IEDOM’s 2025 economic overview shows lending rising to €518.6 million, while neighboring Saint-Barthélemy records exceptional tourism activity and mounting pressure on essential services.

MARIGOT:---  Tourism supported Saint-Martin’s economy in 2025, with increased visitor numbers helping sustain activity, but high prices and continuing needs in housing, energy and waste management remain significant challenges, according to the Institut d’Émission des Départements d’Outre-mer (IEDOM).

In an October 2, 2026 press release announcing its annual economic and financial report, IEDOM describes a territory strengthened by major post-Hurricane Irma reconstruction projects but still facing substantial investment requirements.

The institution warns that elevated prices contribute to economic insecurity and weaken Saint-Martin’s economic potential. The Collectivité and local stakeholders' ability to deliver necessary investment projects will therefore be decisive.

Tourism Supports Activity as Reconstruction Strengthens Resilience

IEDOM identifies tourism as the driving force behind Saint-Martin’s economy in 2025, supported by higher visitor numbers and a more selective tourism positioning than on the Dutch side of the island.

Major reconstruction projects following Hurricane Irma have also strengthened the territory’s resilience.

Nevertheless, the economic overview makes clear that reconstruction has not eliminated the need for further investment. Housing, energy provision and waste management remain priority areas.

The release also identifies a major port modernization project planned for launch in 2026, placing infrastructure development among the territory’s principal economic priorities.

Bank Lending Rises 7.1 Percent

Banking activity on Saint-Martin remained positive, with outstanding loans held by locally operating banks reaching €518.6 million at the end of 2025, up 7.1 percent from the previous year.

IEDOM describes the economy's financing as dynamic.

Financial assets held in locally established banks were comparatively stable, increasing 0.4 percent to €536.2 million at year-end.

The figures indicate an expansion in outstanding lending alongside limited growth in financial assets. The press release does not provide a breakdown of lending by households, businesses or economic sector.

Saint-Barthélemy Records Exceptional Tourism Activity

In a separate release issued the same day, IEDOM reports that Saint-Barthélemy’s economy continued to benefit from record tourism activity in 2025, supporting economic activity throughout the territory.

Its construction and public works sector, which had slowed as post-Irma reconstruction projects reached completion, gained renewed momentum from new public and private infrastructure projects.

However, the influx of tourists intensified existing pressures on land, energy and waste management.

IEDOM states that the fiscally autonomous Collectivité relies on efficient management of the funds it collects to finance new infrastructure.

The institution also notes that a recent reassessment confirmed Saint-Barthélemy’s exceptionally high gross domestic product per resident. The press release does not specify the revised amount.

Saint-Barthélemy Banking Figures Remain High

Bank financing in Saint-Barthélemy reached € 1.2 billion at the end of 2025, reflecting continued financing activity in the local economy.

Financial holdings stood at €1.5 billion, increasing 0.3 percent over the year.

IEDOM describes these holdings as exceptionally high, reflecting the territory’s distinctive position in the collection of financial assets.

Growth Brings Continuing Infrastructure Demands

The two economic overviews show tourism supporting both territories while increasing the importance of infrastructure investment.

For Saint-Martin, challenges include addressing high living costs and improving housing, energy, and waste management. In Saint-Barthélemy, record visitor activity adds pressure to land availability and essential services.

The findings place the delivery of investment projects at the center of the territories’ economic outlook: sustained tourism activity must be supported by infrastructure capable of meeting local needs.

IEDOM’s annual economic and financial reports for both territories are available free of charge through the institution.

Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling highlights border checks during the September 17–29 reporting period.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Immigration officers identified four cases involving falsified documents and refused entry to travelers who failed to meet Sint Maarten’s admission requirements during the September 17–29 reporting period, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling announced on Wednesday.

Speaking at the October 7 Council of Ministers press briefing, Tackling said the results reflected the vigilance of Immigration and Border Protection Services personnel and their daily responsibility to safeguard the country’s borders.

Document Verification Central to Border Protection

The minister said immigration officers make important decisions each day by checking whether travelers satisfy legal entry requirements and identifying fraudulent documentation.

These checks, she explained, help prevent unlawful entry by individuals who may pose a risk while maintaining the integrity of Sint Maarten’s borders.

