PHILIPSBURG:--- Serious concerns have been raised about the financial commitments and transparency surrounding the government’s support for the upcoming Soul Beach Music Festival, following revelations made during the 2025 budget debate by Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten.
During the debate, Minister Heyliger-Marten confirmed that Soul Beach was allocated NAf 500,000 from unused funds of 2024, despite previous government statements about financial constraints and being "bankrupt." The Minister also indicated that an additional NAf 200,000 may be covered by sponsorships from anchor companies, but if those funds are not secured, they will come directly from the government’s festival budget.
Key Questions on Subsidy Legalities and Compliance
Concerns have been raised about whether Soul Beach Music Festival has a legal foundation to request subsidies under the subsidy ordinance and whether proper legal procedures were followed. This is particularly troubling as long-standing local events like Carnival and Regatta have faced significant delays and challenges in securing their own funding. For example:
Carnival organizers are still waiting for their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Regatta organizers have not received their allocated funds for 2024 and 2025.
SXM Festival is similarly awaiting financial commitments.
Fairness and consistency in supporting local events, which are critical to Sint Maarten’s cultural and economic landscape, have been highlighted as areas of concern.
Additional Costs and Unfunded Commitments
Information reaching this media house has revealed that Soul Beach organizers requested several additional concessions from the government, including:
Waivers for Festival Village fees.
Securing a second venue for the Comedy Club, which the government would be responsible for financing.
Turnover tax exemptions (not granted by the Council of Ministers).
Extra police security, which is not currently budgeted would require a budget amendment.
These requests, if granted, could significantly inflate the festival’s cost, potentially exceeding six million guilders.
Impact on Local Events and Sponsors
Concerns have also been raised about the heavy sponsorship demands for Soul Beach, which may negatively impact traditional local events such as Carnival and Regatta. Sint Maarten’s pool of sponsors is limited, and diverting resources to support international events could undermine local cultural festivals that already struggle to secure adequate funding.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Calls have been made for full disclosure of the agreement between the government and Soul Beach organizers. Transparency is crucial to maintaining public trust and ensuring that government funds are allocated equitably and effectively.
Conclusion
As the debate continues, close attention will be paid to the government’s handling of the Soul Beach Music Festival, particularly regarding its adherence to legal and financial protocols. The public deserves clarity on how their tax dollars are being spent and whether priority is being given to the events that matter most to Sint Maarten’s people.
