PHILIPSBURG:---  Port St. Maarten Group, in close collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT) and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), proudly unveiled the first installation of the island’s new destination branding at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise & Cargo Facility. This initiative marks the beginning of a broader island-wide project that will see similar branded signs installed at key locations throughout St. Maarten.

The vibrant “I Love St. Maarten” installation, prominently displayed at the port’s welcome area, offers an iconic photo opportunity for thousands of cruise passengers and visitors each day. The new branding features colorful, modern elements representing the culture, heritage, and experiences that define the spirit of St. Maarten.

As the gateway for the majority of the island’s visitors, Port St. Maarten is a natural starting point for this visual identity rollout. The initiative aligns with TEATT’s and STB’s broader vision of strengthening place-making, enhancing visitor engagement, and creating memorable touchpoints that encourage organic social media sharing and global brand visibility.

“The port is the first impression for many of our visitors, and this installation beautifully captures the vibrant energy and warmth of St. Maarten,” said Alexander Gumbs, CEO of Port St. Maarten Group. “Providing guests with a dedicated space to create memories through photos reinforces our identity and strengthens the emotional connection travelers have with the destination. We are proud to collaborate with the Ministry of TEATT and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau on this important project that celebrates who we are as a people and as a destination.”

“This new branding represents more than a sign, it represents our story, our pride, and the experience we want every guest to feel from the moment they arrive,” said Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten. “Through this collaboration with Port St. Maarten and the Tourism Bureau, we are elevating the visual identity of the island and enhancing our visitor experience. This is the first installation of many, as we continue rolling out similar branded points across the island. Our goal is to showcase the beauty, diversity, and culture of St. Maarten in ways that resonate with both visitors and our own community.”

The installation is part of the Ministry’s ongoing destination enhancement strategy, supporting tourism development while creating identifiable landmarks across St. Maarten.

Additional locations for similar installations will be revealed in the coming months.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the public that a comprehensive round of pothole repairs is currently underway across the main road network. This maintenance effort started last evening, December 8th and will continue through to December 11th, during the evening work hours of 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
In preparation for this week’s work, potholes around all main roads have already been identified and clearly marked, allowing repair teams to move efficiently and systematically from one location to the next. To ensure durable and timely repairs, the Ministry is utilizing hot asphalt, a method known for its fast-setting properties and ability to address potholes effectively with minimal traffic disruption.
These evening repairs are scheduled specifically to reduce inconvenience to road users, limit daytime congestion, and maximize safety for both workers and motorists.
Key Information Recap:
• Scope of Works: Pothole repairs on main roads using hot asphalt.
• Preparation: All potholes across main roads have been identified and marked.
• Work Period: December 8th–11th, during evening hours.
• Work Hours: 11:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
• Contractor: Washington Construction.
• Motorist Advisory: Reduce speed, stay alert, and follow on-site guidance.
The Ministry urges the public to exercise caution when traveling during these hours, as workers from Washington Construction will be actively operating along the roadway. Motorists are kindly asked to slow down, remain alert for signage, and follow any directions provided by personnel on-site.
The Ministry of VROMI appreciates the public’s continued patience and cooperation as we work to enhance the quality, safety, and reliability of our national road network. For more information please e-mail the Department of Infrastructure at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:---  A bombshell report from the General Audit Chamber has exposed a building permit process in complete disarray, plagued by an outdated legal framework, gross incompetence, and a culture ripe for corruption. The scathing audit reveals that the Ministry of VROMI is operating on a 1935 ordinance, using paper-based workflows that invite manipulation, and is led by individuals who lack the necessary technical expertise to oversee critical development decisions.
The audit paints a grim picture of a system where inefficiency is standard and accountability is non-existent. For years, residents and developers have complained about inexplicable delays and a lack of transparency. The report now confirms their worst fears: the process is broken from top to bottom.
At the heart of the scandal is a staggering leadership failure. The report highlights that key positions, including the Department Head and the Secretary-General, are filled by individuals without the required technical background in engineering, architecture, or urban planning. This critical gap means that complex building plans affecting public safety and the environment are being reviewed and pushed up the chain by managers who are fundamentally unqualified for their roles.
This lack of expertise has created a dysfunctional and demoralized work environment. Staff within the Permits Department are reportedly demotivated, facing disrespect and a complete absence of structured training. They are forced to navigate a chaotic system with no written procedures, making inconsistent and arbitrary decisions all but inevitable.
Worse still, the audit lends weight to long-standing allegations of corruption. With no automated system to track applications, paper files are allegedly "willfully held back" to benefit some applicants while disadvantaging others. The report notes that files can be reordered, altered, or lost, creating opportunities for favoritism and manipulation. A survey conducted as part of the audit found that several applicants were approached with offers to expedite their permits in exchange for payments or favors, confirming that integrity risks are not just theoretical but a reality.
The reliance on an archaic, paper-driven process is a key vulnerability. While the Ministry claims to use a digital system called "JOIN," the audit found it is used merely for registration and is not updated, rendering its data unreliable. There is no automated workflow, no audit trail, and no way for applicants to track the progress of their files, leaving them powerless and in the dark.
Furthermore, the Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs Jr holds the ultimate power to approve or reject permits and can do so against the advice of technical experts without any legal requirement to justify the decision. This creates a dangerous loophole that allows political influence to override public safety and sound planning. Critical advice from the Fire Department, for instance, has been disregarded without consequence, jeopardizing lives and property.
The General Audit Chamber's report is a damning indictment of the governance at VROMI. It portrays a department in chaos, where unqualified leadership presides over a broken system, demotivated staff struggle without guidance, and the door is left wide open for corruption. The findings are not just about administrative failures; they are about a profound betrayal of public trust.
The time for excuses is over. The citizens of St. Maarten deserve a transparent, fair, and competent building permit process. This report must serve as a wake-up call for immediate and decisive action. Anything less is an acceptance of the rot that has been allowed to fester at the core of the island's development.

