SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) successfully concluded its Strategic Economic Workshops and Stakeholder Consultations, held from February 2nd to 6th, 2026, at the Belair Community Center, under the theme “Addressing Sint Maarten’s Crossroads; Charting a New Way Forward.”

The five-day workshop brought together local and international experts, government representatives, private sector leaders, and community stakeholders to engage in open dialogue on the future of Sint Maarten’s economy.

The initiative marks the beginning of a broader process toward preparing for implementation through the development of a Strategic Economic Plan aimed at strengthening economic stability, diversifying the economy, and ultimately improving the quality of life for the people of Sint Maarten.

“This week was never meant to be comfortable. It was meant to be real,” stated the Honorable Minister of TEATT during her closing remarks. “Forward by Design is not a slogan. It is a decision to move from drifting to designing. The true measure of success will not be what was said here, but what we do next.”

Serving as Master of Ceremonies throughout the week was Rolando Tobias, whose facilitation supported meaningful dialogue and ensured continuity across each day’s discussions and stakeholder engagement.

The workshop unfolded across five thematic days, each addressing a critical component of Sint Maarten’s economic development. Day One, Setting the Stage and Defining the Path Forward, established the national context and economic realities facing the country, with keynote contributions from Secretary General Miguel de Weever, Bernise Stoffer of RVO, Shervin Frederick of TEATT, and international tourism strategist Vincent Vanterpool Wallace. Discussions focused on aligning short term economic stability with long term transformation goals and strengthening collaboration across institutions.

Day Two, The Future of Tourism, Yachting, Safety and Security, was moderated by tourism strategist Jim (James) Hepple and centered on opportunities and risks shaping Sint Maarten’s tourism future, highlighting the importance of safety, sustainability, and quality of life. Contributions from Chief of Police Carl John, hotelier Emil Lee, Anastacio Baker, Alex Gumbs of Port St. Maarten Group, and Leslie Dickerson, Director of the Nature Foundation, underscored the need for stronger coordination, climate conscious planning, improved mobility, and ensuring that tourism growth remains aligned with community wellbeing.

Day Three, Policy and Cross Sector Alignment, focused on strengthening collaboration across ministries and sectors. Presentations addressed economic policy, labor dynamics, health, education, housing, transportation, and competition law, with contributions from local experts including Jessica Rogers, Sharilyn Bryson, Peggy Ann Dros, Fenna Arnell, Kenson Plaisimond, Erin Ellis, and Lucien Wilson.

International expertise was also provided by Matthijs Visser from the Netherlands, whose work with Aruba’s Competition Authority offered insight into fair trade practices and regulatory development. Discussions emphasized that policy cannot exist in silos and that coordinated governance is essential to achieving sustainable outcomes.

Day Four, Innovation and Diversification, shifted attention toward emerging sectors and new economic opportunities. Keynote speakers such as Gregory Richardson explored innovation, cybersecurity, and the digital economy, while Brian Deher discussed maritime development within the Blue Economy and Josiah Halley highlighted agricultural potential within the Green Economy. Conversations reinforced that diversification is not about abandoning tourism but strengthening it while deliberately building new lanes for growth.

Day Five, Orange Economy and Next Steps, highlighted culture, creativity, and entrepreneurship as drivers of economic growth. The panel discussion, moderated by King Verse, featured Kelvin Hodge James (King James), Bianca Dijkhoff (DJ BB Bad), Zillah Duzon, Mercedes Wyatte (Elektra), Renata de Weever, Clara Reyes, and Pearl Hendrickson.

Panelists expressed a shared passion for protecting Sint Maarten’s culture and creative identity, emphasizing the importance of recognizing local ambassadors, creating meaningful incentives, and shifting from assumptions to genuine engagement by asking, listening, and placing creatives at the center of development conversations. The week concluded with reflections on the next phase of work, emphasizing that consultation must now transition into structured action.

The Ministry emphasized that the workshop represents the starting point toward implementation. The insights gathered will now inform stakeholder interviews, policy analysis, and the drafting of a Strategic Economic Plan, which will be presented for further feedback before finalization.

