TEATT minister says investigation must protect consumers, with fuel procurement, tariff transparency and possible renewable-energy reforms under scrutiny

PHILIPSBURG — Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten intends to ask BTP which verified findings from an earlier electricity tariff evaluation can support corrective action before the regulator completes its wider investigation into GEBE’s costs and charges.

Presenting her ministry’s draft 2027 budget, Heyliger-Marten said further findings and recommendations were anticipated in November 2026, subject to completion of the necessary verification.

Her presentation stopped short of announcing an approved tariff reduction or a date when consumers would receive lower bills. However, she acknowledged that some corrections may be possible without waiting for every aspect of the investigation to conclude.

“We should not delay what can responsibly be corrected today,” she told Parliament, while cautioning that changes must be assessed for their legal, financial and consumer implications.

Consumer protection must guide the investigation

Heyliger-Marten said the examination was initiated with the Minister of VROMI to establish the actual cost of electricity, determine which expenses are justified and assess whether consumers are being charged fairly.

“This process is not about protecting GEBE, SOL, or any particular commercial interest,” she said. “It is about protecting the consumers of St. Maarten.”

The minister acknowledged correspondence from Parliament Chair Sarah Wescot-Williams, acting in her capacity as an MP, concerning issues raised by an earlier tariff evaluation.

Those questions include electricity fuel costs, the allocation of costs to water production, a reported fuel-cost surplus, tariff transparency, access to GEBE’s financial information, fuel procurement costs and the port throughput fee.

Heyliger-Marten described the concerns as legitimate and promised a substantive written response following consultation with BTP and the relevant authorities.

Her reference to a reported surplus was not a final finding that GEBE owes consumers a particular amount.

Which recommendations can be implemented now?

The minister said she would request a clear distinction between findings already verified, measures that could be implemented in the interim, and matters requiring further information or a formal regulatory decision.

That distinction is significant for households and businesses continuing to pay electricity bills while the investigation proceeds.

The presentation did not identify which specific recommendation has already met the threshold for implementation. Nor did it quantify the relief that any correction might produce.

“The objective is not simply to produce another report,” Heyliger-Marten said. “It is to translate verified findings into meaningful and sustainable consumer relief where possible.”

Fuel storage and procurement also under consideration

Beyond tariffs, the minister called for examination of the underlying costs of generation.

She identified more competitive fuel procurement and improved supply security as priorities, including whether greater control over fuel storage and pipeline infrastructure could benefit GEBE and its customers.

Any investment would require a proper feasibility assessment, she stressed.

The presentation did not announce an acquisition, a new fuel-supply contract or an approved infrastructure purchase.

Heyliger-Marten also advocated assessing utility-scale solar generation, battery storage and the grid improvements needed to reduce dependence on imported fuel.

Net metering, prepaid electricity and targeted protection

The minister reiterated support for a fair net-metering framework that would allow households, businesses and eligible institutions to generate renewable electricity and receive appropriate credit for surplus energy supplied to the grid.

She also proposed exploring targeted protection for vulnerable households and seniors, alongside suitable arrangements for schools and farmers.

Optional prepaid electricity deserves consideration with adequate safeguards, she said.

These remain policy directions for assessment rather than benefits the presentation established as immediately available.

Heyliger-Marten clarified that she was speaking from TEATT’s economic affairs, price-regulation and consumer-protection responsibilities, rather than as GEBE’s shareholder representative or company management.

For consumers, the immediate test is whether November’s anticipated findings identify actionable corrections—and whether government then explains what will change, when it will change and how those changes will affect bills.

“We must address not only what our people are paying,” the minister said, “but why they are paying it.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  Sint Maarten natural resource manager, marine conservationist and author Tadzio Bervoets, MSc, highlighted the connections between coral reef protection, public health and climate resilience at the Climate and One Health Conference in Barbados, held on October 27–28, 2026.

