PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Omar Ottley is calling on the government to stop delaying meaningful relief for the people of Sint Maarten and immediately utilize the legal mechanisms already available to regulate electricity tariffs and fuel costs, as done in Curacao.

Recent announcements by Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten concerning the signing of a Ministerial Decree to appoint BTP under the Electricity Ordinance and the announcement that a national ordinance containing general measures will be used to regulate the new tariff have been presented as progress toward electricity reform. However, MP Ottley warns that this approach may take another year or more before consumers already struggling with high electricity bills feel any real impact.

“The people cannot afford to wait another year while the government slowly moves through administrative procedures,” Ottley stated. “Families and businesses need relief today.”

According to MP Ottley, the current legal framework already provides the government with the authority to intervene immediately under the Price Ordinance, which allows regulation of electricity tariffs and fuel generation costs within a significantly shorter timeframe than the lengthy process tied to Article 12, paragraph 4 of the Electricity Ordinance.

Ottley also questioned why the Minister of TEATT has not yet fully exercised the authority already granted under the Price Ordinance to request the necessary operational and financial data from NV GEBE to finalize the previously submitted draft Ministerial Regulation.

“The authority to request this information has existed all along. The question the public deserves answered is: why was the data not demanded sooner so relief measures could already be in place?” Ottley asked.

MP Ottley acknowledged that many people question why these measures were not implemented during his tenure in government. However, he emphasized that relief efforts were made at the time and that his current position in Parliament allowed him to analyze the legal framework more deeply and identify practical solutions already embedded in existing law. As Minister of VSA, I requested a reduction in the reconnection for outstanding payments from 50% to 25%, allowing many persons to get reconnected. As Minister of TEATT, I reduced import duty tax to bring relief to the people at the gas pumps.

“Some people ask why this was not done years ago. My response is simple: if someone found the cure for cancer today, would people be angry at the person who did not discover it years earlier?” Ottley said. “What matters is that the solution is here now, and we should use it.”

Ottley further revealed that, as a Member of Parliament in opposition, he formally presented these solutions to the Minister in November 2025, including the legal pathways under the Price Ordinance for obtaining the necessary data from GEBE and implementing relief measures.

“The law is clear. The Minister may require the financial and operational information required under the Price Ordinance. If necessary, the Public Prosecutor can even accompany the Minister to inspect the books of GEBE to ensure full transparency and compliance,” Ottley stated.

While acknowledging that appointing BTP may contribute to long-term regulation of the electricity sector, Ottley emphasized that long-term reform should not come at the expense of immediate action.

“We can pursue structural reforms while simultaneously implementing emergency measures to regulate electricity costs. These are not mutually exclusive actions,” he said.

MP Ottley stressed that the government must move beyond announcements and begin delivering measurable relief to the people of Sint Maarten.

“The legal instruments are already there. What has been missing is urgency and decisive leadership,” Ottley concluded.

PHILIPSBURG:--- NAGICO Dutch Caribbean B.V., the holding company of several of the insurance operating entities within the NAGICO Group, has announced the appointment of Mr. Reza Mc Sood Amjad as its new Chairman, ushering in a new phase of strategic stewardship and governance for the regional insurance group.

Mr. Reza Amjad is no stranger to the NAGICO Insurance Group, having previously served as its director and worked alongside a leadership team that has helped shape the company into one of the Caribbean’s most recognized and trusted insurance providers. He succeeds in the role following the longstanding chairmanship of his father, continuing a legacy of stewardship and vision.

A graduate of St. John’s University in New York with a degree in Communications, Mr. Reza Amjad combines academic grounding with extensive entrepreneurial and business experience. He was a founding member of the Motorworld Group of Companies, which has grown into one of the largest automobile distribution companies in the Caribbean. In addition, he is the owner and CEO of the SIXT Car Rental franchise in St. Maarten, further demonstrating his breadth of business leadership across industries. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Reza Amjad is widely known for his generous spirit and strong family values.

Speaking on his appointment, Mr. Reza Amjad expressed pride in his St. Maarten and Caribbean roots and a deep commitment to the region. He shared his vision of enhancing NAGICO’s strong foundation, with a focus on innovation, resilience, and customer trust. He aims to further strengthen the company’s position, with his fellow directors and the management team, as one of the largest and most respected insurers in the Caribbean, and to expand its reputation beyond its existing footprint.

 Leadership Continuity and Governance

NAGICO Insurances further confirmed the continued leadership roles of Mr. Imran Mc Sood Amjad as Chairman of NAGICO Holdings Limited, Mr. Marlon Matser as Chairman of the Group’s key operating companies, and Ms. Kyria Ali as the Group Chief Executive Officer, reflecting the NAGICO Insurances’ commitment to strong governance and strategic continuity.

Mr. Imran McSood Amjad commented:

“I am proud to see the next generation step into this important role. Reza’s experience, values, parental example, guidance, and commitment to the region give me great confidence in the continued success of NAGICO for decades to come.”

Mr. Marlon Matser added:

“We look forward to working closely with Reza in his new capacity. His perspective and energy will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen our operations and deliver for our customers, staff, agents, and brokers.”

Ms. Kyria Ali stated:

“This appointment reflects both continuity and progress. We are excited to collaborate with Mr. Reza Amjad as we build on NAGICO’s strong foundation and pursue new opportunities for growth and making meaningful impact.”

With a strong, well-aligned supervisory and management team in place, the NAGICO Insurances Group is well-positioned to continue its growth trajectory while upholding the trust, values, and caring reputation that have defined it for decades.

