Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to visit SMART Tradeshow 2026 and engage with the many businesses, exhibitors, and tourism stakeholders participating in this year’s tradeshow. It was a pleasure exchanging ideas, learning more about the latest industry developments, and strengthening relationships that support the continued growth of Sint Maarten’s tourism sector.

Here are a few highlights from the visit.

Proud to welcome tourism professionals, industry leaders, buyers, suppliers, and partners from across the region to SMART 2026 here in Sint Maarten.

Tourism is built on connections, collaboration, and partnerships, and SMART continues to provide the platform for those opportunities to grow. I encourage all participants to make meaningful connections, explore new opportunities, and experience the very best of what Sint Maarten and Saint Martin have to offer.

Wishing everyone a productive and successful SMART 2026.

The 2026 GEBE oversight decree was never intended to be another document placed on a shelf.

Its purpose is to create meaningful oversight, accountability, and consumer protection. Previous mandates existed, but this is the first time we are putting forward a framework designed to ensure that oversight has real effect.

If fully implemented, it could mark a historic shift in utility regulation and consumer protection in Sint Maarten.

GREAT BAY--The public discussion over BTP’s role in GEBE oversight has created a simple but incomplete impression: that BTP had the same power in 2017 that it has today, and that nothing changed until consumers began demanding answers. The legal picture tells a different story.

While ACP-SXM is right to ask what was done under earlier mandates, the 2026 Joint Ministerial Decree appears to mark the first time government formally activated the supervisory power that gives BTP real authority over GEBE under the electricity concession framework. Previous mandates asked BTP to study, advise and prepare. The new mandate gives BTP a legal pathway to require information, test the fuel clause, review tariff methodology and hold GEBE to obligations that had existed on paper for years but were never fully enforced.

In that sense, the government’s new mandate is a structural shift from paper oversight to enforceable supervision, and it may be the most important step yet toward bringing transparency, accountability and legal discipline to St. Maarten’s utility sector.

For full Weekend Read: https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com/weekend-read/btps-2017-mandate-for-gebe-was-not-the-same-as-2026-this-time-it-appears-to-have-teeth

Happy Father’s Day to all the incredible fathers and father figures across St. Maarten and beyond.

Today, we celebrate the strength that protects, the love that supports, and the guidance that shapes families and communities. Thank you for your sacrifices, leadership, and unwavering dedication.

Wishing you a day filled with appreciation, joy, and cherished moments with your loved ones. 💙💛

❤️

Protecting consumers and supporting responsible businesses go hand in hand.

Our Inspection Department continues to carry out routine and unannounced inspections to promote fair competition, enforce compliance, and ensure that consumers are treated fairly. As we prepare for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season, updated maximum price lists for essential items will also be published to help prevent price gouging and keep critical goods accessible during emergencies.

I encourage everyone to prepare early, stay informed, and do their part in building a fair, resilient, and well prepared St. Maarten.

Click to read more.

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten has provided an update on recent inspections conducted by the Inspection Department of Economic and Transport Affairs, IETA, emphasizing government’s continued commitment to consumer protection, fair competition and compliance within the marketplace.

“While we support businesses and entrepreneurship, we must also ensure that the marketplace remains fair, transparent and compliant,” Minister Heyliger-Marten said.

For full story: https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com/articles/minister-heyliger-marten-ieta-intensifies-inspections-to-protect-consumers-and-ensure-fair-business-practices

Investing in our entrepreneurs means investing in the future of St. Maarten. 💼📈

I encourage our entrepreneurs, aspiring business owners, and members of the creative sector to take advantage of the affordable training opportunities being offered through the SEDC Advanced Education Program. At the same time, we remain committed to protecting consumers and ensuring a fair, transparent marketplace through ongoing inspections and compliance efforts.

Together, we can build a stronger, more resilient economy for everyone.

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GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten is encouraging entrepreneurs, small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and members of the creative sector to take advantage of upcoming training opportunities being offered through the St. Maarten Entrepreneurship Development Center, SEDC.

Registration remains open for several courses under SEDC’s Advanced Education Program, which is designed to strengthen business knowledge, improve entrepreneurial capacity and support long-term economic development.

For full story: https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com/articles/minister-heyliger-marten-encourages-entrepreneurs-to-register-for-sedc-training

What a week it has been for Curaçao⚽️

Bon siman, a pleasant week further everyone …i sigui bria, Kòrsou! 🇨🇼

Today, Curaçao made history.

While the final score may not have gone their way, their first ever FIFA World Cup appearance and first ever World Cup goal are achievements that will inspire generations to come. As the smallest nation by population to reach this stage, Curaçao showed the world that determination, talent, and Caribbean pride know no limits.

Congratulations to the players, staff, and people of Curaçao on this unforgettable milestone. 🇨🇼⚽

Click to read more.

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has congratulated Curaçao’s national football team on its historic FIFA World Cup debut, saying that despite the 7–1 result against Germany, Curaçao gave the Dutch Caribbean and the wider Caribbean a moment of pride that will not be forgotten.

Curaçao, the smallest country by population ever to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, made history on Sunday as it took the world stage for the first time.

The moment was made even more memorable when Livano Comenencia scored Curaçao’s first-ever World Cup goal, briefly equalizing against one of football’s most powerful nations. “One goal is still a win,” Minister Heyliger-Marten said.

“The joy I felt, and that so many supporters felt when Curaçao scored, was much bigger than the scoreline. That goal was a victory in itself. It was history. It was pride. It was the world hearing about Curaçao.”

Click here for full story: https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com/articles/min-heyliger-marten-celebrates-curacaos-historic-world-cup-debut-one-goal-isstill-a-win

Improving mobility is essential to supporting the continued growth of our tourism industry while enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors. I have directed Port St. Maarten Group to develop a comprehensive congestion and passenger flow management plan to help create safer, more efficient, and more welcoming access to our cruise gateway.

Click to read more.

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has formally instructed Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) to develop and submit a Comprehensive Congestion and Passenger Flow Management Plan aimed at addressing traffic congestion and mobility challenges in and around the Point Blanche and Philipsburg areas on cruise days.

Click here for full story: https://www.thepeoplestribunesxm.com/articles/minister-of-teatt-directs-port-sxm-to-develop-traffic-and-passenger-flow-management-plan