Questions mount over marketplace project and contractor finances

GREAT BAY--The Philipsburg Marketplace reconstruction remains under scrutiny as questions grow about project financing, progress, and recent design changes involving the Royal Caribbean Group, even as Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten prepares to present updates to Parliament next week.

The Minister confirmed on Wednesday that the marketplace reconstruction remains a top priority and that the final design has now been accepted by Royal Caribbean, which collaborated with the Ministry to refine the project layout. She said the adjustments were made to ensure the new facility meets the high standards expected by both cruise visitors and residents.

“As part of this process, final design adjustments were made to ensure that the marketplace meets the highest standards expected by Royal Caribbean guests, residents, and visitors,” the Minister said. “Those design changes have now been completed and formally accepted by Royal Caribbean, marking a major step forward in realizing a modern, resilient, and functional marketplace for our people.”

However, the timing and nature of these changes have raised new questions. Wednesday’s statements appear to contradict her previous announcements made on at least two occasions that construction had already started. To date, apart from limited foundation preparation, there has been no significant visible progress on the project site.

There are also concerns about the project’s financial management. Reports suggest that the initial payment to the contractor, selected under the previous minister, has already been depleted, while new invoices continue to be sent to government despite minimal work being executed. The Minister has not yet presented a financial accounting or addressed these reports, which continue to circulate publicly.

In addition, the Minister confirmed that she will address the construction timeline and provide a full update in Parliament next week, where she is also expected to present the Soul Beach Music Festival Economic Impact Report prepared in collaboration with the Social and Economic Council (SER).

As part of the marketplace update, Heyliger-Marten said she intends to clarify the next construction steps and the support measures in place for vendors affected by the relocation. On October 27, she met with vendors to provide updates and announced a waiver of 2024–2025 vending fees for those directly displaced from the main construction site. The exemption does not apply to vendors behind the courthouse.

“The government recognizes that these vendors are directly impacted by the reconstruction and has taken this decision to support them as the work continues,” she said. “This project is firmly on track and represents our commitment to revitalizing Philipsburg with infrastructure that serves both locals and visitors.”

Soul Beach Music Festival

The Minister also confirmed that her November 17 presentation will include the findings of the Soul Beach Music Festival Economic Impact Report, which highlights the event’s positive contribution to the local economy through increased visitor arrivals, hotel occupancy, and spending across multiple sectors.

“This report is part of our broader effort to base policy decisions on data,” Heyliger-Marten said. “The Soul Beach Festival continues to generate strong economic returns for our country, and we look forward to working with our partners to strengthen its positive impact.”

‍