St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten responds to calls for resignation.

grishaheliger05112025 PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has publicly addressed growing calls for her resignation following the recent verdict handed down by the Court of First Instance against her husband, Theodore Heyliger.

During a press briefing, Minister Heyliger-Marten was asked directly whether the demands for her resignation were justified, given that her husband’s legal issues were already known at the time of her vetting and appointment. SMN News also questioned whether the current controversy stemmed from the verdict itself or from “unpopular decisions” made during her tenure.

In response, Minister Heyliger-Marten emphasized that her appointment followed all legal and procedural requirements and that her husband’s circumstances had been fully disclosed during her vetting process.

“I was elected by the people of St. Maarten and subsequently appointed to serve following a comprehensive, legally mandated screening process,” she said. “At the time of my appointment, the circumstances surrounding my husband’s legal matters were well known and duly considered.”

The Minister reaffirmed her commitment to transparency and the rule of law while declining to comment directly on the ongoing legal proceedings.

“Out of respect for due process and the independence of the judiciary, I will not comment on any ongoing legal proceedings,” she stated. “However, I trust that the legal system will handle these matters fairly and professionally. It is important to note that the civil case in question will be appealed, and drawing conclusions or making assumptions at this stage would be premature.”

Heyliger-Marten maintained that she remains focused on carrying out her duties as Minister, stressing that her personal circumstances have not influenced her performance or integrity in office.

“I remain fully committed to fulfilling my mandate and continuing the work entrusted to me by the people and the government of St. Maarten,” she said. “My dedication to serving this country has never wavered, regardless of my personal circumstances.”

The Minister concluded by reiterating her intention to continue performing her responsibilities “with transparency, accountability, and service to the nation.”

The remarks came amid mounting public debate and political discussion following the court’s decision in her husband’s case. The issue has dominated local headlines and talk shows, with some calling for her resignation, while others defend her right to remain in office given that she underwent all required screening processes prior to her appointment.

OECS Member States Express Deep Concern Over Recent Military Activities in the Southern Caribbean.

Castries, Saint Lucia:--- The Member States of the Protocol of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over reports of increased military operations by external powers in the southern Caribbean Sea.

According to the declaration, OECS governments are alarmed by incidents involving the destruction of vessels allegedly linked to drug trafficking, which were reportedly carried out without interception or prior verification—actions the member states describe as violations of international law.

While reaffirming their commitment to regional and international cooperation in combating transnational crime, including narcotics trafficking, the OECS states underscored their equal dedication to maintaining the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace—a principle endorsed by Caribbean leaders and supported by the United Nations General Assembly.

“We are concerned that the intensification of military activities in and around the southern Caribbean risks heightening tensions and misunderstandings in a region whose stability and security are essential to the well-being of our peoples,” the statement read.

The OECS warned that uncoordinated military actions, undertaken without consultation or sufficient communication with regional partners, could lead to misunderstandings and wider conflict. Such developments, the statement continued, would undermine decades of careful diplomacy and peaceful coexistence across the Caribbean.

The governments also highlighted the potential socioeconomic impact of any escalation on the region’s small and vulnerable economies, noting that military tensions could reverse hard-won progress achieved over many decades.

In their declaration, the OECS Member States reaffirmed several key principles:

Peace and dialogue must remain the foundations of regional and hemispheric relations.
Respect for sovereignty and non-interference are vital to maintaining trust and stability.
Collective security and cooperation are the most effective tools for combating organized crime and ensuring the safety of the Caribbean’s maritime space.

The OECS urged all international partners to engage in open dialogue with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the OECS before undertaking any actions that could alter the regional security balance.

“The Caribbean’s greatest strength has always been its unity, its diplomacy, and its steadfast commitment to resolving disputes by peaceful means,” the declaration concluded.

The statement reflects a unified regional stance emphasizing dialogue over confrontation, as the Caribbean seeks to preserve its long-standing status as a Zone of Peace amidst increasing global tensions.

Déclaration des États membres du Protocole de l’Organisation des États de la Caraïbe orientale (OECO).

Concernant les récentes activités militaires dans le sud de la Caraïbe

Les États membres du Protocole de l’Organisation des États de la Caraïbe orientale (OECO) expriment leur profonde préoccupation face aux récents rapports faisant état d’une intensification des opérations militaires menées par des puissances extérieures dans la mer des Caraïbes méridionale, notamment la destruction de navires présumés impliqués dans le trafic de stupéfiants, sans interception ni vérification préalable, en violation du droit international.