Tackling reported four cases involving falsified documents during the reporting period. She did not provide details on the types of documents involved, the travelers’ nationalities, or whether the cases led to criminal investigations.

Travelers Refused Admission

The minister also reported that officers refused admission to persons who did not meet the applicable entry requirements.

Her remarks did not break down the reasons for refusal or distinguish how many cases involved documentation issues or other admission requirements.

A refusal of entry does not, by itself, establish criminal conduct. The minister presented the refusals as part of immigration officers’ enforcement of the country’s admission rules.

Minister Recognizes Officers’ Vigilance

Tackling praised immigration personnel for the work performed throughout the reporting period, emphasizing that border protection depends on consistent verification and sound decision-making.

“These figures reflect the vigilance of our officers and the important work taking place every day to protect our borders,” she said.

GOIA Group supports dock projects as maritime immigration services move temporarily to Anguilla Dock; health initiative screens prisoners, youths and correctional staff.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling announced the temporary relocation of maritime immigration services, reported the completion of a detention health screening initiative and outlined continuing rehabilitation activities during the October 7 Council of Ministers press briefing.

GOIA Group supports the dock project. Tackling said immigration services normally provided at the Simpson Bay Dock have moved to the ferry dock at Princess Juliana International Airport, commonly known as the Anguilla Dock, while refurbishment takes place.

Simpson Bay Dock Inaccessible During Repairs

Tackling advised that the Simpson Bay Dock would no longer be accessible from Wednesday, October 7.

At the temporary Anguilla Dock location, immigration services will operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The Ministry of Justice and Immigration and Border Protection Services are also exploring an additional temporary service location to accommodate the maritime community.

Discussions are ongoing, and the ministry will communicate further details once arrangements are finalized.

Tackling thanked maritime operators and other users for their patience and cooperation during the improvements. Her remarks did not specify a reopening date for the Simpson Bay location.

Detention Health Initiative Screens 88 Participants

Tackling reported that Pointe Blanche Prison and the Miss Lalie Center completed a health screening initiative under the Detention Sector Reform Program, supported by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and local partners.

The initiative screened 57 prisoners at Pointe Blanche, representing approximately 65 percent of the prison population, alongside 14 youths at the Miss Lalie Center.

Another 17 staff members across both facilities were screened, bringing the combined number of participants to 88.

The minister said the exercise established the first comprehensive health baseline for the detention facilities.

The information collected will guide future healthcare planning, strengthen rehabilitation efforts and help inform services for detainees and staff.

Tackling emphasized that supporting correctional health requires attention to both those in detention and the professionals caring for them. She did not disclose specific screening results or treatment needs.

Under the Hood Project Continues

The minister also announced the successful completion of the first phase of the Under the Hood Project at Pointe Blanche Prison and the Miss Lalie Center.

Over the preceding two months, inmates serving as resident volunteers worked alongside international volunteers on literacy, creativity, and personal development activities.

The work included establishing inmate newsletters, launching a book club and satellite library through a library partnership, and introducing photography and creative arts activities.

“These programs are about more than keeping people occupied,” Tackling said. “They help build responsibility, confidence, and skills that support successful rehabilitation and reintegration.”

A second phase is now underway, with the minister promising further updates on activities in the coming weeks.

Regional Colleagues Join Prison Workers Week

Tackling recognized Prison Workers Week, which began on Monday under the theme “It’s Time to Shine.”

The observance celebrates Sint Maarten’s prison workers and welcomes visiting colleagues from Curaçao, Bonaire and Suriname.

The minister said these exchanges strengthen regional cooperation, allow correctional personnel to learn from one another and reinforce their shared goal of safer, stronger correctional systems.

She thanked visiting participants for their continued partnership with Sint Maarten.

Human Rights Conference Open to Public Participation

Sint Maarten will host the Human Rights Conference 2026 on Friday, October 9, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the University of St. Martin.

Representatives from the Council of Europe, along with local and international experts, will participate.

The conference will provide an opportunity to discuss human rights, learn about the Council of Europe’s work and consider how to strengthen Sint Maarten’s justice system.

