PHILIPSBURG:--- The second day of the Strategic Economic Stakeholders Consultation focused on the evolving future of tourism, yachting, safety, sustainability, and economic resilience for Sint Maarten. During the morning panel discussion, regional and local experts shared frank perspectives on the opportunities ahead, while emphasizing the need for coordinated action, data-driven decision-making, and a stronger national vision.

Moderator James Hepple opened the session by underscoring the importance of real-time data and measurable indicators to identify genuine opportunities within the tourism sector. Panelists stressed that while metrics such as visitor arrivals, revenues, and average daily rates remain important, they must be balanced with broader considerations such as quality of life, community wellbeing, and the authentic experience that defines Sint Maarten.

Hotelier Emil Lee highlighted that building a destination people want to visit begins with creating a place where residents themselves can thrive.

Echoing this sentiment, Anastacio Baker noted that repeat visitors remain one of Sint Maarten’s strongest success indicators, driven largely by the warmth and character of its people. The discussion reinforced that the island’s identity is shaped less by labels and more by a shared cultural experience that blends its diversity into a uniquely Sint Maarten story.

Alex Gumbs, CEO of Port St. Maarten Group, emphasized the importance of optimizing visitor movement throughout the destination, particularly in addressing traffic congestion and enhancing transportation alternatives. He noted that improving mobility could unlock greater economic value by allowing visitors to participate in more activities across the island. Gumbs also outlined sustainability initiatives within the cruise sector, including long-term environmental targets and strategic considerations such as homeporting and future energy demands.

From a safety and governance perspective, Chief of Police Carl John stressed that defining challenges clearly is critical to identifying effective solutions. He pointed to the need for stronger compliance enforcement, improved communication between agencies, and ensuring that the experiences marketed to visitors align with the realities delivered on the ground.

Environmental sustainability and climate resilience emerged as key themes throughout the discussion. Leslie Dickerson of the Nature Foundation highlighted the potential for eco-tourism and low-impact experiences, emphasizing that future development must protect infrastructure, natural resources, and the wellbeing of residents.

Panelists also referenced the importance of climate-adaptive planning, including resilient zoning practices, nature-based flood solutions, and coral restoration efforts to safeguard coastal areas.

When asked to define success for Sint Maarten, panelists agreed that traditional economic indicators alone are insufficient. Success was described as a tourism economy that benefits all residents, supports long-term resilience, and strengthens community pride. Discussions also touched on practical improvements such as urban aesthetics, billboard regulation, training within the hospitality sector, and aligning infrastructure development with the pace of tourism growth.

The panel concluded with a call for holistic collaboration across government, industry, and civil society. Participants emphasized that while many of the solutions discussed have been identified in past plans, the focus moving forward must be on implementation, accountability, and measurable progress toward a more sustainable and inclusive tourism economy.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Supreme Court of the Netherlands has upheld the convictions of Claudius Buncamper and Maria Buncamper Molanus, a couple involved in bribery and corruption on Sint Maarten. The case, stemming from the Ruby investigation, focused on irregularities in the tendering process for the island's landfill and abuse of official positions.
Case Background
The investigation began in 2018 following intelligence suggesting corruption in the tendering process for the landfill on Sint Maarten. Claudius Buncamper, then head of the ministry's management department, was accused of accepting bribes in exchange for awarding contracts and of abusing his position. His wife, Maria Buncamper Molanus, was implicated in passive official bribery for her role in the scheme.
Further evidence revealed that between 2013 and 2014, Claudius Buncamper had private expenses paid through false invoices issued by a company managing the sewage treatment plant. These expenses were then fraudulently charged to the ministry for which he worked.
Sentences and Convictions
The Joint Court of Justice convicted Claudius Buncamper of co-perpetrating bribery and forgery. He was sentenced to 32 months in prison and barred from holding public office for seven years. Maria Buncamper Molanus was convicted of co-perpetrating passive official bribery and received a suspended 12-month prison sentence along with 210 hours of community service.
Supreme Court Ruling
The couple appealed the convictions to the Supreme Court, arguing that the evidence supporting the bribery charges was insufficient. However, the Supreme Court dismissed their complaints, stating that the arguments did not raise any new legal questions or justify overturning the lower court's decision.
Due to the length of the legal proceedings, the Supreme Court slightly reduced the sentences. Claudius Buncamper’s prison term was reduced by one month to 31 months, while his seven-year ban from public office remained unchanged. Maria Buncamper Molanus’s community service was reduced to 200 hours, with her suspended prison sentence remaining intact.

