PHILIPSBURG:--- Tuesday, September 10, 2024, marked the beginning of a New Parliamentary Year (PY 2024-2025) for the Parliament of Sint Maarten.
In accordance with Article 46 of the Constitution of Sint Maarten, the new Parliamentary Year begins on the second Tuesday of September. On this occasion, a Solemn Plenary Session was convened on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 10.00 am with a speech by His Excellency the Governor, Ajamu Baly, LL.M.
As customary, the solemn meeting was followed by a military parade through the streets of Philipsburg. This parade is a comprehensive part of our island’s honorary service.
Group 7 students of the various elementary schools in Philipsburg were invited to view the parade at the Cyrus Wathey Square, and interact with dignitaries present.
This year, the reception following the ceremonial meeting was hosted by the Hon. President of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams at Dutch Blond Beach Bar and Restaurant. During the reception Mr. Isaiah Peterson was announced as the recipient of the President of Parliament Award 2024.
Each year, during the reception on the occasion of the Opening of the new Parliamentary year, the Parliament of Sint Maarten recognizes persons or organizations who contribute significantly to the community at large.
This year was no exception, as on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, six local pioneers in Sint Maarten’s local agriculture sector received special recognition from the Hon. President of Parliament, Mrs. Sarah Wescot-Williams for their contribution towards agriculture and sustainable agricultural practices in Sint Maarten.

Under the theme "Uncovering and supporting agriculture and sustainable agricultural practices", the following persons were recognized:
Mr. Joslyn Richardson - as a pioneer in Sint Maarten's local agricultural sector and for his dedication to sustainable farming. Mr. Richardson’s mission is to produce nutrient-rich, healthy food while protecting the environment from further harm.

Mr. Roland Joe (Ras Bushman) – Ras Bushman, originally from Curaçao, began farming in Marigot Hill in 1985. Since 1999, he has supported the island’s agriculture by providing fresh, local produce through his Ital Shack restaurant. He believes in the close connection between farming and culture, encouraging a natural lifestyle and healthy, unprocessed food.

Arrowroot Farm – located in Sucker Garden, is known for its sustainable farming practices and providing the community with organic, locally grown produce. The farm grows a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables, supplying local bars and restaurants. It also promotes sustainable farming through initiatives that raise awareness about preserving the island's natural resources and agricultural heritage.

Shoala Blessings – Shoala Farms and SXM Fisheries NV were celebrated for their efforts in sustainable farming. After Hurricane Irma, Shola Farms started in a backyard to provide organic food, using no bio-sprays and letting plants grow naturally. They are dedicated to sustainability and teaching others that anyone can adopt these practices, aiming to support Sint Maarten through organic farming.

The No Kidding with Our Kids Foundation – This foundation has been dedicated to educating and protecting children for 25 years. Their "Nature Nurtures" program, launched in September 2022, teaches children sustainable farming methods like aquaponics, hydroponics, and organic farming. By connecting kids to nature and agriculture, the foundation is helping to develop future farmers. The children emphasize, “We can live without shoes or computers, but not without food.”

St. Maarten Farmers' Cooperative (SMFC) – Made up of local farmers and community members, the SMFC works to produce and distribute fresh, high-quality produce and agro-processed products. By sharing resources and knowledge, they promote sustainable farming, support the local economy, and contribute to the island's agricultural growth. Their mission is to foster balance, sustainability, and development in agriculture.

In recognizing these farmers, the Parliament of Sint Maarten wishes to encourage the community to embrace farming and the farming lifestyle as a viable alternative food source on Sint Maarten.
The Parliament of Sint Maarten takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders, including collaborators with the agriculture video, and invited guest for their participation in making the Opening of the New Parliamentary Year 2024-2025 a success.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During the reception on the occasion of the new Parliamentary Year, a youth is awarded the President of Parliament Award for exemplary behavior, leadership skills as well as contribution to the community. On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Hon. President of Parliament, Mrs. Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, announced Mr. Isaiah Peterson as the recipient of the President of Parliament Award 2024.

Mr. Peterson received this recognition for demonstrating outstanding leadership skills and a deep commitment to community and service. Mr. Peterson has also excelled academically, in his soft skills and showed entrepreneurial interest.

In the past years, he has led projects to bring joy and support to foster children on the island, assisted in the Sint Maarten Lions Club eyesight initiatives in the community, and he has led the Sint Maarten Leo Club’s “Tis the Season” Christmas project during his tenure as the Leo’s President.

Mr. Peterson also showed his entrepreneurial spirit and innovative approach to tackling Sint Maarten’s landfill situation by participating in the National Youth Pitch 2022 with his team and their business concept, Upcycle. The concept proposed a company dedicated to collecting solid waste, such as plastic, cleaning and separating it, and transforming it into reusable materials for manufacturing processes.

