PHILIPSBURG:--- The Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, accompanied by Chief of Staff Stuart Johnson, last week concluded a series of high-level shareholder and bilateral meetings in Curaçao, highlighting his government’s commitment to securing Sint Maarten’s fiscal stability, creating opportunities for its people, and advancing sustainable regional cooperation.

On Wednesday, September 10, 2025, Prime Minister Mercelina attended the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders of Saba Bank Resources N.V. Discussions focused on the company’s financial performance, governance, and long-term strategy. The Prime Minister stressed that ensuring revenue-generating opportunities must be the priority to guarantee the continuity and sustainability of Saba Bank Resources.

“Saba Bank Resources must not only be well-governed but must also remain a strong and sustainable source of revenue,” said Prime Minister Mercelina. “For Sint Maarten, the company’s future lies in developing opportunities that strengthen its continuity and create tangible value for all shareholders.”

The Prime Minister represented Sint Maarten at the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of the Dutch Caribbean Air Navigation Service Provider (DC-ANSP). The agenda included approval of the 2024 Annual Report, discussion of the 2026–2030 Business Plan, and key board reappointments.

During the meeting, PM Dr. Mercelina reaffirmed that dividend payments remain an ultimate goal for Sint Maarten, as they are crucial for national fiscal planning. At the same time, he emphasized the importance of aligning investments in aviation modernization with opportunities for Sint Maarten’s workforce.

“Good stewardship requires balance,” PM Dr. Mercelina stated. “We must invest in modern and resilient air traffic systems, but also deliver fair shareholder returns. At the same time, DC-ANSP must serve as a platform for job creation and training opportunities, ensuring that St. Maarteners are directly included in the industry’s future growth.”

The Prime Minister’s interventions at DC-ANSP highlighted Sint Maarten’s support for a mid-term review mechanism in long-term investment plans, ensuring shareholders can adapt strategies to financial or operational changes.

While in Curaçao, Prime Minister Mercelina also held bilateral discussions with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, focusing on economic resilience, energy transition, and regional security.

“Strong collaboration between our islands is vital,” PM Dr. Mercelina affirmed. “By working closely with Curaçao, we strengthen not only our economies but also the future stability of the entire Dutch Caribbean.”

In addition, Prime Minister Mercelina met with Maria Liberia Peters, former Prime Minister of the Netherlands Antilles, where they exchanged reflections on the political and economic evolution of the Dutch Caribbean and the importance of leadership continuity.

“It was an honor to meet with Mrs. Liberia Peters, a leader whose vision helped shape our region,” said PM Dr. Mercelina. “Her insights remind us that building our future requires both respect for history and bold steps forward.”

Photo Caption: Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, Curacao's Minister of  Traffic,Transport and Urban Planning Charles Cooper and Stuart Johnson Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister at the DC-ANSP Shareholders Meeting in Curacao late last week. 

PHILIPSBURG:--- The recent announcement that the Council of Ministers of St. Maarten has approved the appointment of attorney Jairo Bloem as Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) raises serious legal concerns and undermines the statutory framework of the Central Bank.

Under Article 25 of the Statute of the CBCS, the process for appointing the Chairman of the Supervisory Board is clear and leaves no room for shortcuts. The Chairman cannot be nominated by politicians. The nomination must come directly from the Supervisory Board itself, and only if at least five-sixths (5/6) of its members agree. Once such a nomination is made, the appointment or dismissal of the Chairman can only be executed jointly by the Countries through a landsbesluit, based on a joint proposal of the Ministers.

The law is therefore unambiguous. The Council of Ministers of St. Maarten cannot unilaterally nominate or appoint a Chairman of the Supervisory Board. Any attempt to do so is outside of the law, undermines the statutory framework of the Central Bank, and directly interferes with the division of powers between the two Countries, which is the cornerstone of the joint institution.

A Broader Pattern of Improper Governance

This latest action cannot be viewed in isolation. It is part of a broader pattern that has come to define the behavior of this coalition.

We saw it with the Soul Beach subsidies, pushed through without transparency or accountability despite serious legal and eligibility concerns. We saw it again with the tax holidays, advanced despite negative advice from experts, seemingly to please political donors rather than to serve the public interest. We now see it in payments made to entities that legally require national decrees but were never included in the budget, a clear violation of financial law and oversight.

And today, the same disregard for proper governance continues at the Central Bank. While top local professionals who were nominated more than a year ago are still waiting for their national decrees to be finalized, the government has attempted to skip over them and rush through an illegal appointment of the Chairman. This not only disrespects qualified professionals but also places the credibility of one of our most vital institutions at risk.

The Central Bank is not just another institution. It is the cornerstone of our financial stability, monetary policy, and public trust. For this reason, its statutes require a careful, independent, and joint process for the appointment of the Chairman. These requirements are not optional—they exist to protect the balance of powers between Curaçao and St. Maarten, and to ensure the independence of the Bank from political influence.

By ignoring these procedures, the Council of Ministers risks weakening public confidence in our financial institutions, creating legal uncertainty, and damaging St. Maarten’s credibility both locally and internationally.

