PHILIPSBURG: ---  A deep-seated crisis of mismanagement, corruption, and regulatory negligence has left St. Maarten's public transportation sector in shambles. Recent findings have exposed a system where hundreds of bus and taxi licenses were issued without proper oversight, leading to an oversaturated market and rampant illegal activity. In response, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger Marten, has announced a comprehensive five-phase plan to overhaul the sector, enforce accountability, and restore public trust.

The scale of the problem is staggering. An investigation revealed that of 300 recorded bus licenses, only 29 buses were actively registered with paid road taxes in 2025. This suggests that over 100 buses may be operating illegally or have merely "paper" permits. The situation in the taxi sector is just as dire. With 600 registered taxis, St. Maarten has a fleet that vastly exceeds the needs of its population, especially when compared to neighboring islands. For instance, Curaçao, with a much larger population and similar tourism numbers, operates with just 200 taxis and plans a modest increase to 250. St. Martin's 600 registered taxis, plus an estimated 150 on the French side, create a saturated environment where legitimate drivers struggle to make a living.

During a recent Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister Heyliger Marten confirmed these findings, which align with earlier reports from the SOAB and the Integrity Chamber. "From the time I was in Parliament to now, I still believe... we have the most taxis in St. Maarten," she stated, highlighting the severe market saturation.

The investigation uncovered a decade of systemic failures. Licenses issued in 2023 were processed in under two months, often lacking official stamps or consistent registration numbers, in stark contrast to the highly regulated, year-long process of 2013. This rapid, unchecked issuance created loopholes for exploitation, including duplicate permits, licenses held by companies instead of individuals, and even permits issued to minors.

A core principle of the licensing policy was to provide a source of income for individuals without other employment. However, the system has been abused by those holding multiple jobs or numerous permits, defeating its original purpose. Minister Heyliger Marten addressed this directly, stating, "You have to deal with whatever the law says. And if the law says you can't have more than one source of income, then you have to choose one." She announced that all permit holders will be allowed to clarify their status. Those who do not comply or are found to violate the law will have their licenses revoked.

To tackle these deep-rooted issues, the Ministry has initiated a five-phase reform plan:

1. Data Verification and Compliance: This initial phase, already completed, involved a thorough cleanup of records to identify dormant, noncompliant, and illegal permits.
2. Permit Revocation and Driver Certification: Currently underway, this phase focuses on revoking noncompliant licenses. It also introduces mandatory certification for all drivers, covering safety, local knowledge, and medical fitness. The ministry will publish lists of permit numbers in local newspapers, summoning holders to verify their status.
3. Legislative Framework: The government will draft amendments to the Passenger Transport Ordinance. A key element of this phase will be the pilot of a digital dispatch system to provide better oversight of all active vehicles and drivers.
4. Finalization and Decree: The proposed legislative changes will be submitted to Parliament to create a consolidated and modernized transport policy.
5. Establishment of a Transportation Authority: The final step is to create an independent Transportation Authority to regulate and oversee the entire public transport sector, removing it from direct government administration to ensure impartiality and long-term stability.

The timeline for these ambitious reforms spans the next two years. The cleanup and certification process is slated for 2025, followed by the drafting of new laws and the digital dispatch pilot in 2026. The goal is to have the new laws passed and the Transportation Authority fully operational by 2027.

The road ahead is challenging. Years of neglect and exploitation have eroded confidence in the system. However, the government's decisive action signals a commitment to transparency and fairness. As Minister Heyliger Marten stated, "Accountability is necessary if we are to rebuild trust." For the hundreds of law-abiding taxi and bus drivers struggling in a saturated market, and for the public that relies on this essential service, these reforms cannot come soon enough. The question now is whether the government can successfully dismantle a system plagued by corruption and build a new one that serves the people of St. Maarten effectively and equitably.

PHILIPSBURG:---  After a six-year hiatus, the highly anticipated Soca Rumble competition is officially making its comeback for Carnival 2026. Minister of TEATT, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, announced today’s Council of Ministers press briefing, highlighting its cultural significance and the new management structure.

Soca Rumble, a competitive platform showcasing local talent in groovy and power soca categories, ran successfully from 2015 to 2019. The event became a signature lead-up to Carnival, with its slogan, “St. Maarten Soca to the World,” emphasizing the goal of promoting local music on a global stage.

Minister Heyliger-Marten addressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest arising from her past role as the event’s promoter. She clarified that she has officially relinquished ownership of Soca Rumble to a newly formed non-profit organization. This transition ensures the event remains a cultural platform for the people of Sint Maarten, free from private enterprise influence. “My role will be strictly supportive, offering historical knowledge and guidance where appropriate,” she stated.

Key details for artists interested in participating were also shared. Registration, which opened on November 17, 2025, will close on December 17, 2025. Tracks must be mixed and mastered, with submissions due by February 9, 2026. Participants must be Sint Maarten residents aged 18 or older as of November 17, 2025. The announcement of finalists is scheduled for February 27, 2026.

Minister Heyliger-Marten encouraged artists to use the platform to elevate their sound and amplify Sint Maarten’s culture globally. “When our music reaches the world, Sint Maarten is promoted with it,” she said.

The return of Soca Rumble is expected to reignite excitement for Carnival 2026 and provide a stage for local talent to shine.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, announced changes to Sint Maarten’s Christmas celebrations during today’s Council of Ministers press briefing. Due to financial constraints, the traditional Christmas parade will not take place this year. However, the Minister assured the public that the holiday spirit in Philipsburg will remain vibrant through alternative festivities.
The Lighting Up Philipsburg Experience will return, featuring festive decorations and illuminated roundabouts, similar to last year. A confirmed date for the lighting ceremony will be announced soon, and residents and visitors are encouraged to join the celebration.

In a new initiative, the Ministry is launching a Christmas Booth Pilot Program along Walter Nisbet Road. Vendors will have the opportunity to sell Christmas-themed food, beverages, crafts, and products in decorated booths. Applications for the limited 10 spots are open until November 26, 2025, with a logistics meeting scheduled for November 28. The program aims to create a cohesive holiday atmosphere while supporting local entrepreneurs.

The Minister also highlighted the upcoming Backstreet Bonanza, a two-day street fair on November 29-30, 2025. Organized with support from the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, the event will feature local vendors, artisanal goods, live music, and a visit from Santa Claus. The fair promises a family-friendly atmosphere with free admission, embodying the spirit of community and commerce.
Minister Heyliger-Marten emphasized the importance of working creatively with available resources to maintain the festive atmosphere. “Even without the parade, we are committed to ensuring a true Christmas experience in Philipsburg,” she stated.

PHILIPSBURG: --- During the Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), Hon. Richinel Brug, announced the reopening of SZV’s in-person services for seniors. Starting this January, the initiative aims to ensure seniors receive the care and support they need with dignity. This decision addresses the challenges seniors face with digital systems and introduces a more efficient, user-friendly service model.

A New and Improved Service Model

SZV’s reopening represents a redesigned approach to service delivery. A centralized service hub will now offer a one-stop-shop system to simplify processes for seniors, including updating account information, addressing coverage questions, and filing claims. Key features include:

• Respectful Service: Streamlined processes to prioritize seniors’ time and dignity.

• Efficiency: Reduced wait times and centralized services in one location.
• Accessibility: A senior-friendly design for comfort and ease of use.

Bridging the Digital Divide

Recognizing the difficulties many seniors face with digital systems, Minister Brug emphasized that technology should complement, not replace, human connection. This reopening reflects a commitment to accessible and compassionate support for all seniors in St. Maarten.

SZV will announce the official reopening date soon, providing further details for seniors and families. Minister Brug assured the public that the Ministry will monitor the initiative to ensure its success. This marks a significant step toward a more inclusive healthcare system for St. Maarten’s seniors.