Justice professionals, civil society organizations, students and members of the public were encouraged to register through the link or QR code available on the Ministry of Justice’s Facebook page.

Breast Cancer Awareness Appeal

At the beginning of her remarks, Tackling acknowledged the impact of breast cancer across the community.

She encouraged residents to prioritize their health, support those affected, and remember the importance of early detection and regular screenings during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Tackling said the ministry’s updates demonstrated that strengthening justice involves several connected efforts, including improving services, investing in rehabilitation, and creating opportunities for dialogue on human rights.

Works scheduled to begin October 12; VROMI also moves to revive unfinished zoning plans and reminds bidders of the district-cleaning deadline.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure Patrice Gumbs Jr. has announced a privately supported repair project valued at just over US$750,000 for the Rolandus Canal in Sucker Garden, acknowledging that residents have spent months contacting his ministry about deteriorating infrastructure and safety concerns.

Speaking at the Council of Ministers press briefing on October 7, Gumbs said the intervention would address erosion along the canal, repair a collapsed section of King of the Seas Road, reinforce areas surrounding seven bridges and install or repair railings.

Works are scheduled to begin on Monday, October 12, and a local contractor will carry them out. The minister said schedules and alternative routes would be published before construction, and residents would be informed of any changes.

Road collapse, erosion and bridge safety

Gumbs described the Rolandus Canal as an important part of Sint Maarten’s stormwater infrastructure, running from Defiance toward Great Bay along the country's eastern side.

Over time, surrounding land has eroded, raising concerns about both the canal’s operation and the safety of nearby residents. The announced intervention will focus on the Sucker Garden area.

According to the minister, the project represents a donation valued at approximately 1.36 million guilders and is the ministry’s third public-private partnership.

Gumbs thanked the supporting developer, identified in the supplied transcript as Cupecoy Development N.V., for agreeing to contribute to infrastructure improvements beyond its own development.

He said his approach to sustainable development requires developers to consider the wider population and support projects that deliver a tangible public benefit.

Residents pressed ministry for action

The minister acknowledged the persistence of Sucker Garden residents, referring to months of WhatsApp calls, messages and legal letters sent to the ministry.

His remarks underscored the lengthy wait for an intervention in an area where erosion and damaged road infrastructure have raised safety concerns.

Gumbs said his commitment to addressing these problems remained, but limited financial resources affected the ministry’s ability to respond.

He presented public-private partnerships as an important way to tackle longstanding infrastructure issues.

Although he announced a start date, his opening remarks did not specify a completion date for the canal works.

Unfinished zoning plans return to the agenda

Gumbs also announced a tender to develop Sint Maarten’s zoning plan, reviving work that began more than a decade ago.

According to the minister, the earlier zoning project produced 13 draft plans between 2011 and 2014. Those plans were not finalized or submitted to Parliament for ratification, partly because of funding constraints.

He said the ministry requested support through the country packages last year and received €350,000 to complete the project.

The intention, he explained, is to build on the existing drafts while assessing whether proposals prepared approximately 12 years ago still reflect the country’s current circumstances and development needs.

Gumbs said zoning should give residents and investors greater certainty about what can be built on a parcel of land, how neighborhoods may develop and whether infrastructure can support developments, including high-rises.

He also argued that clearer planning would make permitting more credible and reduce political influence over development decisions.

“Zoning is therefore a tool and not an obstacle to our collective development,” he said.

Interested parties have until Friday, October 30, 2026, to submit proposals through the channels specified in the tender.

District-cleaning bids close Friday

The minister reminded prospective bidders that submissions for the District Cleaning Tender 2026–2031 close on Friday, October 9.

Bids must be submitted electronically through the government’s eTendering platform in accordance with the tender documents.

The announcement comes as the ministry prepares to award services covering a five-year period.

Dock partnership includes police-station repairs

Gumbs also thanked the GOIA Group and his colleagues in Justice and TEATT for their collaboration on the previously discussed dock rehabilitation partnership.

He emphasized that the initiative extends beyond the dock itself, with significant repairs also planned for the police station’s sewage system and building.

According to Gumbs, the project will benefit police officers as well as the maritime industry, bringing several ministerial responsibilities together in one intervention