His leadership also extended to being the captain of the Sint Maarten National Debate Team at the 2024 Leeward Island Debate Competition in St. Kitts and Nevis and encouraging his peers to get involved in their school debate clubs thereby promoting soft skills development and elevating debating on the island. Mr. Peterson is also actively involved in swimming.

Mr. Isaiah Peterson accompanied by his parents were present during the reception of the Opening of the Parliamentary Year 2024-2025 to receive the award. He proudly accepted his award with an acceptance speech during which he expressed his gratitude for being awarded this year’s President of Parliament Award.
The nomination application was submitted by Ms. Lateen Clark, President of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, who was also present at the reception to witness the ceremony.

The Parliament of Sint Maarten encourages all youth in Sint Maarten to continue to show exemplary leadership skills and contribute to our community.

PHILIPSBURG:--- “The video of an incident involving a taxi driver (Taxi 53) and some visitors, which went viral on several media platforms on Monday, September 2, 2024 was immediately brought to my attention,” said Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT).
“I instructed the relevant departments of my Ministry to investigate the matter thoroughly. This is why I have not made any public statement about it until now,” said Minister Heyliger-Marten this week, breaking her silence on the matter.
According to the Minister, the taxi driver in question was heard and it was decided that she should be suspended for a period of 30 days, during which time she is to register for training courses that will improve her service and communication skills.
“I have also apologized in writing to the visitors concerned for this unfortunate experience, and in addition, invited them to return to the island at their convenience at the expense of the Ministry,” Heyliger-Marten revealed.
The Minister explained that there is currently no law or policy in place that allows the Ministry of TEATT to revoke taxi and/or bus licenses. “However, we plan to implement such measures in the near future,” said the Minister.
“Incidents like these are unacceptable, and if we want to hold people accountable for their actions, we must establish clear and strict criteria. Our tourism industry is too vital to allow one person to jeopardize it for others.”
Meanwhile, as part of a more systemic response to the incident, the Ministry has already set in motion a process to establish standardized training for the public transportation sector, especially for taxi drivers, who are generally referred to as “Ambassadors.” They will be trained in areas such as customer service and etiquette, history, culture, and basic geography of the island, as well as communication skills, first aid, and CPR.
The goal, Heyliger-Marten said, “is to make them deliver better service to their customers, which will make these feel safe and comfortable.”
Moreover, the Minister disclosed that the Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA), is exploring a digital system to assist with compliance and to enhance the customer experience. This system, she said, is already being used in Aruba to modernize the sector.
Heyliger-Marten said more information will be provided in the coming weeks once discussions are finalized with the public transportation operators and other stakeholders in the hospitality sector.

