PHILIPSBURG:--- “Today marks a turning point for St. Maarten’s electricity future.” Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, stated as she announced the official publication of the Ministerial Decree designating the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) as Supervisor under the Electricity Concession Ordinance. This marks the first time since the Ordinance was established that the legal supervisory mechanism for the electricity sector has been activated.
Minister Heyliger-Marten stated that this step is “not only historic, but essential for restoring order, transparency, and long‑term stability in our electricity system.”
For years, the GEBE operated without the supervision afforded by law. The obligations between the Electricity Concession Ordinance and the Concession, including multi-annual planning, audited financials, quality reporting, maintenance standards, and tariff transparency, were not enforced. The result was predictable: unstable electricity supply, unverified tariffs, rising fuel clause charges, missing data, and a complete breakdown of public trust.
“The country is still recovering from the consequences of years of inaction, shortcuts, and political quick fixes that led to the near total collapse of GEBE,” the Minister said. “There was no proper oversight, and that left the people without protection.”
When this Government took office, the electricity sector was in crisis. Prime Minister Mercelina spent nearly two years stabilizing GEBE, rebuilding its Supervisory Board, and preventing further deterioration of the grid. The process to restore proper executive management is still ongoing.
“People forget how close we came to a total collapse,” the Minister said. “We inherited a GEBE that had no verified data, no audited financials, no approved multi-annual plan, and no functioning oversight. We had to rebuild the foundation before we could fix the roof.”
“When we assumed office in May 2024, the fuel clause was already above 40 cents per kilowatt hour. Yet at that time, those who now shout loudest were not calling it ‘too high.’ This shows the real issue: for years, governments reacted to symptoms instead of fixing the system. We are choosing a different path because leadership is not reflected by shouting; leadership fixes what’s broken. Anyone can demand instant action when they are sitting in opposition. Governing, however, requires understanding the consequences of every decision made.”
The Minister reiterated that under the Electricity Concession Ordinance, the Government cannot legally set electricity tariffs without verified, cost-oriented data from the concession holder. GEBE was given the opportunity to submit a complete tariff proposal as required by its concession itself. They did not. This triggered the need to activate the Supervisor, who now has the legal authority to:
• Request and verify all operational and financial data
• Inspect and audit GEBE
• Monitor compliance with the Concession
• Provide the Government with the verified information required to establish a lawful LBham tariff decree.
“This is the correct pathway,” the Minister said. “It is the only pathway that protects the people, protects the country, and ensures that any tariff decision we make will stand up legally and financially.”
The Minister addressed recent public commentary suggesting that the Government could bypass the Concession Ordinance and set tariffs immediately using the general Tariff Ordinance alone.
“This is simply not true,” the Minister said. “Electricity tariffs are governed by a specific law; the Electricity Concession Ordinance, and that law requires a National Decree containing general measures based on cost orientation regarding the concession holder’s investments and operational business activities concerning generation, distribution and supply of electricity. If Government were to take shortcuts now, the tariff would be unlawful, GEBE could collapse financially and the people would be worse off. I will not repeat the mistakes that caused the electricity crisis.”
She added “St. Maarten cannot afford another collapse. I will not gamble with the country’s economy, electricity system, or the people’s future just to satisfy political pressure or create catchy headlines.”
The Minister acknowledged the frustration many households and businesses feel.
“People want relief, and they deserve relief. But they also deserve a system that works, a system that is fair and a system that will not collapse again in two years. We are not here to repeat the mistakes of the past. We are here to fix them.”
The Minister reminds the public that during the previous administration, the relief that was given was possible only because the country received hundreds of millions in loans from the Netherlands during and after Covid-19. Loans that the people of St. Maarten, as taxpayers are still responsible for today.
“This is not about pointing fingers,” the Minister said. “It is a matter of understanding why we must fix the system structurally. Quick fixes feel good in the moment, but they leave the country weaker. We are choosing the responsible path, the path that protects the people long-term.”
