PHILIPSBURG:--- During the 2025 budget debate on Monday evening, the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided detailed responses to questions posed by Members of Parliament (MPs). Her answers underscored her commitment to addressing inefficiencies, improving operational processes, and fostering economic resilience in Sint Maarten. Here, we highlight the primary topics discussed and the solutions presented by the Minister.
Improving Business License Processing
Addressing the backlog of business license applications, Minister Heyliger-Marten revealed that 300 licenses are currently under review. She detailed steps to improve the speed and transparency of the process.
Current Challenges and Proposed Solutions
The processing time for a business license averages two months, an interval lengthened by procedural inefficiencies. To address this, a dedicated team will be established to tackle the existing backlog. The initiative will implement intermediate solutions that are resource-neutral, prioritizing a streamlined workflow and enhanced handling procedures.
Long-Term Goal
Complete digitization of the business license process remains the ultimate objective for the Ministry. The Minister also announced plans for an informational campaign aimed at educating entrepreneurs about updates and improvements in application procedures, ensuring smoother and more transparent processing in the future.
Tackling Illegal Vending
Illegal vending and unregulated beach barkers, particularly in popular tourist areas, have posed a challenge for Sint Maarten’s economy and public spaces. Minister Heyliger-Marten outlined her ministry’s comprehensive approach to addressing this issue through short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures.
Short-Term Measures (0-6 Months)
Enhanced enforcement mechanisms have already been introduced, with daily inspections of popular locations such as Great Bay Beach, Simpson Bay Beach, and Mullet Beach. Additionally, rapid-response sweeps are being carried out in other key vending hotspots.
Medium- and Long-Term Strategies
Over the next 18 months, the Ministry will focus on amending public street trading ordinances, simplifying the permit application process, and digitizing the application system. Beyond this, a comprehensive policy is being developed to regulate vending zones, operating hours, and product categories while providing support to small vendors to transition into the formal economy.
Advancing TEATT Function Book Revisions
Minister Heyliger-Marten addressed inquiries concerning the long-awaited updates to the TEATT function book, which outlines job responsibilities and organizational structures. The Minister indicated that updates have been reviewed and approved at the departmental level, with the next steps requiring action from the Personnel and Organization (P&O) Department for function evaluations.
To ensure staff are informed of the changes, the Ministry plans to host meetings and distribute updated job descriptions as soon as evaluations are finalized. The new function book is expected to enhance operational clarity and efficiency across key departments, including the Sint Maarten Tourist Bureau (STB).
Diversifying and Strengthening Tourism
Tourism remains a pillar of Sint Maarten’s economy. During the debate, Minister Heyliger-Marten shared her vision for expanding and decentralizing the island’s tourism strategy.
Attracting More Visitors for Key Events
The upcoming 55th year of Carnival presents an opportunity for growth. The Minister announced targeted marketing campaigns aimed at attracting visitors from the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. These efforts will utilize digital advertising and partnerships with travel agencies specializing in Carnival-related tourism.
Promoting Decentralized Tourism
The Minister emphasized the importance of encouraging visitors to explore lesser-known areas beyond traditional hotspots, such as the cruise terminals and the airport. This decentralization aims to distribute the economic benefits of tourism more evenly across the island.
Leveraging Data-Driven Decision-Making
Recognizing the role of data in tourism strategy, the Ministry is adopting statistical exit surveys and economic impact assessments for major events. This data-centric approach will help measure event success and optimize fund allocation to initiatives with the greatest return on investment.
Advancements in the Marketplace Project
The revitalization of Sint Maarten’s marketplace was another focal point. Minister Heyliger-Marten shared that, although a definitive timeline for the project is unavailable, site preparation work has commenced. Final adjustments to the project’s design are underway, and updates will be communicated to stakeholders as details emerge.
To support vendors displaced during the redevelopment, the Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Finance to explore financial and operational assistance. These efforts underscore the government’s commitment to stabilizing and supporting small businesses during periods of transition.
Enhancing the Role of the Control Unit
Questions about the Ministry’s Control Unit were also addressed. Tasked with implementing and enforcing public transportation regulations, the Unit has refocused its priorities on data mining and risk-based enforcement. Efforts to strengthen cross-border collaboration with French counterparts have also been integrated, and staff replacements are planned to fill vacant positions.
Hurricane Preparedness and Infrastructure Resilience
Discussions on Sint Maarten's vulnerability to hurricanes included updates on airport preparedness. Minister Heyliger-Marten assured MPs that the airport is fully insured for reconstruction in case of damage and operates under robust hurricane preparedness protocols.
Recent awards for outstanding operations validate the airport’s resilience improvements, including hurricane-proofing measures and coordination with local authorities to protect both infrastructure and employees in emergencies.
The Future of Economic Diversification
Responding to global economic challenges, the Minister shared plans to engage untapped markets. Specifically, long-term visitors such as remote workers could offer a new revenue stream for Sint Maarten. This aligns with the Ministry’s goal of shifting focus toward more sustainable and diversified sources of income.
Final Thoughts
Throughout the 2025 budget debate, Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten’s responses demonstrated her forward-thinking approach to addressing Sint Maarten's challenges. By combining strategy, innovation, and collaboration, the Ministry of TEATT is paving the way for sustainable growth and improved efficiency.
From clearing backlogs in business processes to planning for a decentralized tourism economy, the Minister’s outlined initiatives promise positive changes that will benefit businesses, residents, and visitors alike.
The success of these initiatives, however, depends on government collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and continuous communication with the public — all of which the Minister has committed to upholding as Sint Maarten transitions toward a brighter economic future.