Questions That Must Be Answered

These questions have therefore been formally submitted to the Minister of Finance and the Council of Ministers:

1. What is the legal basis for this so called appointment?

2. Do you acknowledge that both the nomination and appointment procedures must be followed as outlined in Article 25 of the Statute?

3. Why are steps being taken that suggest a completed appointment when both Countries have not yet properly complied with the law?

4. Why have the current board members, who consist of top local professionals, still not received their national decrees (landsbesluiten) more than a year after their nomination?

5. Who were the other nominees, if any, considered for the position of Chairman?

6. Does the current nominee have any affiliation with Ansari or other individuals that the Central Bank is holding accountable for the Ennia case?

Once again, this coalition has shown a willingness to bypass the very procedures that exist to safeguard our institutions. From Soul Beach, to tax holidays for donors, to unauthorized payments to unbudgeted entities, and now to the CBCS, the pattern is undeniable. Even more troubling is that qualified local professionals remain sidelined while political expediency drives an illegal appointment at the very top.

As Parliament, we cannot allow such practices to become the norm. Our responsibility is to ensure that legality, transparency, and good governance prevail over expediency and political convenience. Only then can we protect the stability of our country and the trust of our people.

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines:--- The government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has committed the injection of some USD$20 Million on the upgrade and development of new tourism sites across St. Vincent and the Grenadines. This was announced by the the country’s minister of tourism the Honourable Carlos James while delivering the keynote address at the annual State of the Tourism Industry Address and Stakeholders’ Conference held on 15^th September, 2025, the Hon. Carlos James,

According to the tourism minister the landmark investment will focus on enhancing the visitor experience at established attractions while also developing new products that showcase the country’s diverse natural, cultural, and historical assets.

These developments are expected to broaden the tourism offering, extend visitor stays, and create new opportunities for communities and entrepreneurs.

Announcing the initiative, the Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, stated: “This investment signals our government’s commitment to strengthening St Vincent and the Grenadines’ position as a premier tourism destination. By upgrading our sites and building out new attractions, we are creating opportunities for communities, enhancing our competitiveness, and ensuring that every visitor has an authentic, memorable, and world-class experience.  Importantly, this development will be undertaken with sustainability at its core, balancing growth with the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage.”

The Hon. Camillo Gonsalves, Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology, underscored the economic importance of the initiative: “Tourism is  ne of the engines of our economy, and strategic investments such as this ensure we maximise its potential. The US $20 million earmarked for site upgrades and new developments is not just about building infrastructure, it is about creating jobs, stimulating local businesses, and ensuring that tourism benefits every Vincentian.  This is an investment in growth, sustainability, and inclusive development.”

Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines:--- The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority welcomes the announcement made by the Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Sustainable Development and Culture, during the State of the Tourism Industry Address and Stakeholders’ Conference on 15th September, 2025, of a major expansion of the nation’s hotel room stock with four new hotel projects set for development over the next 36 months.

Currently, St Vincent and the Grenadines has a room stock of 3,349.  With the addition of these new projects together with the formal inclusion of Airbnb and short-term rental listings representing approximately 400 properties amount to 1,100 rooms, the country’s total room stock is projected to reach over 4,450 rooms by 2026/2027.  This will represent a 34.55% increase over 2025 levels, significantly enhancing the Island’s capacity to host larger groups, destination events, international conferences, and longer-stay visitors.

The four new projects announced include:

Peter’s Hope Resort Development Project- A 280-room beachfront flagship Marriott Autograph Collection hotel.  Beaches St. Vincent and the Grenadines-  A 360-room family resort to be constructed at private Mt. Wynne.  Palm Island Development- A new project with phase one scheduled to open in December 2026.  And, Cumberland Bay Resort Development Project- A 150-room beachfront resort featuring  overwater bungalows, cottages, and a hotel and small marina.

These developments, with an estimated capital investment of close to EC$2 billion, are expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs across the hospitality sector and related industries, while also addressing seasonality and expanding opportunities for group travel, weddings, conferences, and high-value leisure markets.

In announcing the projects, the Hon. Carlos James, Minister of Tourism, stated:

“These new developments represent more than additional rooms, they signify a transformation of our tourism product, strengthening St Vincent and the Grenadines’ competitiveness on the global stage.  We are committed to ensuring these investments are developed sustainably, aligning with our broad-based economic model and creating real opportunities for our people.  This is not mass tourism, but a structured, forward-looking approach to tourism development that balances growth, community benefit, and environmental stewardship.”

Welcoming the announcement, Annette Mark, Chief Executive Officer of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, emphasised the importance of this expansion for the destination’s growth trajectory:

“The addition of these four landmark hotel projects marks a defining moment for tourism in St Vincent and the Grenadines.  With increased room stock, we will be able to attract larger events, expand into new markets, and deepen our reach in group travel, MICE, and romance tourism.  This expansion also creates significant opportunities for local communities, suppliers, and service providers to benefit directly from the tourism value chain.”

The St Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these developments through enhanced marketing, data-driven visitor engagement, and stakeholder partnerships to ensure that the benefits of this historic hotel expansion are felt across the country.