PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) continues to deal with a significant number of confiscated scooters due to a lack of proper documentation or technical deficiencies, rendering them unfit for use on public roads.

As stated in previous press releases, KPSM continues to urge the owners of these scooters to come forward and retrieve their vehicles. Although the message may sound repetitive, it is a crucial component of the legal and administrative process.

According to established procedures, police are required to provide all reasonable opportunities for the rightful owners to reclaim their confiscated vehicles before any further action, such as disposal, can be taken. Failure to retrieve the scooters within the designated timeframe may result in the vehicles being permanently removed from police custody.

KPSM once again calls on all individuals whose scooters may have been confiscated to visit the Philipsburg Police Station with the necessary documentation to initiate the retrieval process.

The Police Force thanks the public for its cooperation and continues to emphasize the importance of maintaining road safety and abiding by the law.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Traffic Department of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is currently investigating a serious traffic accident that took place on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, around 9:00 PM. The accident took place at the intersection of W. Nisbeth Road, Longwall Road, Bush Road, and A. Th. Illidge Road.

It involved motorcycles and a scooter without a license plate, a black Yamaha N Max and a white Yamaha XT 125.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of the Yamaha N Max, traveling on A. Th. Illidge Road, in the direction of Longwall Road, ran a red traffic light. At the same time, the driver of the Yamaha XT 125, who was driving on Longwall Road with a green light, was making a left turn toward the Prins Bernhard Bridge. The Yamaha N Max collided head-on with the Yamaha XT 125.

Both riders sustained injuries as a result of the collision. They were treated at the scene by EMS personnel and later transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center for further medical treatment. Both were admitted to the hospital.

This is the second serious accident at this same intersection in the past two weeks, in which drivers sustained serious injuries. KPSM strongly urges all road users to adhere strictly to traffic laws, especially when it comes to obeying traffic signals. Running a red light puts not only yourself but also other road users at serious risk.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG: --- During the second draft 2025 meeting in the Central Committee, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided a comprehensive financial overview of the 2025 Soul Beach Music Festival. Addressing questions from Members of Parliament (MPs), the Minister offered insight into the government’s investment, sponsorship arrangements, and the event’s preliminary economic impact on St. Maarten. She also addressed controversies surrounding the financial dealings tied to the event, shedding light on her Ministry’s approach to large-scale cultural investments.

Government Spending and Sponsorship Contributions

The 2025 Soul Beach Music Festival received a total destination fee of $700,000, out of which the government contributed $500,000. Minister Heyliger-Marten explained that this figure reflects St. Maarten’s commitment to positioning the island as a premier destination for international events that attract high-spending visitors. Additional sponsorship contributions included $50,000 from the Port Group, $40,000 from Princess Juliana International Airport, and further funding from private businesses.

The financial support was considered an essential investment in boosting the island’s visibility and brand as a luxury and event-driven destination in the Caribbean. The Minister clarified that the use of public funds was tied to strategic goals such as increasing visitor numbers, stimulating the local economy, and showcasing St. Maarten's cultural assets on an international stage.

Preliminary Economic Impact

While the official economic impact study by the Social Economic Council (SER) is still pending, initial figures shared by Heyliger-Marten suggest a significant positive financial injection. Approximately 2,500 international visitors attended the festival, with estimates showing considerable spending across hotels, transportation, dining, and other areas. The Minister highlighted that these early numbers indicate a promising return on investment, underscoring the festival’s potential as a key contributor to the island’s economy.

To calculate these preliminary figures, the Ministry employed standard tourism economic modeling, using the formula of visitor numbers multiplied by length of stay and average expenditure per person.

However, the Minister reiterated that these numbers are provisional and more comprehensive data will be available following the completion of the SER’s rigorous assessment.

Addressing Financial Concerns

Questions raised by MPs during the meeting explored the transparency and fairness of the financial arrangements surrounding the festival. Specific concerns revolved around an allegation that local business owners were subjected to exploitative agreements, with one high-profile case involving a demand for 30% of profits to host festival-related activities on the Dutch side. Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged hearing about the incident and clarified that the government had no involvement in such private negotiations, which the festival’s organizers managed. She urged private businesses and promoters to enter into agreements that preserve fairness and mutual benefit.

The Minister also confirmed that while the government provided financial support, all contractual arrangements with local contractors and service providers were overseen by the event’s promoters. She emphasized that her Ministry is dedicated to ensuring that future partnerships for large-scale events operate under transparent and equitable terms.

A Call for Strategic Collaboration

Minister Heyliger-Marten used the discussion as an opportunity to address broader issues about St. Maarten’s readiness to host international events. She noted that balancing the expectations of global event organizers with the interests of local stakeholders is a necessary challenge, but one that can yield long-term economic growth if navigated correctly.

“While challenges exist, our commitment is to ensure that events like Soul Beach not only bring economic benefits but also elevate St. Maarten’s position as a competitive events destination,” the Minister said. She also reaffirmed her Ministry’s intention to refine its approach to cultural tourism, citing the need for improved coordination, enhanced local involvement, and accountability mechanisms.

