November 02, 2026 No comments
Census 2022 Reveals Population Growth, an Ageing Population and Key Findings on Education and Health
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Department of Statistics (STAT) has released three reports from the 2022 Population and Housing Census, providing an updated picture of Sint Maarten’s population and important insights into education, health and living conditions. Census interviews began in September 2022, with final visits conducted in April and May 2023. More than 32,000 people participated, contributing to the statistics describing the 41,902 residents living on the Dutch side of the island. Sint Maarten’s population grew by approximately 25%, from 33,609 in 2011 to 41,902 in 2022. Nearly half (49%) of all residents live in Cul de Sac and Lower Prince’s Quarter. The population is also ageing, with the median age increasing from 35 years in 2011 to 43 years in...
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November 02, 2026 No comments
Stories of St. Maarten Brings Local Literature into the Classroom. Empowering Young Readers
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center (PCCC), with funding from the Nederlands Letterenfonds (Dutch Foundation for Literature), continues to bring Caribbean stories into local classrooms through Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery, a literacy initiative designed to encourage reading, strengthen creative expression, and connect young learners with the stories and authors of their own community. Stories of St. Maarten – A Year of Reading & Discovery is a literacy initiative of the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center that connects students with literature, local and Caribbean authors, and interactive reading experiences. The program promotes literacy, storytelling, creative expression, and cultural awareness among young learners. As part of the program, Caribbean children's author Ms.Tamara...
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November 01, 2026 No comments
From One Generation to the Next: Two Culinary Legacies Carry St. Maarten's Pride to Barbados
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Jewel Daal and Erion Peterson are not simply competing at Taste of the Caribbean 2026. They are carrying the names, traditions, and achievements of two families that have helped shape St. Maarten's culinary identity. There is something particularly special about St. Maarten's return to the prestigious Taste of the Caribbean competition after a nine-year absence. Beyond the excitement of showcasing our island's extraordinary culinary talent, this year's team tells a beautiful story of family, heritage, determination, and the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Among the talented professionals representing St. Maarten/St. Martin in Barbados this November are two individuals whose family names are already deeply connected to the island's culinary history: Senior Chef...
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November 01, 2026 No comments
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell Attends Diplomatic Gathering Hosted by Mayor of The Hague
THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, recently attended a diplomatic gathering hosted by the Mayor of The Hague, Jan van Zanen. The event brought together members of the diplomatic community in The Hague, providing an opportunity for international representatives to engage in an atmosphere that encourages dialogue, mutual understanding, and the strengthening of relationships. The gathering featured addresses by Mayor Van Zanen and Jos Vranken, President of the Board of Directors of Hotelschool The Hague. The Hague is internationally recognized as a Centre for peace, justice, diplomacy, and international cooperation. The city hosts numerous embassies, diplomatic missions, the international court, and organizations that contribute to international dialogue and the development of relations between countries. Mayor Van Zanen has consistently...
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November 01, 2026 No comments
FREEGAN Foundation Puts Community Voices at the Heart of Its Work
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – At FREEGAN foundation, helping the community starts with something surprisingly simple: listening to the people we serve. Approximately six times a year, FREEGAN organizes focus group meetings, inviting community members to share their experiences, needs, concerns, and ideas. The goal is simple but essential: to make sure the foundation’s programs reflect what people actually need, rather than what others assume they need. “We can spend hours preparing nutritious meals because we believe that’s what people need. But what if their biggest concern is something completely different? The only way to find out is to ask, and more importantly, to really listen.” Today’s focus group brought together 15 community members from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. English, Spanish, and...
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