PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten is set to experience a significant boost to its cultural and economic sectors with the return of the Soka Rumble competition and the announcement of a high-level Strategic Economic Stakeholders Consultation Workshop. Both initiatives, highlighted in a recent press briefing by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, signal a commitment to empowering local talent and collaboratively planning the nation's future.

After a six-year break, Soka Rumble is back, providing a vital platform for the island's artists. Now managed by a non-profit organization to ensure fairness and transparency, the competition aims to propel local music onto the global stage under the banner "St. Martin Soka to the World." Minister Heyliger-Marten described the event as more than just a competition, calling it "a launchpad for your music, your voice and your future."

The registration deadline for artists has been extended, offering more opportunities to participate. To be eligible, artists must be residents of St. Martin, be 18 years or older, and submit original tracks that have been professionally mixed and mastered for the 2026 Carnival season. Interested artists can register by contacting the organizing team via WhatsApp at 526-SOKA (526-7622) or through the official Soka Rumble Facebook page.

In parallel with efforts to steer the island's economic future, the Ministry of TEATT will host the Strategic Economic Stakeholders Consultation Workshop from February 2nd to the 6th. The five-day, invitation-only event, titled "Addressing St. Martin's Crossroads and Charting a New Way Forward," will take place at the Belair Community Center.

The workshop is designed to tackle complex, interconnected challenges through inclusive and cross-sectoral dialogue. Each day will focus on a specific theme, including tourism development, safety and security, the blue economy (maritime and yachting), and the orange economy (arts, culture, and festivals). The goal is to move from discussion to decisive action, creating a Strategic Economic Development Plan with concrete, actionable steps.

"This process is about real input, real ownership, and shared responsibility for the way forward," stated Minister Heyliger-Marten, emphasizing a shift from talk to action. "This is what governing forward by design looks like, not reacting to crisis, but deliberately planning the future of St. Martin together."

The workshop will bring together representatives from the private sector, labor unions, government-owned entities, independent bodies, and various ministries. While the event is by invitation, experts in the relevant fields who wish to contribute are encouraged to contact Secretary-General Miguel de Wever at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Head of the ETT department, Shervin Frederick, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Minister of Justice, Mr. Tackling, and the Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Mr. Richinel S.J. Brug, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to ensure that persons placed under involuntary admission at the Mental Health Foundation receive the legal support and representation they deserve.

This initiative stems in part from a motion passed in Parliament, brought forward by Member of Parliament Sjamira Roseburg, which called for strengthened legal safeguards and access to legal assistance for individuals subjected to involuntary mental health admission.

The signing of this MOU addresses a gap in the current legal framework. Under existing legislation, individuals who are involuntarily admitted do not have a clearly established mechanism guaranteeing access to independent legal support. The MOU provides an interim solution to safeguard the rights of these individuals while broader legislative reforms are being pursued.

Through this agreement, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor formalize their cooperation to ensure that affected individuals are informed of their rights and have access to appropriate legal assistance throughout the involuntary admission process.

Minister Tackling emphasized that access to legal protection is a fundamental right, especially for individuals in vulnerable situations. Minister Brug underscored that involuntary admission is a serious measure that is applied only in situations of acute mental-health crisis. In such circumstances, it is essential that care interventions are accompanied by clear legal safeguards.

This MOU ensures that individuals are informed of their rights and have access to legal support, reinforcing a balanced and responsible approach to crisis mental-health care. Both Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening mental health care and legal protections in Sint Maarten, noting that this MOU represents an important step toward a more humane and rights-based approach. Work will continue to modernize the legislation governing involuntary admissions.

As the new year unfolds, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation, and Telecommunication (TEATT), led by Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has introduced the 2026 Passenger Transport Confirmation Letter process. While the Minister hails this initiative as a step toward "order, safety, and fairness," it has sparked widespread frustration among bus and taxi operators, who view the process as overly bureaucratic and disconnected from the realities of their industry.

A System Overloaded with Red Tape

The new compliance process, which requires operators to submit an exhaustive list of documents—including crib numbers, proof of road tax payment, valid licenses, and vehicle photos—has left many feeling overwhelmed. The introduction of consolidated applications for companies, while intended to streamline operations, has added complexity for those already struggling to navigate the system.

For individual operators, the requirements are equally burdensome. Declarations for assistant drivers, mandatory fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and the looming threat of re-inspections for vehicles with "visible defects" have created an atmosphere of anxiety. While the Minister claims these measures will "professionalize and strengthen public transportation," many operators see them as an exercise in micromanagement rather than meaningful reform.

A Deadline That Feels Like a Threat

February 27, 2026, deadline for compliance has been set with a stark warning: late processing "cannot be guaranteed." This leaves operators scrambling to meet the requirements, with little room for error or delay. For many, the stakes are high; failure to comply could result in operational delays or being marked inactive, threatening their livelihoods.

The Minister’s advice to "not wait until the last minute" offers little comfort to those already overwhelmed by the process. The lack of a clear contingency plan for those who may face delays only adds to the uncertainty and frustration.

