PHILIPSBURG:---  Be The Change Foundation is carrying out maintenance on its @ColorMeSXM mural project in Philipsburg and has launched a new website www.colormesxm.com with an updated map of the ‘Philipsburg Art Walk’.

Over the past six years, @ColorMeSXM has worked with local and regional artists to add 24 public artworks throughout Philipsburg. The project aims to beautify the capital, promote artists, share information, and encourage people to explore town through the self-guided Philipsburg Art Walk.

@ColorMeSXM operates largely on a volunteer and grant-to-grant basis, with support from artists, grant agencies, property owners, sponsors and community stakeholders. Recently, Be The Change Foundation reviewed the condition of the artworks and is approaching stakeholders for help with ongoing maintenance and upkeep. As part of these efforts, with support from Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied, the team is replacing damaged or missing informational plaques, and artist Zillah Duzon Hazel was able to refresh her mural. Alongside maintaining the existing artworks, @ColorMeSXM hopes to continue adding new public art to Philipsburg as grant funding allows.

Another important aspect of the project is creating opportunities for artists beyond the project itself, and several artists have confirmed an increase in mural commissions after taking part in @ColorMeSXM. To further support this, the updated website includes an artist directory where businesses and individuals can easily find artists' contact information and reach out directly for commissions and collaborations: www.colormesxm.com/directory.

The ‘Philipsburg Art Walk’ map has also been updated to include recently added artworks. The self-guided walking tour offers a free and accessible activity for residents and visitors of all ages, encouraging them to explore Philipsburg and the artworks at their own pace. Graphic designer Kevin Baly of Baly Designs designed the map. The updated map is easy to download from the website, allowing anyone to enjoy the walk at any time: www.colormesxm.com

You can follow updates on the project on Instagram: @ColorMeSXM

Kralendijk:---  With its revised 2027 draft budget, adjusted after the Cft decided to abstain from issuing a judgment, Bonaire has taken a step forward. However, concerns about the financial feasibility of the plans remain, according to a statement from the Board of Financial Supervision of Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba (Cft), issued after a working visit to the island on October 26. The Cft spoke to the Executive Council about the 2027 draft budget and strengthening the financial organization.

Cash resources may hinder investments

The Public Entity Bonaire has several upcoming projects requiring significant expenditure. Through 2028, Selibon requires approximately USD 26 million in liquidity support. Furthermore, co-financing contributions are needed for projects under the Regio Deal, educational institution housing, and infrastructure. It appears that not all these expenses are included in the financial budget. This also makes it difficult to assess the liquid resources, which are already limited. These liquid resources are needed to actually execute important investments.

Financial organization: integrated and safeguarded

The Executive Council presented measures to enhance the financial organization, including a gap analysis, a fixed Planning & Control cycle, and controllers at the Directorates. The Island Governor also mentioned the gap analysis in his letter to the Secretary of State as a measure to enhance the Public Entity's organizational and executive capacity. The Cft applauds these developments. In view of the upcoming elections, it is essential to permanently safeguard these improvements so the next Executive Council can continue to build on them. As an active stakeholder, the Cft will continue to monitor these developments closely.

Tourism

The Cft also spoke to TCB, Bonhata and Stinapa. Tourism represents approximately half of Bonaire’s economy and is therefore an important pillar of healthy, sustainable public finances. The Cft encourages Bonaire to develop a multiannual tourism vision and link an investment agenda to it, so the island remains attractive to future visitors. By attracting more tourists from the Western Hemisphere, tourism expands, and the low-season downturn is reduced, helping revenue remain consistent in the long term.

Questions have been raised over the cancellation, changed parcel limits, and reported awards; official results and evaluation records are needed to establish the facts.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Some garbage collection haulers are filing complaints with the Ombudsman over the cancellation and retendering of St. Maarten’s garbage collection contracts, amid concerns about changes to the bidding conditions and the fairness of the reported awards.

According to information provided to SMN News, the concerns center on why the original tender was canceled, whether the cited issues were addressed, and how a revised condition allowing one company to receive two parcels affected the outcome.

The reported allocation of the six parcels is two each for Limitless and Leonard Enterprises, and one each for Quality Sweeper and Q&A. SMN News has not independently verified that allocation against an official award decision.

The complaints and allegations do not establish wrongdoing. They raise questions that require an examination of the tender documents, evaluation records, and communications surrounding the cancellation and retender.

According to the account supplied to SMN News, the first tender was canceled because of errors and matters requiring review. However, those raising concerns maintain that the retender appeared to retain the same service requirements and cost arrangements, with the principal apparent change being permission for a company to receive two parcels.