The publication of the Ministerial Decree is the beginning of a new era of regulation in St. Maarten. For the first time, the Government will have structured oversight, enforceable compliance of the concession, transparent tariff methodology and a foundation for long-term energy transition.
“This is how we protect consumers,” the Minister concluded. “This is how we build a future where electricity is reliable, affordable and accountable. This is the beginning of a stronger, more reliable electricity future for every household and every business on our island.”
NIA wraps Up “Let’s Act Break Free” Ceramics Project.
~A year-long journey in mindful creativity culminates at the John Larmonie Center~
PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, May 23rd, the final glaze strokes were applied to the last ceramics pieces to be loaded into the kiln, bringing the Let’s Act Break Free Ceramics Project to a close. What began as a creative initiative with the National Institute of Arts (NIA) and Milton Peters College has grown into a rich, community-centered experience that engages adults and teens in mindful artistic practice throughout the school year.
The program was structured across five themed six-week sessions, each designed to inspire participants while honoring Caribbean culture and heritage. The themes spanned a rich variety of traditions and celebrations, from coal pot making and Christmas decorations to a dedicated Black History Month session.
The program goals were 3-fold: Preservation of Cultural Heritage - Participants learned about traditional Caribbean ceramic techniques and historical artifacts, deepening their connection to local cultural roots.
Creative Skill Development - Attendees gained hands-on experience in ceramics, enhancing their artistic skills in a supportive and engaging environment.
Community Engagement and Economic Opportunity - Exhibitions provided a platform for participants to showcase their work to the public — and for emerging artists, an opportunity to sell their creations.
Workshops were well attended throughout the year, and participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive. NIA’s commitment to providing meaningful one-on-one attention meant that class sizes were intentionally kept small — ensuring every student received the guidance and focus they deserved while still reaching as many community members as possible.
To celebrate the work of this year’s participants, NIA will present a public display of student ceramics at the John Larmonie Center, Longwall Road from May 28th through June 5th, 2026. The public is warmly invited to view the exhibition free of charge.
On Thursday, June 5th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, join NIA for a special closing reception. While exploring the exhibition, guests will have the opportunity to meet and greet the instructors and hear about exciting future plans for the program.
This program was made possible through the Let’s Act Program for Strengthening Cultural Participation. NIA extends its heartfelt gratitude to all participants, supporters, and the wider community whose enthusiasm made this project a success.
Continuation Central Committee meeting of Parliament regarding the nature policy plan for Sint Maarten 2025-2029
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on May 25, 2026.
The Central Committee meeting, which started and was adjourned on January 16, 2026, with a continuation and adjournment on February 9, 2026, will be reconvened on Monday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure will be returning to Parliament to provide the answers to questions posed by the Members of Parliament.
The agenda point is:
Nature policy Plan Sint Maarten 2025-2029 (IS/365/2025-2026 dated November 18, 2025)
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.
The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament
Tensions rise at Pointe Blanche Prison as inmates allegedly left hungry following strike punishment.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Tensions escalated at the Pointe Blanche Prison today after prisoners reportedly reacted angrily when no food was available in the prison kitchen following the suspension of a scheduled “food day” as punishment for last week’s inmate strike.
The strike was reportedly organized by inmates protesting what they described as inhumane and deplorable living conditions inside the prison.
According to information reaching SMN News, at least three inmates suffering from mental health issues were allegedly being housed inside a classroom that lacked basic sanitary facilities, including a bathroom and other hygienic accommodations. Sources claim the room housing the prisoners was not properly cleaned, forcing the inmates to remain in unsanitary conditions.
The alleged conditions reportedly sparked outrage among prisoners and led to last week’s protest action inside the facility.
In response to the strike, prison management allegedly revoked a scheduled “food day” — a day when inmates normally receive special meals or additional food items from relatives. However, the situation reportedly deteriorated further today when the prison kitchen allegedly had no food available to feed prisoners at all.
The development reportedly caused frustration and unrest among inmates, with some reacting negatively after learning that meals were unavailable.
