout this governing period.
As the Ministry of VSA continues to evaluate measures aimed at ensuring greater financial stability for retirees and improving long-term income security for workers, it has become increasingly important to assess whether the current pension framework sufficiently meets the future needs of Sint Maarten’s labor force.
In his formal request to the Chairman of the SER, Minister Brug has asked the Council to provide its considered advice on several key matters, including:
• What type of supplementary pension system would be most suitable for Sint Maarten, taking into account the size of the labor market, economic structure, and administrative capacity?
• Whether the introduction of a mandatory supplementary pension system would be advisable, and under what conditions such a system could be viable and sustainable;
• Which model or structure — such as defined contribution, defined benefit, hybrid, sector-based, or a national pension fund — would be most appropriate?
• What safeguards, governance mechanisms, and transitional arrangements would be necessary to ensure transparency, affordability, and broad stakeholder support?
• Whether the Social & Health Insurances (SZV) could play a role in administering or overseeing such a system, or whether the system should instead be managed through private insurance providers, including the advantages and disadvantages of each approach.
The Minister emphasized that the expertise and tripartite composition of the SER — representing employers, employees, and independent members — makes its guidance essential in shaping policy of this magnitude. A well-designed supplementary pension framework has the potential to improve retirement outcomes, reduce future social dependency, and strengthen confidence in Sint Maarten’s social protection system.
Since taking office in November 2024, Minister Brug has consistently engaged the SER on key social and labor matters. Formal requests to for advice to the SER have already been submitted concerning:
• The amendment to the Financial Aid National Decree that includes an increase of funeral assistance to better reflect current cost-of-living realities;
• An updated SER position on the establishment of a poverty line for Sint Maarten; and
• Amendments related to labor permit reform and associated fee structures.
In the coming period, the Cabinet of the Minister and the respective departments within VSA will actively engage with the community, employers, employees, and other stakeholders on supplementary pensions. Dialogue with businesses and workers will be essential to ensure that any future system is balanced, sustainable, and broadly supported.
In addition to exploring the introduction of a supplementary pension framework, the Ministry will focus on existing mechanisms that contribute to financial security at retirement age, including current savings plans, private pension arrangements, funeral insurance products, and other long-term financial instruments offered by private institutions. These discussions aim not only to inform future policy development but also to raise public awareness of existing options that individuals can arrange for themselves or on behalf of their family members to strengthen long-term financial security.
Minister Brug also takes this opportunity to express his appreciation to the Social Economic Council for its continued collaboration, the high quality of its advice, and the constructive working relationship maintained with the Ministry. The partnership with the SER remains an important pillar in advancing sound and forward-looking labor and social policy.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Minister of Finance, Hon. Marinka J. Gumbs, recently paid a courtesy visit to the new office of the Algemene Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS), located in Diamond Estate, Cole Bay, where she was welcomed by APS Director Mr. Oscar Williams and members of the APS team.
During the visit, the Minister received a guided tour of the premises from APS staff and the Director. She commended APS on its modern and well-designed office space, highlighting the beautiful views and the availability of sufficient parking for customers as positive features that enhance accessibility and service delivery.
Following the tour, the Minister and the APS team convened in the conference room, where several key matters of mutual interest were discussed. These discussions built on issues previously raised during Finance Fridays and APS’s participation in Financial Literacy Month.
One of the initiatives discussed was the possibility of organizing a “Register to the APS Portal Day” at the Government Building. During this one-time on-site event, civil servants would be able to register, receive their password, and obtain immediate access to the APS portal. The aim is to encourage more civil servants to register on the APS portal so they can verify their personal information and obtain a clearer picture of the pension benefits they have accrued and can expect upon retirement.
The Minister also raised the importance of publishing the annual Franchise amount, which is essential for individuals to accurately calculate their net salary from their gross income. This topic had been addressed earlier during a Financial Literacy Month Payroll session led by the Minister herself. APS indicated that it is working toward ensuring that the Franchise is published annually on their website so that employees and pensioners can use it for their calculations.
Another matter discussed concerned the recurring tax liability faced by many pensioners. In some cases, APS pension payments are taxed at the correct tax rate when disbursed. However, when combined with AOV income during the annual income tax filing, the total income can place pensioners in a higher tax bracket, which may than result in an additional tax liability.

As a result, many pensioners are required each year to enter into payment arrangements with the Receivers’ Department to repay the additional tax owed. This recurring situation places financial and administrative strain on elderly citizens and has therefore been identified as an issue that urgently needs to be addressed.
To mitigate this, the Tax Inspectorate has drafted a form which has been reviewed by APS. The form would allow pensioners on a voluntary basis to have additional taxes withheld directly from their pension payments. This measure is intended to reduce the likelihood of unexpected tax bills after filing and to limit the need for yearly payment arrangements. Further details on this initiative will be shared in a separate press release.
Minister Gumbs reaffirmed her commitment to working closely with APS to improve administrative processes and to better support pensioners and civil servants through clearer information and enhanced financial literacy.
She concluded by congratulating APS on its new office in Diamond Estate and expressed her appreciation for the continued collaboration aimed at strengthening pension awareness and financial stability in Sint Maarten.