INTERVIEWS
Interview with H.E. Luc F. E. Mercelina, Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Sint Maarten
"Sint Maarten is unlike any other place in the Caribbean. We are one island, two nations — half French, half Dutch — but fully united in spirit. Sint Maarten offers visitors an unmatched variety of experiences in a compact space."
09 July, 2026
Interview with Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Deputy Prime Minister, Sint Maarten
"We are redefining luxury hospitality in Sint Maarten, focusing on boutique hotels and upscale tourism. In addition to Planet Hollywood we have a few boutique hotels and 5-star hotels slated to break ground in 2026. We are upgrading infrastructure and targeting high-end travelers, maintaining U.S. and Canadian markets while increasing focus on South America, Europe, Australia and possibly Africa. "
08 July, 2026
Interview with May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism, Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau
"Regional collaboration is essential to the future of Caribbean tourism. No island operates in isolation and increasingly the region must think in terms of connectivity, shared opportunity and mutual resilience. Sint Maarten has long played a strategic role as a hub within the northeastern Caribbean and we see strong value in deepening partnerships with neighboring destinations."
06 July, 2026
Interview with Valérie Damaseau, President Aïda Weinum, Director Office de Tourisme de Saint Martin
"Our strategy is clear: reach a maximum of 3,500 rooms while maintaining a high-end, boutique positioning. To support this, we have put incentives in place to attract investment, with a strong focus on sustainable and environmentally responsible tourism. Rather than building from scratch, we prioritize reviving a limited number of existing properties."
06 July, 2026
Interview with Louis Mussington, Président Collectivité de Saint-Martin
"We welcome all ideas, business initiatives and partnerships with private investors. I am currently in discussions with two hotel groups on plans to develop new hotel projects in Saint-Martin. This is very important given our high unemployment rate. Investment in the hotel sector will create jobs, reduce unemployment and make the island more attractive to visitors and foreign investors."
06 July, 2026
Interview with Hans van de Velde, CEO Windward Islands Airways International (Winair), Sint Maarten
"For Sint Maarten and Winair, the U.S. market is crucial—without it, we wouldn’t survive. We currently rely heavily on the East Coast, but there is potential to grow markets like California. More passengers mean more revenue, which allows us to invest in aircraft, expand routes and develop infrastructure."
06 July, 2026
Interview with Rodrigo Gamboa, CEO Simpson Bay Resort (SBR), Sint Maarten
"Over the past three years, we consistently exceeded our budget. In 2023, we closed 2% above projections. In 2024, after major investments and the post-pandemic rebound, we grew 34% instead of the 10% we forecasted. In 2025, we are already 3% above our 7% growth projection and with strong results in November and December, we expect to finish around 12–13%, well above budget. One of the keys to this success is our focus on exposure and distribution. "
06 July, 2026
Interview with Alain Richardson, Président Directeur Général, Semsamar, Sint Maarten
"Even though it is an autonomous territory, Saint-Martin remains part of the French Republic. Over the years, France has attracted significant investment from American companies and the same advantages apply here. In terms of security, transparency and guarantees, Saint-Martin benefits from a banking system and regulatory framework that meet international standards."
06 July, 2026
Interview with George Pelgrim, CEO Caribbean International Maritime (INTERMAR), Sint Maarten
"The U.S. market is vital to INTERMAR, providing most of our inbound cargo and consolidation. We are enhancing partnerships with U.S. carriers and forwarders, boosting digital visibility and expanding 3PL and hub capabilities to make Sint Maarten a stronger gateway for U.S.–Caribbean trade."
06 July, 2026
Interview with Alexandra Chirlias, General Manager Grand Case Beach Club (GCBC), Sint Maarten
"Unlike all-inclusive resorts, we don’t aim to retain our guests at the hotel, but rather we want to encourage them to explore the island. The goal is not only to promote the Grand Case Beach Club, but also Grand Case and Saint Martin as a whole, on both sides of the island. Management wants visitors to explore, rent a car, or participate in island tours to discover the region. The hotel also actively involves local businesses wherever possible."
06 July, 2026
Interview with Alhaji Mohammed Idris, FNIPR, Minister of Information and National Orientation of Nigeria
"Nigeria possesses enormous advantages: a large and youthful population, abundant natural resources, strategic geographic positioning, an expanding digital economy, and a dynamic private sector. Our task is to continue creating an environment where these strengths can thrive."
03 July, 2026
Interview with Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta, Canada
"With pipelines now reaching our coast, whether for natural gas liquids like propane, LNG or oil, we have the ability to move energy by ship into California. That makes us a secure supplier for everything from gasoline and diesel to aviation fuel, natural gas for home heating and propane for other uses. That is another way we can contribute to energy security for the California market."
01 July, 2026
Interview with Andrew Boitchenko, Minister of Tourism and Sport of Alberta
"The reason people should look at Alberta is because it is welcoming, safe, and beautiful, with a government focused on growth and creating experiences you cannot find anywhere else in the world."
01 July, 2026
Interview with Jason Krips, President and CEO of the Alberta Forest Products Association (AFPA)
"California, in particular, is a major market for Alberta forest products. In 2025 alone, Alberta supplied 273 million square feet of oriented strand board to California for housing, schools and community construction. Housing affordability starts with housing availability and housing availability depends on reliable access to quality building materials. Alberta's forest products help support the homes, schools and communities that Californians rely on every day."
26 June, 2026
Interview with Mr. Asim Ali Khan, Consul General of Pakistan in Los Angeles
“With 240 million people and one of the world’s youngest populations, Pakistan offers scale, talent and long-term growth for forward-looking investors.”
19 February, 2026
Interview with José Ramos-Horta, President of Timor-Leste
“By 2026, Timor-Leste’s economy is set to grow at least 5%, fueled by public investment and rising foreign interest.”
04 December, 2025
Interview with Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Mohd Amin Liew Bin Abdullah, Minister at The Prime Minister’s Office and Minister of Finance and Economy II, Brunei
“Brunei is no longer just an oil and gas economy—high-value sectors like ICT, services, food, and tourism are scaling fast, opening doors for investors ready to join our growth story.”
04 December, 2025
Interview with Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Deputy Prime Minister, Sint Maarten
“If you visit Sint Maarten, you will fall in love with the island; with Dutch and U.S. treaties, it is especially easy for American investors to conduct business here.”
04 December, 2025