“The results we saw in 2025, including over 1.6 million cruise passengers and more than 855,000 passenger arrivals, were achieved through collective effort,” the Minister noted. “But growth must translate into opportunity and quality of life for our people. That is the direction we are building toward.”

The Ministry recognizes that not everyone was able to attend the sessions throughout the week. Stakeholders, residents, and organizations who wish to provide input are encouraged to remain engaged by contacting the Ministry of TEATT at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Feedback received will be incorporated into the ongoing development of the Strategic Economic Plan.

The Ministry extended gratitude to its partners, including TWO, RVO, and the many government departments and stakeholders who supported the initiative, as well as the technical crews, event planners, catering teams, and venue staff who ensured the success of the week. Appreciation was also expressed to every business leader, civil servant, expert, and community stakeholder who participated in shaping the dialogue.

“This week confirmed that Sint Maarten does not lack ideas or talent. What we need now is alignment, ownership, and execution,” the Minister concluded. “On Monday we set the stage. This week we aligned. And from here, together, we move forward, by design.”

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Minister of Finance, Hon. Marinka J. Gumbs, attended the 10-year anniversary celebration of Audit Team Sint Maarten (ATS), marking a significant milestone for the foundation in its contribution to Sint Maarten’s tax and audit landscape.

Founded ten years ago, Audit Team Sint Maarten is a specialized foundation dedicated to conducting tax-related audits and supporting the strengthening of financial oversight and compliance on the island. Over the past decade, ATS has played an important role in enhancing the quality and professionalism of compliance and audits within Sint Maarten.

Notably, ATS employs several Sint Maarten born professionals who were recruited directly from the Netherlands and are currently in the process of completing their qualification as Registered Accountants. This investment in local talent reflects ATS’s commitment to capacity building and sustainable professional development within Sint Maarten.

During the event, Minister Gumbs congratulated ATS on its decade of service and commended the organization for its dedication, expertise, and contribution to public financial accountability. She expressed optimism that ATS will continue to support Sint Maarten in strengthening its tax administration and audit practices in the years ahead.

She concluded by wishing ATS continued success as it enters its next decade of service to Sint Maarten.

SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY - By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert) - Residents of Coral Cay have reported the sighting of Old Man Bramble on Christmas Eve. Bramble’s appearance is rare and deeply meaningful. He arrived without fanfare and vanished again, leaving behind a sense of that even the smallest light can guide a community forward.

On this Christmas Eve morning, while mist lingered above the sea and the sun's gentle golden light peeked over the horizon, Old Man Bramble appeared. His beard was as white as sea foam, and he held a lantern that glowed with the warmth of a promise.

Jerry, a boy on the beach, was the first to spot him. He'd heard the stories but never expected to see the man in person. Bramble opened his arms wide.

“Come, boy,” he said. “The sea brought me home”

Jerry stepped forward. He reached out, not for Bramble’s hand…but for the lantern. Bramble smiled and said softly. “Ah, you understand.”

As Jerry touched the handle, the flame flared and flame danced. In that moment, the boy and the legend were no longer strangers. They were connected as guardians of its light.

The path from the beach to the village was covered in sand. Palm fronds moved gently above. Old Man Bramble proceeded at a slow, deliberate pace, while Jerry walked proudly beside him. The lantern between them glowed, not just with flame, but with something deeper. The boy’s heart was full of something brighter, the quiet thrill of being the first to walk beside a legend.

As they reached the first houses, one by one, doors opened and quiet smiles welcomed Bramble. He tipped his hat to each doorway; his eyes crinkled with warmth. Elders watched from porches with a mix of nostalgia and gratitude. Villagers greeting them with smiles. It was like an island exhaled. A welcome not just for a man…, but for a returned legend. Bramble's gentle lantern glow reassured everyone that kindness still matters, and Christmas brings people back together.

