St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

A threat to our Lifeline: Minister of TEATT Addressing Crime's Impact on St. Maarten's Tourism.

grishaheyligermarten03122025 PHILIPSBURG: --- St. Maarten’s economy is deeply intertwined with the vibrant energy of its tourism sector. The friendly faces of our people, the beauty of our shores, and the safety of our streets are the pillars upon which our national prosperity is built. However, a recent and alarming wave of robberies is casting a dark shadow over our island, posing a direct threat not just to public safety but to the very economic lifeline of our country.

As Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten expressed grave concerns over the spate of crimes targeting Philipsburg, local supermarkets, and, most disturbingly, multiple hotels. This is more than a series of isolated incidents; it is an economic crisis in the making that demands an immediate and unified response from every corner of our community.

The Economic Ripple Effect of Crime

When a visitor chooses St. Maarten, they are investing in an experience—one of relaxation, enjoyment, and security. Every crime committed against a business, a resident, or a tourist erodes that promise. The consequences are far-reaching and can unravel the economic fabric that supports thousands of jobs and families across the island.

The immediate impact is the trauma inflicted upon victims. Hotel employees and business owners are left to cope with the fear and stress of these encounters, while visitors who experience or witness crime carry those negative memories home. This generates a powerful, damaging form of word of mouth that can deter future travelers far more effectively than any marketing campaign can attract them.

Beyond the human cost, these criminal acts weaken investor confidence. Entrepreneurs and international partners think twice about bringing their capital to a destination perceived as unsafe. This hesitation stalls development, limits job creation, and slows the progress we have worked so hard to achieve. As Minister Heyliger-Marten stated, this poses a direct threat to our only economy.

A Direct Appeal to End the Violence

In a recent address, Minister Heyliger-Marten issued a powerful and direct message to those responsible for the robberies, urging them to consider the devastating consequences of their actions.

"This must stop," she stated firmly. "You are not only destroying your own future—you are damaging the future of the entire country. When you walk into a business or hotel with a weapon, you traumatize workers, frighten visitors, weaken investor confidence, and directly endanger our only economy."

The Minister’s appeal cuts to the heart of the issue: the shortsightedness of these destructive acts. For anyone who believes crime is a means of survival, the message was unequivocal: "You are taking food off everyone else’s table. When tourism stops coming, it is over for St. Maarten." It is a stark reminder that the well-being of every resident is connected to the health of our tourism industry. The call for perpetrators to "do better" is not just a plea, but a challenge to recognize their role and potential within the community they are harming.

A Shared Responsibility: A Call to Action

Curbing this threat cannot be the sole responsibility of the government or law enforcement. Protecting our nation's future requires a collective effort from every segment of society. Minister Heyliger-Marten outlined a three-pronged approach where businesses, families, and the community at large must play an active role.

For the Business Community

While business owners are the victims in this situation, they are also on the front lines of defense. The Minister urged the business community to take additional precautions, not as an admission of fault, but as a necessary step in today's climate. Simple yet effective measures can make a significant difference.

Ensuring all security cameras are fully operational and positioned for clear visibility is crucial. Improving lighting around premises, particularly at entrances and parking areas, can deter criminals. Finally, maintaining heightened vigilance during opening and closing hours—times when businesses are most vulnerable—is essential. Protecting staff and customers must now be a shared priority.

For the Community at Large

The root of crime often lies closer to home than we think. As the Minister noted, "Crime does not begin with government; it starts at home." This is a powerful call for introspection and action within our own families and social circles.

It is a call to talk to our sons, nephews, cousins, and friends. We must have the difficult conversations about right and wrong, about the long-term consequences of short-term gains, and about the collective damage these actions inflict. We must help our young men understand that a path of crime leads not to prosperity, but to the destruction of opportunities for everyone, including themselves.

Protecting St. Maarten Together

The Police Force of St. Maarten continues to work tirelessly to apprehend those responsible and maintain order. Their efforts are commendable, but they cannot succeed in a vacuum. The old saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," can be extended here: it takes a village to protect a nation.

