PHILIPSBURG:--- The ongoing discussions surrounding GEBE tariffs and the fuel clause have become a central topic of public and political discourse in St. Maarten. Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, in response to her Ministry’s involvement in controlling cost of fuel sold to NV GEBE, said her ministry's involvement and the collaborative efforts being undertaken to address the situation.

GEBE Tariffs and the Role of the Ministry of TEATT

Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged the widespread attention that GEBE, the island's utility company, has garnered in recent months. She emphasized that her ministry plays a critical role in regulating price controls and rates related to GEBE. This includes oversight of the fuel clause, which directly impacts the cost of electricity for consumers.

The Minister explained that the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) conducted a comprehensive breakdown of the fuel clause, which has been submitted to GEBE for review. This analysis is a key step in understanding the cost structure and ensuring transparency in the pricing mechanism. However, the process is ongoing, with discussions continuing between various stakeholders, including the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance, and the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI).

"Price control and price rates related to GEBE do fall under the Ministry of TEATT," Minister Heyliger-Marten stated. "I am most definitely working in collaboration with the Prime Minister and other ministers to address these issues."

The Investigation and Public Concerns

When asked about the ongoing investigation into GEBE, Minister Heyliger-Marten clarified that it falls outside her purview to announce or decide on legal actions. She noted that the Justice Department is responsible for determining the next steps based on the findings of the investigation. While the details remain under review, the Minister encouraged the public to stay informed through the available reports.

The GEBE saga has sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the transparency and accountability of the utility company's operations. Minister Heyliger-Marten's comments reflect the government's commitment to addressing these concerns through a collaborative and multi-ministerial approach.

Collaboration and Next Steps

The Minister highlighted the importance of collaboration among government entities to resolve the issues surrounding GEBE. A meeting in Parliament, scheduled for the following day, is expected to provide further clarity on the matter. The Prime Minister is anticipated to deliver a comprehensive update, including the outcomes of ongoing discussions and the proposed way forward.

Minister Heyliger-Marten's proactive involvement underscores the Ministry of TEATT's dedication to ensuring fair and transparent pricing for consumers. By working closely with other government officials and agencies, the Ministry aims to address the challenges facing GEBE and restore public confidence in the utility provider.

Broader Implications

The GEBE situation serves as a reminder of the critical role that government oversight plays in regulating essential services. As discussions continue, the public will be looking to the government for decisive action and clear communication. Minister Heyliger-Marten's commitment to collaboration and transparency is a step in the right direction, but the road ahead will require sustained effort and accountability from all parties involved.

In conclusion, the GEBE saga remains a complex issue with far-reaching implications for St. Maarten's residents and businesses. As the government works to address these challenges, the public can expect further updates and, hopefully, tangible solutions in the near future.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided an extensive update on the progress made by the Department of Economic Licenses. Six weeks into a focused effort to address the backlog of pending licenses, the department has successfully cleared approximately 75% of outstanding files. Starting with over 500 pending licenses, of which 300 require additional information, the department has made significant strides.

Staff and summer students under the government's BOP program reached out to clients via phone and email, setting clear deadlines for submissions. Applications lacking responses were marked incomplete and may not proceed further. Additionally, over 200 clients who had received approval but had not collected their licenses were reminded to do so, with warnings of potential cancellations.

A major milestone during this period was the pilot of an online submission system. Nearly 100 applications were submitted digitally, reducing the process from 15-20 minutes in person to just 3-5 minutes online. This step aligns with the country’s broader digital transformation goals under the Country Package Reform, specifically Measure E6. Safeguards are in place to ensure incomplete or incorrect applications are declared null and void, preventing future backlogs.

To support this transition, updated license requirements, tutorial videos, and FAQs will be published on the government’s website this week. The department’s front desk will reopen on Monday, August 25th, at the Public Service Center, now serving as an information desk to guide clients on digital submissions and provide clarity on license types and application statuses. Submissions will only be accepted online moving forward.

Public Transportation Sector: Cleanup and Five-Phase Plan

Minister Heyliger-Marten also addressed the ongoing cleanup and reform of the public transportation sector. Following the reinstatement of the confirmation letter process earlier this year, the department has made significant progress in understanding the industry’s landscape. Reports from the Integrity Chamber and SORB were shared publicly, and the issuance of confirmation letters has been temporarily suspended to consolidate data and finalize the cleanup.