Looking Ahead

The future of the Soul Beach Music Festival on St. Maarten has yet to be determined, with the Minister confirming that no formal commitment has been made for its return in 2026. However, she expressed optimism about its potential, pending the findings of the SER’s impact study and feedback from stakeholders.

With transparency and collaboration as cornerstones, Heyliger-Marten assured Parliament and the public that her Ministry remains focused on leveraging events like Soul Beach to maximize economic and cultural returns for St. Maarten. The discussion shed light not only on the festival’s financial dynamics but also on the strategic vision for St. Maarten’s growing role as a hub for world-class events.

PHILIPSBURG:--- During the second draft 2025 budget meeting in the Central Committee, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided key updates on the Philipsburg beautification project and the long-awaited marketplace reconstruction. Addressing inquiries from Members of Parliament (MPs), she detailed the challenges, progress, and strategic plans tied to these initiatives.

Philipsburg Beautification Project

The revitalization of Philipsburg remains a significant focus for the Ministry of TEATT. Minister Heyliger-Marten revealed that the beautification efforts, currently in the planning phase, are designed to improve both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the capital, reinforcing its status as a cultural and economic hub.

Highlighting public participation in shaping this vision, the Minister referred to the recent town hall meeting where residents, business owners, and other stakeholders expressed various suggestions. Ideas ranged from drainage system upgrades and improved lighting to the addition of cultural installations, highlighting Philipsburg’s heritage. These inputs will guide the finalization of the Master Plan.

However, the Minister admitted that the current budget allocation of XCD 50,000 is insufficient for large-scale transformations. She expressed hopes of securing increased funding in the 2026 budget cycle, emphasizing that initial, smaller-scale projects might be launched this year. Heyliger-Marten also noted the role of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in advancing the project, explaining that collaborations could significantly reduce costs while maintaining high-quality implementation.

On the matter of outdated infrastructure, MPs raised concerns about replacing existing bricks with asphalt and addressing drainage systems. The Minister clarified that while the Ministry of VROMI oversees these technical aspects, TEATT is ensuring strong collaboration to address such infrastructural concerns holistically.

The Minister further highlighted plans to integrate the preservation of Philipsburg’s historical monuments into the beautification strategy. With 60% of the island’s listed monuments located in this area, she emphasized the importance of preserving cultural elements as an integral part of the capital’s renewal.

Marketplace Reconstruction

The Philipsburg Marketplace reconstruction featured prominently during the discussions, with MPs keenly questioning the delays impacting the project. Minister Heyliger-Marten reassured lawmakers that the reconstruction remains a top priority, while acknowledging the procedural hurdles that had slowed progress.

Upon taking office, the Minister discovered that prior preparations, including architectural drawings and the selection of a contractor, had been incomplete. Subsequent recommendations from technical teams, including soil tests and structural studies, caused additional delays due to the need for design modifications. The Minister confirmed that these revisions, required for approval by co-financer Royal Caribbean Group, are nearing completion. Once finalized, construction is set to begin immediately.

Recognizing the hardship caused to vendors due to delays, Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged their financial struggles and emphasized her ministry’s efforts to provide support. She revealed that waiving or reducing vendor license fees had been considered but faced regulatory constraints. Temporary relief measures are now being discussed in coordination with the Ministries of Finance and VROMI. To improve transparency and communication with vendors, a dedicated WhatsApp channel has been launched, providing regular updates and key information.

Addressing questions about accountability, Heyliger-Marten assured MPs that thorough evaluations have taken place and adjustments made to streamline the project’s workflow. While defending the procedural delays as necessary for ensuring a solid foundation, she apologized for the hardships they have caused. She reiterated her commitment to seeing the project through to completion, promising regular updates to both Parliament and the public.

"The marketplace is more than just a project—it symbolizes economic opportunity and cultural expression for our people," she stated, adding that the revitalization of this space will benefit not just vendors but the island's tourism appeal as a whole.

Collaboration and Vision Moving Forward

Both projects require significant cross-ministerial coordination, with Heyliger-Marten emphasizing that their successful execution depends on teamwork and shared responsibility. She stressed that her Ministry is working closely with VROMI on technical matters to ensure Philipsburg’s transformation aligns with the island's economic development strategies.

The Minister also called on MPs to avoid "political posturing" and instead support collective efforts to fast-track these critical initiatives. “The people of St. Maarten deserve action, not endless debates,” she remarked, emphasizing that her Ministry remains committed to accountability and progress.

Looking ahead, the Ministry plans to implement staged, scalable projects for Philipsburg’s renewal while ensuring that vendor concerns remain at the forefront of discussions for the marketplace reconstruction. While challenges persist, Minister Heyliger-Marten’s responses highlighted a consistent focus on finding practical solutions to deliver meaningful improvements to these key areas.