Every resident has a stake in St. Maarten's safety and success. By fostering a culture of accountability, vigilance, and open communication, we can create an environment where crime cannot flourish. Let us come together to safeguard our people, our visitors, and the tourism economy that sustains us all. Our future depends on it.

Ministry of Justice Reports Progress on Personnel Payments and Infrastructure Projects.

tackling03122025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling has provided an update on significant administrative and infrastructural advancements within the justice chain, including progress on long-awaited personnel payments and key facility upgrades.
A significant focus has been the validation and issuance of National Decrees (LBs) for justice personnel, a process that is now nearing completion. The Ministry detailed the status of several batches:
• Batch 14, consisting of 29 staff members, was expected from the Governor on December 3 for immediate countersigning.
• Batch 15, which includes 32 staff members, has been completed and was scheduled for signing on the same day.
• Batch 16, with 39 staff members, is currently under review with the Controller at the Ministry.
• Batch 17, the final batch of 43 staff members, is awaiting final validations before it can be processed.
Alongside the LB process, the Ministry has finalized significant retroactive payments. This includes 35 advices for KPSM on-call services totaling approximately XCG 754,000, and 12 advices for KPSM Jubilees amounting to XCG 118,769.01.
Several other retroactive payments remain actively in process:
• 19 advices for HVB Jubilees are with the Governor.
• 9 advices for KPSM Jubilees are pending.
• 2 advises for KPSM on-call services are pending.
• 14 advises for Immigration retroactive overtime are under review.
• 4 advices for Landsrecherche retroactive on-call services are under review.
• The department's HR team is processing KPSM retroactive overtime.
The Ministry clarified that the backlog of retroactive payments accumulated over several years following the enactment of a new function book and legal position regulation for KPSM, which required the recalculation of salaries and allowances. Previous administrations had not fully processed these recalculations, but the current team is working intensively to correct the outstanding payments.
On the infrastructure front, the Ministry has finalized the advice for the renovation of the Foreign Detention Center (FDC). This project, valued at approximately XCG 1 million, is part of a broader commitment to strengthen the entire detention chain.
Furthermore, the Detention Sector Reform Program (DSRP) is advancing with international partners. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has conducted extensive stakeholder consultations to improve rehabilitation, reintegration, and staff training. Concurrently, the construction company contracted through the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) has entered the mobilization phase, marking a crucial step toward building a modern and secure detention facility. To ensure transparency, a dedicated webpage will be launched to provide public updates on the DSRP's progress.

St. Maarten Implements Measures to Curb Aggressive Tourism Solicitation.

PHILIPSBURG:--- New regulations have been established to address persistent issues of aggressive and unpermitted solicitation of tourists in St. Maarten. The measures are part of a broader public order initiative designed to safeguard the visitor experience and maintain the country's positive reputation during the 2025/2026 high season.
The government has received ongoing complaints from the tourism sector, the port, and visitors about individuals approaching tourists in an aggressive or intimidating manner to offer services without the necessary permits. This activity has been particularly prevalent at key arrival points, negatively impacting public order and visitor safety.
To combat this, it is now strictly prohibited to loiter with the intent to aggressively or insistently approach tourists to offer or sell goods or services without a permit. This prohibition is in effect from December 1, 2025, through April 30, 2026.
The specific areas targeted by this measure include:
• The entrance of the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise and Cargo Facilities on Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard.
• The access point to the Captain Hodge Wharf on the Boardwalk.
• The access point to the Walter Plantz Wharf on the Boardwalk.
This restriction applies to unpermitted offers of services, such as vehicle rentals, tours, excursions, hair braiding, massages, and similar activities, when conducted in a manner that disrupts public order or pressures visitors.
In conjunction with these rules, there will be heightened visibility of law enforcement officers in the Simpson Bay and Maho areas to help manage increased nightlife and tourism activity.
Officials have clarified that these measures are not intended to penalize lawful business operations. Instead, they focus on protecting public safety and ensuring visitors feel welcome and secure from the moment they arrive in St. Maarten. The government seeks public cooperation to ensure the successful implementation of these new rules and a safe, orderly tourist season.

