PHILIPSBURG:---  Authors Marco Aalbers and Quincy Lont officially presented the fourth edition of their book, Capita Selecta, Caribisch Fiscaal Recht (“Selected Topics, Caribbean Tax Law”), to the Honorable Minister of Finance of Sint Maarten, Ms. Marinka Gumbs.
The presentation to the Hon. Minister of Finance underscores the authors’ continued commitment to strengthening tax knowledge and fiscal education throughout the Dutch Caribbean.
The fourth edition of Capita Selecta provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the fiscal systems of Sint Maarten, Aruba, Curaçao, the BES Islands, and Suriname. Under editorship of Dr. Germaine Rekwest the book features expanded chapters on various topics such as income and profit taxation, indirect taxation, procedural tax law and includes reference to recent jurisprudence.
Minister Marinka Gumbs expressed her appreciation for the initiative and emphasized the importance of promoting local expertise in fiscal matters: “This publication contributes to building a stronger foundation for evidence-based policy and professional development within our financial sector. It is a valuable example of knowledge-sharing,” said Minister Gumbs.
Co-author Quincy Lont, well-known in Sint Maarten for this tax expertise noted that the book serves both as a teaching resource and as a reference for professionals in the field: “With this book we aim to make the intricacies of the Dutch Caribbean tax law more accessible and comparable across jurisdictions, supporting education and professional practice throughout the region,” Lont stated.

Marco Aalbers, co-author and seasoned tax practitioner who previously served as tax inspector in Sint Maarten, added: “Each new edition reflects the dynamic fiscal landscape of the Caribbean. We hope this book helps policymakers, practitioners, and students alike to navigate these complex systems more effectively.”
The fourth edition of Capita Selecta, Caribisch Fiscaal Recht is available through the webshop of Wolters Kluwer.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten has announced a temporary exemption allowing shops in Philipsburg to open on St. Martin’s Day, November 11, 2025, in response to an expected surge in cruise visitors.
The Minister revealed that five cruise ships are scheduled to call at Port St. Maarten on the island’s national holiday, representing a major economic opportunity for local businesses.
“This year, our port will welcome an exceptional number of cruise visitors on St. Martin’s Day — five ships to be exact,” Heyliger-Marten said. “To both honor our traditions and seize this opportunity, shops in Philipsburg will be allowed to open between 6:00 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.”
She emphasized that the decision is not intended to diminish the meaning of St. Martin’s Day, but rather to balance national pride with economic benefit.
“This is about ensuring visitors experience the best of St. Martin while our businesses and workers also benefit,” she explained.
The Minister reminded business owners that all labor laws must be respected, noting that employees working on a public holiday must receive time and a half pay, while those who would normally have the day off are entitled to double pay.
“Working on St. Martin’s Day is voluntary — employees cannot be compelled to work against their will,” she added. “I encourage all employers to act in good faith and fairness as we balance economic opportunity with respect for workers’ rights.”
Heyliger-Marten closed by extending warm wishes to the community ahead of the celebration.
“May we come together in unity, pride, and love for this beautiful island we are blessed to call home,” she said.
This year’s official St. Martin’s Day celebration will be hosted on the Dutch side, with festivities planned throughout the weekend and on November 11.

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.

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.