Publication
The full rulings can be accessed on rechtspraak.nl under the references ECLI:NL:HR:2026:148 and ECLI:NL:HR:2026:149.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) has issued a final escalation notice on February 2, 2026 on behalf of firefighters, following nearly ten (10) months of an unresolved go-slow stemming from unaddressed concerns within the Fire Department.
A mediation process was entered into in good faith. Resulting in the drafting of an agreement letter which was intended to formalize commitments that were verbally agreed to by the Honourable Minister of General Affairs during meetings with firefighters and the Union. Commitments that were also publicly expressed to the Parliament of St. Maarten. To date, that agreement has not been signed and was instead met with a new proposal .
The Union emphasizes that this matter is not a negotiation. It is a mediation process aimed solely at formalizing commitments already made. These commitments form the core basis of the go-slow. Firefighters made it explicitly clear that a signed written agreement on these specific issues was required to end the go-slow. It is after this signed agreement after which negotiations on the broader covenant submitted on May 5, 2025, that was accepted by the Honorable Minister of General Affairs, could proceed as a separate process.
Despite repeated correspondence, references continue to be made to the broader covenant. Although the specific, agreed-upon points discussed directly with the Prime Minister which was later placed into writing as a commitment letter, then adopted as an agreement letter, remain unsigned and unresolved.
Firefighters have further raised concern that while the President of Parliament and others continues to indicate the need to “seek information and clarity,” no direct engagement has taken place with the firefighters and their union that represents them. Requests for meetings with the Council of Ministers on August 17, 2025, and again on January 27, 2026, were declined and met with no response. Parliamentary engagement, including several meetings with the most recent held on January 29, 2026, has likewise failed to produce a concrete way forward.
Mediation: A final version of the agreement letter was submitted via the appointed mediator on January 23, 2026. To date, no acknowledgment or substantive response has been received.
After nearly ten months, the Union and firefighters conclude that the operational reality of the Fire Department is not fully understood, as public statements do not reflect the conditions under which firefighters are required to operate. The prolonged go-slow is now having observable effects across Government operations and the wider community, with Ministers themselves experiencing the impact within their respective Ministries underscoring the urgency of decisive action.
Accordingly, WICSU-PSU has formally requested:
The signing of the agreement letter within forty-eight (48) hours, and
Within the same forty-eight (48) hours, a result-oriented meeting involving the Council of Ministers, with Parliament included, as a final effort to bring this matter to a responsible conclusion.
Should no decisive action be taken within this timeframe, the Union will honor the firefighters’ request to cease further meetings or processes that do not produce concrete outcomes. Continued dialogue without action serves no constructive purpose and only prolongs an untenable situation.
This notice is issued in good faith, and in the interest of accountability, public safety, and institutional stability.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) announces the partnership with The Gioia Group for the comprehensive rebuilding and beautification of the Simpson Bay dock. The initiative encompasses the complete restoration of the pier facilities, repairs to the adjacent police station, and investments into the community, underscoring the shared commitment to development that reaches all levels of society.

Gioia Group representatives Angel Gioia and Luis Gioia emphasized that meaningful investment must extend beyond individual developments, adding value not only for residents but also for neighbors and communities. “This pier is the first and last point of contact for many and it should reflect the beauty and hospitality that define Sint Maarten. Supporting the enhancement of the Simpson Bay area reflects our commitment to being good partners and contributing to a more welcoming environment for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.”

"This partnership represents our dedication to preserving and enhancing the critical infrastructure that supports our thriving maritime and yachting industry and the wider community and economy," said Minister Patrice Gumbs, Minister of VROMI. "The Simpson Bay dock serves as a vital gateway for our island's marine economy, and through collaboration with The Gioia Group we are ensuring its structural integrity and aesthetic appeal for continued growth.

The comprehensive restoration project will include:

• Complete dock reconstruction to meet modern maritime standards
• Full rebuilding of the parking area to improve accessibility and capacity
• Construction of a dedicated garbage room for proper waste management
• Installation of trees and comprehensive landscaping to beautify the area
• Support for enhancing and beautifying the general environment at the police/immigration station.

The restored facilities will provide enhanced services for the maritime community while creating a safer, more welcoming environment for justice workers and the public. In addition, proper parking and enforcement will be put in place, addressing complaints from residents of Simpsonbay Village related to access.

"We understand that our justice workers deserve a secure and well-maintained environment in which to carry out their critical duties," stated Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling. "This investment reflects our appreciation for their service and our commitment to providing them with the facilities they need."

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten welcomed the initiative and the support stating “The maritime industry accounts for a significant part of our economy, with the yachting sector alone accounting for around 17% our country’s economic activity.

The project timeline will be announced in the coming weeks. VROMI will work closely with The Gioia Group, stakeholders in the maritime industry, law enforcement, and the local community to ensure the restoration meets the needs of all parties.

Public-Private Partnerships are a cornerstone of the Governing Program 2024-2028, and this latest initiative, following the ongoing rehabilitation of Billy Folly Road, marks the second partnership established by Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs. “While the focus of these first two partnerships was on supporting the larger economy, the next aims to address smaller, more human-focused initiatives; understanding that development must also tangibly impact the communities that drive our economy.