Guide to Doing Business
in St. Maarten

Regulated industries

The most relevant regulated industries on St. Maarten are:

Banking

The monetary system of St. Maarten is regulated by the Central Bank of Curaçao and St. Maarten. The Bank’s most important objectives are to maintain the external stability of the Netherlands Antillean Guilder and to promote the efficient functioning of the financial system in the countries Curacao and St. Maarten. To achieve these objectives the Bank has frequently recurred to credit control measures and/or to changing the discount rate.

Education

St. Maarten’s educational system is so diverse that it encompasses Dutch, Caribbean and American systems of education. Education is available in either Dutch or English. Besides the public schools there are private schools that are funded by the government as well as private schools that are not funded by the government. The main institute of higher learning is the University of St. Maarten, which offers a variety of degree and non degree programs.

Energy

Currently there is a monopolistic market model in the electricity and water sectors. GEBE is the sole utility company producing and distributing electricity on St. Maarten, Saba and St. Eustatius and distributing water on St. Maarten and St. Eustatius. The Dutch and the French part of St. Maarten have different electricity systems. The electricity on the Dutch side runs at 120 V and the electrical outlets are identical to the United States. The electricity on the French part runs at 220 V with outlets that are similar to European outlets.

Healthcare

There are several medical centres on the island. The main hospital on the Dutch side is the St. Maarten Medical Centre. Hospital Marigot is the main hospital on the French side. For less serious complaints, over the counter medicines can be found at one of the local pharmacy’s in Philipsburg or Marigot.

Infrastructure

Princess Juliana International Airport is the airport of St. Maarten, for the Dutch part as well as the French part of the island. The airport is located 15 kilometres northwest of Philipsburg. The airport has good air travel links with other parts of the Caribbean, North America and Europe. Because of its geographical location, the airport does not only service St. Maarten but surrounding islands as well.

The most important harbour of St. Maarten is called Port of St. Maarten. This harbour has a cruise section as well as a cargo section. Several major U.S. and European cruise lines stop at this harbour.

Telecom

Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten is the independent regulatory authority for the Telecommunications and Post industry on St. Maarten. Bureau Telecommunications and Post  is responsible for the maintenance of a competitive environment in St. Maarten in the industries which it is tasked to regulate.