Bervoets serves as Chair of the UNESCO Ocean Decade Task Force for Latin America and the Caribbean, Caribbean Regional Lead for the Coral Restoration Consortium’s Caribbean Coral Emergency Response Plan, and Executive Director of the Alligator Head Foundation. He also serves on the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network’s Caribbean Steering Committee and the United Nations Caribbean Environment Programme’s Protected Area Working Group.

Organized by Ross University School of Medicine, the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine and Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, the conference examined the connections between climate change and human, animal and environmental health.

In his presentation, “Healthy Oceans, Healthy People: Coral Reefs, Climate and the Future of Caribbean Wellbeing,” Bervoets explained how reef degradation affects food security, coastal safety, livelihoods, water quality and mental wellbeing. Coral bleaching and habitat loss can create pressures that extend to household income, nutrition, access to care and community identity.

Drawing on work in Jamaica and Sint Maarten, he described how reef monitoring, coral restoration, fish sanctuary management and community participation can strengthen resilience. Examples included the Alligator Head Foundation’s programmes in Portland and the contribution of traditional fishers’ knowledge to planning Sint Maarten’s Man of War Shoal Marine Park.

Bervoets emphasized climate justice, calling for vulnerable communities to be placed at the center of adaptation. He connected these concerns to regional coral emergency response planning, highlighting the need for agreed warning thresholds, clear responsibilities, coordinated communication and financing secured before emergencies occur.

His recommendations included connecting environmental and health information, incorporating reef decline into disaster preparedness, and funding prevention and recovery. The presentation also examined blue bonds, debt conversion, and parametric insurance as financing approaches.

Bervoets’ wider roles include Caribbean Coordinator for Yacht Aid Global, environmental policy and marine science consultant with Beneath the Waves, and co-founder of the Caribbean Shark Coalition. He is an advisory group member of Rise Up for the Oceans and a member of The Explorers Club. He previously directed the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and the St. Maarten Nature Foundation, and served as Technical Officer and Project Leader for the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s BluEFin Project.

The presentation concluded: “Protecting the reef is preventive care for the Caribbean.”

Photo caption: Tadzio Bervoets presents “Healthy Oceans, Healthy People” at the Climate and One Health Conference in Barbados.

St. Martin/Sint Maarten:---  Welcoming a new baby should be a moment filled with joy, love, and hope. Yet, for some expectant mothers, preparing for childbirth can bring financial challenges and uncertainty. Recognizing this need, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset and the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle joined forces to
distribute 50 maternity baskets to vulnerable expectant mothers across the Dutch and French sides of the island.
The initiative reflects Rotary International's commitment to Maternal and Child Health, one of its seven Areas of Focus, and its motto, Service Above Self.
Working with Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on the French side and St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) on the Dutch side, the Rotary clubs relied on the hospital teams to identify vulnerable expectant mothers who would benefit most from the initiative. This partnership helped ensure that the maternity baskets reached mothers in need on both sides of the island.

Working in collaboration with the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on the French side and St. Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) on the Dutch side, the Rotary clubs relied on the respective hospital teams to identify vulnerable expectant mothers who would benefit most from the initiative. This partnership helped ensure that the maternity baskets reached mothers in need on both sides of the island.

Made possible through the generous support of the Park Foundation and Lucky Cosmetics, together with contributions from Rotary members, sponsors, and donors, each basket was thoughtfully prepared with essential items for mothers and their newborns. These included baby onesies, diapers, baby wipes, baby bath wash, shampoo, baby lotion, rash creams, pacifiers, bibs, breast pads, sanitary pads, washcloths, receiving blankets,
and towels. While these items may seem simple, they represent something much greater: relief, encouragement, kindness, and the reassurance that these mothers are not alone. For a mother preparing to welcome her child, knowing that someone cares enough to lend a helping hand can make a world of difference.

