PHILIPSBURG:--- The long-awaited reconstruction of the Philipsburg Marketplace is steadily advancing, with final design approvals now completed and key milestones reached, according to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten.
During Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, the Minister announced that the Royal Caribbean Group has formally accepted the finalized design of the new marketplace, paving the way for the project to move into its next phase.
“The reconstruction of the Philipsburg Marketplace has consistently remained a top priority for the Ministry,” Minister Heyliger-Marten said. “Final design adjustments were made to ensure the new facility meets the highest standards expected by Royal Caribbean’s guests, residents, and visitors.”
The Minister also revealed that, following consultations with the Ministry’s legal team, the government has decided to waive vending fees for the 2024–2025 period for vendors who were directly displaced from the construction site during the rebuilding process.
“This decision was made to support those vendors directly affected by the relocation,” she explained. “It applies only to those from the main construction site and not to vendors operating behind the courthouse.”
Heyliger-Marten assured the public that the project remains “firmly on track” and reiterated the government’s commitment to delivering a modern, resilient, and functional marketplace that will serve as a cornerstone of Philipsburg’s economic revitalization.
The Minister is expected to provide a detailed update on the project during a Parliamentary meeting on Monday, November 17, where she will also present the Social and Economic Council (SER) report on the Soul Beach Music Festival and its economic impact on the country.
Minister Heyliger-Marten Addresses Status of Taxi and Bus Permit Investigations.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has addressed growing public concern about the findings of the Integrity Chamber and SOAB reports on the issuance of transportation licenses, clarifying that any potential criminal investigation falls outside her ministry’s authority.
During the Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister Heyliger-Marten emphasized that while both reports are now publicly available, it is up to the Public Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether further legal action is warranted.
“Investigations and criminal investigations, for that matter, are not in my purview to decide when and how they go,” she said. “Everyone keeps saying that I need to go to the prosecutors, but both of these reports are public — and if the prosecutor deems it necessary, they can act on them. It’s up to them.”
The Minister noted that the reports have also been shared with Parliament, and she intends to give a comprehensive update during a parliamentary meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 13, at 10 a.m.
“Come next week Thursday in Parliament, we’ll know who needs to be held accountable,” she stated. “I will be able to give a full breakdown of the causes and effects of the 2023–2024 license issuances and how they’ve impacted the transportation sector.”
Heyliger-Marten described the situation as critical, citing complaints from long-time taxi drivers who are struggling to find work due to market oversaturation.
“Taxi drivers who have been on the road for over a decade can’t find work,” she said. “It’s overly saturated, and it’s affecting livelihoods.”
The Minister acknowledged calls for greater accountability and reiterated that her ministry remains focused on addressing structural issues within the licensing system while ensuring fairness and transparency in the sector.
The Integrity Chamber and SOAB reports examined the procedures and practices related to the issuance of taxi and bus permits, amid growing concern about irregularities and favoritism within the system.
Government Reviewing LNG Possibilities for Port St. Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has confirmed that the Government of St. Maarten is awaiting the results of a comprehensive assessment by Port St. Maarten on the feasibility of introducing Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) as a fuel option for cruise ships and potential domestic energy use.
Responding to questions during the Council of Ministers press briefing, the Minister said the port is conducting an in-depth study on whether LNG should become part of the country’s energy strategy, noting that the move must be based on sound technical and environmental data.
“The port is busy doing a full assessment, including an in-depth analysis, to see if LNG is the way to go,” Minister Heyliger-Marten explained. “We need to understand if we should move forward completely with LNG or ensure we remain diverse in our energy options.”
The Minister acknowledged that several major cruise lines are gradually transitioning to cleaner fuels, including LNG, but clarified that not all ships are powered entirely by LNG.
“Cruise ships today have different types of fuel systems. None is fully 100% LNG — many use a combination of fuels,” she said. “That’s why St. Maarten must remain flexible and make an informed decision once the report is finalized.”
Asked whether St. Maarten could face competition from neighboring islands such as Antigua, which already has LNG fueling facilities, the Minister said it would be premature to speculate before the port’s findings are completed.
“I would still await the results of the report from Port St. Maarten,” she said. “Once that analysis is done, we’ll be better positioned to decide the way forward.”
The port’s LNG feasibility assessment is expected to guide future policy decisions on sustainable maritime energy infrastructure, aligning with global trends toward cleaner fuel use in the cruise industry.
Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten Clarifies Status of Soul Beach 2026.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has confirmed that no agreement or discussion is currently in place between the Government of St. Maarten and the organizers of Soul Beach Festival for the 2026 edition of the event.
Speaking at the Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister Heyliger-Marten addressed questions regarding the festival’s future after the Soul Beach website announced St. Maarten as its 2026 destination.
“No, there’s no discussion as yet with Soul Beach for 2026,” the Minister said. “As you’re aware, the 2025 budget amendment is still pending in Parliament. Given that situation, I can’t in good conscience have any agreement in place with Soul Beach right now.”
The Minister added that a SER report on Soul Beach 2025 is expected to be submitted to her office shortly.
“The SER report is on its way to me. We already discussed the deadline, so it should be readily available by next week or later next week,” she noted. “I’ll have it just in time for the meeting of November 17.”
Heyliger-Marten emphasized that the Government has made no financial commitments at this stage and that any future collaboration will depend on the report's findings and available budgetary resources.
“Of course, once I receive it, I’m sure it will be a public report,” she added.
Despite online announcements from the event’s organizers, the Minister reiterated that no formal agreement exists for 2026, underscoring that fiscal prudence and transparency remain priorities for the Ministry of TEATT.
Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten responds to calls for resignation.
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.