Heyliger-Marten sets out 2027 plan for economic sectors beyond tourism

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten said Government’s 2027 economic strategy would retain tourism as Sint Maarten’s economic backbone while developing agriculture, fisheries, digital services and investment promotion. She said a regulated cannabis industry could also become a sector if Parliament approves legislation and a regulatory framework is established.

Heyliger-Marten said the strategy would seek to attract different types of visitors and create links between tourism and local businesses. She named agri-tourism, medical and wellness tourism, cultural tourism and experiential tourism as areas for development. A proposed Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Agency is intended to support local production, food security, agriculture and fisheries, she said.

The minister said Government also wants closer commercial links between producers and the hospitality sector, including hotels and restaurants. The Ministry is advancing plans for an Investment Promotion Agency and support for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises through the Small Enterprise Development Center.

Heyliger-Marten said improvements to business licensing are part of the agenda. She said digital services and technology-based businesses could allow local entrepreneurs to reach markets outside Sint Maarten and export services. The Ministry has not set an estimate for the number of businesses or jobs that could benefit, she said, but intends to set targets for participation, investment and employment as the plans move into implementation.