PORT ST. MAARTEN – Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Alexander Gumbs, looks forward to welcoming 360+ delegates this weekend who arrive for the 54^th Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition of the Caribbean Shipping Association (CSA).

St. Maarten is hosting the 54th CSA Annual General Meeting, Conference and Exhibition from October 7 – 8 which is taking place at the JW Marriot St. Maarten Beach Resort and Spa.

Based on CSA data, the majority of the delegates will be coming in from Saturday into Sunday with over 200 staying longer than October 8.

“It is a great pleasure that St. Maarten was selected to host this conference. I look forward to welcoming the delegates and I know they will have fruitful discussions and enjoy our destination as it has so much to offer. Welcome to St. Maarten/St. Martin,” PSG CEO Gumbs said.

Over the weekend the CSA will kick-off a number of meetings that includes the board of trustees, port award committee, the CSA security advisory council, cruise committee, decarbonization committee, and the CSA general council.

Some of the key sessions that will be presented are Innovations and Strategies for a Resilient Supply Chain in the Caribbean and Latin America, Building Climate Resilience and Caribbean Logistics, Strategies and Innovations in Hurricane preparedness, The Caribbean Trade Landscape in a changing global Economy. Roundtable discussions spanning over various topics such as Trade facilitation, AI in shipping, Single Window and digitalization and more. There will also be spouses' programs rolling simultaneously and social events highlighting our culture and a closing Gala banquet Dinner & Awards ceremony.

For the past five decades, the CSA has been a key figure in the expansion of the regional maritime industry through advocacy, training and development. The CSA was established in 1971.

Since inception, the CSA’s membership has grown immensely and now boasts over 100 individual members and 12 national shipping organizations which represent interests in the private and public sectors across the entire Caribbean and South, Central and North American ports.

Port St. Maarten has been a member of the CSA for more than 20-years and is a member of the Cruise Committee, and this is the second time that the country is hosting the conference.

The CSA’s network encompasses entities ranging from port authorities, terminal operators, shipping agents, shipping lines, tug and salvage companies, consultants and freight forwarders, among others, an apt representation of its scope and development.

The CSA exhibition will be officially opened, and the delegates will receive a tour of Port St. Maarten.

SINT MAARTEN (CAY BAY) - On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, NV GEBE hosted several Members of the Parliament of Sint Maarten for an insightful presentation and tour of the Power Plant.

The delegation in attendance included: the Hon. Chairlady of Parliament Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, along with the following Honorable Members of Parliament: Melissa D. Gumbs, Viren V. Kotai, Francisco A. Lacroes, Ludmila N.L. de Weever, and Darryl T.J. York. Also, in attendance were various faction members, including: Oliver Williams and Carlita Guy, and St. Maarten Parliament staff members S.G. Garrick Richardson, Jessica Duzong-Weeks and Rosencio Hassell.

At the opening, Troy Washington NV GEBE's Temporary Manager, expressed a warm welcome to the Parliament Members and supporting delegates.

Anthony Hodge, NV GEBE's Power Plant Manager, provided an orientation which included an introduction to the Power Plant and overview of the layout, the installed production capacity - as compared to the present status with energy shortages, a breakdown of the N-2 criteria, along with insights on the intensive internal dynamics, and maintenance schedules, which are being rigorously followed. The company's current challenges and the solutions were of utmost importance during the discussions.

Thereafter, the delegation toured the wide-ranging facilities at N.V. GEBE’s Power Plant, and actively witnessed the operations at Buildings #4 and #5 first-hand, where technical repairs and maintenance of several engines, including DG 19, are underway.

During the visit to the Control Room, the delegation attentively reviewed the extensive computer systems monitoring the electricity flow island-wide, with in-depth explanations regarding the high energy consumption in certain areas which impact the repetitive need for load-shedding in those respective districts. Details were vividly showcased onscreen using the SCADA technical software for automatic monitoring, protecting and controlling of various equipment.

