Pond Island:--- TelEm Group is enhancing its “Always On Data service”, giving prepaid customers unprecedented control of their mobile data usage.
The new feature is available via the company’s new “Always On for Every Moment” campaign which kicks off this week.
The campaign is aimed at educating and engaging customers about the benefits of the new service for more efficient use of data and cost savings.

It is rolling out across various channels, including social media, radio, television, newspaper, and in-person events—ensuring that customers across Sint Maarten feel engaged and informed about the benefits of Always On Data.

“By making it possible for customers to opt in or opt out of this service at any time, TelEm is ensuring a seamless and customizable data experience to meet the individual needs of everyone,” says TelEm Group on the launch of its campaign.
The new service is aimed at prepaid mobile customers who can simply send an SMS message 'AO ON' or 'AO OFF' to 1000 to opt in or opt out of their data usage at any time.

“Subscribers can choose the convenience of automatic connectivity, deciding when to activate their data manually, or selecting one of TelEm’s many convenient 1-day, 7-day, or 30-day data plans for even more choice,” the campaign promoters say.
They say since introducing the Always On Data service, customers have been asking for even better ways to maximize their data usage and also better ways to keep track of data usage.
The company says it listened to its customers and came up with the expanded feature “Always On for Every Moment”.
“While the great majority of our customers have enjoyed the convenience of the service offered, we have nevertheless taken note of customer feedback to make the service even more flexible and tailored to individual needs with the new enhancements,” says TelEm Group.
The company says an educational video series will guide users on how to opt in and opt out of Always On Data. Additionally, practical data-saving tips will be shared, helping customers learn how to maximize their data and adjust smartphone settings for a more efficient experience.

The campaign features well-known local influencers, community leaders, and everyday TelEm Group customers who are coming together to deliver the clear message that staying connected is essential, and TelEm Group is here to ensure that no moment is ever missed.

“With “Always On for Every Moment,” TelEm Group is putting the community first with a series of customer-focused initiatives, interactive events, and educational content.”

To further engage and connect with the community, TelEm Group will be hosting several Community Family Fun Days across Sint Maarten. At these days, customers can experience Always On Data firsthand, enjoy exclusive giveaways, and take advantage of special offers.

Customers will also have the opportunity to meet TelEm Group representatives in person, ask questions, and receive hands-on demonstrations of the Always On Data service and more.

At the heart of this campaign is the power of local voices, and for this, TelEm Group has partnered with familiar faces in the community—including influencers, entrepreneurs, artists, and athletes—who all rely on staying connected for their success.

For more information on Always On Data, visit www.telem.sx and follow TelEm on Facebook and Instagram (@Telem) to stay updated on upcoming events and campaign highlights.

Dear Editor,

St. Maarten, our little paradise in the Caribbean, is no stranger to weathering storms—both literal and figurative. However, the latest challenge blowing in from the north isn’t a hurricane; it’s a wave of tariffs announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. With a baseline 10% tariff on all imports to the U.S. and steeper reciprocal tariffs on certain countries—some as high as 50%—global trade is reeling, and St. Maarten could feel the ripple effects in a big way. As an island that imports virtually everything from food to furniture, mainly via the U.S., even if the goods originate elsewhere, these tariffs could mean one thing for the average consumer: higher prices. All eyes are now on the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) and her Senior Policy Advisor to steer us through this mess.

Let’s break it down. St. Maarten doesn’t produce much locally—our economy thrives on tourism and what we bring in from abroad. A huge chunk of those imports, whether it’s a bag of rice, a flat-screen TV, or a case of Heineken, comes through U.S. ports or from American suppliers, even if the stuff was made in China, Europe, or Latin America. Trump’s tariffs don’t just hit goods made in the U.S.; they jack up the cost of anything shipped to or through the States. That means the price tag on everyday items could climb from 20% to 40% in some cases, depending on how businesses pass on the costs here.

Take a simple example: a gallon of milk. Maybe it’s sourced from a U.S. distributor, even if the cows are in Wisconsin or elsewhere. That 10% baseline tariff—or higher if it’s tangled up in reciprocal duties—gets tacked onto the wholesale price. Shipping companies, already squeezed by global trade tensions, might hike their rates too. By the time milk hits the shelves at Carrefour or Cost-U-Less, you’re paying $6 or $7 instead of $5. Now multiply that across your grocery list—chicken, cereal, diapers—and suddenly, your weekly shop is $50 more expensive. For a family already stretched thin, that’s a punch to the gut.

Or think about bigger purchases. Say you’re eyeing a new sofa from a U.S.-based retailer like Ashley Furniture. The price was already steep because of shipping to an island, but now add a tariff bump—it could be 20% or more if the materials came from a “high-tariff” country like China (which faces a 34% levy). That $1,000 sofa might now cost you $1,200 or $1,400. The math gets even uglier for small businesses importing goods to sell—think electronics, clothing, or construction materials. They’ll either eat the cost (unlikely) or pass it on to you, the consumer.

So, what’s at stake? A lot. If prices soar unchecked, it’s not just about tighter budgets—it’s about tourism taking a hit too. Visitors might balk at $15 burgers or $200 hotel sundries, and that’s a problem for an island where every dollar counts. But here’s where hope comes in: the Minister of TEATT and her Senior Policy Advisor, a duo with a track record of tackling crises, are in the hot seat to figure this out.

