PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, May 31, the ESP MSME Expo, Vision to Impact: Building Resilient Businesses for Sustainable Growth, took place at the Aleeze Convention Center. Hosted by the National Recovery Program Bureau’s (NRPB) Enterprise Support Project (ESP), the event featured business showcases, networking opportunities, and panel discussions designed to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The Expo welcomed local businesses, many of which were participating in an ESP event for the first time. EMSMEs hosted booths displaying goods and services ranging from agriculture and marketing to hospitality and fashion. They engaged with the public and fellow entrepreneurs, sharing that the event offered a valuable opportunity for exposure and connection with key stakeholders. Many also noted how the Expo helped spark meaningful new connections between businesses, encouraging market linkages and potential future collaborations.

The event brought together a diverse mix of attendees, including representatives from the World Bank, financial institutions, government ministries (Ministries of TEATT, VROMI), and. information booths were also staffed by Qredits, the Tax Department, SZV, and WIB, offering guidance on funding, compliance, and support services.

Opening remarks were delivered by moderator Tobias Rolando, a leadership and communications expert; the Honorable Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten; NRPB Director Claret Connor; and ESP Interim Project Manager Julisa Labega-Frans. Each speaker emphasized the importance of creating environments that provide small businesses with access to essential tools, services, and partnerships. Minister Heyliger-Marten echoed this in her welcome address, reminding attendees that small businesses are the heart of Sint Maarten’s economy. Three panel discussions were held during the day. The first, Building a Resilient Economy, featured panelists Melissa Metz, World Bank; Minister Heyliger-Marten; Pearl Hendrickson, President of the Sint Maarten Entrepreneur Development Center; and Vincentia Rosen-Sandiford, Director of the Bureau for Intellectual Property SXM. The session emphasized the importance of MSMEs formalizing their operations to access greater opportunities, enhance resilience, and contribute more meaningfully to the national economy. Panelists emphasized the importance of innovation, digital services, intellectual property protection, and understanding data privacy.

The second panel, Financial Resilience, included Vasco Daal, Winward Island Bank General Manager Corporate Credit; Wilson Leconte, commercial banking specialist; and Tim Ahlip, entrepreneur and industry expert. Each panelist shared strategies for building strong relationships with financial institutions, navigating startup costs, and presenting viable financial plans. Attendees were encouraged to treat financial management with the same dedication they apply to other areas of their business.

The final discussion, "Mastering Business Operations," brought together Jordan Halley, an industry innovator and young entrepreneur; Bertaux Fleming, an entrepreneur and business strategist; Ishka Jose, an HR and compliance leader; and Pierre Ferland, a hospitality expert. Panelists addressed everyday challenges that hinder growth—from staffing and inventory management to budgeting and formalizing internal systems—and encouraged business owners to stay actively involved, build team culture, and lead with clarity and adaptability.

Dieu-Donne Deridort, co-owner of How May We Help You Services BV, said her goal in joining the Expo was to introduce her company, connect with others, and learn from the panels. Her husband and business partner, Wonderson Deridort, emphasized that the sessions reinforced the need for businesses to implement proper planning and administration.

The day ended with a presentation of participating businesses, followed by a happy hour that gave guests and entrepreneurs a chance to connect in a relaxed setting.

Reflecting on the event, NRPB Director Claret Connor said he was proud of the resilience and dedication of Sint Maarten’s business community and their role in national development. ESP Interim Project Manager Julisa Labega-Frans added that while funding plays a key role in supporting MSMEs, ongoing support through training and mentorship is building stronger, more confident entrepreneurs. She emphasized that “true sustainability for MSMEs requires ongoing support systems that strengthen operations, resilience, and long-term growth.

Since its launch, ESP has supported 295 businesses with grants and loans totaling USD 19.2 million. This includes 121 women-led enterprises and 109 new businesses. Since the application phase of the project closed in February 2025, ESP has continued to facilitate training in financial management, marketing, and continuity planning, and one-on-one personalized coaching sessions for MSMEs.

The Enterprise Support Project is implemented by the National Recovery Program Bureau (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.

