SMDF Presents Plastic Free SXM Legislation to Government
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St. Maarten Development Fund Managing Director Makhicia Brooks presents the Plastic Free SXM draft legislation to the Council of Ministers.
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) formally presented the draft National Ordinance on the regulation of single-use plastics to the Government of St. Maarten.
This proposed legislation represents a key milestone in the Plastic Free SXM project, aiming to significantly reduce plastic waste and strengthen environmental sustainability across the country.
During a brief ceremony at the Government Administration Building, SMDF Managing Director Makhicia Brooks officially handed over the ordinance to the Council of Ministers. The Council expressed unanimous support for the draft legislation, which outlines a phased approach to restricting the production, importation, distribution, and sale of specific single-use plastic and polystyrene foam products.
“This ordinance marks a bold and necessary leap forward for St. Maarten,” stated Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina. “Reducing single-use plastics isn’t just an environmental initiative—it’s an investment in the health of our people, the strength of our economy, and the future of our island. By embracing sustainable choices today, we are laying the foundation for a cleaner, safer, and more resilient St. Maarten tomorrow.”
The draft ordinance proposes an incremental rollout, beginning with a ban on polystyrene foam food containers, plastic shopping bags, plastic straws, and plastic stirrers. Each category will be addressed through six-month implementation phases to allow businesses and the public adequate time to adapt.
SMDF Managing Director Makhicia Brooks expressed pride in the progress made thus far. “SMDF is proud to have delivered this draft legislation to the Government of St. Maarten, especially as it marks our very first legislative project. We look forward to seeing this ordinance come to life and to a future where plastic pollution is no longer a defining issue for our island.”
As the Government of St. Maarten reviews the draft, SMDF will continue providing technical support to ensure a smooth transition toward legislative debate and eventual enactment in Parliament.
Plastic Free SXM was implemented by SMDF on behalf of the Government of St. Maarten from 2023 to February 2025, with financial support from the Resilience, Sustainable Energy, and Marine Biodiversity Programme (RESEMBID)—a European Union initiative implemented by Expertise France.