To determine whether that description accurately reflects all changes between the two tenders, we must compare the original and revised documents.

A central question is who approved the revised parcel limit, when the decision was taken, and what operational, financial, or competitive justification supported it.

The information supplied also alleges that Limitless did not participate in the original tender but began purchasing garbage trucks after its cancellation and before the retender was issued. The company subsequently participated in the new process and reportedly received two parcels.

The reported equipment purchases do not show that Limitless possessed confidential information or was promised contracts. Companies may acquire equipment in anticipation of business opportunities. Nevertheless, those challenging the process want the timing examined alongside the development and communication of the revised tender conditions.

Another concern involves the prices submitted during the first bidding round. Those raising objections question whether they already knew those figures when the contracts were retendered and whether access to them could have influenced subsequent bids.

The material provided to SMN News does not establish which prices were disclosed, who received them, or whether disclosure occurred through a formal tender-opening procedure. Those distinctions are essential to determining whether bidders competed on equal terms.

The concerns also extend to how experienced garbage collection companies, including businesses currently providing the service, were treated. Those questioning the outcome want disclosure of the criteria, scores, and reasons supporting each reported award.

Experience alone does not establish entitlement to a public contract. The issue requiring clarification is how the committee assessed and applied experience, equipment, price, and other published requirements across participating companies.

The reported complaints to the Ombudsman draw attention to a procurement process with direct consequences for public spending, sanitation, and the continuity of garbage collection. SMN News has not reviewed complaint acknowledgments or received confirmation that the Ombudsman has opened an investigation.

The information supplied calls for an independent examination of the cancellation decision, the revised parcel limit, access to information from the original tender, and any communications or relationships that could have affected impartial decision-making.

The material available for this article does not include responses from the responsible ministry or the named companies, nor does it include the official evaluation report or award notices.

For the public and participating haulers, those records are central to resolving the dispute: why the first process was stopped, what changed, how each bid was assessed and why the successful bidders were selected.

Until those questions are answered with documentation, concerns about the tender remain unresolved allegations requiring scrutiny—not established findings of misconduct.

Strategic roadshows expand destination exposure, strengthen industry relationships, and open new opportunities in the U.S. market.

PHILIPSBURG:---   The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), together with the support of its U.S. Public Relations and Marketing agency, Diamond PR, successfully brought the spirit of the Friendly Island to Dallas, Texas, and Los Angeles, California, through two experiential destination roadshows aimed at strengthening St. Maarten’s presence in the United States.

The events provided opportunities to engage directly with travel trade professionals, media representatives, industry partners, and influential audiences. Both activations aimed to showcase St. Maarten as a complete and distinctive destination, highlighting its unique dual-nation character, diverse accommodation options, wide range of activities, rich culture, exceptional culinary scene, and the memorable experiences visitors can enjoy throughout their stay.

This selection reflects STB’s strategy to diversify its U.S. source markets and expand destination awareness.

Dallas represents a significant growth opportunity, with its affluent consumer base, strong travel trade network, and extensive aviation connectivity through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, one of American Airlines’ major hubs. The roadshow introduced St. Maarten to potential new visitors and travel advisors who can influence Caribbean vacation decisions, while creating opportunities to strengthen industry relationships and explore future airlift potential.

Los Angeles offers access to discerning travelers, an influential travel trade network, media, and creative industries. The market presents an opportunity to position St. Maarten as a distinctive Caribbean alternative for travelers seeking new island experiences. Its entertainment industry and creator community also offer opportunities for future destination features, collaborations, and film and television production partnerships.

STB representatives' physical presence was essential to bringing the destination to life beyond traditional advertising and promotional materials. Direct engagement allowed representatives to communicate accurate destination information, share authentic stories about the island, strengthen relationships with travel advisors and media, and gain valuable insights into market interests and opportunities.

Successfully executing both events represents a positive step in STB’s efforts to strengthen St. Maarten’s visibility in key U.S. markets. By combining immersive experiences with face-to-face industry engagement, STB is building a foundation for greater destination awareness and long-term market development.

The United States remains St. Maarten’s primary source market, with consistently strong visitor arrivals reaffirming sustained demand for vacations on the island. While the destination continues to attract visitors from established U.S. markets, STB sees an opportunity to broaden its reach and strengthen awareness in additional regions of the country.

Through targeted activations such as the Dallas and Los Angeles roadshows, STB is engaging new audiences, building relationships with travel trade professionals and media, and creating opportunities to stimulate future visitation. These efforts support the bureau’s broader strategy to strengthen St. Maarten’s presence across the U.S. market, build on existing demand, and encourage sustainable tourism growth.