Each of the six islands—Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten—has taken unique and proactive measures to address the challenges facing their reefs. The restoration efforts by local nature conservation organizations were presented during the recent Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) Reef Restoration Workshop and are critical in ensuring the health and longevity of these underwater treasures for many years to come.
Aruba: Building a Future for Coral Reefs
Aruba’s reef restoration efforts are spearheaded by the Aruba Conservation Foundation (ACF), which has been actively working to revive and sustain the island's coral ecosystems. One of the key initiatives is the new “Turning the Tide” project, funded by RESEMBID and partnered with Wageningen University & Research. The project uses artificial reefs placed across three different seabed locations located within the Parke Marino Aruba. The artificial reefs recreate the three–dimensional structure which will hopefully help restore key herbivorous species. ACF is also supported by the work of ScubbleBubbles and the University of Aruba, which maintain coral nurseries and conduct regular beach and reef clean-ups. There is also exciting new work in partnership with the Metabolic Foundation to map the sea floor.
Bonaire: A Global Leader in Reef Preservation
STINAPA Bonaire has implemented one of the Caribbean’s most successful marine protected area (MPA) systems, which has been crucial in preserving its coral reefs. Furthermore, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire (RRFB) has been at the forefront of restoration efforts, establishing coral nurseries that are among the most advanced in the region. In addition to outplanting thousands of corals each year, RRFB enhances the genetic diversity of vulnerable species via its coral breeding program. Additional partnerships with partners such as STINAPA Bonaire, Wageningen University and Research, Florida State University, and Rasster Lab have further elevated the local nature conservation organization’s ability to integrate science-based monitoring into its management efforts, making it a leader in the field of coral conservation. New innovative ways to improve local fish populations are being explored by Blijdorp (RoffaReefs), and this project is co-funded by WWF-NL. A new ReefGrazers project aims to restore the reefs by reintroducing native algae-eating species. This collaborative effort involves Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, Wageningen University, Wageningen Marine Research, the Public Entity Saba, STINAPA Bonaire, STENAPA and Saba Conservation Foundation, and WWF-Netherlands.
Curaçao: Innovative Approaches to Reef Restoration
Curaçao’s reef restoration activities are driven by a combination of scientific research and community involvement. The Carmabi Foundation, in collaboration with the Curaçao Marine Park, Reef Renewal Curaçao and Branch Coral Foundation, has pioneered several innovative techniques in coral restoration, including microfragmentation and the use of substrates designed to enhance coral growth. These techniques have been developed in partnership with international experts, including researchers from SECORE International and the University of Miami. Curaçao’s restoration efforts also involve local dive shops like Ocean Encounters and Dive Division, which contribute to outplanting efforts and monitoring the health of the reefs. Public education and outreach programs, supported by local nature conservation organizations and the University of Curaçao, are essential in fostering a culture of marine stewardship among residents and visitors.
Saba: Protecting the “Unspoiled Queen”
The Saba Conservation Foundation manages the Saba Marine Park and the Saba Bank, which have been instrumental in maintaining the integrity of the island’s marine ecosystems. Coral restoration initiatives on Saba are supported by partnerships with universities such as Wageningen University & Research and Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences, and the ongoing Dutch government’s Nature and Environmental Policy Plan (NEPP) reef restoration project. These efforts focus on establishing coral nurseries to propagate threatened coral species, as well as cutting-edge research on herbivore restoration, for example, the Diadema II project working to understand the recovery and restoration of the Diadema antillarum populations. The SCF also collaborates with local dive operators, such as SeaSaba, to involve the community in reef monitoring and restoration activities, ensuring that Saba’s reefs remain pristine and vibrant.
St. Eustatius: Reviving Coral Reefs Through Community Engagement
St. Eustatius has been actively involved in reef restoration through the work of the St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA). STENAPA's previous past coral restoration project focused on cultivating and outplanting corals. STENAPA is now focusing on herbivore restoration with its NEPP Coral Reef Restoration project. Statia has experienced a drop from 25% hard coral coverage to less than 2.5% in the past 20 years. Reefs are now dominated by macroalgae, which compete with coral for space on the reef and prevent young coral larvae from settling. Bringing key herbivore populations, such as the long-spined sea urchin Diadema antillarum, back to the reef is paramount to providing space for coral to settle and grow. This restoration project is conducted in partnership with restoration practitioners and researchers and will, in the future, include other complementary herbivores. Currently, STENAPA has changed focus from the ongoing NEPP Coral Reef Restoration Project to the cultivation and release of key herbivores such as Diadema antillarium. These herbivores graze on and subsequently reduce algal cover on reefs, clearing crucial space for settling coral recruits. Coral cover needs to improve on reefs after a drastic drop from 25% to 1% in the 20 years between 1999 and 2001. Community engagement is a cornerstone of Statia’s restoration strategy, with local schools and volunteers learning about reef conservation activities. Educational programs organized by STENAPA aim to build local capacity for long-term reef management and foster a deep connection between the community and their marine environment.
St. Maarten: Collaborative Efforts for Reef Recovery
In St. Maarten, the Nature Foundation St. Maarten plays a pivotal role in coral reef restoration, collaborating with local and international partners to enhance their efforts. The foundation has established coral nurseries around the island, with a particular focus on restoring populations of elkhorn and staghorn corals. These efforts are supported by partnerships with the St. Maarten Nature Reserve, EPIC (Environmental Protection in the Caribbean), and academic institutions such as the University of St. Martin and the University of the Virgin Islands. The Nature Foundation also works closely with local businesses, including dive centers like Dive Sint Maarten, to involve them in coral outplanting and monitoring efforts. Public education and outreach campaigns, supported by these partnerships, aim to increase awareness of the importance of coral reefs and encourage sustainable practices among residents and tourists.
A United Front for Reef Restoration
Coral reefs face several serious threats, ranging from climate change, invasive species, and pollution to overfishing. Protecting these reefs must go beyond just restoration, as tackling these issues alongside ongoing efforts will be essential to fully protect these vital ecosystems. During the DCNA workshop, it was clear that there is a need to improve interisland collaboration and knowledge sharing. Working together, we can leverage the power of our local experts to elevate projects across the islands. DCNA is currently exploring the next steps to facilitate this further, for example, the set up of the Conservation and Restoration of Key Habitat Program, which will span all six islands and will include coral reef habitats.
This workshop was funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature (LVVN) and supported by the Dutch Postcode Lottery.