MARIGOT:--- On June 13, 2025, EDF Archipel Guadeloupe held a press conference in Saint-Martin to address significant challenges facing the island’s electrical system. The conference shed light on the growing strains on power supply, the principle of tariff equalization that ensures fair electricity costs, and the measures being planned to secure a stable energy future for the region. Here’s a detailed look at the key discussions.

Crises in the Electrical System

Saint-Martin’s electrical infrastructure is grappling with multiple challenges. Some production units have exceeded their optimal operational capacity, while a new power plant, intended to replace the outdated systems, awaits government approvals tied to the Multi-Year Energy Program (MYEP). Additionally, technical incidents in newer production units and limited availability of land for future projects have compounded the issue.

The increasing electricity demand, which rose by 7% during the first half of 2024, has also put a strain on the system. Though there was a slight decline in consumption toward the end of 2024, the pressure on Saint-Martin’s aging infrastructure persists, with peak power needs often exceeding the available supply.

Understanding Tariff Equalization

A bright spot for Saint-Martin residents is the principle of tariff equalization, a policy of national solidarity. Despite the higher costs of electricity production in island territories due to factors such as insularity and reliance on imported fuel for thermal production, this principle ensures that consumers pay rates comparable to those in mainland France. This system, funded through the government’s Contribution to the Public Electricity Service (CSPE), provides relief from what could otherwise be prohibitive energy costs.

Délestages and Their Impact

Power outages, or délestages, have been affecting daily life in Saint-Martin. Between January and May 2025, there were 27 days of rolling blackouts, lasting an average of two hours, which affected thousands of customers at a time. The most severe event occurred on May 9, when nearly 7,000 customers—approximately 41% of Saint-Martin’s households—were left without power.

These blackouts are a result of insufficient production capacity, accentuated by technical faults and planned maintenance on aging machines.

Proposed Solutions to Secure Energy Supply

EDF highlighted a multi-tiered plan to improve Saint-Martin’s energy resilience.

1. Short-term: A backup power plant with a capacity of 20 MW is expected to be operational within two years. Additionally, rapid-action measures like installing new generator sets (GE) have been implemented to add temporary capacity.

2. Medium Term: A temporary central facility with 30 MW capacity, compliant with modern environmental standards, is slated for deployment within 14 months, pending regulatory approval. This facility would operate for seven years to bridge the gap until permanent solutions are in place.

3. Long Term: The awaited PPE aims to guide the construction of a modern power plant to replace outdated units. Alongside efforts to renovate other facilities, this measure is expected to provide a sustainable energy foundation for decades to come.

Energy Efficiency and Citizen Participation

EDF repeatedly highlighted the essential role of energy efficiency in mitigating power shortages. Local initiatives like the ‘Agir Plus’ program are designed to promote energy-saving technologies. Through financial incentives, residents can adopt improvements like thermal insulation and high-efficiency appliances. For example, the program offers up to €700 in rebates for solar water heaters, €500 for top-grade air conditioners, and significant aid for insulation upgrades.

EDF’s ‘E-qui libre’ service also enables residents to monitor their energy use more closely. This free digital platform provides insights into daily consumption patterns and identifies high-use appliances, empowering users to take control of their electricity bills.

A Call for Collective Action

With the slogan “I lower, I turn off, I shift,” EDF Archipel Guadeloupe is encouraging behavioral changes among residents to reduce their individual electricity use. Simple measures, like adjusting air conditioning by just 1°C, can lead to a 10% reduction in energy consumption.

Moving Toward a Brighter Future

Saint-Martin stands at a critical juncture. The confluence of outdated infrastructure, growing demand, and environmental pressures underscores the need for immediate and sustained action. EDF’s proposed measures, paired with collective effort and government collaboration, offer hope for a stable energy future. However, the road ahead requires commitments from all stakeholders from policymakers to individual residents.

For more information on the ongoing efforts and available programs, residents are encouraged to contact EDF Archipel Guadeloupe.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Egbert J. Doran is expressing serious concern about the government’s plan to introduce a ten percent dividend withholding tax beginning January 1, 2026. According to MP Doran, the decision is both premature and disconnected from the current realities facing Sint Maarten’s economy and people. He points to the lingering effects of Hurricane Irma, the socioeconomic shocks from COVID-19, and the absence of any real tax relief for the population as clear reasons why now is the worst possible time to introduce an additional tax burden.

