PHILIPSBURG:--- During the second draft 2025 budget meeting in the Central Committee, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided key updates on the Philipsburg beautification project and the long-awaited marketplace reconstruction. Addressing inquiries from Members of Parliament (MPs), she detailed the challenges, progress, and strategic plans tied to these initiatives.

Philipsburg Beautification Project

The revitalization of Philipsburg remains a significant focus for the Ministry of TEATT. Minister Heyliger-Marten revealed that the beautification efforts, currently in the planning phase, are designed to improve both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the capital, reinforcing its status as a cultural and economic hub.

Highlighting public participation in shaping this vision, the Minister referred to the recent town hall meeting where residents, business owners, and other stakeholders expressed various suggestions. Ideas ranged from drainage system upgrades and improved lighting to the addition of cultural installations, highlighting Philipsburg’s heritage. These inputs will guide the finalization of the Master Plan.

However, the Minister admitted that the current budget allocation of XCD 50,000 is insufficient for large-scale transformations. She expressed hopes of securing increased funding in the 2026 budget cycle, emphasizing that initial, smaller-scale projects might be launched this year. Heyliger-Marten also noted the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in advancing the project, explaining that collaborations could significantly reduce costs while maintaining high-quality implementation.

On the matter of outdated infrastructure, MPs raised concerns about replacing existing bricks with asphalt and addressing drainage systems. The Minister clarified that while the Ministry of VROMI oversees these technical aspects, TEATT is ensuring strong collaboration to address such infrastructural concerns holistically.

The Minister further highlighted plans to integrate the preservation of Philipsburg’s historical monuments into the beautification strategy. With 60% of the island’s listed monuments located in this area, she emphasized the importance of preserving cultural elements as an integral part of the capital’s renewal.

Marketplace Reconstruction

The Philipsburg Marketplace reconstruction featured prominently during the discussions, with MPs keenly questioning the delays impacting the project. Minister Heyliger-Marten reassured lawmakers that the reconstruction remains a top priority, while acknowledging the procedural hurdles that had slowed progress.

Upon taking office, the Minister discovered that prior preparations, including architectural drawings and the selection of a contractor, had been incomplete. Subsequent recommendations from technical teams, including soil tests and structural studies, caused additional delays due to the need for design modifications. The Minister confirmed that these revisions, required for approval by co-financer Royal Caribbean Group, are nearing completion. Once finalized, construction is set to begin immediately.

Recognizing the hardship caused to vendors due to delays, Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged their financial struggles and emphasized her ministry’s efforts to provide support. She revealed that waiving or reducing vendor license fees had been considered but faced regulatory constraints. Temporary relief measures are now being discussed in coordination with the Ministries of Finance and VROMI. To improve transparency and communication with vendors, a dedicated WhatsApp channel has been launched, providing regular updates and key information.

Addressing questions about accountability, Heyliger-Marten assured MPs that thorough evaluations have taken place and adjustments made to streamline the project’s workflow. While defending the procedural delays as necessary for ensuring a solid foundation, she apologized for the hardships they have caused. She reiterated her commitment to seeing the project through to completion, promising regular updates to both Parliament and the public.

"The marketplace is more than just a project—it symbolizes economic opportunity and cultural expression for our people," she stated, adding that the revitalization of this space will benefit not just vendors but the island's tourism appeal as a whole.

Collaboration and Vision Moving Forward

Both projects require significant cross-ministerial coordination, with Heyliger-Marten emphasizing that their successful execution depends on teamwork and shared responsibility. She stressed that her Ministry is working closely with VROMI on technical matters to ensure Philipsburg’s transformation aligns with the island's economic development strategies.

The Minister also called on MPs to avoid "political posturing" and instead support collective efforts to fast-track these critical initiatives. “The people of St. Maarten deserve action, not endless debates,” she remarked, emphasizing that her Ministry remains committed to accountability and progress.

Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to implement staged, scalable projects for Philipsburg’s renewal while ensuring that vendor concerns remain at the forefront of discussions for the marketplace reconstruction. While challenges persist, Minister Heyliger-Marten’s responses highlighted a consistent focus on finding practical solutions to deliver meaningful improvements to these key areas.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Under the leadership of Acting Justice Minister Marinka Gumbs, the Ministry of Justice has been navigating significant hurdles in immigration processing, Landspakket (LBs) reform initiatives, and addressing concerns of justice workers. These broad challenges highlight systemic inefficiencies and underscore the government's commitment to enhancing its justice and immigration infrastructure, despite notable budget and staffing constraints. Minister Gumbs responded to questions from Members of Parliament on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Prolonged Delays in Immigration Processing

One of the pressing issues facing the ministry is the excessive delay in processing residency permits. Applicants and stakeholders alike have voiced frustrations over protracted timelines, which the Minister attributes to several factors. While limited staffing has undeniably affected operational capacity, a major setback stems from the underperformance of the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system implemented in 2022. The software, which was intended to streamline the immigration process, failed to meet expectations and inadvertently exacerbated the backlog.