Key findings include the registration of over 600 taxi drivers, surpassing the previously assumed 521. Of these, 400 drivers received confirmation letters, and a detailed Know Your Customer (KYC) process verified 247 as fully compliant. The data revealed a concentration of drivers aged 61-80, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. Additionally, only 75 of the 400 permit holders have assistant drivers, with 40 assisting those aged 65 and older.

The Minister outlined a comprehensive five-phase plan to reform the sector:

1. Data Verification and Compliance Review (2025): Cleanup of transportation permit records, verification of compliance with insurance, road tax, and inspections, and establishment of a database of active versus dormant permits.
2. Permit Rationalization and Driver Certification (2025-2026): Revocation of non-compliant permits, launch of certification programs focusing on island knowledge, customer service, and safety, and mandatory medical checkups.
3. Legislative Framework (2026): Draft amendments to the passenger traffic ordinance, pilot mandatory digital dispatching, and engage stakeholders.
4. Finalized Legislation and Unified Transport Policy (2027): Submit legislation to Parliament and consolidate policies.
5. Establishment of a Transportation Authority (2027-2028): Transition responsibilities from the government to a central authority to oversee public transportation.

The Minister emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the process and announced plans to strengthen collaboration between the Department of Economic Licenses (DEL), the Inspectorate of Economic Transportation (IETA), and the Receiver’s Office to ensure consistent databases and enforce protocols.

Looking Ahead

Minister Heyliger-Marten reaffirmed her commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and sustainable public transportation system that serves both residents and visitors. The confirmation letter process will remain an annual exercise to ensure compliance, and the public will be kept informed as the five-phase plan progresses.

In closing, the Minister commended the dedication of her team and the public’s patience during this transition. With these reforms, St. Martin is moving closer to a streamlined, efficient, and digital system for economic licenses and public transportation.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government of Sint Maarten and the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) will host a Public Consultation on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, at the Belair Community Center, to discuss the future of waste management on Sint Maarten. During this session, the Government of Sint Maarten will share the priorities, policy direction & strategic vision for waste management. The NRPB, which is carrying out the Emergency Debris Management Project (EDMP), will then give an overview of the project and upcoming landfill activities. Finally, Witteveen + Bos, in collaboration with TAUW, the consultant currently carrying out the Feasibility Study and preparing the draft designs for the landfill activities, will explain the technical details. They will also discuss the Environmental & Social Impact Assessment and the Environmental & Social Management Plan.

EDMP includes the recontouring and partially closing both the main landfill and the Irma landfill. The public consultation session aims to inform the public of the various actions surrounding the future of waste management on Sint Maarten and to share how these activities connect to the country’s Waste Vision 2050. This long-term vision aims to establish an Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) system that makes landfill operations safer, improves efficiency, and reduces landfill waste by increasing reduction, reuse, and recycling.

Waste management is one of the island’s biggest environmental challenges, and the intervention at the landfill is an important step toward addressing it. To ensure that all specific local factors are included in the development of these activities, a feasibility study was commissioned to examine the current condition of both landfills and determine the best approach for reshaping, upgrading, rehabilitating, and partially closing them in a way that meets environmental standards and provides sustainable solutions for the future.

Parallel to the conclusion of the study and finalization of the designs, several improvements under EDMP are already in motion. These initiatives include installing a weighbridge to collect accurate waste data for better planning, introducing tipping fees, and purchasing a concrete crusher and a greenery shredder. These measures are part of the preparation for larger interventions and the long-term shift toward greater waste diversion.

The session will explain how public feedback will be reflected in the final study report and provide an overview of the projected timeline for next steps.

Following the consultation, a summary of the discussion, the study’s findings, and the next steps will be shared with the public to ensure transparency as Sint Maarten moves toward a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable waste management system.

Date:  WEDNESDAY, September 3, 2025
Time & Location: 6.00 pm Belair Community Centre

Residents are invited to attend in person or via live stream to share their views and concerns. The local community is being invited to share their valuable input at this stage, as Sint Maarten works towards a brighter future.

“It will take all of us!”

EDMP is an $85 million project, supported by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and implemented by NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. It is funded through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, which the Government of the Netherlands finances, managed by the World Bank, and implemented by NRPB on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten.