PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) Patrice Gumbs Jr has faced pressing questions regarding a contentious development project at Man Jack Drive.

SMN News interviewed the affected residents on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Minister was asked to provide clarity on the ongoing issues the residents are facing.

Minister Gumbs provided a detailed breakdown of the project's challenges, the steps taken by his ministry, and the long-term implications this issue may have on the area’s infrastructure and governance.

A History of Building Permit Concerns

The controversy centers on a building permit granted for a development at Man  Jack Drive. According to Minister Gumbs, the permit was issued prior to his tenure, despite warnings from various entities involved in the permitting process. These warnings highlighted that the building would be too large for the narrow parcel of land. He explained, "The permit was still issued regardless of these indications, creating the problems we now face."

Upon taking office, Minister Gumbs signed a stop order on the project after discovering that earlier warnings had not been acted upon. However, the developer proceeded with adjustments, including reducing the size of the building and increasing available road space by 1.5 meters. Despite these changes, the remaining road still does not meet government standards for public safety and accessibility, particularly for larger vehicles like fire trucks.

Ongoing Challenges and Frustration

Local residents have expressed frustration over the situation, which has been compounded by longstanding grievances. Minister Gumbs acknowledged these frustrations, noting that the previous owner of the land had unsuccessfully sought a building permit for over 20 years before selling the property. The fact that the new owner, a foreign developer, was able to secure a permit shortly after purchasing the land has only intensified concerns.

"Affected families are understandably frustrated," said Minister Gumbs. "The challenges they face are the direct result of bad governance and poor decision-making in the past. Unfortunately, these issues have now become the responsibility of the current government to solve."

Efforts to Address the Problem

Despite the difficulties, Minister Gumbs assured residents that steps are being taken to resolve the matter. The Ministry of VROMI has conducted a series of interventions, including re-measuring the road and parcel boundaries to ensure accurate planning. The Minister emphasized that his team is working to address the access issues and has engaged in frequent consultation with affected families to find a remedy.

One sticking point is the developer's violation of permit limits. While initially approved for a two-story structure, the developer began preparatory work for a third story, prompting another stop order. Minister Gumbs reiterated that his ministry would enforce the existing permit conditions, including capping construction at two stories.

Broader Implications for Development

The situation at Man Jack Drive reflects a wider issue with construction practices and building regulations across the island. Minister Gumbs highlighted the lack of adherence to zoning laws and guidelines as a root cause of many infrastructural challenges. He argued that addressing these systemic problems was essential to prevent similar situations in the future.

“Be it a local or foreign developer, if something impacts someone’s quality of life, it’s wrong,” he stated. “The importance of sticking to the norms and rules of good governance cannot be overstated. We must listen to the advice of our ministry, assess it carefully, and make balanced decisions.”

Moving Forward

Minister Gumbs outlined his plans to address the situation at Man Jack Drive and similar issues across the island. Once the final re-measurement report is completed, the government intends to proceed with paving the road while making the most of the limited available space. Additionally, the Ministry of VROMI is reviewing other areas facing similar challenges to ensure compliance and improve infrastructure island-wide.

The Minister also stressed the importance of implementing stricter zoning laws and regulations to guide future development. "We’re seeing firsthand the consequences of decisions not aligned with these guidelines," he added, emphasizing the need for preventative action to safeguard public safety and accessibility.

A Call for Patience

While the government continues its efforts to find solutions, Minister Gumbs asked for patience from the affected residents. "We understand your frustration, and we are working tirelessly to address the situation," he said. "This is not an easy task, but rest assured, your concerns are heard, and we are committed to taking action."

The Man Jack Drive controversy serves as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences of inadequate governance and planning. It highlights the importance of transparent and fair decision-making to ensure the island’s development aligns with the needs of its citizens and the guidance of regulatory bodies.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Recently, Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, addressed a request for a tax exemption made on behalf of the organizers of the Soul Beach festival. Specifically, the request sought an exemption from the Turn Over Tac (TOT) applied to ticket sales. This decision holds significance for both the event's organizers and the wider community, reflecting broader policies on tax exemptions for large-scale events.

The Request for Tax Exemption

The Soul Beach festival is a highly anticipated event that attracts locals and tourists alike, bringing substantial economic activity to the region. Given its popularity and the influx of visitors it generates, the organizers submitted a request for a TOT exemption, aiming to reduce operational costs tied to ticket sales. Such exemptions can potentially free up event budgets, allowing organizers to allocate resources to other areas like marketing, logistics, or performer fees.

However, Minister Marinka Gumbs confirmed that the request for the tax exemption was denied. While addressing the matter, the Minister explained that the advice provided earlier this week suggested rejecting the request, and she ultimately decided to uphold this negative recommendation.

Context for the Minister's Decision

Minister Gumbs did not elaborate extensively on the rationale behind the rejection of the exemption, but it’s reasonable to assume that granting tax breaks warrants careful scrutiny. Tax revenues, including TOT, play a vital role in funding public services and infrastructure, particularly in areas heavily reliant on tourism. Exemptions not only reduce these revenues but also set precedents that may lead to similar requests from other event organizers, potentially impacting government budgets further.

Comparisons to SCDF Carnival

To provide additional context, the Minister was also asked whether a similar tax exemption had been granted for the recent carnival organized by the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF). Minister Gumbs clarified that, to her knowledge, there was no formal request made for a TOT, or any other tax exemption related to the carnival. This highlights a difference in approach between the two events, as one sought tax relief while the other seemingly operated without pursuing such measures.

Potential Implications of the Decision

For Soul Beach Organizers

The rejection of the tax exemption could increase the financial strain on the Soul Beach organizers, as TOT adds a layer of cost directly tied to ticket sales. This could influence ticket pricing, marketing strategies, or the overall scale of the event. Organizers may need to absorb the additional costs or pass them on to attendees through higher ticket prices, potentially affecting attendance rates.

For the Government and Community

From the government’s perspective, the decision to deny the exemption aligns with a commitment to fiscal responsibility. Upholding tax policies without exceptions ensures a more predictable revenue stream for public services, which benefits the community at large. Event-related tax revenues can fund improvements in infrastructure, security, and community programs, which indirectly support tourism-related events by enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

Broader Stakeholder Impact

For businesses in the hospitality and tourism sectors, the decision carries mixed implications. On the one hand, higher ticket prices might deter potential attendees, potentially reducing the influx of tourists during the festival. On the other hand, a consistent approach to tax policy provides stability and reassurance that public infrastructure and services are adequately funded to meet the demands of increased visitor activity.

Balancing Tourism Promotion and Fiscal Policies

The Soul Beach festival and similar events contribute significantly to the local economy by drawing in tourists who spend on accommodations, dining, and other activities. However, balancing the need to promote such events with the fiscal responsibility of maintaining a fair and sustainable tax system is a complex challenge for policymakers. While tax exemptions may provide short-term incentives for organizers, their long-term implications on public revenue and equity cannot be overlooked.

Final Thoughts

Minister Marinka Gumbs’ decision to uphold the negative advice on Soul Beach’s tax exemption request underscores the importance of maintaining an equitable and sustainable tax framework. While the rejection may increase operational challenges for the festival organizers, it demonstrates the government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility. For the local community, ensuring that contributions through taxes are consistent helps sustain vital public services, ultimately benefiting everyone.

This decision also provides an opportunity for stakeholders, including event organizers, policymakers, and the community, to engage in discussions about how best to support high-profile events while safeguarding public interests. By fostering collaboration, it may be possible to strike a balance between promoting tourism-driven initiatives and upholding sound fiscal policies.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Taxpayers received notable updates this week, as the Ministry of Finance unveiled key initiatives to streamline the tax filing process, address policy delays, and improve tax administration. Here's what you need to know.

Free Income Tax Filing Workshops Scheduled for June 2025

To ease the 2024 income tax filing process, the Ministry of Finance has announced two free workshops designed to provide hands-on guidance for taxpayers. Taking place in Room 1 of the Government Building, the sessions will be led by Tax Assessment Officer Marlon Quidama, who will offer practical advice on completing tax forms.

• Civil Servants Session: June 4, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• General Public Session: June 11, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

These workshops aim to demystify the process for civil servants and the general public alike. Additionally, a digital tutorial will be released later, ensuring taxpayers who cannot attend in person still have access to the necessary resources.

2025 Tax Tables Set for Publication

Delays in previous years have caused confusion and excessive withholdings for many employees, and the Ministry is taking steps to address the issue. The long-awaited 2025 tax tables are expected to be published next week, allowing companies and individuals to adhere to the correct withholding amounts.

Minister Gumbs acknowledged the problems caused by using outdated tables in prior years, noting that the delays often led to financial strain for workers. This year’s accelerated timeline is part of an effort to improve the filing process, with particular attention paid to taxpayers in lower income brackets. The Ministry’s focus is on minimizing refund delays and ensuring a smoother overall experience for filers.

Leadership Vacancy Announced for Head of Tax Office

The Ministry of Finance also confirmed that the Head of the Tax Administration position will become vacant on August 1, 2025. Recruitment for this key leadership role will open in the coming weeks.

This vacancy is seen as a critical opportunity for the continued modernization and transformation of the nation’s tax system. The Ministry has emphasized the importance of qualified and visionary leadership in tackling ongoing challenges within the tax administration and improving public service delivery.

Revamped Collection Policy in the Works

Looking ahead, the Ministry of Finance is finalizing a revamped collection policy to enhance efficiency within the Receiver’s Office. This initiative is designed to improve the experience for both taxpayers and employees while streamlining administrative processes.

The updated policy is expected to be published by July 2025, marking another milestone in the government’s commitment to modernization and transparency within the tax system.

A Commitment to Taxpayer Support

These initiatives underscore the Ministry’s dedication to supporting taxpayers and improving administrative efficiency. From educational resources like the income tax workshops to systemic improvements such as updated tax tables and collection policies, these measures foster greater trust and engagement with the tax process.

For more on these updates or to register for one of the workshops, taxpayers are encouraged to visit the Ministry of Finance’s official website or contact their offices directly.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A team of young local professionals recently came together and established RISE Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting vulnerable individuals
and communities.
With more than 30 years of combined experience in the non-profit and community development sectors, the leaders of RISE Foundation have a shared passion for
helping the people of Sint Maarten reach their full potential. The board of RISE Foundation comprises four members, who are also the co-founders of the
organization: the President, Ms. Chiaira Bowers, the Vice President, Mr. Josiah Lamothe, the Treasurer, Ms. Priya Misir, and the Secretary, Mr. Kevin James.
Here is a word from the President: “Over the years, my team and I have witnessed first-hand the gaps, the lack of access, and the real challenges that families in our
community face. That’s why we formed RISE Foundation—to respond to the areas where support is most lacking and needed. By reaching
out and truly listening to the people of St. Maarten—and by working alongside dedicated partners, sponsors, and volunteers—we aim to build practical solutions
and create lasting change.”
The RISE Foundation's programs are divided into four main pillars. One of them is the Elevate Youth and Family Development Program, which provides mentorship,
scholarships and life-skills workshops for youths, and supports families by promoting healthy communication, skills development for guardians, and
strengthened parent-child relationships.
Ms. Kyria Ali, CEO of NAGICO, one of the key partners of this program, gave the following endorsement: “At NAGICO, we believe in investing in the future, and that
means empowering our youth. We are proud to partner with the RISE Foundation, whose programs align well with our community development and youth empowerment commitment. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the RISE Foundation on their establishment and wish them great success as their wins translate to a stronger St. Maarten.”
Another pillar of the RISE Foundation programs is RISE READY, an acronym for Readiness, Emergency Action, and Disaster Recovery. In collaboration with the
Government of Sint Maarten under Emergency Support Function – 7 (ESF–7), RISE
Foundation provides support with shelter setup and management, mass distribution of relief goods, and logistical support during emergencies.
There is also RISE REACH, another acronym that stands for Rebuilding, Empowering, Assisting, Coaching, and Healing. This program is designed to offer
hope and practical support to those facing difficult life circumstances, including the unhoused, ex-offenders, and other disadvantaged persons. RISE Foundation
provides support through access to meals, counseling, life coaching, educational, and work opportunities.
Acting Director Cynthia K. M. Clarke-Filemon of Judicial and Institutional Services (J&IS), another key partner, stated, "At J&IS, we believe that no single
organization can create meaningful transformation alone; it takes a united community. That’s why our partnership with RISE Foundation is so impactful.
Together, we are empowering individuals, whether they are justice-involved, system-involved, or in need of a second chance, with the mentorship, life skills, and
opportunities to RISE above their challenges.”
The fourth pillar is the Season of Light Program, which includes two heartfelt initiatives – one that connects community members with less-fortunate children to
provide them with gifts, and another that assists underprivileged families with their most urgent needs, through which RISE Foundation brings the spirit of giving
to life in a meaningful way.
RISE Foundation is calling on potential volunteers and contributors in the community to “Partner for Impact”, as it is only possible through collaboration with
dedicated individuals and organizations. Financial contribution remains the most vital and immediate way to assist in making a deep, lasting impact – whether
through a one-time contribution, or a recurring monthly, quarterly, or annual commitment. Partners will be updated regularly with a detailed account of how
their contributions directly impact the empowerment of the community.
RISE Foundation invites the community to connect by calling +1 721 584-7473, sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visiting the social media accounts: @risesxm on Facebook and YouTube, and @rise.sxm on Instagram.