The Honorable Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and
Infrastructure, Mr. Patrice Gumbs, has announced the successful conclusion of a bilateral
meeting with Mrs. Bernadette Davis, 2nd Vice-President of the Collectivité of Saint-Martin and
Chair of the Living Environment and Ecological transition Delegation.
Held on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the Port Authority of Saint-Martin, the meeting highlighted the
importance of strengthening local Dutch–French cooperation to protect the shared environment
and infrastructure of the island.
In addition to the agreements to revive the joint clean-up started in 2023, discussions focused on
enhancing resilience to extreme weather events, particularly the challenges presented by the flow
of water across borders during heavy rains and hurricanes. Officials conducted an in-depth
review of the rainwater drainage network, trenches, and ravines, and explored eco-friendly
approaches to managing these critical systems.
Key outcomes of the meeting include:
Joint Strategies for Rainwater Management: Agreement on coordinated monitoring
and maintenance of rainwater networks to reduce flooding and improve water flow
efficiency.
Shared Action Plan: Development of a framework for regular communication between
technical teams to swiftly address cross-border disputes on land, land use, and water
management challenges. Future Collaboration: Both parties expressed a strong commitment to exploring
additional areas for cooperation on shared issues, such as waste management, illegal
dumping, and climate resilience projects.
Strengthening Enforcement: Initial discussions were held on how both governments
can close existing loopholes that allow individuals to damage the environment or public
infrastructure without accountability, with the goal of developing clearer enforcement
mechanisms and joint regulations.
Building Collective Resilience: A shared pledge to prioritize infrastructure
improvements and public awareness campaigns ahead of the hurricane season,
underscoring the importance of unified preparedness.
Minister Gumbs highlighted the importance of this collaborative spirit:
“With all our ongoing projects on zoning, waste reforms, and drainage, today’s discussions are
necessary to enhance resilience, environmental protection, and accountability in the projects and
interventions developed for our people, regardless of which side of the border either of us call
home. By strengthening our cooperation with the Collectivité of Saint-Martin, we are better
equipped to protect our communities, our environment, and the integrity of our island.”
The Government of Sint Maarten and the Collectivité de Saint-Martin will continue to work
together to create practical solutions that improve the quality of life for all residents while
safeguarding the island’s natural resources.