Speaking as a minister and mother of three young men, she warns that violence damages families, jobs and Sint Maarten’s future
POND ISLAND — Speaking both as a government minister and as the mother of three young men, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten appealed Wednesday directly to young men involved in guns, robberies and violence to step away before one night of foolishness ends in imprisonment, injury or death.
“Fellas, hear me good. You may believe it is one quick robbery, one fight, one gun or one night of foolishness. But you are not only playing with your own future,” Heyliger-Marten said during a live press briefing.
“You are playing with your mother’s job. You are threatening your neighbour’s business. You are putting other young people’s employment at risk. You are damaging the same island that must provide a future for all of us–including you.”
Heyliger-Marten said the consequences of violence do not end with the person holding the gun or taking part in a robbery. Families can lose loved ones, businesses can lose income and employees can lose jobs, while violent incidents can weaken confidence in Sint Maarten.
She urged young men already caught up in criminal activity to seek help before their choices lead to prison, injury or a funeral. She encouraged them to speak with a parent, teacher, coach, pastor, youth worker or another trusted person who can help them find a way out.
For Heyliger-Marten, who is herself the mother of three young men, the appeal also carried a personal dimension. Her message placed responsibility on both young people and government.
“We cannot lecture young people and then fail to create credible pathways to training, mentorship and legitimate employment,” she said. “I am prepared to work with Justice, Education, VSA, youth organisations and the private sector to strengthen those pathways. But you must also make a choice.”
The Minister said crime also has economic and social consequences, damaging livelihoods, business confidence, employment and the way residents and visitors experience the country.
She stressed that policing, prosecution, detention and operational public-safety decisions remain the responsibility of the Ministry of Justice and the competent justice authorities. TEATT’s role is to address the economic consequences, listen to affected businesses and help organise appropriate private-sector support.
Heyliger-Marten acknowledged the ongoing work of Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling, the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), the Prosecutor’s Office and other justice partners. She said TEATT’s contact with the Ministry of Justice and its earlier request for verified information were intended to support coordination. “This is about urgency, coordination and measurable action across the justice and economic sectors,” she said.
She closed her appeal to young men with a direct challenge: “Put down the gun. Step away. Give yourself another chance.”
