Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten

06/09/2024

Today, I had the great pleasure of personally delivering invitations to the Philipsburg market vendors for the groundbreaking ceremony of the long-awaited Soualiga Market Place.

I also visited the temporary location where vendors will be housed during construction to review the progress and ensure that the setup is moving forward smoothly.

Exciting times are ahead for our vendors and for Philipsburg!

05/09/2024

Our national carrier represents the hard work and sacrifice of our people who have brought it to where it stands today. It has played, and continues to play, a vital role in our economy, connecting us to the region and supporting our tourism, trade, and the mobility of our citizens. To sell shares in this critical asset disregards the legacy of perseverance that built it. This airline is more than a business—it's a national symbol, and we must protect it for future generation.

This is a CoM decision and I stand by it!

St. Martin News Network - Latest News in and around the island of St. Maarten/St. Martin.

05/09/2024

Update: The beached ship, The Island Scout, at Great Bay Beach has been successfully moved, Thank you to everyone involved!

04/09/2024

UPDATE: The Island Scout, which was beached at Great Bay due to the passing of bad weather, will be moved soon after careful planning and coordination by the Ministry of TEATT and the Ministry of VROMI.

We thank you for your patience, and more updates will follow.

03/09/2024

Sharing the latest news to keep you informed and up to date!

29/08/2024

CoM Press Briefing August 28th 2024

(Due to technical issues during the live stream the video will experience short interruptions)

23/08/2024

Together, we marched for peace, unity, and a brighter future for our youth. Let’s keep spreading the message: Stop youth violence, build a stronger community.

23/08/2024

Today, I had the privilege of joining the Korps Politie van Sint Maarten, the Department of Youth, and various other government entities and community organizations in a powerful march against youth violence. We took to the streets, visiting all the high schools to spread the important message of peace and encourage our young people to stop the violence. This initiative highlights the incredible impact we can achieve when we unite as a community for a common cause. Let’s continue working together to empower our youth, foster unity, and build a brighter, violence-free future for Sint Maarten.

15/08/2024

Experience the essence of St. Maarten, where summer is a way of life. Immerse yourself in our vibrant festivals and reflective shores, and become part of our community. Take a look and see for yourself the warmth of our island spirit.

15/08/2024

I’m pleased to announce that the groundbreaking for the new Marketplace will take place next week. This ceremony was postponed due to Tropical Storm Ernesto, which brought 60 mph winds and destroyed the tarpaulin-covered stalls of our vendors. My heart goes out to those who lost not only their stalls but also their wares. We’re relocating them this Saturday to a new pavilion that’s been set up. This Marketplace is a key part of our vision for beautifying Philipsburg. Cruise calls will resume on Friday, bringing some relief to our vendors.

Click the link to read the full article. https://ow.ly/igF250SY9tY

15/08/2024

I'm grateful we weathered the storm safely, but it’s clear that some underestimated its impact. This underscores the ‘5 Ps’: Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. I've spoken to key stakeholders and am pleased to report minimal damage to our marinas, hotels, and ports. Remember, as we enter peak hurricane season, stay prepared and informed. Together, we can face any challenge.

Click the link to read the full article. https://ow.ly/WWUh50SY8Iy

09/08/2024

I'm happy to share that we've reached a positive resolution regarding the route authorization for EZ-Air B.V. The Curacao airline is now authorized to operate flights to Sint Maarten from August 8, 2024, through December 31, 2024. This includes routes connecting Curacao, St. Maarten, Santo Domingo, and Port-au-Prince, along with air ambulance services between Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten. This agreement, reached in collaboration with Curacao’s Minister Cooper, strengthens our ties and serves the best interests of both islands.

Click the link to read the full story. https://ow.ly/vPcv50SUyrf

09/08/2024

I want to address recent concerns following the U.S. Consulate General’s notification to American citizens about increased vigilance on our island. This advisory, issued through the STEP program, is a standard procedure due to recent events but does not signal a change in Sint Maarten’s travel advisory. I urge all residents to remain calm and peaceful. Our island’s reputation as the Friendly Island depends on it. Let’s work together to ensure safety and unity.

Click the link to read the full story. https://ow.ly/fsw550STMra

05/08/2024

I’m excited to announce a new MOU with the Collectivity of St. Martin focusing on agriculture, fisheries, and animal husbandry. This partnership will strengthen food security, promote sustainability, and boost agri-tourism on our island.

Click the link to read the full story. https://ow.ly/UOU350SQPFk

02/08/2024

Lewis and Heyliger-Marten Initiate Project for L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium Cooling System

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS), Lyndon Lewis, in collaboration with the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has initiated a project that will finally see the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium outfitted with air conditioning.

The L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium is used for various purposes and sporting events, such as international basketball, boxing, volleyball, and other events. However, the facility gets extremely hot for the athletes, performers, and spectators. For years, the heat in the auditorium has been the primary complaint from the public.

Therefore, both Minister Lewis and Minister Heyliger-Marten found it long overdue and necessary to install a cooling system in the sports auditorium to make it adequate for international events and sporting competitions while also making it comfortable for spectators.

Both ministries are entrusted with fostering a vibrant sporting culture, where regional and international events take center stage. Following the devastation of Hurricane Irma, as the island began to heal, the Ministers of ECYS and TEATT, along with the Government of St. Maarten, recognize sports as a powerful tool embodying the strength and resilience of our nation.

