PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on May 12, 2025.  

The Central Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:

Report on the 8^th Gathering of the Parliamentary Network on Climate Change and Sustainability, the 16^th Gathering of the Parliamentary Network for Gender Equality and the XI Meeting of the Interparliamentary Commission on Women’s Rights and Gender Equity of the FOPREL, in San José, Costa Rica, from October 23-25, 2024 (IS/961/2024-2025 dated May 5, 2025)

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules. The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg. 

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and  www.pearlfmradio.sx 

THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):--- The Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten is pleased to announce the official launch of the second BESTLIFE2030 Call for Proposals, a European Union (EU) funded initiative that supports climate and biodiversity-related projects across the European Union Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), including those in the Dutch Caribbean.

Eligible applicants—including Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), local authorities, community-based organizations, and research institutes—are encouraged to submit proposals addressing key areas such as:

• Biodiversity protection
• Ecosystem restoration
• Sustainable use of natural resources
• Climate adaptation and resilience

Each project may receive funding of up to EUR 100,000. The application deadline is 30 May 2025.

The Cabinet strongly encourages interested organizations in Sint Maarten to seize this opportunity to advance locally driven, nature-based solutions that directly address our climate and biodiversity challenges.

For detailed information on eligibility criteria, funding ceilings, thematic priorities, and the application process, please visit: https://bestlife2030.org/applicants/

Should you require assistance or additional information in developing your proposal, do not hesitate to contact the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary, contact person Prakaash Rostam, Senior Economic Advisor, Tel. (31) 617898704 or by email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Together, let us take action for a sustainable and resilient Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Committee for Agriculture, Fisheries, and Animal Husbandry recently convened to review progress on agriculture-related initiatives for St. Maarten. Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Ms. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, presented updates on ongoing projects, funding sources, and future plans aimed at strengthening the agriculture sector.

Progress on Agriculture Projects

Several initiatives aimed at improving food security, modernizing farming practices, and enhancing sustainability are moving forward. Some of the notable updates include:

• Food Data Quantification Project is on track for completion by June 2025.
• Poultry and Fishery Sector Assessments are currently underway.
• Hydroponics Education Program completed installations and initial training in April 2025, with community-level training slated for 2026.
• Agri-Loan Program is set to launch in June 2025, offering low-interest loans at 2% to ten farmers and ten fishermen.
• Agriculture Research Project remains in its selection phase.

These projects are expected to pave the way for stronger agricultural productivity and food independence on the island.

Funding Challenges and Opportunities

The Minister underscored the importance of international funding in driving current initiatives, while local funds remain limited. Organizations like the EU Green Overseas Project and the ALF agency have been key contributors, supporting projects such as the hydroponics program (€90,000) and the Agri-loan fund (300,000 guilders).

Looking ahead, the ALF agency, geared to oversee agricultural development, is actively seeking $600,000 in startup funding through international partnerships like TWAO (Temporary Work Agreements Overseas).

Challenges Facing the Agriculture Sector

Despite measurable progress, several roadblocks remain. Key challenges include:

1. Limited Funding - No dedicated budget for 2026 agriculture initiatives further compounds financial pressures.
2. Personnel Shortages - The ministry lacks the workforce and resources necessary to fully support agriculture-focused policies, making staff recruitment and relocation a priority.
3. Disaster Management Deficiencies - The absence of contingency plans for agricultural resilience in disasters poses significant risks.

Future Plans and Goals

Minister Heyliger-Marten laid out an ambitious vision for the agriculture sector, centered around the ALF policy. By stabilizing and expanding the sector, the Ministry aims to establish an independent ALF agency by Q4 2026. The agency will focus on the execution of agriculture initiatives, while the Ministry remains responsible for policy development.

Upcoming plans include creating seedling centers, expanding hydroponics programs, reviving agricultural schools, and launching poultry farming training programs. Additionally, cross-island collaboration through the DC Alpha platform will strengthen regional trade and shipping partnerships.

Discussions Among MPs

Members of Parliament (MPs) played an active role in providing insights and raising critical questions about the pathway forward. MP Lacroes called for stronger regional licensing agreements for fishermen, while MP Veronica Janssen Webster commended the progress in the hydroponics program and stressed the importance of local farmers engaging in international exposure.

MP Sarah Westcott-Williams voiced concerns about the feasibility of using a ZBO (Independent Administrative Body) to execute ALF policies, emphasizing the need for interim measures. Meanwhile, MP Darrly York sought clarity on budget timelines and land allocation for farmers in collaboration with the Ministry of Spatial Planning and Infrastructure.

The issue of invasive species, particularly monkeys, was also discussed. Proposed strategies included electronic fencing and licensed culling to address the growing problem.

