PHILIPSBURG:--- During Wednesday's press briefing, the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger Marten, addressed questions from SMN News regarding delays in the marketplace project and the economic challenges facing the community. The session centered on the struggles of marketplace vendors and efforts to finalize the long-overdue project.

Responding directly to SMN News, the minister expressed empathy and regret for the situation vendors have endured due to extended delays. "My heart truly goes out to the vendors," the minister stated, apologizing for how long it has taken to address the matter. "It’s tough to see what they’ve been going through."

Initially set to provide upgraded vendor facilities, the marketplace project has faced multiple setbacks. While some delays were unforeseen, others stemmed from dependencies on different ministries, notably the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI). Despite these hurdles, the minister indicated significant progress was on the horizon.

The minister revealed that solutions are being finalized, with an announcement expected later this month. The project is being handled in collaboration with the Ministry of VROMI, which has been instrumental in addressing the remaining obstacles. "We have come to an aha moment to finalize that... Hopefully, before this month is over, we’ll have a positive breakthrough," the minister noted. Details of the setbacks and progress will be shared transparently in an upcoming parliamentary session.

The conversation also touched on broader economic issues, including rising food costs and the sluggishness of the local economy. Acknowledging these challenges, the minister committed to tackling them alongside other pressing concerns. The minister emphasized their understanding of the struggles faced by many in the community, adding that solutions are being explored.

Looking ahead, the minister reiterated their commitment to transparency and the swift resolution of these issues. "Sometimes you have a vision, and things just don’t go how you want," the minister admitted, referring to the delays in the marketplace project. Efforts are now focused on ensuring vendors can return to their upgraded spaces as soon as possible.

The session underscored the government’s acknowledgment of logistical challenges and economic pressures. For the marketplace vendors waiting for progress, announcing a potential resolution offers a glimmer of hope amidst prolonged uncertainty.

PHILIPSBURG:---  During his weekly press briefing, Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina addressed criticisms regarding appointing executives in government-owned companies. He firmly denied claims that local professionals are overlooked for leadership roles, emphasizing transparency, independent recruitment processes, and adherence to corporate governance principles.
As an example, the Prime Minister outlined the recruitment procedure for N.V. GEBE, St. Maarten’s electricity and water utility company. Dr. Mercelina explained that since late 2023, the government has engaged an independent consultancy firm, BDO, to manage hiring C-level executives for GEBE. This decision, he noted, was made to promote transparency and professionalism following the country’s national energy crisis. He acknowledged that the selected candidate for the CEO position was not local but insisted that the process was conducted without government interference.
Dr. Mercelina added that the passing of the GEBE executive, Mr. Troy Washington, during this period further complicated matters. Nonetheless, he stressed that all candidates were independently vetted by BDO and not selected by the government to ensure fairness and impartiality in the recruitment process.
Turning to Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA), the Prime Minister explained the distinction between the holding company and the government’s role as a shareholder. According to corporate governance structures, the PJIA Holding Company alone determines appointments for operational roles, such as the airport's CEO. Mercelina underlined that the government, as a shareholder, is informed of these decisions but does not influence them directly. He urged critics to understand the separation of responsibilities outlined by corporate governance principles.
The discussion also extended to Telem, the island’s telecommunications company. Prime Minister Mercelina clarified that the outgoing CEO of Telem left the position when his contract concluded. Following this, the Supervisory Board recommended a new candidate for CEO, which the government supported. He emphasized that this was a routine process based on agreements between the parties involved.
Throughout the press briefing, the Prime Minister called for a more constructive national dialogue, urging citizens to avoid circulating what he described as "untruthful narratives." He emphasized his government’s commitment to transparency and fairness while highlighting his love and dedication to St. Maarten and its people.
The remarks were intended to dispel ongoing criticism about the perceived lack of local representation among high-level executives at government-owned entities and to clarify the procedures involved in their appointments. Mercelina concluded by underscoring the significance of following established processes to ensure these companies remain professionally managed for the benefit of all.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) proudly joins the global community in celebrating National Nurses Week, observed from May 6–12, 2025. This year’s theme, “Care, Lead, Inspire — Repeat,” honors the dedication, resilience, and leadership of nurses everywhere, including the committed professionals right here on Sint Maarten.

