Chamber of Commerce hosts 2026 town hall for business community and stakeholders

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) hosted its first Town Hall Meeting for 2026 on Tuesday, March 31, at the Belair Community Center, bringing together members of the business community and key stakeholders for updates on ongoing projects, regulatory matters, and issues affecting the wider commercial sector.

The meeting featured remarks and presentations focused on business development, compliance, public safety, and government policy, while also providing attendees with an opportunity to engage directly with public officials and sector representatives. According to COCI, the event formed part of its continued effort to keep the business community informed and involved in matters shaping the local economic environment.

COCI President Tamara Leonard highlighted several Board initiatives during the session, including Start Smart St. Maarten, a pilot project aimed at supporting unregistered entrepreneurs through training and development with the goal of helping them move toward formal business registration. The initiative, being carried out in collaboration with government and key partners, is intended to strengthen the business sector and encourage greater economic resilience. Leonard said the project is designed to create opportunity through structure while helping to build a more inclusive and sustainable business environment.

Attendees also received updates from Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Marten and Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs on current initiatives and what the business community can expect in the near term. Additional presentations were delivered by Police Commissioner Shadira Gysbertha on crime prevention efforts and collaboration with COCI, and by Acting Head of the Tax Office Emauro Scoop on the importance of business compliance.

One of the central features of the Town Hall was a panel discussion on the Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) framework. Panelists included COCI Director Jude Houston, notary Marlene Mingo of Notary Mingo, Caroline van Hees of HBN Law, and Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling. The discussion addressed the legal and practical aspects of UBO requirements, including the role of notarial procedures during incorporation, the broader framework itself, and the implications for St. Maarten if the country fails to meet international compliance obligations.

COCI expressed appreciation to all speakers, presenters, and panelists who contributed to the event, and gave special thanks to Minister Tackling for joining the UBO panel discussion on short notice following the absence of a representative from the Financial Intelligence Unit.

Reflecting on the event, Leonard said the Town Hall meeting underscored COCI’s commitment to meaningful engagement by creating a space not only to inform, but also to listen, collaborate, and work together toward a stronger and more resilient St. Maarten. COCI also thanked the wider community for its strong participation, which it said contributed significantly to the success of the event.

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