Minister’s Closing Remarks

Minister Heyliger-Marten concluded the meeting with a call for unity and cooperation across all stakeholders. She promised transparency and regular updates on agricultural progress, emphasizing the pivotal role of collaboration between government, Parliament, and international partners in driving success.

Next Steps

Several immediate action points emerged from the meeting, including providing MPs with a detailed breakdown of international funding and its allocations. The setup of the ALF agency remains a central focus, with Parliament closely monitoring developments and providing legislative support as needed.

The ambitious roadmap presented by the Ministry signals a promising future for St. Maarten’s agriculture sector, positioning it as a pillar of sustainability and self-reliance for the island.

MIAMI, Fla.:---  The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) shared powerful insights following its participation in the Americas Lodging Investment Summit Caribbean & Latin America (ALIS CALA), underscoring a cautiously optimistic outlook for tourism investment in the region, despite global headwinds and rising costs.

With more than 550 attendees representing 35 countries, ALIS CALA brought together investors, developers, government leaders, and hospitality executives for three days of dialogue, networking, and strategic planning.  The summit kicked off with an ALIS CALA- and CHTA-led Investor Sentiment Poll—fielded among 89 participants— which revealed:

• 81 percent rated the current climate for tourism-related investment in CALA as "Good" or "Robust"

• 70 percent anticipate construction and renovation costs will increase by more than 10 percent over the next year

• Luxury properties emerged as the most attractive investment segment, chosen by 45 percent of respondents

• While funding is available, 82 percent noted it is more expensive than in previous years

In addition to this pulse survey, CHTA conducted a similar sentiment index amongst its members, the results of which closely mirrored the ALIS CALA survey. However, preliminary findings from CHTA’s Interim Economic Outlook Survey also suggest caution, with emerging signs of weakened short-term confidence.

“The Caribbean continues to prove itself as one of the most resilient tourism markets in the world,” shared CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “While cost pressures and global uncertainty are real, investor appetite remains strong, and we are seeing bold new developments in sustainable, community-focused tourism across the region.”

Key Trends and Insights:

• Resilience Amid Volatility: As destinations navigate high operating costs, supply chain disruptions, and inflation, the Caribbean’s tourism-dependent economies are adapting with increased airlift, targeted diversification strategies, and innovation in hospitality experiences—from wellness to branded residences and full-circle culinary programs.

• Data-Driven Optimism:Hotel performance across much of the Caribbean is outpacing pre-pandemic levels, fueled by strong demand and travelers’ willingness to invest in meaningful experiences. Boutique, experiential, and eco-luxury offerings are seeing particularly high interest.

• Broadening Market Reach:While the U.S. remains the primary source market, CHTA emphasizes the growing importance of Canada, Latin America, and intra-Caribbean travel. Calls to reduce taxes on regional flights and increase inter-island connectivity are gaining momentum; Saint Lucia and Barbados are leading by example, cutting taxes on regional airfare by 50% for the summer of 2025.

• Community and Sustainability Focus:Developers are incorporating into partnerships that prioritize local impact, from hiring biologists to protect ecosystems, to including local chefs and artists in the guest experience. Investors are increasingly prioritizing destinations with strong sustainability narratives.

• Technology and AI Transformation:The conference spotlighted AI as a hospitality equalizer—automating operations while freeing staff to enhance guest experiences. During a panel discussion, Destang also encouraged the upskilling of the Caribbean workforce to stay competitive in an AI-driven future.

A United Voice for the Region

CHTA reaffirmed its role as a regional advocate, citing its recent efforts that helped avert costly U.S. port fees and its ongoing collaboration with the CARICOM Private Sector Organization, regional shipping partners, and tourism stakeholders to reduce external dependencies and enhance trade routes. Additionally, CHTA played a key role in a tax advocacy effort in the Dominican Republic, helping to preserve essential tourism-related incentives that were at risk due to proposed tax reforms—safeguarding continued investment and growth within one of the Caribbean’s most vital tourism markets.

“The Caribbean is not just a destination—it’s a brand,” said Destang. “But each island tells its own story. We must continue to amplify those narratives through smart investment, thoughtful development, and unified advocacy.”

As the region looks ahead into 2025 and beyond, CHTA will continue to support its 32 member destinations with insights, partnerships, and a relentless focus on resilience, innovation, and inclusive growth. These critical conversations and collaborations will continue later this month in Antigua at the 2025 Caribbean Travel Forum and Caribbean Travel Marketplace, where CHTA will unveil further insights and strategies shaping the future of Caribbean tourism. Registration is still available for each event at the following links: https://caribbeantravelforum.com and https://chtamarketplace.com. More detailed insights will be shared through the CHTA members portal in the coming weeks