MP Doran noted that this new measure, announced by the Minister of Finance as part of the upcoming 2026 national budget, appears to be moving forward without any meaningful public consultation or formal notification to the businesses and shareholders who will be directly impacted. He emphasized that this type of decision, which impacts local entrepreneurship, family-owned companies, and already struggling small businesses, should not be rushed into law without thorough dialogue and due process.

“What is most troubling,” Doran added, “is that the government is attempting to increase revenue without offering the people of Sint Maarten any form of relief in return.” The country has seen no comprehensive tax strategy, no plan to reduce the cost of living, no reduction in fuel taxes, and no meaningful incentives for investment or economic growth. Yet, a ten percent withholding tax on dividends has suddenly taken priority. For many business owners, this means that profits already taxed at a rate of 34.5 percent will now face an additional levy simply for being distributed, creating a combined tax burden of over 43 percent, with no exemptions or reinvestment incentives in sight.

Doran further emphasized that the way this tax is being introduced, through vague public statements without any published framework, explanatory notes, or stakeholder outreach, raises major governance concerns. It gives the impression of rushed decision-making rather than a well-coordinated policy aimed at sustainable growth. He questioned how the government expects businesses to prepare for such a change with only six months left in the year and no guidance provided.

“It is becoming increasingly clear,” Doran stated, “that the government does not have a coherent fiscal or economic relief strategy.” The people of Sint Maarten are being asked to absorb more financial pressure while receiving nothing in return. There is no investment plan for job creation, no easing of administrative burdens on small businesses, and no clarity on how this tax aligns with broader reform goals. The dividend withholding tax appears to be just another move to extract revenue from the same overburdened base that continues to carry the economy through crisis after crisis.

MP Doran stated that he will be seeking further clarity and direct answers from the Minister of Finance during next week’s public budget debate.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Coordinator Against Human Trafficking and Human Smuggling, Mr. Erling Hoeve, of Sint Maarten, met with the Consular General Mr. Demetrio Antonio Fernandez Mena of the Dominican Republic to discuss enhanced collaboration in combating human trafficking and smuggling and protecting those vulnerable at risk within migrant communities. The high-level meeting, held on June 11, was initiated by Inspector Liandro Rombley, Operations Leader of the Team Human Smuggling and Human Trafficking (UMM) within the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM).  

The productive discussion centered on the critical importance of raising awareness within migrant communities about the risks of exploitation and the need to strengthen collaborative efforts in Sint Maarten.  All officials emphasized that education and prevention are essential components in the fight against human trafficking, and by working alongside one another, we can bring about positive change.

A key outcome of the meeting was the Consular General's commitment to actively support the National Reporting Bureau’s "See Something Say Something" awareness campaign, which involves many strategic partners of the justice and migration chains. This partnership will jointly develop informational flyers for distribution to consulate visitors, ensuring that vital anti-trafficking information reaches those who may need it most.

"Stakeholder participation is not only crucial for protecting migrant communities but also for safeguarding our country's reputation, which still lingers at Tier 3 (Based on the US Department of State Anti-Trafficking Report" noted participants during the meeting. This collaboration represents a significant step forward in creating a comprehensive network of protection and prevention. It is within the planning to reach out to other representatives of the different nationalities living in Sint Maarten with this same initiative in mind.

The initiative reflects our country’s dedication to addressing human trafficking through coordinated community outreach, enhanced detection capabilities, and sustained public awareness efforts. Further details about the joint campaign materials will be announced in the coming weeks. For information on the 'See Something, Say Something' campaign, visit: www.nrc.sx. To assist us in combating these crimes confidentially, contact the KPSM police tip line at 9300.

SXM Airport:---  In response to recent misinformation circulating online, including a misleading YouTube video falsely suggesting that U.S. authorities plan to ban Caribbean airports from operating flights to the United States, the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau and Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) wish to clarify the following:

There is no travel ban in effect on Caribbean airports, nor on flights between St. Maarten and the United States.

All scheduled flights between St. Maarten and U.S. destinations are operating normally, with no disruptions anticipated. Furthermore, no official communication has been received from the U.S. Department of Transportation, Department of Homeland Security, or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regarding any such restrictions.

We encourage travelers, media outlets, and industry partners to seek updates only from official, verified sources, and to remain cautious of unverified content intended to mislead or provoke unwarranted concern.

The Caribbean, including St. Maarten, remains a valued and well-connected region with strong tourism and transportation ties to the United States.