PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication, the Honorable Grisha Heyliger-Marten, is calling for constructive dialogue with Anguilla following a meeting with Sint Maarten’s boat tour and charter operators on Thursday afternoon.
The Minister outlined the Ministry’s direction for maritime development, including modernizing the sector’s legal framework, improving infrastructure, and establishing clearer arrangements that support responsible business growth. She also emphasized that Government and operators share responsibility for strengthening the industry and improving the visitor experience.
Operators raised two pressing concerns: the potential impact of Anguilla’s proposed cruising permit framework and cumbersome immigration clearance procedures for passengers, which they described as involving excessive red tape and delays.
Following the meeting, the Minister wrote to her Anguillian counterparts seeking official clarification on the proposed measures and requesting early ministerial dialogue, with an opportunity for affected Sint Maarten operators to provide input.
“Anguilla has every right to regulate activity within its waters, and we respect that. Equally, Sint Maarten has a responsibility to protect its businesses, employment, and economic interests,” Minister Heyliger-Marten stated. “Where decisions affect the movement of visitors and the livelihoods of operators across our islands, direct government-to-government dialogue is essential.”
The Minister stressed that Sint Maarten’s role as a regional gateway contributes significantly to neighboring destinations through its air connections, maritime services, and visitor traffic. Measures that disrupt these connections can therefore affect both sides.
“Our islands depend on each other. Sint Maarten provides access and services that support a substantial part of our shared tourism economy. If those connections become more difficult or less commercially viable, the effects will also be felt in Anguilla,” she said. “That is why we must work together on practical solutions that respect each jurisdiction while keeping our regional tourism product competitive.”
The Minister reaffirmed her commitment to addressing administrative obstacles locally and pursuing fair, workable arrangements with regional partners.
“Our objective is straightforward: clear rules, efficient procedures, and a relationship in which the benefits and responsibilities of cooperation are recognized on both sides.”