PHILIPSBURG: --- On Thursday, 21 May 2026, the Social Economic Council (SER) welcomed a delegation from its sister institution, the Conseil Économique, Social et Culturel de Saint-Martin (CESC). The delegation, led by CESC President, Ms. Ida Zin-Ka-Ieu, comprised 2nd Vice President, Ms. Evelyne Fleming, 4th Vice President, Mr. Romeo Piper, Board member Ms. Audrey Claxton, CESC members, Ms. Clara Brander and Ms. Marie-Angèle Coudrieu. Director of CESC, Mrs. Malaika Bell-Maxwell, was also present.

The delegation from CESC was welcomed by Mr. Gerard Richardson, Secretary-General of the SER. The meeting represented another important milestone in strengthening cooperation and fostering closer institutional ties between the two advisory bodies. It builds upon the initial first meeting between the SER and CESC, which took place on December 5^th, 2025. The second meeting reflects the shared commitment of both organizations to enhancing dialogue and collaboration on matters of mutual interest.

During his presentation, Mr. Richardson explained that the SER is currently awaiting the appointment of its Board as well as the enactment of new legislation governing the nomination and appointment process for representatives of employers’ and employees’ organizations. He noted that the proposed legislation is intended to establish clear, transparent, and objective criteria, firmly anchored in law, for the selection and appointment of the business sector and union representatives.

In response, CESC President Ms. Ida Zin-Ka-Ieu reaffirmed her commitment to supporting the SER, emphasizing the importance of maintaining close cooperation and further strengthening the relationship between the two advisory bodies.

Furthermore, the president explained that the CESC serves as the fourth institutional pillar of Saint-Martin and plays a key role in participatory democracy. The president expressed that CESC represents civil society and is mandated to advise and support the Collectivité of Saint-Martin in its decision-making processes, always with a view to promoting the general interest of the population.

The CESC comprises 23 members drawn from civil society and is organized into specialized committees. Through its General Commissions and Plenary Assemblies, the Council regularly deliberates on matters of public interest and issues formal opinions adopted by a majority of its members. Its membership comprises representatives from professional organizations, trade unions, associations, and other civil society groups that contribute to the economic, social, and cultural development of Saint-Martin, thereby ensuring that a broad range of perspectives is reflected in its advisory work on the Northern side of the island.

In closing, both organizations reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation and agreed to collaborate on matters of mutual interest. As part of this partnership, the SER and the CESC will work jointly on issues affecting both Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin and will seek opportunities to exchange knowledge, expertise, and best practices.

The two secretariats further agreed to prepare and present a joint report to the Collectivité of Saint-Martin and the Government of Sint Maarten, addressing shared challenges and opportunities while promoting greater cross-border cooperation in the interest of the people of both territories.

My fellow people of Sint Maarten,
As we approach the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, I address you today not only as your Prime Minister, but as a fellow resident of this beautiful country who understands firsthand what this season can mean for our families, our homes, our livelihoods, and our peace of mind.
For us in Sint Maarten, hurricane season is not simply a date on the calendar. It is a period that reminds us of our vulnerability, but also of our strength. We remember the lessons of the past. We remember the uncertainty, the fear, the devastation, but we also remember the resilience of our people. We remember neighbors helping neighbors, families opening their homes to others, emergency workers risking their lives, and a nation that refused to give up.
Those experiences taught us something important: preparedness saves lives.
This year’s hurricane season officially begins on June 1st and runs through November 30th. Forecasts indicate another active season for the Atlantic region, and while we pray that Sint Maarten is spared from major impacts, we cannot depend on hope alone. Preparation must be our responsibility.
I want to speak directly to every household, every business owner, every parent, every senior citizen, every young person, and every resident of this country: now is the time to prepare.
Do not wait for a storm warning to begin securing your home or gathering supplies. By the time a storm is approaching, it may already be too late to complete critical preparations safely.
I urge all residents to review their emergency plans with their families. Know where you will shelter if necessary. Ensure you have enough food, water, medication, batteries, important documents, and emergency supplies to sustain your household for several days. Check on elderly relatives, neighbors living alone, and persons who may need additional support during an emergency.
To our business community, your preparedness is equally important. Review your continuity plans, secure your properties, protect important data and equipment, and ensure your staff understand emergency procedures. The strength of our economy after a storm depends greatly on how prepared we are beforehand.
As Chair of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), I already convened a meeting with the EOC on May 27, 2026, as part of Government’s continued proactive approach toward hurricane preparedness and national response coordination. During these discussions, key stakeholders and emergency management officials reviewed preparedness measures, response readiness, inter-agency coordination, communication protocols, shelter preparedness, and operational planning for the upcoming season. This meeting reflects Government’s commitment to remaining vigilant, prepared, and coordinated ahead of any potential threat.
Government continues to work actively together with our emergency services, ministries, utility companies, and key stakeholders to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities ahead of the season. This includes ongoing coordination through our national disaster management framework, shelter readiness assessments, public infrastructure preparations, and continued collaboration with regional and international partners.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to all first responders, emergency personnel, healthcare workers, volunteers, utility workers, and community organizations who stand ready every year to serve and protect this country, often under extremely difficult circumstances. Your dedication does not go unnoticed.
At the same time, preparedness is not only the responsibility of government. Disaster resilience begins at home and within our communities. We all have a role to play.
Let us also remember that storms do not affect everyone equally. There are families among us who may struggle to afford supplies or secure their homes adequately. If you are in a position to help someone in need, I encourage you to do so. A simple act of kindness, sharing supplies, helping clear a yard, assisting an elderly neighbor, or offering support to a vulnerable family can make a meaningful difference.
Sint Maarten has always shown its greatest strength during challenging times. We are a resilient people. We are a compassionate people. And when we stand together, there is no challenge we cannot face.
I ask everyone to stay informed throughout the hurricane season by following official government channels, emergency notifications, and verified information sources. Avoid spreading rumors or misinformation, especially during times of uncertainty, as accurate information can save lives.
My fellow people of Sint Maarten,
Preparedness is not about fear. It is about responsibility. It is about protecting the people we love and ensuring that our country can recover quickly and safely should a storm threaten us.
Let us enter this hurricane season alert, prepared, united, and committed to looking out for one another.
May God continue to bless and protect Sint Maarten and all who call this country home.
Thank you.
Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina

