Traffic relief reforms will not be ready for high season, nothing immediate from VROMI yet either

GREAT BAY--Structural reforms being developed by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT) to help alleviate St. Maarten's traffic congestion will not be completed before the upcoming high tourism season, Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten has confirmed.

While several initiatives are underway, their implementation extends beyond the immediate tourism period, leaving motorists facing the prospect of another season of heavy congestion, with short-term relief dependent largely on traffic management measures and available police capacity.

Minister Heyliger-Marten acknowledged the growing pressure on the country's road network but emphasized that TEATT's responsibilities are limited to transportation regulation, public transportation and mobility policy. Road construction and infrastructure fall under the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI), while traffic enforcement and police deployment fall under the Ministry of Justice and the Police Force of St. Maarten (KPSM).

The Minister stressed that TEATT is working alongside both ministries to address congestion, recognizing that no single ministry has the authority or resources to resolve the country's traffic challenges independently.

“We recognize that these structural reforms will not all be completed before the upcoming high season,” Heyliger-Marten told Parliament. “Our immediate priority is to work with VROMI, Justice and KPSM on practical traffic management measures while advancing the longer-term solutions.”

Her remarks indicate that the measures currently being pursued within TEATT's mandate are unlikely to produce substantial changes in traffic conditions during the approaching tourism season.

For motorists, this means congestion is expected to remain a recurring problem along major routes, particularly in Simpson Bay, Cole Bay, Philipsburg and the areas surrounding the cruise port. Police assistance with traffic flow may provide temporary relief at critical locations, but such interventions depend on operational priorities and the availability of personnel.

What TEATT can and cannot do

Minister Heyliger-Marten explained that TEATT's contribution focuses on organizing and regulating the transportation sector rather than physically expanding or modifying the road network.

Among the initiatives underway is a review of transportation permits, including efforts to identify inactive operators, verify existing authorizations and update government records.

The Ministry is also working toward reestablishing the Public Transportation Committee, which has been inactive for more than a decade. According to the Minister, restoring the committee would improve oversight of the sector and support more informed transportation planning.

Another priority is developing a more reliable and efficient public transportation system. The Ministry's longer-term objective is to encourage greater public transportation use, potentially reducing dependence on private vehicles.

However, the Minister did not provide a specific implementation date for a restructured public transportation system or indicate when commuters could expect noticeable improvements.

TEATT is also examining congestion in Point Blanche and Philipsburg, particularly during days when multiple cruise ships are in port.

Heyliger-Marten disclosed that she formally instructed Port St. Maarten in June to develop a comprehensive traffic and passenger flow management plan addressing circulation around the harbour, passenger movements and measures to reduce congestion.

The Ministry is additionally evaluating responses to a Request for Information (RFI) concerning mobility solutions. The Minister indicated that the evaluation process was nearing completion, with the objective of identifying practical options, estimated costs and possible implementation approaches.

These initiatives remain at different stages of development, and no comprehensive timetable was presented for when they would collectively produce measurable traffic relief.

VROMI responsible for road infrastructure

While TEATT works on transportation policy and regulation, the broader question of whether St. Maarten's existing road network can adequately accommodate increasing vehicle numbers and tourism activity remains primarily within VROMI's responsibilities.

Minister of VROMI Patrice Gumbs has previously acknowledged that infrastructure development has not kept pace with the country's growth.

In May, Gumbs announced efforts to restore sections of the Ring Road, describing the initiative as part of a broader strategy to make better use of existing infrastructure. The Ministry also identified other traffic-related projects undergoing stakeholder review.

More recently, during the 2027 budget discussions, Gumbs outlined proposed road infrastructure investments, including maintenance, resurfacing and improvements to existing roadways. However, portions of the planned investments remain dependent on additional financing.

The Minister has also discussed possible changes to traffic circulation, including adjustments at certain intersections and improvements around Clem Labega Square.

In August, Gumbs cautioned that constructing additional roads without addressing public transportation, vehicle policies and traffic management would eventually reproduce the same congestion problems.

Although road network expansion remains a longer-term consideration, no comprehensive, funded construction program with confirmed implementation dates has been presented that would substantially increase road capacity in time for the upcoming high season.

Justice and police involvement

The Ministry of Justice and KPSM have a separate responsibility for traffic enforcement, road safety and police intervention when accidents or other incidents obstruct traffic.

TEATT's discussions with VROMI and KPSM have included ATV tour operations, bus stops, public transportation, road safety and accidents that disrupt traffic flow.

However, police deployment cannot independently resolve congestion caused by the volume of vehicles using a limited road network.

Any additional traffic control during peak periods would also have to be considered against the police force's available personnel and other operational responsibilities.

The extent to which officers will be assigned to major intersections or congestion points during the high season has not been publicly detailed in a comprehensive deployment schedule.

Another season of congestion

The approaching tourism season is expected to bring increased activity at the cruise port, airport, hotels and commercial areas, adding visitor transportation to the daily movement of residents, school traffic and commercial vehicles.

The People's Tribune previously reported concerns about the absence of a publicly presented, comprehensive traffic plan for the 2026-2027 high season, particularly as cruise and air arrivals are projected to place additional demands on the country's road network.

Although the ministries have identified several short-term and long-term initiatives, the public has not yet been presented with a consolidated implementation schedule showing which traffic measures will be introduced during the high season, which ministry will execute them and when motorists can expect measurable improvements.

Minister Heyliger-Marten maintained that coordination between TEATT, VROMI and Justice remains central to addressing the problem.

“Our objective is not simply to manage traffic congestion, but to create a transportation system that moves our people more efficiently, supports our economy and improves the quality of life for our residents,” she told Parliament.

‍