Also included, was a review of the "Short-term Solution," the 10 MW mini Power Plant with a brief presentation by SoEnergy, as well as, the "Mid-term Solution," with an overview by Mr. Patrick Drijvers highlighting the current developments taking place at the site for the new 20 MW Power Plant.

The eye-opening tour was truly informative and a first for many attendees. It showcased both the shortcomings and challenges faced by NV GEBE, as well as the strengths of the company's technical operations and visionary plans for innovative developments, including solar energy. Also highlighted were NV GEBE's dedicated team members who work around-the-clock to provide the community with continuous electricity and water supply.

Poignant questions were raised regarding the exploration of LNG energy, NV GEBE's capacity shortages, staffing challenges, the loadshedding schedule, recommendations to protect appliances and additional public workshops.

Several misconceptions were clarified as enlightening information was shared about the high operational costs of NV GEBE's LNG engine onsite, the need for additional qualified manpower with specializations in the electrical engineering field. Tips were also shared to protect appliances during loadshedding with surge protectors, mini circuit breakers and voltage regulators. As it pertains to more public workshops, NV GEBE will continue to provide weekly updates to the Government and also, to the general public through various communication methods to bring more awareness.

The tour provided a great opportunity for the Members of Parliament to experience NV GEBE's Power Plant operations first-hand. "These bridges of understanding lead to cooperation. We strive to work together and develop solution-oriented best practices on behalf of our community. We remain open to exploring viable solutions for the sustainable resolution of St. Maarten's energy challenges, with a relentless focus on solutions! Through collaborating and joining forces, our shared vision for a strong, efficient, and reliable NV GEBE will be realized sooner than later," shared Washington.

NV GEBE would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the Parliament of St. Maarten for taking the time out of their busy schedules to visit and also, to the company's hard-working employees for their hard work, endurance and undying commitment.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA) Ms. Veronica Jansen-Webster met with board members of the Sint Maarten Seniors and Pensioners Association (SMSPA) to discuss critical issues impacting the well-being of seniors in Sint Maarten.

The VSA Minister was accompanied by senior policy advisor Mr. Herbert Martina. While the SMSPA delegation included Patricia Flanders (President), Raymond Jessurun (Vice-President), Frances Rovelet (Secretary of Organization), and Veronica Arndell (Secretary for contact with members in nursing homes and senior citizens centers).

During the meeting, Drs. Raymond Jessurun presented a detailed report titled “Aging with Dignity and Rights,” highlighting the most pressing concerns of the elderly in Sint Maarten and the broader Latin American and Caribbean region. Mr. Jessurun, who also serves as Ambassador to International Organizations on behalf of civil society organizations in the region, stressed the need for greater attention to the dignity, rights, and well-being of seniors.

The SMSPA delegation emphasized several key issues faced by the senior population:

- Old Age Pension Disparities: The board expressed their concerns about the significant disparities in old age pensions within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Despite the high cost of living in Sint Maarten, seniors receive the lowest pension in the Kingdom. This issue, which has been raised with the Dutch Ministry of Internal Affairs since 2000, remains unresolved, even after similar complaints from the special municipalities of Bonaire, Statia, and Saba.

- Healthcare Access: While the Sint Maarten Medical Center and SZV promote "delivering patient-centered care close to home, SMSPA is of the opinion" seniors face difficulties building lasting relationships with specialists due to frequent staff rotations. This creates challenges for seniors seeking consistent and trustworthy care.

- SMSPA spoke of discriminatory Pension Deductions: Retired government employees with FZOG and seniors using the ZV-62+ plan are required to contribute 10% of their pension or income, compared to the 4.2% contribution from active employees. The SMSPA highlighted the long-standing inequity of this policy, dating back to the Netherlands Antilles, and called for it to be addressed, as it has been in Aruba and Curaçao.

- Barriers to Service: The forced reliance on online services has created a significant challenge for seniors, who are often asked to seek help from family members or senior organizations to access these services. The association pointed out that this practice violates the seniors' right to access services through their preferred medium and raises concerns about privacy.