Ottawa, Canada:--- Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament, was welcomed to the Council Meeting of ParlAmericas on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, following the unanimous approval to establish a new category of membership —Associate Member— and to invite the Parliament of Sint Maarten to officially join ParlAmericas as an Associate Member.

ParlAmericas is an international organization that brings together the national parliaments of countries across North, Central, and South America, as well as the Caribbean. It serves as a platform for parliamentarians to cooperate, share ideas, and engage in political dialogue on regional issues. Its primary objective is to strengthen democracy, governance, and human rights by promoting collaboration, exchanging best legislative practices, and supporting legislators in their work within their respective parliaments and countries.

As ParlAmericas marks its 25th anniversary, the introduction of an Associate Membership category demonstrates the organization’s commitment to fostering inclusive parliamentary dialogue, cooperation, and democratic participation across the hemisphere. While ParlAmericas’ membership has historically aligned with the Organization of American States (OAS), particularly regarding sovereign state representation, the Council of ParlAmericas recognized the unique constitutional status of Sint Maarten. As a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Sint Maarten possesses its own constitution and an independent national parliament, exercising full internal self-governance in domestic legislative matters. The Kingdom of the Netherlands currently holds Permanent Observer status within the OAS, reflecting its recognized presence in hemispheric multilateral systems.

The Parliament of Sint Maarten began actively participating in ParlAmericas activities in 2023, following a 2022 parliamentary decision to intensify regional cooperation at the parliamentary level and to engage more actively with regional parliamentary bodies. Since then, the Parliament of Sint Maarten has participated in several plenary assemblies, network (committee) meetings, workshops, and study visits. Commenting on this milestone, President Wescot-Williams stated: “This formal recognition strengthens the resolve of the Sint Maarten Parliament for more openness and transparency, community outreach and involvement.”

Associate Membership provides the Parliament of Sint Maarten with the opportunity to participate in ParlAmericas activities, meetings, and networks; attend Council meetings with a (no-voting) voice; access knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives; and engage in parliamentary dialogue across the region. It also allows participation in the Executive Committee of any ParlAmericas network, limited to a Vice-President position for the Caribbean.

This milestone follows discussions initiated in March 2024 between the President of Parliament, the Secretary General of Parliament, and the Director and staff of ParlAmericas, building upon the Parliament’s 2022 decision. The President further noted, “I see wider learning opportunities for MPs and my hope is that this type of networking expands our horizons to more effectively represent our people amidst the huge global challenges confronting countries, near and far.”

A delegation of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, comprising the Hon. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, President of Parliament, and Members of Parliament the Hon. Egbert J. Doran, the Hon. Lyndon C.J. Lewis, the Hon. Ludmila N.L. de Weever, and the Hon. Viren V. Kotai, is currently in Ottawa, Canada, participating in the 22nd ParlAmericas Plenary Assembly and the 10th Gathering of the Open Parliament Network, held under the theme: “Parliamentary Leadership for Shared Prosperity: Advancing Trade, Innovation, and Security in a Changing World.”

Upon their return, the decision of the Council of ParlAmericas to officially invite the Parliament of Sint Maarten to join as an Associate Member will be tabled in a Public meeting of Parliament for ratification, thereby formally concluding this strategic trajectory pursued by Parliament in recent years.

~Department of Youth Encourages Youth Registration and Calls on the Private Sector to Support Workforce Development and Meaningful Youth Participation~

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Department of Youth is pleased to announce that registration is now officially open for the 28th Annual Edition of the Business Outreach & Placement Program (BOPP).
For nearly three decades, BOPP has continued to provide youth on Sint Maarten with valuable opportunities to gain practical work experience, strengthen their professional skills, and prepare for future career pathways through placements within both the public and private sectors. Over the years, the program has also evolved into an important platform for youth engagement and youth participation by empowering youth to actively contribute within professional environments, build confidence, share innovative ideas, and become more meaningfully involved in national development.
The 2026 BOPP Program is scheduled to run from July 6th to July 31st, 2026, and is open to students between the ages of 16 and 24. Eligible applicants include High School Form 3 and Form 4 students, as well as students currently pursuing their first year of tertiary-level education. In this regard, the Department of Youth is encouraging interested students to register as soon as possible, as spaces are limited and registration will close once the program reaches full capacity.
Through BOPP, participants gain exposure to professional work environments while developing essential workplace skills, including communication, teamwork, responsibility, punctuality, and professionalism. Additionally, the program serves as an important bridge between education and the labor market, helping youth gain early-career exposure, practical experience, and opportunities to contribute their perspectives and talents across various sectors of society.
In alignment with the Department’s continued commitment to youth development, youth engagement, and meaningful youth participation, BOPP remains one of Sint Maarten’s longest-running initiatives dedicated to inspiring, educating, and empowering youth.
In this regard, the Department of Youth is also making a strong appeal to the private sector, businesses, and organizations across Sint Maarten to partner with the program by offering placement opportunities for participating youth.
The Department emphasizes that the continued success and expansion of BOPP depend heavily on the support and collaboration of community stakeholders and corporate partners who help provide meaningful exposure and mentorship opportunities for the nation’s youth.
Moreover, by participating in BOPP, businesses not only contribute to youth development and workforce readiness but also benefit from the fresh perspectives, creativity, and support that youth can bring into the workplace. The program also provides employers with an opportunity to help shape the next generation of professionals and identify future talent.
Interested persons and organizations may contact the Department of Youth at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call +1 (721) 542-2709 for additional information. Furthermore, updates and announcements will also be shared via the Department of Youth SXM Facebook page.