Recent Headlines

Heyliger-Marten: Tourism growth and household well-being are not the same

Tourism

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten told Parliament that strong tourism performance cannot be treated as an end in itself if households and local businesses are not seeing enough of the benefit, stressing that Government must move from simply recording economic growth to creating economic opportunity that people can actually feel.

Tribune Editorial Staff
August 25, 2026
Government

Government has made no decision to proceed with the proposed Swift Rail transportation system

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten has clarified that Government has made no decision to proceed with the proposed Swift Rail transportation system, stressing that the concept remains at the proposal and assessment stage while Government develops a broader approach to mobility and traffic management for St. Maarten.
Government

Heyliger-Marten: "When it reaches Parliament, read it" Cannabis debate should be based on facts,

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten pushed back strongly against criticism from MP Ludmila de Weever over Government’s cannabis process, rejecting suggestions that cannabis has displaced long-standing TEATT priorities and warning Parliament against creating fear around legislation and contractual consequences before the final proposal is even before the legislature.
More News
Government
Labega pushes back on cannabis narrative, Govt has interministerial workgroup for two tears
GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Dimar Labega pushed back Monday against the impression created during the 2026 Budget debate that St. Maarten is approaching cannabis policy without structure, information or ongoing Government involvement, pointing to an interministerial workgroup that has been active on the issue for approximately two years.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 24, 2026
Government
PM: St. Maarten must answer major questions before opening cannabis market
GREAT BAY--Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina has cautioned against allowing St. Maarten’s cannabis legislation to move ahead of the country’s fundamental policy decisions, warning Parliament that Government must first determine what type of cannabis policy it actually wants before deciding how such a system should be regulated.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 24, 2026
Economy
Minister Gumbs says Finance has done groundwork for possible gasoline tax relief
Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs says her ministry has already carried out the groundwork for a possible temporary reduction of the fuel import duty on gasoline from 29 cents to 14.5 cents per litre, but Government must still collectively determine whether the relief should be introduced and when it can be done responsibly.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 24, 2026
Government
Gumbs outlines ‘Stabilize, Repair, Reform’ roadmap for St. Maarten tax system
GREAT BAY--Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs says St. Maarten’s tax reform will be implemented through a series of legislative, administrative and technological changes rather than one comprehensive tax package, describing Government’s approach as a process to “stabilize, repair and reform” the country’s tax system.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 24, 2026
Infrastructure
Gumbs says Mullet Bay sale still awaits clarity on property boundaries
GREAT BAY--Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs told Parliament during the continuation of the 2026 Budget debate that the eventual sale of the Mullet Bay property remains an important part of the wider financial arrangements surrounding the resolution process, but an outstanding legal issue concerning the property's boundaries must first be resolved.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 24, 2026
Justice
J&IS and court of guardianship call for safe, respectful parenting and to reject physical punishment
GREAT BAY--Judicial and Institutional Services (J&IS) and the Court of Guardianship (CoG) are calling on parents and caregivers to reject physical punishment and adopt safer, more effective forms of discipline, as public discussion continues over corporal punishment and the legal and social responsibilities involved in protecting children.
Tribune Editorial Staff
August 24, 2026
Opinion
Is St. Martin’s Parliament a “Rubber Stamp”?
August 24, 2026
The Million-Dollar Question: How Many More Master Plans Does Bonaire Need?
August 24, 2026
Is St. Maarten preparing for an early election? internal coalition rifts expose governance failures during 2026 budget debate
August 24, 2026
Weekend Read

Ongoing budget debate isn’t really about the budget, govt has an execution problem

August 22, 2026

Where are the babies? St. Maarten is growing, but not in the way you think

August 22, 2026

Tourists aren’t running from visitor taxes, so why are some people so scared?

August 22, 2026

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