PHILIPSBURG:--- The Soul Beach Music Festival took center stage during today’s central committee meeting as MP Egbert Doran grilled the Ministers of TEATT (Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication), Grisha Heyliger Marten, and Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs. The questions posed during the ongoing debate on the second draft of St. Maarten’s 2025 budget probed into the financial management and execution surrounding the high-profile event.
Arrival Statistics Questioned
MP Doran challenged the Minister of TEATT on the actual impact of the festival on visitor numbers, asking for factual data to substantiate claims of increased arrivals. Questions arose about how many of the reported 3,000 attendees were directly tied to the event as opposed to regular tourist traffic. The accuracy of these figures, according to Doran, is crucial for evaluating the cost-efficiency of government investment in similar events.
Allegations of Exploitation
One of the more contentious points raised was an alleged exploitative practice where a local business owner reportedly had to surrender 30% of their profits to host a Soul Beach event. MP Doran pressed the Minister of TEATT on whether there were safeguards in place to protect local businesses from such arrangements. He further questioned if businesses on the Dutch side were disadvantaged in favor of French-side venues and whether the French government indeed co-financed 50% of the event’s costs, as previously stated.
Public Fund Use and Oversight
MP Doran expressed concerns about the apparent lack of transparency in the allocation of public funds to the festival. Despite no prior budget allocation for the event, the government reportedly provided substantial subsidies. Requests were made for a detailed breakdown of costs incurred, the departments or agencies involved, and the vendors or consultants paid. Doran also sought clarity on whether any formal advisory process or approval preceded this spending.
Accountability for Future Events
Looking forward, MP Doran urged the Minister of TEATT to outline a concrete plan to prevent similar issues surrounding the use of public funds for private events. He emphasized the importance of equitable agreements that deliver measurable benefits to local stakeholders. Questions about oversight and enforcement of such agreements were also key points of discussion.
Ministerial Response Pending
The Ministers of TEATT and Finance have yet to provide comprehensive responses to the pressing queries raised during the debate. MP Doran’s pointed questions highlight broader concerns about the management of public resources and the role major events, such as Soul Beach, play in shaping St. Maarten’s tourism strategy. The answers provided in the coming days will be crucial in determining the government’s accountability and direction moving forward.