For more information, visit www.nrpbsxm.org/esp

PHILIPSBURG:--- From 14 to 20 June, the Netherlands forces in the Caribbean will conduct a hurricane emergency response exercise on the Windward Islands. Central to this exercise is the cooperation with various local safety and emergency response partners on Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius. The purpose of the training is to ensure that military personnel can be deployed quickly and effectively in the event of a real hurricane threat. Following their deployment to the islands, small-scale activities will take place across the three locations. Units will also use their time on the islands to familiarize themselves with the local terrain and to engage with relevant stakeholders, including government organizations, non-governmental organizations, and companies that play a key role in disaster response. The majority of the military personnel involved are already stationed in the Caribbean region. Participating units include personnel from the Marine Detachment Sint Maarten, the Marine Squadron Carib (based in Aruba), the naval support ship HNLMS Pelikaan, FRISC vessels, and several supporting units from both the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Netherlands Marine Corps. By conducting this training on the Windward Islands, the armed forces aim to be ready to provide emergency aid and conduct rescue operations immediately following the passage of a hurricane. Providing military assistance during natural disasters such as hurricanes is one of the core tasks of the Dutch Armed Forces in the Caribbean. During such missions, military units support the civil authorities and contribute to maintaining public order and safety.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Windward Roads Infrastructure N.V. (WWR) has completed its US $2 million restitution stemming from the Larimar corruption case. This restitution was fulfilled through the execution of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the sewage system in Sint Maarten.

In March 2020, as part of a settlement with the Prosecutor’s Office Sint Maarten OM SXM, WWR agreed to undertake infrastructure projects valued at US $2 million. This agreement served as restitution for the company’s involvement in the Larimar case, which uncovered bribery and corruption involving several entities and individuals, including former WWR director J.H.B. and former Member of Parliament T.H.

In May 2021, the Foga Sewage Pump Station project commenced, marking the first phase of the restitution efforts. This project, valued at approximately US $677,256, involved constructing a new pumping station to transport sewage from Sucker Garden to the A. Th. Illidge Road wastewater treatment plant.

WWR began work on part of the Dutch Quarter Sewage Project in August 2023, marking the final phase of the restitution commitment. This project included the construction of a new sewage pumping station, upgrading the sewerage network, dismantling existing pumping stations, and installing new sewerage systems and house connections in the Dutch Quarter area. Completion was achieved in February 2024, thereby fulfilling the total restitution amount agreed upon in the settlement.

Throughout these projects, WWR provided all labor, materials, and related services at no cost to the Government of Sint Maarten. The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Development, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) oversaw the execution to ensure compliance and quality.

OM SXM stated that the restitution served both as a corrective measure and as a direct investment in the community. “The projects related to the restitution have meaningfully improved the public infrastructure, while signaling that corporate misconduct will not go unchecked,” OM SXM said.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of Justice has reached a pivotal milestone in its recovery efforts at Pointe Blanche Prison. All inmates, including those previously housed at the Foreign Detention Center and the Philipsburg Police Station, have now been returned to their designated cells within the facility. This marks an important step towards further stabilization.

The return of detainees from the Philipsburg Police Station followed a ruling by the Court of First Instance, which acknowledged the Ministry’s active response to the May 14 incident and instructed that those detainees be relocated to the prison within 24 hours. The Ministry complied in full, completing the transfers safely and efficiently.

𝐈𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐫

The inmates transferred to Bonaire remain housed there, with their return to Sint Maarten planned for the medium term as part of the phased recovery process.

𝐈𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐑𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐬

The temporary suspension of inmate rights and privileges has been officially lifted. While the complete daily program is being gradually reintroduced, several key activities have already resumed. Inmates now have access to the large sports and exercise yard on a rotating schedule, along with gym sessions and music classes starting today. Some religious services have been held for the women, and access to the computer room will be reinstated gradually. In addition, the regular schedule for cleaning, maintenance, and kitchen assistance as part of the inmate labor program has also been reinstated.

In-person family visits will resume this Thursday, June 12, 2025, under the regular visitation schedule. The visiting room has been thoroughly cleaned, re-equipped, and prepared to accommodate friends and family safely.

As part of the broader reintegration focus, representatives from Probation Services visited the prison last week and confirmed that additional rehabilitation programs will be launched in the coming weeks, further strengthening the Ministry’s commitment to structured inmate support and reintegration.

𝐈𝐧𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐧𝐠𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭

Over the past week, the Prison Director held several meetings with the Inmates’ Association to provide updates on the recovery process, address questions, and listen to concerns. Meetings were constructive and well-received, fostering continued cooperation during this phase. Summaries of each session were shared in writing and posted in common areas to ensure all inmates had access to the information discussed.

𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐔𝐩𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐌𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬

To ensure ongoing health and safety, a primer layer is being applied to the scraped interior walls while we wait for the finishing paint to arrive. This protective measure allows for the continued safe use of the affected areas. All electrical work within the cell sections and the PIT was finalized, and a long-term security upgrade plan is being finalized.

𝐊𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭

Three guards from Aruba have departed today, while the remaining guards from Curacao continue to provide operational support.

𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

The Ministry reminds the public and media to refer only to official updates. In moments of crisis, misinformation can compromise progress and public trust. Transparency and accountability remain central to this Ministry’s values, and timely updates will continue to be provided as recovery efforts move forward.