SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In celebration of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT), under the leadership of the Honorable Grisha Heyliger-Marten, organized a series of activities designed to engage the public and honor the vital role tourism plays in St. Maarten’s economy.

Minister Heyliger-Marten has made it a priority to include the island’s youth in this year’s celebrations. .

“Tourism is not only the mainstay of our economy, it is also the industry of the future. Therefore, it is only proper for us to engage the youth right now as they are the future of our island,” the Minister said.

In line with this vision and as part of the festivities leading up to World Tourism Day, fifty-two students from the Asha Stevens Christian School, along with three staff members, were invited aboard the *Icon of the Seas*, the world’s largest cruise ship, during its port visit.

The students were treated to a full tour of the vessel and enjoyed lunch on board. In addition, thirty students from St. Maarten Academy had the unforgettable experience of touring the island by air on a WINAIR flight, while twenty students from the Sr. Regina School will participate in an exclusive of the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

Looking ahead, Minister Heyliger-Marten is proud to announce that an award ceremony will be held on September 30th at the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. During this event, the Minister will honor Tourism Pioneers who have made an incredible impact on the island’s tourism industry.

“It is important to give honor where honor is due. This recognition is a way of giving those who have made significant contributions to the development of Tourism on the island their flowers now,” the Director of Tourism Ms. May-Ling Chun stated.

The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau is excited to celebrate World Tourism Day and the significant strides being made in the tourism sector, both in fostering the growth of the industry and inspiring the next generation to carry forward this important legacy.

Students of the Asha Stevens Christian Hillside School from the 6th grade along with representatives of the school and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau.  

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Friday, September 27, 2024, marks World Tourism Day.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Hon. Grisha Heyliger Marten, World Tourism Day message is as follows:

Fellow St. Martiners, Distinguished visitors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today (Ed. Friday, September 27) is more than just another World Tourism Day. Since its inception in 1980, this day—celebrated on September 27—serves as a global call to action. For over half a century, tourism has been the lifeblood of St. Martin’s economy, contributing to 70% of our financial stability. It is, in fact, our bread and butter. Tourism is not only crucial to our island but also the largest industry in the world. As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we join the rest of the world in focusing on this vital industry.

This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” highlights the significant role that tourism can and should play in fostering global peace. It challenges all stakeholders to make peace a core part of their mission. Peace is not a given in today’s world of uncertainty and turmoil. Yet, it is essential—not just for the survival of humanity, but also for tourism to thrive. Tourists naturally avoid areas of conflict for their own safety and security. The very essence of tourism calls for peace, as it brings together people of different nationalities, languages, cultures, and economic backgrounds.

There’s a Moorish proverb that says, “He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” Travel indeed offers a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate others. St. Martin earned the title of the "Friendly Island" because we place immense value on our visitors. This aspect of our collective character has been a key factor in developing our island into a leading tourism destination in the Caribbean

The future of tourism rests in the hands of our youth. What steps are we taking to ensure they understand the significance of tourism and how it fosters mutual understanding and respect? This year’s celebration focuses on engaging the younger generation. Randomly selected public elementary school students, particularly those in grades 5 and 6, will have the chance to participate in an aerial tour with WINAIR, our national carrier. They will also visit a cruise ship, a hotel, airport and harbor, giving them a firsthand experience of what tourism means for our island.

The long-term goal is to make Tourism studies an integral part of the school curriculum, ensuring the sustainability of this industry, which requires continuous innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit—qualities that we, as a people, are blessed with on St. Martin.

Tourism on our island is not just a means of earning a livelihood; it is a way of life. But we must continuously reinvent ourselves, upgrade our facilities and infrastructure, and most importantly, adopt a mindset that positions us as part of a global community seeking lasting peace. This journey begins with our children.

Happy World Tourism Day!

SINT MAARTEN/MIAMI, FL - Hundreds of policy makers, investors, financiers, and project developers from across the Caribbean and the wider globe have gathered at the Ritz Carlton Coconut Grove in Miami, Florida to collaborate and converse on the future of infrastructure investment.

Hosted by New Energy Events with co-title sponsors CIBC and KPMG, the highly anticipated Caribbean Infrastructure Forum (CARIF) 2024 will feature comprehensive updates and opportunities related to power, transportation, telecommunications, tourism, water, and other essential sectors.

CIBC Caribbean’s Executive Director of Corporate Banking and Sustainable Finance, Corporate and Investment Banking, Gillian Charles-Gollop, emphasized that, "The Caribbean Infrastructure Forum is a critical gathering for dialogue and action in our region. CIBC is committed to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable investment and innovative infrastructure solutions."

Over two days, participants will engage in keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and targeted workshops that will explore topics such as sustainable development, financing mechanisms, and regional connectivity.

The event kicked off with exciting panels including one titled Ramping Up Financing for Caribbean Infrastructure. The discussion featured CIBC Caribbean’s Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking, Forex and Derivative Sales, Adam Carter. He was joined by Ramon Candia, Adam Greenfader, Victoria Miles, Brian Whitesides, and Dustin Delany, representatives from CIFI, AG&T, Impacta Global, U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, and Dentons Delany, respectively.

CIBC Caribbean’s Enterprise Security and Fraud Management representative, Derick Burton, presented on Cybersecurity for Critical National Infrastructure. He underscored cyber risk as an increasing concern for Caribbean governments, businesses, and infrastructure.

Critcal conversations like these will continue with other experts including CIBC Caribbean’s Isabel de Caires, Gemel Sobers, and Gillian Charles-Gollop.

