What is your long-term vision for Sint Maarten, and what are your immediate priorities as Prime Minister?
My long-term vision for Sint Maarten is to empower and stabilize the pillars that give a country the right to be a country. There are five key pillars: our airport, harbor, utility company (for electricity and water), telecommunication, and healthcare.While we've been fortunate so far, the country's rapid growth has exposed weaknesses in these areas. For instance, energy supply remains a challenge. We've stabilized the harbor, which significantly supports our economy through cruise tourism. We've opened a state-of-the-art airport, but we still need to fortify our energy grid and work aggressively toward renewable energy solutions.In healthcare, we're building a new state-of-the-art hospital, which is my dream for this term. However, sustainable healthcare financing is crucial, given our small population. We're working to broaden healthcare contributions to ensure continuity.Finally, there's a sixth pillar—the social and justice systems, which include welfare, safety, and justice. These are essential for improving the quality of life and ensuring security for everyone in Sint Maarten. Among my priorities is completing a modern detention center to uphold human rights and proper justice practices.
Tourism remains the backbone of Sint Maarten’s economy. How do you plan to diversify the economy while ensuring sustainable growth?
Tourism is indeed our primary income source, but we must improve our services and infrastructure to remain competitive. This includes professionalizing the hospitality sector, beautifying the island, upgrading water management, and reducing traffic congestion.We’re also focusing on regaining high-end tourism, which has declined in recent years. Enhancing the harbor and airport is vital for this. Additionally, we aim to expand hotel capacity to accommodate more visitors.Regarding diversification, we’re exploring opportunities in the orange economy, which includes creative industries and cultural heritage. Improving tourism-related products and services while fostering creativity will help broaden our economic base.
Hurricane Irma in 2017 was a turning point for Sint Maarten. What strategies are being implemented to improve disaster resilience and recovery systems?
Thanks to a $550 million grant from the Netherlands, we've focused on sustainability and disaster resilience. One initiative is the Disaster Reserve Fund (DRF), where loan repayments from reconstruction projects are earmarked as a financial buffer for future disasters. Another portion supports infrastructure improvement through a dedicated road fund.Our efforts include ensuring that all projects—whether infrastructure, housing, or utilities—are built to withstand potential natural disasters. This strategy is essential as climate change continues to challenge island nations like ours.
Sint Maarten is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. How would you describe your relationship with the US government, and what are your expectations for future cooperation?
Historically, we've had a strong and amicable relationship with the U.S. The majority of our tourists come from there, and American investors continue to contribute significantly to our economy, particularly in real estate. Sint Maarten offers a unique charm that attracts visitors—its diversity, natural beauty, gastronomy, and vibrant culture. This connection with the U.S. is a testament to our shared values and mutual appreciation.
What specific challenges does Sint Maarten face in promoting itself to American travelers?
Our position as a hub is an advantage, contributing significantly to our economy. However, our focus remains on enhancing the quality of our tourism products and services to encourage visitors to stay longer. The hub function complements this by boosting connectivity and regional influence, making Sint Maarten a key player in the Caribbean.
What are your plans for promoting environmental sustainability and protecting natural resources?
Here in Sint Maarten, we are very intense consumers of global resources because of our high population density and rapid economic growth. Our tourist numbers are rising significantly, I believe we’re seeing around 1.3 to 1.4 million visitors through our harbor and another 1.3 million via our airport annually. Combined, that’s nearly 3 million people passing through this small island.Can you imagine that? A small island like Sint Maarten hosting such numbers—people staying here or traveling to other destinations. It’s incredible and a testament to the island’s importance. However, it also puts immense pressure on our environment and resources.We’ve just opened a state-of-the-art airport, and we’re already realizing it may be too small for our future needs. But I see this as inspiration rather than a limitation. It motivates us to embrace sustainable practices, enhance our infrastructure, and minimize our environmental footprint.Our focus is on renewable energy, better waste management, and ensuring that every new project considers environmental resilience. We have great potential to lead as an example of sustainable growth for small islands worldwide.
What inspired your journey into politics, and how do you want your tenure as Prime Minister to be remembered?
First of all, I’m a surgeon by profession. From 1999 to early 2024, I served this country in the operating room, giving my heart to my patients on a one-on-one basis. Over time, I realized that while I was helping individuals, the broader social challenges of our community—poverty, injustice—required a different approach.I decided to transition into politics because I wanted to address the root causes of these issues. Instead of treating physical ailments, I saw an opportunity to operate on the "social diseases" affecting Sint Maarten. My work as a doctor built trust with the people, and I believe that trust translated into support when I entered the political arena.I have what I call an "allergy" to injustice and poverty. I knew that staying in medicine wouldn’t allow me to combat these systemic problems. So, I dedicated this phase of my career to tackling these challenges at their core—creating policies and systems to uplift the lives of Sint Maarten’s people. I want my tenure to be remembered as a time of progress, where we addressed not just immediate concerns but also laid the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future.
What is your final message to Newsweek readers considering Sint Maarten a potential investment and/or tourism destination?
Investing in Sint Maarten is highly attractive, thanks to our favorable tax policies and safe environment. Contrary to some misconceptions, Sint Maarten is a very peaceful country. With over 120 nationalities coexisting harmoniously, we are an example of unity in diversity. Here, people from all backgrounds—whether Israeli or Palestinian—live and work together peacefully.For tourists, we remain the "Friendly Island," continually improving infrastructure and enhancing our offerings to ensure an unforgettable experience. Whether for investment or leisure, Sint Maarten is a welcoming destination where opportunities abound.
