PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, provided an extensive update on the progress made by the Department of Economic Licenses. Six weeks into a focused effort to address the backlog of pending licenses, the department has successfully cleared approximately 75% of outstanding files. Starting with over 500 pending licenses, of which 300 require additional information, the department has made significant strides.
Staff and summer students under the government's BOP program reached out to clients via phone and email, setting clear deadlines for submissions. Applications lacking responses were marked incomplete and may not proceed further. Additionally, over 200 clients who had received approval but had not collected their licenses were reminded to do so, with warnings of potential cancellations.
A major milestone during this period was the pilot of an online submission system. Nearly 100 applications were submitted digitally, reducing the process from 15-20 minutes in person to just 3-5 minutes online. This step aligns with the country’s broader digital transformation goals under the Country Package Reform, specifically Measure E6. Safeguards are in place to ensure incomplete or incorrect applications are declared null and void, preventing future backlogs.
To support this transition, updated license requirements, tutorial videos, and FAQs will be published on the government’s website this week. The department’s front desk will reopen on Monday, August 25th, at the Public Service Center, now serving as an information desk to guide clients on digital submissions and provide clarity on license types and application statuses. Submissions will only be accepted online moving forward.
Public Transportation Sector: Cleanup and Five-Phase Plan
Minister Heyliger-Marten also addressed the ongoing cleanup and reform of the public transportation sector. Following the reinstatement of the confirmation letter process earlier this year, the department has made significant progress in understanding the industry’s landscape. Reports from the Integrity Chamber and SORB were shared publicly, and the issuance of confirmation letters has been temporarily suspended to consolidate data and finalize the cleanup.
Key findings include the registration of over 600 taxi drivers, surpassing the previously assumed 521. Of these, 400 drivers received confirmation letters, and a detailed Know Your Customer (KYC) process verified 247 as fully compliant. The data revealed a concentration of drivers aged 61-80, raising concerns about long-term sustainability. Additionally, only 75 of the 400 permit holders have assistant drivers, with 40 assisting those aged 65 and older.
The Minister outlined a comprehensive five-phase plan to reform the sector:
- Data Verification and Compliance Review (2025): Cleanup of transportation permit records, verification of compliance with insurance, road tax, and inspections, and establishment of a database of active versus dormant permits.
- Permit Rationalization and Driver Certification (2025-2026): Revocation of non-compliant permits, launch of certification programs focusing on island knowledge, customer service, and safety, and mandatory medical checkups.
- Legislative Framework (2026): Draft amendments to the passenger traffic ordinance, pilot mandatory digital dispatching, and engage stakeholders.
- Finalized Legislation and Unified Transport Policy (2027): Submit legislation to Parliament and consolidate policies.
- Establishment of a Transportation Authority (2027-2028): Transition responsibilities from the government to a central authority to oversee public transportation.
The Minister emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement throughout the process and announced plans to strengthen collaboration between the Department of Economic Licenses (DEL), the Inspectorate of Economic Transportation (IETA), and the Receiver’s Office to ensure consistent databases and enforce protocols.
Looking Ahead
Minister Heyliger-Marten reaffirmed her commitment to building a transparent, accountable, and sustainable public transportation system that serves both residents and visitors. The confirmation letter process will remain an annual exercise to ensure compliance, and the public will be kept informed as the five-phase plan progresses.
In closing, the Minister commended the dedication of her team and the public’s patience during this transition. With these reforms, St. Martin is moving closer to a streamlined, efficient, and digital system for economic licenses and public transportation.