Project Coordinator Khalil Revan commented that sports serve not only as a beacon unifying the people of St. Maarten but also as a means of drawing both residents and visitors together.

"The ministries recognize the significance of the L.B. Scott Sports Auditorium as the primary indoor sporting complex on the island. Therefore, both ministers are committed to enhancing the sporting and spectating experience for athletes and spectators alike. This project will prioritize safety, energy efficiency, sustainability, aesthetics, and control systems while remaining sensitive to the surrounding environment," Revan said.

Minister Lewis, through the National Sports Institute (NSI), is also committed to the further upgrading of the auditorium in general, including the floor, restrooms, dressing rooms, and other amenities. These discussions have commenced and are ongoing.

The bidding process for the project will be opened soon .

Source: Soualigan News Day

01/08/2024

Press Briefing on July 31, 2024

31/07/2024

I've asked GEBE to introduce "Tariff 60," a special discounted electricity rate for all seniors aged 60 and above. Ensuring affordable electricity for our senior citizens is essential. Let's work together for a fair and supportive community.

Click the link to read the full story. https://ow.ly/h7os50SO7SQ

29/07/2024

Held productive discussions with EDF on net metering. We explored the potential to reduce fossil fuel dependence and enhance renewable energy on our island. Collaboration is essential. Many thanks to EDF for their cooperation.

Click the link to read more. https://ow.ly/vFxA50SLP3m

24/07/2024

Great meeting with Spirit Airlines officials in Miami! We discussed exciting plans for code-sharing and boosting connectivity to St. Maarten.

Click the link to read more. https://ow.ly/PRTp50SI8zG

23/07/2024

Building and strengthening relationships with our strategic destination partners will always be one of our highest priorities. Networking, brainstorming and informal social experiences, such as our shared time aboard Royal Caribbean’s exquisite Utopia of the Seas, inspire us to envision dynamic initiatives that benefit our entire cruise tourism sector. Here, FCCA CEO Michele Paige and St. Maarten’s Minister of Tourism, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, strike a pose for the camera.

23/07/2024

With many real estate agents in St. Maarten, regulating the sector is essential. I recently met with brokers to discuss implementing a Real Estate Policy requiring companies to have a physical office, at least five years in business, proper licenses, and be part of the MLS. This will ensure an organized, credible, and efficient industry, benefiting both locals and investors.

Click the link to read more. https://ow.ly/lUnY50SGQWZ

23/07/2024

To break the cycle of energy insecurity and expedite renewable energy integration into St. Maarten’s electricity grid, I’ve proposed a Net Metering Policy and Pilot Program to GEBE. This initiative will allow consumers to generate and contribute clean energy back to the grid. Immediate action is required to ensure reliable and affordable energy for all.

Click the link to read more. https://ow.ly/CwCR50SERFj

18/07/2024

I condemn violence at all levels.
Let us work towards a future where gun violence is no longer a threat, and where all individuals can live without fear.
Heartfelt condolences to Olivier and his family. 🙏🏽

17/07/2024

During my recent visit to St. Kitts and Nevis, I emphasized the importance of regional cooperation for Caribbean food security. We agreed on the “25 by 2025” goal to reduce food import expenditures by 25%. Key strategies include knowledge-sharing, investments, and trade enhancements. Additionally, the EU-CDB Food Security Programme offers significant support for agriculture projects.

St. Maarten’s upcoming associate CARICOM membership will help us leverage these opportunities. Incentives for local farmers and educational programs are also in the works to boost local production and trade with St. Kitts and Nevis.

Click the link to read more. https://ow.ly/nmUE50SEojO

16/07/2024

As I continue to visit different farms on the island to explore the benefits of agriculture, I had the opportunity to visit Ms. Angeline Laurence at Rockland Farms on the French side of the island. She took me on an enlightening tour and shared insights into how farming and butcheries are regulated there.

On the French side, to ensure high quality and safety, the French government has implemented numerous regulations. These measures guarantee that farmers provide products free from bacteria and disease, thereby safeguarding consumer health.

All public consumption slaughtering must occur at the slaughterhouse to maintain quality. Only licensed butchers can order livestock from cattle farmers, and all livestock must be sent to the slaughterhouse for processing. It is illegal to slaughter animals on farms for public consumption.

The French side slaughterhouse is currently closed for renovations and expansion, with plans to add facilities for handling chickens, ducks, and rabbits. Additionally, agricultural land is subject to lower taxes, benefiting farmers who use their land for agricultural purposes.

These practices offer valuable insights that we can adopt to establish ourselves and develop an agriculture department on the Dutch side. By implementing similar regulations and support systems, we can ensure high standards, promote public health, and encourage agricultural growth.

15/07/2024

I've shared my thoughts on the need to return to our previous system of government to enhance political stability and reduce financial burdens. This change is crucial for the progress of our nation.

Click the link to read more. https://ow.ly/JawE50SBkOs

11/07/2024

Recap of our insightful fact-finding trip to St. Kitts & Nevis focused on agriculture. A heartfelt thank you to the entire delegation for their dedication, to Hon. Samal Duggins, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Marine Resources, and to Hon. Eric R. Evelyn, Deputy Premier of Nevis, Minister of Environment and Cooperatives, Nevis Island Administration, for the warm welcome and support.

11/07/2024

My presentation and questions at this week's Council of Ministers Press Briefing 10th or July, 2024.

10/07/2024

Tune in tomorrow at 10 AM for my press conference to debrief on my recent agriculture fact-finding trip to St. Kitts and Nevis.