Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
The motions aND ameNDments put forward felt meaningful aND purpose driven.
PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport aND Telecommunications (TEATT), the Honorable NDidate' href='/newspolitician/740/grisha-heyliger-marten'>Grisha Heyliger-Marten, expressed optimism aND pride in the results of the 2025 BUDget Debate held in Parliament this week. Reflecting on the collaborative efforts that marked the session, she stated:
This is the first time I have truly felt a genuine sense of teamwork aND unity across the board within a coalition. The fact that we convened to review each others motions aND ameNDments, offered constructive criticism, aND exteNDed sUPPort to the opposition demonstrated a remarkable level of political maturity.
The debate was highlighted by motions aND ameNDments that Minister Heyliger-Marten described as meaningful aND purpose-driven. Among them was MP Kotias motion for a motorsports park, which she welcomed, emphasizing that one of her ministrys key goals is the diversification of the tourism sector, with sports tourism serving as a significant pillar in achieving this objective. She commeNDed the initiative, recognizing its potential to enhance safety for motorcyclists aND create opportunities to expaND the islaNDs sports tourism offerinSPArty/9/general-solidaire'>GS.
However, she remiNDed stakeholders that the primary focus remains the proper construction of the Meteorological aND Civil Aviation building, as it is critical for the SPArty/23/national-alliance'>NAtions infrastructure. While we embrace innovation aND progress through projects like the Motorsports Park, we must ensure that all initiatives advance with careful planning aND responsible execution, she said, reinforcing her commitment to seeing the motion successfully implemented.
Another key ameNDment came from MP Labega, focusing on experience-based tourism. Minister Heyliger-Marten eNDorsed this initiative, emphasizing its alignment with global treNDs aND the principles of the orange economy. She remarked:
Modern travelers seek authentic cultural experiences, aND by embracing this initiative, we are enhancing our tourism product while simultaneously empowering our local talent. Fostering cultural pride aND economic growth is truly a win-win for St. Maarten.
During her presentation, Minister Heyliger-Marten introduced the R4 Effect framework, which staNDs for Reshaping, Reforming, Rebuilding, aND Restructuringa testament to the Ministrys commitment to sustaiSPArty/23/national-alliance'>NAble aND impactful change. She uNDerscored the importance of collaboration, stating:
It is not about how much you have; its about how wisely you use it. Whether fostering synergy across Ministries or partnering with the private sector, collaboration is essential to achieving our goals.
Addressing challenges during the debate, she highlighted the importance of unity aND accountability in the face of misinformation. It is crucial for us to reflect on our roles in uplifting our islaND rather than diminishing it. False accusations based on hearsay, or false SPArty/23/national-alliance'>NArratives surrouNDing key initiatives like the Soul Beach Music Festival, are detrimental to our collective progress. These negative headlines not only harm our economy but also our reputation on the global stage, she said.
Minister Heyliger-Marten closed with a call to action, urging her colleagues to prioritize the greater good over persoSPArty/23/national-alliance'>NAl acclaim.I urge you all to look in the mirror aND ask yourselves: are you part of the solution or the problem that restricts our islaNDs potential? We have a tremeNDous opportunity to effect change on St. Maarten, aND we must seize it together on this hallowed floor.
The post Grisha Optimistic with Results of BUDget Debate 2025 appeared first on 721news.com | Sint Maarten News | SXM News.
