PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Communication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has shared significant updates following Sint Maarten's strategic participation in three major regional events aimed at advancing sustainability, food security, and economic resilience. These included the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock, and Fishery Association Conference (DCALFA) in Bonaire, the Caribbean Energy Conference in Curaçao, and Agroalimentaria 2025 in the Dominican Republic.
Through these collaborative engagements, the Minister reaffirmed her commitment to securing a more sustainable and self-sufficient future for St Maarten and the Dutch Caribbean.
DCALFA Conference Strengthens Regional Cooperation
From May 19th to May 23rd, 2026, a six-member delegation from St Maarten participated in the second Dutch Caribbean Agriculture Livestock Fishery Association (DCALFA) Conference held in Bonaire. This regional gathering brought representatives from the six Dutch Caribbean islands together to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and build stronger ties within the primary sectors.
The delegation from Sint Maarten included two senior policy advisors, Mrs. Avril Isaac and Mr. Sherwin Frederick, along with Mr. Mervyn Butcher of the Inspectorate to the Ministry of TEATT. Joining them were three esteemed members of the local agriculture and fishery sector – Farmer Mr. Josiah Harley, Farmer Mr. Oliver Williams, and Fisherman Mr. Lee Lake.
“I am proud to share that the participation of our farmers and fishermen was made possible through the support of the Netherlands Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fishery and Nature, as well as the Ministry of Economic Affairs,” Heyliger-Marten stated. “Their inclusion ensured that the voices of our frontline contributors were well-represented.”
Highlights of the conference included interactive workshops, site visits to innovative agricultural projects, and high-level policy discussions on food security. Looking ahead, Minister Heyliger-Marten announced that the next DCALFA conference in 2026 will be hosted in St Maarten.
“This is yet another sign of our growing leadership in the region’s efforts to build sustainable food systems and achieve resilience in primary sectors,” the Minister added.
Caribbean Energy Conference Explores Sustainability Solutions
During the Caribbean Energy Conference in Curaçao, Minister Heyliger-Marten served as the sole government minister on a regional panel addressing critical issues of food and water security. These challenges are shared across the Caribbean, particularly for small island developing states like St Maarten, which are vulnerable to climate change.
“I engaged in meaningful conversations around circular economies, renewable energy, and inclusive development, all of which directly inform our policy direction in Sint Maarten,” she shared.
Alongside the conference, Minister Heyliger-Marten conducted a work visit to the Ministry of Health, Environment, and Nature in Curaçao. Practical insights were gained through site visits to local agricultural and fisheries operations, including a government-supported goat and sheep farm called Nuestra Familia and a poultry farm that showcased scalable production practices.
The Minister also toured Fresco de Curaçao, an aquaponic facility, and visited the Marine Department, which coordinates the use of Fishing Aggregating Devices (FADs) to support local fisheries.
“These practical examples from Curaçao open exciting possibilities for adopting similar models here in Sint Maarten. We are now exploring a partnership with Curaçao, specifically to enhance our fishery sector,” she reported, promising more updates on this initiative in the coming months.
Agroalimentaria 2025 Fuels Trade Development Opportunities
Minister Heyliger-Marten rounded off her regional engagements with a visit to Agroalimentaria 2025, held in the Dominican Republic, leading a delegation from St Maarten that included representatives from Parliament, the Social Economic Council (SER), the Chamber of Commerce, and the private sector.
The mission focused on exploring new trade opportunities, identifying cost-effective supply chain solutions, and fostering regional partnerships to bolster food security. The Minister’s discussions with shipping companies, major retailers, and Agri-tech firms highlighted the potential for expanding Sint Maarten’s access to innovative farming models, including containerized farming operations that are well-suited for the island’s unique environment.
An encouraging takeaway from the mission was the delegation's discussions with one of the Dominican Republic’s largest supermarket chains, Serena, following a visit.
“This has already led to a promising follow-up meeting with the company’s owner,” the Minister revealed. “We are optimistic about opportunities that will soon benefit St Maarten, paving the way for cost reductions in imports and a stronger local food supply chain.”
Commitment to a Resilient Future
These three regional missions collectively underscore Minister Heyliger-Marten’s strategic focus on sustainability and economic resilience. By fostering collaborations with neighboring islands and institutions, Sint Maarten is positioning itself as an active leader in addressing global and regional challenges.
“These engagements reaffirm the value of targeted regional cooperation,” the Minister concluded. “Together, we are building a resilient food system, empowering our farmers and fishers, and securing a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.”
Through her leadership, St Maarten is poised to benefit from innovative practices, strengthened partnerships, and tailored solutions that will enhance both the island’s self-sufficiency and its role within the broader Dutch Caribbean region.