The Minister, Grisha Heyliger-Marten—yes, wife of Theo Heyliger—brings a steady hand and a deep understanding of St. Maarten’s economic pulse. Her Senior Policy Advisor, Rolando Brison, says what you will about his past is undeniably one of the sharpest minds in our political landscape. This isn’t their first rodeo. Brison, in particular, was a key player in navigating St. Maarten through the COVID-19 pandemic, helping keep our economy afloat when the world shut down. Together, they’ve got the experience and brainpower to make this tariff turmoil manageable.

What can they do? For starters, they could push for creative trade workarounds—maybe lean harder on direct imports from Europe or the Caribbean to bypass U.S. ports. They might negotiate with local businesses to absorb some costs or lobby for subsidies to cushion the blow. And with their political savvy, they could even press the Dutch government for support, given St. Maarten’s status in the Kingdom. It’s a tall order, but if anyone can pull it off, it's these two. Their past political or otherwise differences seem irrelevant now; this is about results.

SMN News says let’s give them the benefit of the doubt. Sure, prices might spike 20% to 40% if nothing’s done, but Heyliger-Marten and Brison have a chance to prove they can keep St. Maarten steady. The timing’s almost poetic: two heavyweights, once at odds, are now united by necessity. If they put their heads together, we might just come out of this better than expected. For now, stock up on that milk—and watch TEATT—the island’s counting on them.

The implementation of U.S. tariffs has once again thrust global trade policy into the spotlight, sparking reactions across markets. Recent tariff announcements from the U.S. government have raised concerns among investors, leading to volatility in the stock market. Analysts closely monitor the situation to assess the ripple effects across industries, with certain sectors bearing the brunt of this trade strategy.

Pressure on the Manufacturing and Technology Sectors

The tariff measures have notably affected the manufacturing sector, particularly companies involved in steel, aluminum, and machinery production. Additional costs related to imported raw materials have left these businesses grappling with higher expenses. Shares of major manufacturers such as Caterpillar and 3M saw dips as investors anticipated weaker profit margins due to increased input costs.

Similarly, the tech sector has struggled as tariffs disproportionately target electronics and semiconductor components sourced from overseas. Companies like Apple could face price increases on key products, potentially dampening consumer demand. The chipmaker Nvidia witnessed its stock tumble last week, as markets braced for a potential disruption in component supply chains.

Retailers and Consumers in the Crossfire

Retailers dependent on imports have also faced mounting pressures. With tariffs raising the prices of goods such as clothing, electronics, and household items, these companies are balancing thin profit margins with the risk of alienating price-conscious consumers. Shares of large retailers like Walmart and Target traded lower, with analysts predicting higher store prices ahead of the holiday shopping season.

This concern extends to consumer sentiment. Rising costs, driven by tariffs, could reduce discretionary spending, indirectly impacting market performance in sectors like travel, entertainment, and dining.

Global Trade Tensions Elevate Uncertainty

Beyond individual companies, the broader implications of U.S. tariff policies reflect heightened uncertainty in global trade. Experts note that retaliatory tariffs by foreign nations risk creating further instability. China's imposition of duties on American agricultural goods has already hurt U.S. farmers, with mutual tariffs threatening export-dependent industries. The potential escalation of the trade dispute has left investors wary of the long-term market correction.

Historically, trade conflicts have tested market resilience. For example, under the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930, aggressive trade barriers contributed to the prolonged economic struggles of the Great Depression. While today’s global economy is far more interdependent, the historical context is a cautionary tale for prolonged trade tensions.

Expert Opinions and a Look Ahead

Economic experts remain divided on the long-term benefits of tariffs for domestic industries. Some argue they offer protection for local manufacturing, while others warn they may stifle innovation and discourage foreign investment. Jack Larsen, a senior investment strategist at Brightwave Capital, noted, "Tariff policies introduce an element of unpredictability, which markets tend to avoid. The short-term effects may include sharp sell-offs, but the long-term damage depends on whether these measures escalate into a full-fledged trade war."

Investor sentiment appears cautious but not panicked, with many adopting a wait-and-see approach. Key market indicators like the S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average have experienced fluctuations but have avoided major collapses. However, analysts suggest sustained tariff measures could lead to prolonged market corrections, especially if paired with weakened global economic growth.

The Bottom Line

The U.S. tariffs have injected fresh volatility into stock markets, significantly damaging manufacturing, technology, and retail sectors. Investors are adjusting portfolios as the fallout from trade tensions becomes clearer. Whether these changes represent a short-term disruption or a long-term redirection of global trade policy remains uncertain. For now, the stock market’s response appears as much a reflection of fear over the unknown as it does of economic fundamentals. Tensions will likely remain until the US President Donald Trump administration provides more explicit guidance on their vision for international trade.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Public meeting on April 7, 2025.

The Public meeting which was adjourned on March 12, 2025, will be reconvened on Monday at 14.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg. The Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure will be in attendance.

The agenda point is:

Deliberations with the Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure regarding the delayed publication of building permits and ensuring legal compliance and procedural clarity (IS/654/2024-2025 dated February 24, 2025)

The meeting will resume with the Minister providing answers to the questions posed by Members of Parliament in the first round.

Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.

The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.

The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament and www.pearlfmradio.sx