Recognizing the critical need for modernization, the Ministry is currently transitioning to a purpose-built immigration software platform specifically designed to handle the unique demands of the system. Alongside this technological upgrade, the Ministry has initiated an audit of internal work processes to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies. Minister Gumbs emphasized proactive communication and improved systems as key strategies for reducing incomplete or invalid submissions by applicants, issues that have historically contributed to delays.

LBS Reforms and Justice System Developments

At the center of the Ministry's strategic efforts is the implementation of reform initiatives outlined in the Landspakket agreement. These reforms aim to enhance institutional efficiency and transparency, particularly in justice and immigration services.

One of the major areas of focus under the Landspakket is the modernization of immigration service fees. The current, outdated system fails to accurately reflect the cost of delivering services, leading to further resource strain on the Ministry. Minister Gumbs has highlighted plans for a revised fee structure that will not only align services with real operational costs but also introduce proportionality based on the complexity and nature of applications. For example, fees for directors of high-income enterprises may differ from those for family reunifications.

Payout Plan for Justice Workers

Justice workers, meanwhile, have received attention regarding their long-standing demands for retroactive payments. Minister Gumbs noted that as of now, 6.4 million guilders have been disbursed to 278 employees, with an estimated 44.5 million guilders still outstanding for full retroactive compensation. These payments cover entitlements accrued between October 10, 2010, and December 31, 2022.

To manage this burden, a phased payout plan has been devised. Smaller financial settlements will be addressed within shorter timelines, while larger amounts may require up to 10 years for disbursement. Notably, the Ministry is prioritizing justice workers over the age of 60, ensuring they receive their full compensation within four years. This approach reflects a commitment to striking a balance between fairness and fiscal constraints.

Staffing Shortages and Budget Constraints

The Ministry's ability to resolve these issues, however, is hampered by staffing shortages across both justice and immigration services. The limited workforce impacts an already stretched system, causing delays not only in processing applications but also in enforcement activities and general administrative duties.

Minister Gumbs acknowledged that while the current 2025 budget does not fully accommodate the necessary recruitment and training to meet current capacity needs, efforts are underway to address these gaps. Longer-term workforce planning, inter-island cooperation, targeted recruitment efforts, and retention strategies are being pursued. The Ministry is also collaborating with UNOPS and UNODC to create sustainable operational and workforce models to support institutional capacity.

Looking Forward

Despite these challenges, Acting Justice Minister Marinka Gumbs has demonstrated a proactive approach to addressing the systemic issues within justice and immigration services. The transition to new immigration software, the phased payout plan for justice workers, and ongoing Landspakket reforms are critical steps in modernizing the Ministry's operations.

However, as Minister Gumbs herself acknowledged, much work remains to be done. With limited financial resources and a pressing need for personnel, the Ministry faces an uphill battle in delivering on its commitments. Nonetheless, the outlined strategies offer a foundation for meaningful progress and underscore the government’s dedication to creating a fairer, more efficient justice and immigration system for Sint Maarten's citizens and residents.

~Acting Justice Minister Addresses Pointe Blanche Prison Challenges in Budget Meeting~

PHILIPSBURG:---  During the Central Committee meeting on the second draft budget for 2025, Acting Minister of Justice Marinka Gumbs presented detailed responses regarding the ongoing challenges at the Pointe Blanche Prison. Stepping in for Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, who was off island, Gumbs addressed pressing questions from Members of Parliament (MPs) concerning the state of the prison, recent court rulings, financial implications, and both immediate and long-term strategies for improvement.

Court Ruling Sparks Urgent Action on Detention

A court ruling issued on June 9, 2025, declared that any detention longer than ten days in police holding cells violates Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights due to inhumane conditions. The Ministry was ordered to either transfer detainees back to the Pointe Blanche Prison within 24 hours or face steep fines ranging between NAf 5,000 and NAf 50,000 per day. Acting Minister Gumbs confirmed that all detainees had been transferred in compliance with the ruling, avoiding the court-imposed penalties.

The ruling brought renewed attention to the longstanding issues at the Pointe Blanche facility, which suffered extensive damage during a riot and fire on May 14, 2025. These events further exacerbated the dire conditions that have drawn criticism from international human rights organizations and local stakeholders.

Financial Strain and Emergency Budget Allocations

Gumbs highlighted the financial challenges posed by the prison crisis, revealing that NAf 275,919 has already been allocated for initial recovery efforts. However, she acknowledged that the full cost of the fire-related damages and the broader rehabilitation of Pointe Blanche is still being assessed.

Funding shortfalls are a major concern, with emergency costs being managed through reallocated resources within the Ministry’s 2025 budget. External financial assistance is being sought, but Gumbs emphasized that Kingdom partners have conditioned their support on Sint Maarten first exhausting its own budgetary options.

The fire has also exposed inadequacies in long-term planning for prison operations, particularly with respect to staffing, maintenance funding, and inmate rehabilitation programs.

