Heyliger-Marten address calls for her resignation, reaffirms commitment to serve

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten has reaffirmed her commitment to serve the people of St. Maarten with integrity, transparency, and dedication, following sporadic discussion surrounding calls for her resignation, after a recent verdict regarding her husband.

Addressing the matter directly during Wednesday’s Council of Ministers press briefing, Minister Heyliger-Marten emphasized that her appointment as Minister followed a comprehensive and legally mandated screening process.

“I was elected by the people of St. Maarten and subsequently appointed to serve after a full vetting process. At that time, my husband’s legal circumstances were well known and fully disclosed,” she stated.

Minister Heyliger-Marten underscored that since taking office, she has fulfilled her duties diligently and in full adherence to the laws and governing accords of the country.

Out of respect for due process and the independence of the judiciary, the Minister said she will not comment on any ongoing legal proceedings, but she made clear that the civil case in question will be appealed, and drawing conclusions at this stage would be premature.

“I remain fully committed to fulfilling my mandate and continuing the work entrusted to me by the people and the government of St. Maarten,” she said. “My dedication to serving this country has never wavered, regardless of my personal circumstances.”

The Minister reaffirmed that her focus remains on advancing key national projects and ensuring that her ministry continues to operate with accountability and service to the nation.

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