PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, appeared on 102.7 FM’s "The Breakfast Lounge" this morning, providing a comprehensive overview of her 16 months in office. The Minister detailed the significant challenges her ministry has faced, outlined key initiatives underway, and shared her strategic vision for St. Maarten's economic future.
Reflections on 16 Months of Governance
Minister Heyliger-Marten described her tenure as comprising two distinct phases: six months as a caretaker government managing daily affairs, followed by ten months of active governance. She used the analogy of a chef entering a messy kitchen to describe the state of affairs she inherited. "Before you can cook the meal that you promised, you need to clean up. And that's what I've been doing the last 10 months, is cleaning up," she stated, referring to inherited budgets and systemic issues.
The Minister pointed out that the previous administration finalized both the 2024 and 2025 budgets. For 2025, the TEATT ministry, responsible for the core economic pillar of tourism, was allocated just 23 million guilders, or 5% of the total 530-million-guilder national budget. Of this, only 4 million guilders are designated for tourism promotion, a figure she noted is dwarfed by the marketing budgets of competing destinations.
Despite the financial constraints, Heyliger-Marten emphasized a proactive approach. She revealed ongoing collaboration with the Minister of Finance on a plan to inject an additional 200 million guiders into the economy without further burdening residents and businesses.
Key Initiatives and Sector Reforms
Soualiga Marketplace: Addressing public concerns, the Minister confirmed that construction on the Soualiga Marketplace has begun, with soil betterment and foundation work underway. The project, expected to be completed in six to eight months, will also feature an independent advisor to ensure financial and procedural oversight. A solution for providing long-awaited relief to the vendors is being finalized and is expected to be announced next month.
Airport Controversy and Cross-Border Relations: The Minister addressed the recent letter from Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) restricting French nationals from receiving access cards. (PJIA) restricting French nationals from receiving access cards. She clarified that she was not consulted prior to the letter's issuance and acted swiftly to recommend its retraction to prevent a shutdown and mitigate damage to cross-border unity. "It was a very divisive letter," she said, "I've always been a proponent of one people, one nation." She advocated for a comprehensive, inter-ministerial approach to resolve the long-standing issue of cross-border labor, which has been tolerated for years.
Tourism and Airlift: On a positive note, Heyliger-Marten announced significant boosts in airlift. Southwest Airlines is set to launch new routes from Orlando and Baltimore/Washington in April, with potential future expansion to Texas. Frontier Airlines will begin flights from Atlanta in December, and Air Caraïbes will add service from France in November. Increased flight frequencies from JetBlue, Air Canada, and Sun Country complement this. The next strategic focus, she noted, is expanding into the South American market. To support this growth, the ministry is working to establish a St. Maarten Tourism Authority (STA) with a proposed independent marketing budget of at least 10 million US dollars.
Taxi and Bus Sector Overhaul: The Minister detailed a major cleanup of the taxi and bus licensing system, citing findings from the Integrity Chamber and SOAB that pointed to non-compliance and procedural bypasses in a large number of licenses issued just before the last election. An inspection revealed that of over 600 registered taxis, only around 400 paid their road tax, leaving over 200 potentially idle. The ministry is now reviewing the legal basis for revoking non-compliant or inactive licenses. Future reforms will include mandatory training and certification for all drivers in customer service, safety, and local knowledge.
Regarding ride-sharing app SXM Taxi, the Minister clarified that while she issued their business license, she cannot, as the regulator, endorse a service that adds a 10-15% surcharge to government-regulated rates. The ministry is developing its own regulatory app, planned for launch next year in conjunction with the new training programs.
Digital Infrastructure and Economic Diversification
Minister Heyliger-Marten confirmed that an agreement is in place with Starlink, ensuring the country receives revenue from its operations. Simultaneously, the government is providing support to TelEm to facilitate the launch of its 5G network, a project being developed using Huawei technology. She expressed confidence that a fully supported TelEm "will be unbeatable" and able to compete effectively.
The Minister also addressed plans to combat price gouging and diversify the food supply. An "Out Agency" is being established to support local farmers and fishermen, promote regional trade, and reduce dependence on U.S. imports. Currently, 20 local farmers and fishermen are participating in a 12-week business and technical training program, after which they will be eligible for low-interest loans to expand their enterprises.
Concluding the interview, Minister Heyliger-Marten reiterated her commitment to her "R4 effect" mantra: Reshaping, Restructuring, and Rebuilding St. Maarten's economy through systematic and legally sound reforms.