A Process That Feels Punitive, Not Supportive

While Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten emphasizes the importance of "order, safety, and fairness," the reality on the ground paints a different picture. The process appears more focused on enforcing compliance than addressing the real challenges facing the transportation sector, such as inadequate infrastructure, rising operational costs, and the need for better support for operators.

The lack of meaningful consultation with stakeholders before implementing these changes has left many feeling alienated and unheard. Instead of fostering collaboration, the Ministry’s approach has created a divide between policymakers and the people they serve.

A Missed Opportunity for Real Change

The 2026 Passenger Transport Confirmation Letter process could have been an opportunity to build trust and collaboration between the Ministry and the transportation sector. Instead, it has become a source of frustration and division. Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten’s vision of "Forward by Design" may sound promising, but for many operators, it feels like they are being left behind.

As the February deadline approaches, the question remains: will the Ministry listen to the concerns of those on the ground, or will it continue to push forward with a process that feels more like a bureaucratic exercise than a meaningful step toward progress? Only time will tell, but for now, the transportation sector is left to navigate a system that seems designed to test their patience rather than their potential.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Traffic congestion on St. Maarten has become a pressing issue, affecting residents, businesses, and the tourism industry alike. During Wednesday’s press briefing, the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, and the Minister of Justice, Nathalie Tackling, addressed concerns raised by SMN News about the island's traffic situation. Notably absent from the discussion was the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), Patrice Gumbs Jr, whose ministry plays a critical role in infrastructure planning and development.

The Current State of Traffic in St. Maarten

Traffic congestion has reached unprecedented levels, with bumper-to-bumper traffic becoming a daily reality across the island. Whether traveling from the French side, Cupe Coy, or other areas, residents and visitors alike are facing significant delays. The situation has been exacerbated by the high tourist season, which has brought an influx of visitors to the island.

Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged the severity of the issue, stating, "It's not something we can fix in one day. It's going to be an inter-ministerial solution." She emphasized that the problem is multifaceted and requires collaboration among the Ministries of TEATT, VROMI, and Justice to develop both short- and long-term solutions.

Impact on the Transportation Industry

The traffic crisis has had a profound impact on the transportation industry, particularly for taxi drivers and bus operators. Minister Heyliger-Marten highlighted the challenges these professionals face, noting that many are unable to complete more than 2 or 3 rides per day due to gridlock. VIP transportation companies have also been forced to deploy additional vehicles to meet demand, further straining the already overburdened roadways.

The Minister expressed empathy for those affected, stating, "Taxi drivers are suffering. They are not able to do their usual number of rides, and this is impacting their livelihoods." She also acknowledged the broader implications for the island's economy, as efficient transportation is essential for maintaining a positive tourist experience.

The Role of VROMI and the Need for Data-Driven Solutions

While the Ministry of VROMI, led by Minister Patrice Gumbs Jr, was not represented in the discussion, its role in addressing the traffic crisis is pivotal. Minister Heyliger-Marten revealed that VROMI is conducting a comprehensive traffic assessment in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). This data-driven study aims to provide a detailed understanding of the island's traffic patterns and identify actionable solutions.

Minister Tackling, representing the Ministry of Justice, expressed optimism about the study, stating, "It's promising to see that VROMI is now conducting a data-driven study. We need professionals to do a full assessment before making concrete decisions." However, she also stressed the urgency of implementing short-term measures to alleviate the immediate strain on the island's infrastructure.

Enforcement and Public Safety

The Ministry of Justice, as an enforcement agency, has been working to manage traffic flow and address specific problem areas. Minister Tackling shared an example of police officers directing traffic near Mullet Bay, where congestion stretched for miles despite no accidents or other incidents. She noted, "There are way too many cars and vehicles trying to move over an infrastructure that cannot support it."

The Ministry of Justice has also received complaints about double-decker buses causing disruptions at the Maho roundabout. Minister Tackling assured the public that enforcement measures are being planned, but she acknowledged the challenges faced by law enforcement due to limited resources and competing public safety priorities.

Long-Term Solutions and the Path Forward

Both ministers agreed that the traffic crisis is a result of years of unchecked development and inadequate planning. Minister Tackling remarked, "We need to be realistic about the size and the way that we have allowed things to grow without taking measures in a timely manner." Addressing the issue will require a coordinated, inter-ministerial approach, with input from experts and stakeholders.

Potential long-term solutions include exploring alternative modes of transportation, such as public transit systems, and implementing policies to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. However, these initiatives will require significant investment and time to implement.

In the meantime, the ministers urged the public to show patience and understanding. Minister Heyliger-Marten concluded, "We are working hard to bring in tourists and grow our economy, but we also recognize that St. Maarten is at its capacity. Planning is well underway, and we are committed to finding solutions."

Conclusion

The traffic crisis in St. Maarten is a complex issue that demands immediate attention and long-term planning. While the Ministries of TEATT, Justice, and VROMI are taking steps to address the problem, the road to resolution will require collaboration, investment, and a commitment to sustainable development. As the island continues to grow, it is imperative to prioritize infrastructure improvements to ensure a higher quality of life for residents and a positive visitor experience.