New Traffic Measures Implemented in Philipsburg to Enhance Public Safety.

nathalietackling03122025 PHILIPSBURG – As St. Maarten enters its high tourist season, the Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Ministry of VROMI and the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), has enacted new public order measures to enhance safety and manage traffic in Philipsburg. Effective today, significant restrictions on two-wheeled motor vehicles will be enforced in the city's main shopping areas.
A key component of these measures is restricting scooters and motorcycles on Front Street and Back Street. This decision comes in response to a noted increase in the use of these vehicles as a fast getaway method in violent robberies targeting businesses in the Philipsburg area. The measure aims to directly address this public safety risk and support more effective law enforcement.
The restrictions will be in effect from Monday through Saturday, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. This ban also applies on public holidays and during any late-night shopping events for the whole duration of the extended hours.
In addition to the ban on two-wheeled vehicles, all vehicular traffic will be prohibited from entering Front Street at the Voges Street intersection in the westbound direction. This closure is intended to strengthen overall traffic control and assist officers with enforcement on the ground.
To ensure clarity and compliance, clear traffic signage has been installed at all relevant access points. All residents, visitors, and drivers are expected to follow the new rules. Residents living within the restricted zones are advised to plan their travel accordingly, as access may be limited during the specified times.
These measures are not designed to inconvenience the public but to protect public safety, support effective policing, and ensure Philipsburg remains a secure environment for residents to work and shop, and a welcoming place for visitors. The public is requested to comply with the restrictions, obey the signage, and follow all instructions from officers.

A Call for Accountability: Prime Minister Demands Action at GEBE.

lucmercelina03122025 PHILIPSBURG:--- The leadership crisis at NV GEBE has reached a critical point, with Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina issuing a strong call for accountability and performance. In recent statements at the Council of Ministers press briefing, the Prime Minister made his position clear: the time for excuses is over. He has directly addressed the performance of the Supervisory Board of Directors (SBoD) and the effectiveness of the company's current management, signaling a demand for decisive action to resolve the utility's persistent operational failures.
Dr. Mercelina did not mince words when discussing the SBoD, stating unequivocally, "It is not for nothing that I have requested the board to resign." This public declaration underscores a profound dissatisfaction with the board's oversight and strategic direction. The request for resignation reflects a complete loss of confidence stemming from ongoing issues that have plagued the company and its customers for years. These problems, including the notorious and widespread failure to issue accurate, timely invoices, have left residents and businesses in prolonged uncertainty. The Prime Minister's stance implies that the Supervisory Board has failed in its fundamental duty to hold management accountable and steer the company toward stability and reliability.
Furthermore, Dr. Mercelina dismissed any notion that the company's leadership challenges should excuse its poor performance. He pointed out that GEBE currently has a temporary manager and financial officer in place. He emphasized that the presence of temporary leadership is not a valid excuse for inaction or failure to execute. "We have had this temporary manager before for a few years... and it was never an excuse to take decisions with GEBE," he stated. "There should be no excuse for execution of what really has to happen in that company, especially seeing the critical situation that we're in."
This assertion places responsibility for day-to-day operations squarely on the current management team, regardless of their temporary status. The Prime Minister's message is that a functioning board and an empowered management team, even if interim, must have the capacity and the will to run the organization effectively. The expectation is clear: the leadership must address the critical problems facing GEBE now, without waiting for permanent appointments.
These powerful statements highlight a deep-seated governance crisis. On the one hand, the Prime Minister is calling for the resignation of the supervisory body responsible for oversight. On the other, he is demanding immediate results from a management team operating without a permanent, fully appointed board. This situation raises significant questions about the path forward for GEBE. While the call for accountability is necessary, it also shines a light on the leadership vacuum that has allowed operational issues to fester.
For the people of St. Martin, who have endured years of billing chaos and uncertainty, the Prime Minister's words may offer a glimmer of hope that change is coming. However, these words must be followed by concrete actions. Restoring public trust in GEBE will require more than a change in personnel; it will demand a fundamental shift toward transparent governance, effective management, and a renewed commitment to serving the community's needs without delay or excuse.