Pond Island:---  Representatives from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten on Friday signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening regional cooperation in agriculture, livestock and fisheries across the Dutch Caribbean.

The agreement was signed under the framework of the Dutch Caribbean Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Alliance (DC ALFA) and marks an important step toward further formalizing long-term collaboration between the six islands in areas such as food security, sustainable agriculture, fisheries development, climate resilience, and regional policy coordination.

Signatories to the agreement included Aruba’s Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, and Primary Sector Geoffrey Wever; Bonaire Commissioner Clark Abraham; Curaçao Minister of Health, Environment and Nature Tyrone Boekhoudt; Saba Commissioner Bruce Zagers; Sint Eustatius Commissioner Rechelline Leerdam; and Sint Maarten’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten.

The updated MoU builds on the initial agreement signed in 2023 and establishes a more structured and future-oriented framework for cooperation through 2035.

The agreement outlines a shared commitment among the participating islands to strengthen food security, reduce import dependency, promote sustainable and climate-smart practices, stimulate resilient economic growth, and increase opportunities for youth and women within the primary sector.

The renewed framework also supports the continued development of the DC ALFA Roadmap 2025–2035, which will guide regional collaboration and strategic priorities moving forward.

An important component of the new agreement is the intention to work toward formalising DC ALFA into an independent legal entity capable of supporting stronger governance structures, accessing external funding opportunities, and facilitating long-term regional project implementation.

Speaking at the signing, Minister Heyliger-Marten emphasised the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening food security and economic sustainability within the Dutch Caribbean; working together collectively in more ways than one.

“Regional cooperation is essential as we work to strengthen food security, support local producers, and create more innovative and sustainable agricultural systems across the Dutch Caribbean. This renewed partnership allows us to share knowledge, align efforts, and build stronger opportunities for future generations. Let’s continue to make this industry attractive for all” the Minister stated.

The Memorandum of Understanding took effect upon signing and will remain in force through December 31, 2029.