- Housing Struggles Post-Hurricane Irma: Many seniors are still grappling with inadequate housing since Hurricane Irma. Financial constraints have prevented them from rebuilding stronger homes, and some repairs have been left incomplete, leaving homes with leaks and other issues that negatively impact seniors' emotional and physical well-being.

The board members urged the Ministry of VSA to maintain an open dialogue with the association and explore meaningful solutions that allow seniors to retire with dignity, enjoy decent pension incomes, and access necessary services without undue hardship.

The meeting concluded with Minister Jansen-Webster reaffirming her commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the SMSPA. She emphasized her dedication to ensuring the well-being of seniors and stated that she will facilitate a follow-up meeting with the SMSPA, where they will delve deeper into the issues discussed.

During this follow-up session, plausible solutions will be explored and prepared for presentation to the government, as part of a continued effort to improve the quality of life for Sint Maarten’s senior citizens. Minister Jansen-Webster pledged her support for improving the conditions for seniors even when assuming her new role in Parliament.

Group photo. 

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Honorable Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, Dr. Luc Mercelina, engaged in important discussions with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Dick Schoof, during his recent work visit to New York. The meeting focused on critical issues affecting Sint Maarten, including financial stability, national security, energy challenges, and strengthening partnerships for sustainable development.

On Border Control:

Addressing national security, PM Dr. Mercelina highlighted the need for a shared vision on border control across the Kingdom of the Netherlands. “Border security is a matter that requires collaboration across the entire Kingdom. Sint Maarten, like other parts of the Kingdom, must align with a cohesive strategy to ensure our collective safety. A unified approach will strengthen our capacity to protect our borders and ensure the well-being of our people.”

He added, “We are committed to modernizing our border control systems and working collaboratively to achieve comprehensive solutions that benefit the entire Kingdom.”

On World Bank and the Trust Fund:

Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized the need for greater accessibility to the resources of the Trust Fund, which is being managed by the World Bank for post-Hurricane Irma recovery and development. “It is vital that we make full use of the available funds from the Trust Fund. These resources are crucial to our recovery, but more importantly, they are key to the sustainable projects that will benefit the people of Sint Maarten on the long-term,” he said.

PM Dr. Mercelina further highlighted the need for future support from the Netherlands to ensure that the funds are made more accessible and utilized effectively. “We seek the Netherlands’ assistance in making these resources more accessible, especially for sustainable development projects that will provide lasting benefits to our people. It is our responsibility to ensure that these funds are directed toward initiatives that promote resilience and sustainability for Sint Maarten as for example the highly needed housing for our people.”

On National Debt:

Prime Minister Mercelina proposed a model similar to the Cape Verde debt swap as a potential solution for managing Sint Maarten’s national debt. “We are exploring innovative solutions to address our national debt, including models like the Cape Verde debt swap, which focuses on converting the national debt into sustainable development projects,” PM Dr. Mercelina explained. “However, we require the support and further consideration of the Netherlands to make this model a reality. The cooperation of the Dutch government is crucial in implementing such a strategy to balance our fiscal responsibility while stimulating economic growth and development.”

He added, “This approach will allow us to direct resources toward vital infrastructure and climate resilience projects, ensuring the long-term sustainability of Sint Maarten while addressing our debt obligations.”

On the National Energy Crisis:

Prime Minister Mercelina also discussed Sint Maarten’s energy crisis, stressing the need to transition to sustainable energy solutions. “The recent energy crisis we face affects every facet of life on our island. We must prioritize renewable energy projects that reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and provide reliable, affordable energy for the people of Sint Maarten,” he remarked.

He continued, “Our government is committed to investing in sustainable energy initiatives that will address the immediate crisis while laying the foundation for a resilient and energy-secure future for Sint Maarten.”

PM Dr. Mercelina concluded the meeting by reaffirming his government’s commitment to tackling these challenges. “The discussions held today reflect our focus on ensuring a prosperous and sustainable future for Sint Maarten. We will continue to engage in meaningful dialogue and take decisive action to benefit our people.”