GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten has announced that discussions are underway toward establishing a possible Sister City relationship between St. Maarten and Miami-Dade County, subject to the approval of the Council of Ministers.
The proposal was one of the central topics during a working visit to Miami last week by Heyliger-Marten and representatives of the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry, COCI. St. Maarten in the past had a similar sister city agreement with Tallahassee, but that was focused primarily on education. This possible new agreement will focus on aspects of business.
The delegation held meetings with representatives of the Office of the Mayor of Miami-Dade County, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Dutch Consulate in Miami. Discussions focused on creating opportunities for St. Maarten businesses, strengthening the tourism sector, expanding training opportunities and developing long-term institutional and economic partnerships.
“A Sister City relationship should never become merely a ceremonial title or another agreement sitting on a shelf,” Heyliger-Marten said. “When properly developed, it becomes a practical platform for trade, tourism, entrepreneurship, workforce development, education and the exchange of technical expertise.”
The Minister said Miami-Dade County’s position as a major tourism destination and commercial gateway connecting North America, Latin America and the Caribbean makes it a valuable potential partner for St. Maarten.
She noted that St. Maarten also brings considerable value to the proposed relationship through its strategic location in the northeastern Caribbean, regional connections and knowledge of Caribbean markets.
“That is the type of partnership we are pursuing, one built not on ceremony, but on mutual benefit,” Heyliger-Marten said.
The meetings also supported preparations for COCI’s upcoming trade mission to Miami, which is intended to connect St. Maarten entrepreneurs with new markets, business networks and potential commercial partners.
Heyliger-Marten stressed that the visit was focused on practical results rather than ceremonial meetings.
“These were not courtesy visits. They were working sessions with a clear purpose,” she said.
The Minister said the discussions also highlighted the need for St. Maarten to continually examine whether its tourism model is producing sufficient and sustainable economic value for residents and businesses.
She noted that even mature destinations such as Miami regularly assess how tourism contributes to their wider economy, workforce and communities.
“That is a conversation St. Maarten must also be prepared to have,” Heyliger-Marten said.
The proposed Sister City partnership and the COCI trade mission form part of government’s broader effort to expand international cooperation, strengthen the local business sector and create new economic opportunities for St. Maarten.