Pond Island:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has underscored the importance of continued investment in entrepreneurship and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as part of Government's broader economic development strategy during the Press Conference of the St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center's (SEDC) Advanced Education Program.
"MSMEs remain the backbone of the Sint Maarten economy. They are our small shops, service providers, creatives, restaurants, wellness businesses, tourism support services, and innovators. Very often, they are families trying to create stability and generational progress," Minister Heyliger-Marten stated during the event, which was attended by entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, stakeholders, and members of the media.
During her address, the Minister emphasized that entrepreneurship development remains a key pillar of Government's "Forward by Design" approach to economic growth and diversification. She noted that SEDC has played an important role for years in helping entrepreneurs develop the practical skills necessary to sustain, formalize, and expand their businesses.
The Minister described SEDC as an economic empowerment partner that helps bridge the gap between ideas and execution, talent and opportunity, and survival and business growth. Through partnerships involving the Temporary Work Organization (TWO), the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), the Department of Economy, Transportation and Telecommunication (ETT) within the Ministry of TEATT, and other stakeholders, the organization continues to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs through structured education, accelerator programs, digital transformation support, and specialized business training.
According to figures presented during the event, six major training programs were launched during the first six months of the Advanced Education Program, attracting more than seventy-three participants across various sectors. Training topics included Energy Efficiency Management, Digital Project Management, Business English Literacy, Sustainable Business Practices, Financial Foundations, and the Small Business Accelerator Program.
SEDC President Pearl Hendrickson noted that the organization has spent years building a foundation for entrepreneurship development on Sint Maarten and is now focused on helping businesses move to the next level.
"For many years, SEDC has focused on helping entrepreneurs take their first steps. The Advanced Education Program allows us to go even further by helping business owners strengthen existing operations, scale their businesses, and prepare for opportunities beyond our local market. Entrepreneurship is a journey, and our goal is to provide the support, knowledge, and tools necessary for that journey to succeed," Hendrickson said.
She further highlighted that the newly established Advanced Education Program Training Center provides a dedicated space where entrepreneurs can learn, collaborate, and access the resources available through SEDC.
The 2025-2026 training calendar reflects the practical and forward-looking nature of the program. Courses include Public Relations and Social Media Marketing, Film Workshop for Creatives, AI Business Model Canvas, Online Presence and Content Production, My Green Enterprise, Creative Grant Writing, AI Integration, Fisheries and Poultry Development, Financial Foundations, and several other programs aimed at supporting small business growth and economic diversification.
Representatives from RVO highlighted that the program is also supporting curriculum development related to the Orange Economy, which includes the creative industries, arts, culture, and related economic activities. This area was identified as particularly relevant for Sint Maarten given the country's tourism-driven economy and the significant role creatives play in enhancing the destination's identity, experiences, and competitiveness.
Bernise Stoffer of RVO on behalf of TWO emphasized that entrepreneurship development must go beyond technical business skills and include the practical knowledge necessary to access opportunities and financing.
"We continue to see tremendous talent, creativity, and innovation on Sint Maarten. However, talent alone is not always enough. Entrepreneurs must also understand how to present their ideas, write proposals, interpret financial information, and position themselves for growth. Our role is to help bridge that gap by turning ideas into plans and plans into action," Stoffer stated.
She further noted that many MSMEs remain unaware of available financing opportunities or face challenges navigating application processes. Through targeted training and practical guidance, the program seeks to equip entrepreneurs with the skills necessary to secure funding, strengthen operations, and position their businesses for sustainable growth.
Acting Department Head of ETT, Shervin Frederick, highlighted that entrepreneurship support extends well beyond training programs and forms part of a broader ecosystem being developed to support business growth and economic resilience.
"Entrepreneurs do not operate in isolation. Their success depends on access to financing, supportive policies, strong institutions, practical training opportunities, and a business environment that allows them to grow. The work being undertaken by ETT is focused on strengthening that entire ecosystem so that MSMEs have the support structures necessary to succeed and contribute meaningfully to the country's economic diversification and resilience," Frederick said.
Frederick explained that SEDC remains one of the key institutions within Sint Maarten's broader MSME ecosystem, which also includes policy development, investment and diversification strategies, agriculture and fisheries initiatives, and access-to-finance programs. He further noted that discussions are ongoing with partners, including the National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) and the World Bank, aimed at strengthening the policy framework and support mechanisms available to local businesses.
Minister Heyliger-Marten stated that these initiatives are designed to address real business needs and prepare entrepreneurs to compete in a rapidly evolving economy where digital skills, financial management, adaptability, visibility, and operational structure are increasingly important.
"Training is not only about acquiring information. It is about helping entrepreneurs make better decisions, improve how they operate, reach new customers, and build businesses that can survive beyond the first few difficult years," the Minister said.
She added that strengthening MSMEs is directly connected to employment, innovation, local ownership, and economic resilience.
"When our entrepreneurs grow stronger, our economy becomes more resilient. When small businesses are better prepared, they are better able to create jobs, support families, and contribute to national development," Minister Heyliger-Marten stated.
The Minister encouraged entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, creatives, and members of the public to actively participate in the available programs and continue investing in professional development opportunities.
"Invest in yourself. Challenge yourself to learn something new. Every successful business starts with someone willing to take a chance on an idea and commit to growth. Programs such as these provide the knowledge, mentorship, and support necessary to transform that idea into a sustainable opportunity."
The Minister concluded by reaffirming Government's commitment to entrepreneurship development and the continued strengthening of the country's business environment.
"Together, we are building a stronger entrepreneurial ecosystem for Sint Maarten. Together, we are creating opportunity, strengthening resilience, and supporting the next generation of business owners. Together, we are moving Forward by Design."
The full training schedule and registration information will be shared through SEDC(sedc.sx), the Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, and Government's official communication channels.