Click here for Audit Chamber Report 

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams has formally written to Prime Minister Luc F.E. Mercelina, urging the Government of Sint Maarten to move swiftly on the newly launched Livelihood Protection Policy (LPP) offered through CCRIF SPC (formerly the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility).
The LPP is a parametric micro-insurance product designed to provide rapid cash payouts to individuals, micro- and small-businesses, and vulnerable livelihood groups who suffer income loss from extreme weather events such as tropical cyclones or heavy rainfall.
MP Wescot-Williams noted that because Sint Maarten is already a member of CCRIF, the island’s micro- and small-enterprise (SME) community is eligible to benefit from this innovative protection mechanism.
“In my constant quest to ensure that Sint Maarten obtains maximum exposure and benefit from regional initiatives and programs, I believe the Livelihood Protection Policy represents an important opportunity for our small entrepreneurs and informal workers,” the MP stated.
In her letter to the Prime Minister, MP Wescot-Williams requested clarity on whether the Government has already begun engagement with CCRIF regarding the LPP. If not, she urged that immediate steps be taken to:
1. Obtain the full set of technical and regulatory details from CCRIF and its implementing partners.
2. Formally express the Government’s willingness to participate and enable LPP roll-out in Sint Maarten.
3. Launch early outreach to local insurers, small entrepreneurs, and MSME stakeholders to ensure awareness and preparedness for the program.
The MP emphasized that access to micro-insurance can significantly increase the resilience of small businesses and vulnerable workers, who often lack traditional insurance coverage yet face the greatest economic shocks after severe weather events.
“As a hurricane-prone island, Sint Maarten should be proactive in securing every additional layer of protection available for our people and our economy,” she added.
“The LPP is specifically designed for those who are most at risk and least able to absorb sudden income loss.”
MP Wescot-Williams reiterated her commitment to monitoring regional opportunities and ensuring that Sint Maarten is not left behind in programs designed to enhance social and economic resilience across the Caribbean.