Minister of VSA Richinel Brug extends heartfelt congratulations and deep gratitude to all nurses serving on the front lines of health care across the island, in particular nurses working within the Ministry of VSA:

“Nurses are the heart of our health care system — steadfast in compassion, courage, and commitment. I want to sincerely thank each Sint Maarten nurse for your work. Your ability to care, to lead in difficult moments, to inspire those around you, and to return each day with renewed purpose is nothing short of extraordinary.”

This week, under the theme introduced by the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), we celebrate the enduring rhythm of nursing leadership. Nurses care deeply for patients, teams, and communities. They lead with integrity and vision, even in the most complex environments. They inspire through action, advocacy, and unwavering dedication — and they do it all, over and over again, every shift and every day.

All residents are encouraged to take a moment to recognize and appreciate the invaluable role nurses play in our society.

As we honor National Nurses Week 2025, let us uplift those who continue to care, lead, inspire, and repeat.

PHILIPSBURG:---  (DCOMM) – The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season that started on April 14 is currently underway.

Applicants are reminded that they should submit documents before the May 30 deadline.

There are two types of passes, the Disaster Pass and the Hurricane Pass.  No passes will be issued to business owners, only with some exemption categories as noted below.

The pass allows the bearer to access the public road to visit the place of business to assess possible damage to the property.  No company passes will be accepted during curfew hours.  This can only take place during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Prime Minister in a curfew situation.

Potential applicants have until Friday, May 30, 2025, to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting a pass.

Disaster Passes are issued to the following crucial disaster relief organizations and are valid for three years.  The disaster relief organization consists of the following: Emergency Operations Center staff, Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) staff, Crucial governmental organizations, and entities involved in disaster management such as medical institutions, general practitioners and pharmacies, Red Cross, WIEMS, White & Yellow Cross Foundation, National Security Service VDSM, Sea Rescue, Shelter Management, Ministers, and their drivers.

The following categories qualify for a Hurricane Pass which is valid for two-years: Essential Government personnel without a disaster pass; Essential personnel of crucial companies or organizations: NV GEBE, Seven Seas Water, Telecom and Internet providers, Princess Juliana International Airport, Port St. Maarten, Hotels and Guesthouses, Marinas, Fuel distributors and gas stations, Commercial banks, Hardware stores, Security companies (supervisors only), Medium and large sized supermarkets, Restaurants (those providing food services to emergency services), Importers and Wholesale Companies for perishable goods (Only requests can be submitted for refrigeration and or generator technicians).

The crucial organizations listed above (disaster & hurricane passes) can request personal passes for their key personnel.

The Office of Disaster Management that falls under the Ministry of General Affairs is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The Hurricane Pass is valid for the 2025 and 2026 hurricane seasons and will remain the property of the Government of Sint Maarten.

Please note that company passes from the following institutions, Sint Maarten Medical Center and White & Yellow Cross Foundation, will be accepted during curfew hours.

The pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations. After a disaster has occurred, the Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with the government's Emergency Disaster Management entities and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.

An application form can be requested by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Emails should include the following: the name of the business or organization; a short description of its activities; and a request for either disaster or hurricane pass.

When submitting the application, the following documents need to be attached:

-      copy business license fee paid (or receipt) for 2025 for businesses.

-      proof of 2025 registration at the Chamber of Commerce, for organizations.

-      copy valid Sint Maarten ID-card of applicant.

-      Nafl. 50,- in leges stamps per application (to be obtained at the Receiver’s Office or the Simpson Bay Public Service Center), this is a non-refundable handling fee; a copy of a digital payment transfer is accepted as well.

-      One (1) passport picture for new applicants, to be sent in JPEG-format to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the name of the person clearly indicated.

The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management – in print form, to the attention of the secretary located at Jackal Road 5 (Office hours Monday-Friday 9.00AM to 4.00PM), Cay Hill, by Friday, May 30, 2025, with all necessary documents attached.

Applicants will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the aforementioned address.