Family members of prisoners and concerned citizens continue to question the deteriorating conditions at Pointe Blanche Prison, which has repeatedly come under criticism over overcrowding, infrastructure problems, and the treatment of mentally ill detainees.
Human rights advocates have long argued that the prison lacks adequate resources and facilities to properly care for inmates suffering from psychiatric conditions, warning that continued neglect could lead to serious consequences if immediate action is not taken.
Up to press time, prison management and the Ministry of Justice had not publicly commented on the latest allegations.
St. Maarten Tourism Booms in Record-Breaking First Quarter.
~Air arrivals jump 23% while cruise sector surges 18% in the strongest start to the year since pandemic recovery~
PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten’s tourism industry delivered an exceptional performance in the first quarter of 2026, with dramatic increases in both air passenger arrivals and cruise tourism signaling continued economic momentum for the destination. Newly released figures from the Department of Statistics (STAT) reveal that the island welcomed more than 1 million visitors during the first three months of the year alone.
According to STAT, total air passenger arrivals reached 314,765 in Q1 2026, an increase of 57,842 passengers, or 23%, compared to the same period in 2025.
The statistics agency explained that all visitors entering through Princess Juliana International Airport — including post-immigration transfer passengers — are now categorized as “Air Passenger Arrivals,” reflecting the island’s role as a regional aviation hub. STAT also noted that the newly implemented digital immigration system has significantly improved data accuracy, although some limitations remain in distinguishing transfer passengers, residents, and European Union travelers.
North America Dominates Arrivals
North America remained St. Maarten’s dominant tourism market during the quarter, accounting for 213,595 arrivals, or 67.9% of all air passenger traffic.
The United States continued to lead as the island’s single largest market, contributing 171,340 arrivals — representing 54.4% of all passengers and approximately 80% of the North American market. On average, the island received more than 57,000 American passengers per month during the quarter.
Canada also remained a significant contributor to overall North American growth.
Europe Shows Strong Performance
The European Union ranked as St. Maarten’s second-largest source market, generating 76,790 arrivals, equivalent to 24.4% of total air arrivals.
Within the European market, France led all EU countries with 31,091 arrivals, accounting for 40.5% of EU arrivals and 9.9% of total arrivals overall. The Netherlands followed with 18,502 arrivals, representing 24.1% of EU traffic and 5.9% of overall passenger arrivals.
Regional And International Markets Continue To Expand
The Caribbean region recorded 9,946 arrivals, accounting for 3.2% of total arrivals, while averaging more than 3,300 passengers monthly.
Meanwhile, Central and South America contributed 8,588 arrivals, or 2.7% of total arrivals, averaging over 2,800 passengers per month. The region also posted an increase of approximately 1,700 passengers compared to Q1 2025.
Travelers categorized under the “Rest of the World” market totaled 5,846 arrivals, representing 1.9% of overall passenger traffic and averaging more than 1,900 monthly arrivals.
Cruise Tourism Posts Massive Gains
The island’s cruise tourism sector also delivered an outstanding quarter.
STAT reported that St. Maarten welcomed 748,603 cruise passengers during Q1 2026, representing an 18% increase compared to the 635,968 cruise visitors recorded in Q1 2025.
January 2026 recorded a 19% increase in cruise passenger arrivals over January 2025. February followed with a 16% increase, while also registering approximately 30% more cruise ship calls than the same month last year.
March maintained the strong upward trend, posting an 18% increase in cruise passenger arrivals despite the approach of the Caribbean’s traditional tourism off-season.
In total, the island recorded 316 cruise ship calls during Q1 2026, representing an increase of 40 additional calls compared to Q1 2025.
Economic Impact Expected Across the Island
Tourism experts say the impressive figures are expected to translate into significant economic benefits for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, taxi services, retailers, and small businesses across St. Maarten.
The sustained growth in both stay-over and cruise tourism further strengthens confidence in the island’s tourism recovery and long-term outlook.
With robust demand from North America and Europe, increased cruise scheduling, and improved airport operations, St. Maarten appears poised for continued tourism expansion throughout the remainder of 2026.