October 27, 2026 No comments
AI becomes part of the tourism demand
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY - By Cdr. Bud Slabbaert) - There is a genuinely underestimated AI problem for Caribbean tourism economies. The Caribbean may be preparing its tourism marketing for yesterday's traveler while tomorrow's traveler is asking AI where to go. The Caribbean used to compete for tourists’ attention. Increasingly, it will have to compete for AI’s recommendation. Tourism destination promoters, hotels, airlines and airports should realize that the next customer may not find them. They may first have to be found by the machine that helps the customer decide where to go. That is a very different game. AI doesn't care about tourism advertising campaigns, no matter how much effort and money is spent on promotion. If the issue increasingly includes AI,...
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October 27, 2026 No comments
GOVERNMENT SHARES MERCELL SCORING RESULTS WITH SOLID WASTE TENDER BIDDERS
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Government of Sint Maarten has informed all bidders in the solid waste tender of the outcome of the Mercell scoring system, as part of the evaluation phase of the process. As is the case with all Mercell based tenders, the scores were distributed to all participating bidders. The report allows each bidder to see how they scored in comparison to everyone else who submitted a bid on the same parcels. The next phase of the tender process is the evaluation phase. During this stage, the evaluation committee will verify that bidders meet the established criteria and are eligible for award. The Government remains committed to a fair, open, and accountable tender process as it works toward improving...
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October 27, 2026 No comments
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell Discusses Strengthening Healthcare with SMMC Team
THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, hosted a meeting recently with Dr. Felix Holiday and Harlec Doran of the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC), where they discussed opportunities to strengthen healthcare, advance professional development and how to deepen engagement with Sint Maarteners living abroad. The discussion highlighted the important role of SMMC in training future medical professionals and developing local healthcare capacity. Through practical experience in areas such as surgery, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics and other clinical disciplines, SMMC provides students with a close-knit learning environment that supports professional growth and helps prepare future practitioners who may contribute to Sint Maarten’s healthcare sector. A central theme of the meeting was the need to establish stronger, and more sustained...
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October 27, 2026 No comments
Audit Chamber reports on APS’ 2025 financial performance
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The General Audit Chamber has released its report on the 2025 financial statements of the General Pension Fund Sint Maarten (APS). The findings show that APS closed 2025 with a positive result of XCG 27.1 million, compared to XCG 43.2 million in 2024. The coverage ratio improved from 114.1% to 116.2%. The overall investment return increased to 9.23%, with the international investment portfolio achieving a return of 15.95%. The Audit Chamber notes that local investments continue to require attention. The domestic investment portfolio generated a return of 2.65%, compared to 3.36% in 2024. Several local projects continue to experience delays, generate limited income and face uncertainty regarding their future development. The Audit Chamber concluded that APS's 2025 financial statements provide...
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October 27, 2026 No comments
COCI Treasurer Bute Implements COLA for Staff & Encourages Responsible Employment Practices
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In accordance with Article 16 of the National Ordinance Governing the St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI), which entrusts the Treasurer with oversight of the Chamber’s financial administration, the Treasurer of COCI’s Board of Directors, Louis Bute, exercised his authority by proposing the implementation of the ‘Cost of Living Adjustment’ (COLA) for COCI staff. This financial increase applied retroactively for the period from January through September 2026, was introduced in recognition of the increasing cost of living and the need to preserve the purchasing power of employees. Through this initiative COCI reaffirms its commitment to responsible financial management, employee wellbeing and compensation practices that remain aligned with the current economic and social conditions. The cost of...
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