Nos gouvernements demeurent fermement engagés dans la coopération régionale et internationale pour lutter contre la criminalité transnationale, y compris le trafic de drogues. Cependant, nous restons tout aussi attachés à la préservation de la Caraïbe en tant que Zone de Paix, un principe solennellement affirmé par les Chefs de gouvernement de notre région et soutenu par l’Assemblée générale des Nations Unies.

Nous sommes donc préoccupés par le fait que l’intensification des activités militaires dans et autour de la Caraïbe du Sud risque d’accroître les tensions et les malentendus dans une région dont la stabilité et la sécurité sont essentielles au bien-être de nos peuples.
Des actions entreprises sans concertation ni communication suffisante avec les partenaires régionaux risquent de provoquer des incompréhensions et des tensions, et pourraient entraîner involontairement l’ensemble de la Caraïbe dans une confrontation plus large, sapant ainsi des décennies de diplomatie prudente et de coexistence pacifique.
Nous sommes profondément conscients des impacts indéniables que toute action militaire pourrait avoir sur nos sociétés et économies petites et vulnérables, compromettant les acquis durement obtenus au fil des décennies.

Les États membres du Protocole de l’OECO réaffirment que :
La paix et le dialogue doivent demeurer les fondements des relations régionales et hémisphériques.
Le respect de la souveraineté et la non-ingérence sont essentiels au maintien de la confiance et de la stabilité.
La sécurité collective et la coopération constituent les moyens les plus efficaces pour combattre le crime organisé et garantir la sécurité de notre espace maritime.
Nous exhortons donc tous les partenaires à engager un dialogue ouvert avec la Communauté des Caraïbes (CARICOM) et l’OECO avant toute initiative susceptible de modifier l’équilibre sécuritaire régional.
La plus grande force de la Caraïbe a toujours résidé dans son unité, sa diplomatie et son engagement constant à résoudre les différends par des moyens pacifiques.

SZV Recognized as one of Sint Maarten’s AI and Technology Ambassadors.

szvparliamentaward04112025 PHILIPSBURG:--- SZV Social & Health Insurances was recognized by the Parliament as one of Sint Maarten’s AI and Technology Ambassadors. This recognition is an acknowledgement of SZV’s pioneering digital innovation strategy to serve the community of Sint Maarten.
The recognition formally took place during the Opening of the Parliamentary Year 2025-2026 on September 9, 2025. SZV, along with other stakeholders, was acknowledged for its vision, commitment, and achievements in advancing Artificial Intelligence and technology on Sint Maarten under the 2025-2026 theme “Building digital trust: exploring a national AI strategy and further development of an Open Parliament”, where the Parliament emphasized the importance of responsible adoption of digital technologies.
For SZV, this recognition affirms that our SZV Beyond 3.0 journey has been visible, trusted, and is making a positive impact. “We are honored to receive this certificate of appreciation from Parliament. This recognition inspires us to continue our work in enhancing our digital strategy; ensuring our stakeholders feel safe, empowere,d and experience improved service when they use our platforms.” - Elton Felisie, SZV Adjunct Director.

PJIAE Appoints New Corporate Communications Officer.

cleavercassiepjiae04112025 Simpson Bay:--- Princess Juliana International Airport Operating Company N.V. (PJIAE) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Cassie Schoutens as the new Corporate Communications Officer.
Ms. Schoutens, who has been an integral part of the Commercial Department as Marketing and Communications Specialist, will now take on a broader role overseeing all internal and external communications on behalf of PJIAE. Ms. Schoutens has been one of the key colleagues behind PJIAE’s community initiatives and events, such as the recent Kids Movie Night and other outreach activities that connect the airport with the people of St. Maarten.

“The Management Board views this appointment as an encouraging step forward in strengthening our communication strategy and deepening engagement with our stakeholders,” said PJIAE Management. “Cassie has consistently demonstrated professionalism, creativity, and a clear understanding of PJIAE’s vision. We are confident that our communications will continue to highlight the values, progress, and spirit of the airport.”

PJIAE remains committed to open dialogue and transparency with the community. “We will continue our outreach efforts to ensure that our community feels informed, included, and connected to the growth and developments at PJIAE,” the statement continued.
“Working for Princess Juliana International Airport has been an advantageous experience. Every day, I am inspired by the people who make this airport operate seamlessly, from those working behind the scenes to those representing us on the front line. I’m excited to continue sharing these stories, both big and small, that reflect the heart and spirit of PJIAE. I will do my absolute best to fulfill this role with passion and dedication. Our community has always been at the center of what we do, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to engage and include them in every step of our journey.”

Those wishing to extend event invitations to Princess Juliana International Airport may forward them to Ms. Schoutens, who will serve as the official representative of PJIAE at public and community events. All public relations matters, including media and press inquiries, will be coordinated through Ms. Schoutens and can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..