Just after sunset on this Christmas Eve, families gathered in the old boathouse on the western inlet of the port to hear Old Man Bramble’s tales of resilience and joy. The boathouse had never held so many hearts at once. Children sat cross-legged on the floor, elders leaning on crates and beams, their hands folded, their faces soft with memory. Bramble’s lantern’s glow added emotional warmth and symbolic power. He was seated on a wooden chair like he’d never left. His eyes crinkled with joy. He spoke softly:

“I came on the mist, quiet as a memory, and you welcomed me like family. I thank you. But legends don’t stay long. We are like the tide. We come when needed, and we go we’re done. So, hear me now, before the mist carries me back to the ‘Quiet Place’.”

During the powerful meeting, he explains the symbolism of the lantern, the significance of light, and how it reflects the nature of the human heart.

“Light Is like the heart,” he said, tapping his chest, “Because the heart is the first lantern we ever carry. It glows when we love. It dims when we’re afraid. It brightens when we’re kind. And when we share it, we let our heart-light touch someone else. Everyone has an inner light, a spark. Keep your inner light alive by sharing, showing kindness and courage. When you shine with generosity, honesty, and humility, you help others find their way. When you see someone standing alone, be the first to walk over. Let others borrow your light when their own flickers.

“This lantern isn’t just flame and glass; it’s a reminder. Some lose or hide theirs. Some let the world blow it out. but the wise protect and share it.”

Bramble turned toward the sea. “You see that lighthouse on the far point? It doesn’t shout or move, but its steady brightness helps sailors find their way home.”

He raised the lantern. “This little light is the same. A steady person becomes a beacon for others, not through force or noise but by simply being themselves. Even one small light can change everything and offer hope in the darkest times.”

My dear people…, all of you, every soul on this island. The world is heavy enough. Don’t add weight where you can add kindness. When you shine, the island grows softer. When you do these things, Christmas will never leave you. Not even in the hardest seasons of your life.”

When Bramble finished his story, the boathouse felt full of something soft and glowing. The lanterns above them flickered gently. The place was still humming with warmth long after the story ended. Bramble had grown quiet. He stood near the back door that opened toward the sea. The night breeze slipped in, carrying something that called him.

Young Jerry looked up. “Bramble? Where are you going?”

Bramble smiled soft. “For a little walk, my boy. Christmas night is when the island speaks the clearest.”

Jerry opened his mouth to follow, but Bramble shook his head gently. “Stay with your people.”

He touched Jerry’s shoulder lightly and stepped outside, walking slowly, the lantern in his hand, its glow flickering.

Old Man Bramble slipped away to the quiet shoreline which was lit by the moonlight. The stars shimmered like old friends. And as quietly as he arrived that morning, he returned to the ‘Quiet Place’ as the legend leaving behind a renewed sense of togetherness.

The next morning Jerry went to the beach. The morning sky was pale and soft, like it hadn’t decided on its colors yet. He realized that Bramble left. In the sand were footprints leading toward the water. Jerry knelt, touching the last print. “You’ll come back,” he whispered with a tear in his eyes. “I know you will.”

By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Justice is currently holding an emergency crisis meeting with the leadership of the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) in direct response to the critical situation at the Pointe Blanche Prison, where a fire broke out earlier today, Wednesday, May 14 within the facility.

Emergency units from the Fire Department, Ambulance Services, KPSM, VKS (Voluntary Corps), and the Koninklijke Marechaussee were deployed and successfully restored order and ensured the safety of all involved by 6:00 pm.

Initial reports indicate that there were three minor non-threatening injuries, which were treated on site. All prisoners are safe and accounted for.

The Minister of Justice Nathalie TackIing visited the prison and has officially requested military support to further secure the prison and maintain order.

“This is a serious threat, and we are acting with full force and urgency to secure the safety of the public at large. The safety of the public, prison staff, and detainees remains our top priority.

“We will not tolerate lawlessness, and we are taking all necessary measures to maintain control and uphold the rule of law. I commend all emergency units for their swift response and diligence, and for ensuring that all prison staff and prisoners were safe,” the Minister of Justice Tackling said on Wednesday evening.

The Ministry of Justice will provide further updates as verified information becomes available.