CIBC has been a major CARIF sponsor since the event’s inception in 2016. Over the past 8 years, regional and global leaders have convened to engage in the planning, financing, and construction of infrastructure and capital projects across the Caribbean. The bank remains committed to fostering partnerships that drive sustainable investment and innovative infrastructure solutions.

SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY – By Tadzio Bervoets) - In light of the renewed emphasis on reigniting agriculture on the island, it is important to also realize that without conservation measures to protect our natural resources this ambition may be but a pipe dream if we continue along our current path.

As a Small Island Developing State, St. Maarten’s efforts toward self-sufficiency and food security through agricultural development are vital, especially given our island’s vulnerability to external shocks driven by climate change.

However, while these developments are promising, it is essential to recognize that any agricultural revival will remain unsustainable unless it is firmly grounded in the protection and restoration of our terrestrial ecosystems and that now is the time to take a leadership role in championing conservation practices, as this would lay the foundation for sustainable agriculture and food security for our country.

Many successful examples from other island states show us that agriculture and environmental conservation must go hand in hand should there be any real progress. Take the case of Cuba, where, following the collapse of trade in the early 1990s, the island adopted agroecological farming practices that integrated biodiversity conservation into its agricultural systems.

By protecting natural ecosystems and using organic farming methods, Cuba not only stabilized its food production but also became a global leader in sustainable agriculture. Similarly, Fiji has implemented community-based forest conservation programs that not only preserve biodiversity but enhances the soil and water quality essential for agricultural productivity. These examples offer valuable lessons for St. Maarten: when we protect our natural resources, agriculture flourishes in a way that benefits both the environment and enhances food security.

Terrestrial conservation is not merely an environmental issue—it is the backbone of any agricultural ambition. Healthy ecosystems provide the critical services that agriculture depends on; soil fertility, water management, and natural pest control.

Forests and native vegetation contribute to soil health by preventing erosion, enhancing water retention, and facilitating nutrient cycling. If our forests continue to be degraded, St. Maarten will face severe challenges in maintaining the soil fertility necessary for productive farming.

Additionally, terrestrial ecosystems play an integral role in regulating water systems. Forests and healthy landscapes ensure that rainfall is absorbed and released slowly, reducing the risk of both drought and flooding. Agriculture cannot thrive without a reliable and consistent water supply and we have not been doing the most stellar of jobs in ensuring that our fresh water supply- and yes we do have a fresh water supply, just look at our wells- are sufficiently managed and conserved.

Biodiversity, including native birds, insects, and other wildlife, also supports agriculture by promoting pollination and natural pest control. By damaging these ecosystems through deforestation or urban expansion, we not only reduce agricultural productivity but make it more costly and chemically dependent.

Moreover, the rising threat of invasive species is a pressing issue on St. Maarten. Invasive plants and animals, often introduced through human activity, displace native species and disrupt ecosystems critical for agricultural success. If invasive species continue to spread unchecked, they will further degrade the natural landscape and threaten both biodiversity and agriculture.

Investment in terrestrial conservation, including invasive species management, is a necessary defense for ensuring agricultural resilience. We can already see the impact the invasive monkey and iguana populations have had on our budding agricultural initiatives.

If the current environmental degradation continues, any talk of reigniting agriculture on St. Maarten will be unrealistic. We cannot afford to overlook the fact that agriculture and conservation are inextricably linked.

Consider the case of Haiti, where extensive deforestation over the years has led to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and a severe decline in agricultural productivity. On the flip side, the Dominican Republic, which shares the same island of Hispaniola, has invested in reforestation and conservation initiatives, allowing it to maintain more robust agricultural productivity. The contrasting outcomes of these two countries highlight how critical environmental protection is for sustainable agriculture.

The current vision of reigniting agriculture on St. Maarten is commendable and necessary, but it must be rooted in a broader framework of environmental sustainability. Any agricultural policy that does not prioritize the health of our natural ecosystems is bound to fail in the long term.

Protecting and restoring terrestrial habitats is not only a way to enhance agriculture but also a means to ensure food security, reduce vulnerability to climate change, and to promote a healthier and more resilient island.

Our leaders have a critical role to play in supporting these efforts through championing conservation practices by establishing the first protected nature park on land. This would safeguard biodiversity, promote ecosystem restoration, and provide a foundation for sustainable agriculture to thrive.

Additionally, parliament should act by turning the existing hillside policy into formal conservation legislation to protect St. Maarten’s remaining forested areas. Hillside conservation is crucial for maintaining the natural water cycle, preventing erosion, and preserving the habitats that local wildlife and agricultural systems depend on.

Another key action for both government and parliament would be to finally approve the zoning plans and ensure that all new development projects undergo rigorous environmental and social impact assessments.

These assessments are vital for identifying the potential negative impacts of land use changes and for developing strategies to mitigate those impacts. Approving and enforcing zoning regulations, especially those designed to protect natural areas, will create a more balanced approach to development that respects the island’s environmental limitations while encouraging responsible agricultural growth.

The news of advancing agriculture is important for St. Maarten, but we must ensure that it is built on the solid foundation of terrestrial conservation. Without safeguarding the environment, agricultural initiatives will be unsustainable, leaving our island even more vulnerable to environmental and economic pressures.

True progress requires a balance between agriculture and nature—only then can St. Maarten grow and prosper in harmony with its environment. It is time for both the government and parliament to take the lead in making environmental sustainability a core part of our island's agricultural future.

Tadzio Bervoets

Caribbean Conservation Professional