External Support and Partnerships

To stabilize the situation, Sint Maarten has leaned heavily on external support. Dutch Marines, along with officers from Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, were deployed to assist following the riot. These deployments formed part of a cooperative Kingdom Agreement, with some costs absorbed by Aruba as an act of solidarity. However, Sint Maarten remains responsible for covering most costs related to housing, transportation, and daily allowances for visiting personnel.

Additionally, expert support for crisis management was provided by UNOPS staff as part of their ongoing involvement in the New Prison Project. Acting Minister Gumbs clarified that this expertise came at no extra cost under existing agreements. Nevertheless, questions remain regarding the financial viability of sustained external assistance.

Short-Term Recovery Measures

While the horizon for completing a new facility remains distant, the Ministry has initiated a series of short-term fixes to stabilize Pointe Blanche. These efforts include:

• Temporary repairs to address security vulnerabilities and critical safety concerns.
• Increased staffing through Kingdom support and local resources, though absenteeism among correctional staff continues to pose a challenge.
• Enhanced crisis management protocols to prevent the escalation of violence and maintain order.

The Ministry is also evaluating projects for short-term allocation of funds through the Crime Fund. This will include projects tailored towards crime prevention and reintegration.

Long-Term Plans for the New Facility

Looking ahead, Gumbs acknowledged that the construction of a new prison facility remains the only sustainable solution for Sint Maarten’s detention crisis. The facility, designed to house 196 inmates, is expected to significantly improve detention conditions and compliance with international human rights standards.

However, scaling operational costs—including staffing, utilities, and maintenance—will present a financial challenge. The Ministry is collaborating with UNOPS and UNODC to map out these costs and align them with long-term budget planning. Gumbs also hinted at exploring revenue-generating programs, such as prison industries, to partially offset operational expenses.

UNOPS is currently managing the soft components of the project, including workforce projections and operational frameworks. These Long-Term Plans for the New Facility

Looking ahead, Gumbs acknowledged that the construction of a new prison facility remains the only sustainable solution for Sint Maarten’s detention crisis. The facility, designed to house 196 inmates, is expected to significantly improve detention conditions and compliance with international human rights standards.

However, scaling operational costs—including staffing, utilities, and maintenance—will present a financial challenge. The Ministry is collaborating with UNOPS and UNODC to map out these costs and align them with long-term budget planning. Gumbs also hinted at exploring revenue-generating programs, such as prison industries, to partially offset operational expenses.

UNOPS is currently managing the soft components of the project, including workforce projections and operational frameworks. These immediate needs outweigh broader programs, which may delay other justice-related initiatives.

At the same time, she assured MPs that the Ministry is committed to balancing short-term crisis management with long-term solutions that aim to improve detention conditions and overall public safety.

“A Matter of National Importance”

The Pointe Blanche Prison crisis continues to highlight deeper systemic issues within the justice system. MPs expressed concerns about overcrowding, staff shortages, and insufficient resources to modernize operations. Gumbs underscored the importance of addressing these deficiencies as a matter of national importance, appealing to all stakeholders—local and Kingdom partners alike—for collaboration and understanding.

The coming months are expected to bring additional updates from the Ministry of Justice, including finalized cost assessments, the rollout of temporary measures, and progress on long-term changes aligned with international standards. Meanwhile, the Pointe Blanche situation remains a litmus test for Sint Maarten’s ability to manage legal obligations under constrained circumstances.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, continues to closely monitor the measles situation in the Americas region which has seen an 11-fold increase in cases in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the reported cases for the same period in 2024 according to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO).

Measles is a highly contagious virus that can cause a potentially serious illness. Symptoms of measles typically occur between 10 and 12 days after exposure but occasionally can take up to 21 days.

Initially resembling cold-like symptoms, persons may experience fever, respiratory symptoms, conjunctivitis, and a characteristic rash which starts on the face and spreads to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.  Persons infected with measles may also develop tiny white spots, known as Koplik spots, which appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.

In addition to measles, PAHO has recently issued an alert in response to the rising number of pertussis (whooping cough) cases in the region.

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, and spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

It begins with a mild fever, runny nose, and cough.  This cough progresses to severe coughing spells followed by a high-pitched “whoop” sound when inhaling. The disease is perilous for infants, who may face serious complications or death.

Travelers who are not up to date with their vaccinations are at higher risk of contracting measles or other vaccine-preventable diseases when in close contact with travelers from countries where the virus is still circulating.

CPS advises parents and guardians to review their children’s vaccination records to ensure they are up to date.  The vaccine is available, free of charge, for children at CPS's Section Youth Health Care.  

If you have any questions about your child's vaccination status or wish to make an appointment for vaccination, don't hesitate to get in touch with CPS Section Youth Healthcare at 914 or 5204163 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If persons decide to travel, they should also check their vaccination status and consult with their physician to update their vaccines.

Every unvaccinated person regardless of their age, is therefore at risk of contracting diseases like measles and pertussis; this is especially true in those countries where persistently low immunization rates increase the risk of a large outbreak with possible tragic consequences.

Don’t wait, get vaccinated.