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On the matter of outdated infrastructure, MPs raised concerns about replacing existing bricks with asphalt and addressing drainage systems.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.