In a joint statement, Jade Maccow, President of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset, and Grace Linger, President of the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle, shared: “Every mother deserves to feel supported as she prepares to welcome her child. Through this initiative, we wanted to do more than provide essential supplies; we wanted to remind vulnerable mothers that they matter, that their community cares, and that they are not alone on this journey. We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, hospital teams, partners, and fellow Rotarians who helped make this possible. When we come together in service, even the smallest gesture can bring comfort, restore hope, and touch a life.”

Both clubs extend heartfelt appreciation to the Park Foundation and Lucky Cosmetics, the Louis Constant Fleming Hospital, St. Maarten Medical Center, the respective hospital teams, community partners, Rotary members, and all donors whose generosity helped bring this initiative to life. Fifty baskets, 50 mothers, and 50 reminders that kindness makes a difference. Through this partnership, the two clubs reaffirm that supporting mothers means investing in children, strengthening families, and building a more compassionate and caring island community.
Chartered in 2018, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset is a member of Rotary District 7020. The Club is committed to serving the community through meaningful projects aligned with Rotary International's Areas of Focus. The Club meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Carl & Son's Conference Room in Cole Bay, Sint Maarten. For information about membership, partnerships, and community initiatives, the Club can be contacted at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or through its Facebook and Instagram pages.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran has formally submitted a proposal to the Ministers of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (ECYS) and Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) to explore the establishment of an annual St. Martin Culture Week, an initiative aimed at preserving the island’s cultural heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism and local businesses.

The proposal follows Doran’s remarks during the 2027 Budget debate, where he emphasized the importance of keeping St. Martin’s traditions, history, and cultural identity alive for future generations.

“Our culture is part of who we are, and preserving it should be a shared responsibility,” Doran stated.

The proposed Culture Week would bring together schools, senior citizens, cultural organizations, local businesses and communities for a series of activities celebrating the St. Martin of yesterday and today.

Activities could include old-time storytelling, traditional fishing and agriculture demonstrations, local cooking, local traditional cook-offs, guavaberry making, traditional games, folk music, dance and the sharing of local expressions and customs. Experienced fishermen could demonstrate traditional fishing techniques, while local farmers showcase agricultural practices, traditional crops and methods of growing food. Local cooks and grandparents could also share how dishes such as johnny cakes, saltfish and breadfruit were prepared back in the day. Friendly cook-offs could bring together local chefs, home cooks and families to prepare traditional St. Martin dishes, celebrate treasured family recipes and pass cooking traditions on to younger generations.

A particularly important part of the initiative would be preserving the stories of St. Martin’s elders. Doran believes that many senior citizens carry valuable knowledge about the island’s history and way of life that should be recorded and passed on to younger generations.

Beyond cultural preservation, the MP sees an opportunity to strengthen St. Martin’s tourism product by offering visitors a more authentic island experience.

“Tourists do not visit St. Martin only for our beaches, shopping and restaurants. Many also want to experience our people, understand our history, taste our traditional foods and learn what makes our island unique,” Doran explained in his correspondence.

He believes the initiative could create additional opportunities for local cooks, fishermen, farmers, artisans, entertainers and storytellers while encouraging greater community participation.

Doran stressed that the intention is not to duplicate existing cultural programmes, but to build on what is already available and develop an annual event that residents and visitors can look forward to.

The MP has requested a joint meeting with Ministers Melissa Gumbs and Grisha Heyliger-Marten and their respective departments to discuss the proposal’s feasibility, potential costs, funding opportunities and possible implementation.

“The concept is simple: bring our culture back to life, pass it on to our younger generations, and create an experience that both residents and visitors can enjoy,” Doran stated.

He expressed hope that collaboration between ECYS and TEATT could turn the proposal into a lasting national initiative that celebrates St. Martin’s identity while supporting education, tourism and local economic development.

“Our stories, our traditions and our way of life are part of what makes St. Martin special. We must make sure the next generation gets to experience them, not just hear about them.”