PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Small Properties Association (SMSPA) recently engaged in a series of meaningful discussions with key business organizations and enterprises from Saint Lucia, focusing on opportunities for collaboration, partnership, and regional networking.

The SPHILIPSBURG:---MSPA held constructive exchanges with Export Saint Lucia, represented by Senior Client Manager, Ms. Fercinta Louisy, exploring avenues to enhance trade and export opportunities between the islands.

Lubeco, represented by Ms. Valma Anthony, Branch Manager, strengthening connections in the distribution and retail sector. For over 40 years, the Saint Lucian Bedding Company (Lubeco) has been the trusted name, manufacturer and supplier of quality made mattresses, foams, pillows, bed sheets, linens and towels.

More people in the Caribbean sleep on or use Lubeco products, making the company the # 1 provider for retailers and hotels.

Exquisite Kitchens by Saint Lu Woodworking, a leader in custom cabinetry and craftsmanship, discussing prospects for design collaborations and knowledge-sharing in the hospitality sector.

Fresh Squeeze Juice, a locally owned business in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, highlighting potential synergies in promoting authentic Caribbean food and beverage experiences for visitors.

Auera, a company bringing innovation and creativity to the regional marketplace, with potential for future partnerships in hospitality and lifestyle development.

Caribbean Metals Limited, a leader in steel and building supplies, exploring opportunities to support small property owners in enhancing their infrastructure.

Natmed Ltd., a provider of health and wellness products, with discussions centered on integrating natural solutions into hospitality offerings and wellness tourism.

MossSolucians, represented by Brain Walker, Manager focusing on delivering innovative technology and business solutions across the region.

These conversations emphasized the importance of strengthening Caribbean-to-Caribbean business connections. The organizations shared a common vision of supporting small businesses, enhancing guest experiences, and fostering sustainable tourism and trade across the region.

The SMSPA extends its gratitude to the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI), Business Development Officer, Mr. RichmerYork and Ms. Senior Client Manager, Fercinta Louisy for their invaluable support in coordinating and facilitating this meeting.

Ms. Nzinga Lake, President of the St. Maarten Small Properties Association (SMSPA), stated:

“We are committed to building bridges within the Caribbean. Collaborations like these not only bring value to our members but also create unique opportunities for our guests, ensuring that our region remains vibrant, competitive, and united.”

“The SMSPA will continue to expand its regional partnerships with the aim of creating a stronger, more resilient Caribbean hospitality and business ecosystem for the association and its members” said Ms. Lake

About the St. Maarten Small Properties Association (SMSPA):

The SMSPA represents small hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations in St. Maarten. Its mission is to promote sustainable growth, collaboration, and quality service within the hospitality industry while providing visitors with authentic Caribbean experiences.

PHILIPSBURG:---  This summer, NAGICO Insurances recently welcomed a group of five enthusiastic students, offering them valuable summer employment and internship opportunities designed to foster professional growth and career readiness.

This is an annual initiative, which echoes NAGICO’s ongoing commitment to youth development and community engagement. During their tenure, the students from Secondary and Tertiary levels were placed in various departments across the organization, gaining hands-on experience in areas such as Medical, Claims, Finance, Agency, and IT. The program was geared at providing the students with a deeper understanding of the insurance industry while helping them develop essential workplace skills.

In an invited comment, NAGICO stated, “We believe in investing in the future of the youth on our island and by offering these opportunities, we’re not only helping students build confidence and competence, but also inspiring them to explore careers in the financial services sector here in our country.”

The students expressed appreciation for the chance to work in a professional setting, remarking that the experience helped them clarify their career interests, unlocked hidden skills and build meaningful connections. They also praised the mentorship and support they received from NAGICO staff throughout the program.

“As the summer comes to a close, NAGICO remains committed to nurturing young talent and looks forward to expanding its youth engagement initiatives in the future,” the company stated.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Windward Islands Teachers' Union is calling on the Government of Sint Maarten to come clean and deliver on its promises regarding the 2% indexation (retroactive to January 2025) and the new 2025 salary scales.

While government press releases in January and June 2025 stated that funds had been allocated and transferred to subsidized schools, teachers’ August payslips do not reflect these payments. Instead, the Ministry of Education later informed school boards that “decision-making is still ongoing and was not finalized in time for the August funding.”

This contradiction has left teachers feeling deceived.
Our members are tired of hearing one thing publicly and experiencing another in their paychecks. Teachers deserve honesty, respect, and, above all, timely payment for their hard work.

The WITU has formally written to the Minister of Education requesting:
The Union therefore demands:
• Immediate confirmation of whether funds for the 2% retroactive indexation (Jan–Jul 2025) and the new salary scales have, in fact, been transferred to the subsidized schools.
• A written timeline specifying when these payments will be executed and reflected on members’ payslips.
• Accountability for the contradiction between official government announcements and the current reality experienced by our members.
• Clear communication going forward to prevent the recurring cycle of confusion, misinformation, and uncertainty that directly undermines the morale and welfare of educators.
Teachers can not continue to shoulder the burden of administrative delays. Rising living costs make it unacceptable for promised adjustments to be withheld.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Despite public assurances, Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs has not delivered on the government’s promise to transfer funds for the 2025 vacation allowances and indexation to subsidized schools. Teachers who were told they would receive the same treatment as their counterparts in public schools are still left waiting, as the funds remain undisbursed.

Government Yet to Fulfill Commitment

Contrary to previous announcements, the Ministry of Finance has not released the necessary funds to subsidized schools. Without these transfers, teachers are left in limbo and unable to receive the vacation allowances that were promised. The pledge of equal treatment across the education sector remains unfulfilled in practice.

Teachers, school boards, and staff continue to expect the government to honor its obligation. The delay has led to mounting frustration among educators who had counted on these funds.

Impact on Teachers

With no payment made, not a single subsidized school has been able to proceed with disbursement to its staff. Instead of the expected relief, teachers are experiencing increased financial strain and growing uncertainty about when, or if, they will receive the allowances and indexation owed to them.

This situation has fostered distrust and disillusionment among teachers, who feel overlooked despite government promises to support their work.

Calls for Transparency and Immediate Action

Minister Gumbs had previously urged other parties to act quickly, but the responsibility still lies with the Ministry of Finance to initiate the process by making the payment. Without the release of funds, teachers remain empty-handed and the government’s assurances ring hollow.

With the continued delay, calls are growing louder for transparent communication and concrete action. Teachers and their representatives are demanding answers and a clear timeline for when the necessary payments will be processed.

Uncertain Outlook for 2025 Indexation

The promised 2% indexation for 2025, retroactive to January 1, was expected to be included in the July payroll. However, with no payment yet made, doubts are rising about whether this adjustment will arrive on schedule—or at all.

Restoring Trust

The Ministry of Finance’s commitment to equity and transparency is now under scrutiny. Teachers and school staff are looking to the government to make good on its word and bring an end to the uncertainty.

Until Minister Gumbs and the Ministry of Finance take decisive steps to fulfill these unkept promises, teachers will continue to wait—hoping that words will finally turn into action.