N icknamed “The Friendly Island,” Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin are forging new pathways for growth by strengthening economic and tourism ties with the United States. This twin-nation territory is undergoing a transformation driven by both public and private sector initiatives, focusing on infrastructure upgrades, sustainable development, and diversification.
According to Dr. Luc Mercelina, Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, “The resilience of this island lies not just in its recovery from natural disasters, but in our ability to look toward the future, diversifying the economy and promoting sustainable development.” Since the devastation of Hurricane Irma in 2017, reconstruction efforts have laid the groundwork for a more robust economy. Major infrastructure projects, such as the revitalization of Princess Juliana International Airport, the ongoing construction of a new hospital, and strategic future plans for the energy sector, have been crucial in attracting investments. Meanwhile, improvements to the road network remain a top priority, with active plans underway to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth. The Trust Fund for Sint Maarten, funded by grant from the Netherlands and managed by the World Bank, has been instrumental in supporting these initiatives.
Tourism remains the backbone of Sint Maarten’s economy. “Tourism is our lifeblood, but we are also cultivating new sectors,” says Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunications. Efforts to enhance air connectivity and port facilities aim to position Sint Maarten as a major hub in the Caribbean, particularly for the U.S. market.