Minister Heyliger-Marten calls on young men to put down guns

Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication Grisha Heyliger-Marten issued a direct appeal to young men in Sint Maarten to abandon gun violence and give themselves a second chance. Speaking from both her official capacity as a government minister and her personal role as the mother of three young men, Heyliger-Marten made the appeal in Pond Island. She warned that violence causes lasting damage not only to families but also to employment opportunities and the broader future of Sint Maarten. The minister's statement comes amid ongoing concerns about gun-related incidents on the island. Her dual identity as a public official and a parent lent a personal urgency to the message. The appeal underscores growing government concern that youth violence poses a serious threat to the island's social and economic stability.