April 21, 2026 No comments
Minister Brug: VSA continues its course to strengthen its workforce and transform the Ministry
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, Richinel Brug, continues to advance the strengthening of the Ministry of VSA in line with the Governing Program 2024–2028, guided by the Ministry’s 2025 State of Affairs assessment. The 2025 State of Affairs assessment document and 2026 management team kick off sessions, confirmed that clear direction is essential to moving the Ministry forward. The State of Affairs assessment confirmed that while VSA is a dedicated and resilient organization, it has been operating in a fragmented and reactive manner, with departments often working in silos, processes inconsistently applied, and limited alignment across the Ministry. It further highlighted that without clear structure, coordination, and strategic coherence, even strong individual efforts do...
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April 21, 2026 No comments
Royal Decorations not conferred in 2026, public encouraged to submit nominations for 2027
SINT MAARTEN (HARBOUR VIEW-PHILIPSBURG) — This year on King's Day, the Governor of Sint Maarten, His Excellency Mr. Ajamu G. Baly, will not confer any royal decorations. Due to the time required to complete the nomination and assessment process, nominations could not be finalized in time for this year’s celebrations. The nomination process for a royal decoration is thorough and involves several stages of review at both the local and Kingdom levels. As part of this process, nominations are assessed and advised upon locally before being forwarded for further evaluation within the Kingdom. Persons eligible for nomination are those who have made a long-standing and meaningful contribution to society and remain actively involved. Nominations must be submitted using the standard nomination form...
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April 21, 2026 No comments
Winair Invites Travel Agents to Share Their Caribbean Story at SMART 2026
SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Winair proudly participates in the St. Martin / St. Maarten Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART) 2026, by introducing a refreshed and more engaging Travel Agent Contest that celebrates the passion behind Caribbean travel. Organized in collaboration with the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), the Office du Tourisme de St. Martin (OdT), and the Club du Tourisme, SMART continues to serve as the premier tourism marketplace of the northeastern Caribbean. From June 22–26, SMART 2026 brings the Caribbean travel industry together to connect, collaborate, and grow. Celebrating the Voices Behind Caribbean Travel As part of its ongoing commitment to regional tourism, Winair invites travel agents from across its network to participate in...
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April 21, 2026 No comments
Telem Partners with Local Influencers to Power Digital Carnival Experience for Carnival 2026
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - Telem and St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) celebrates its historic 55th anniversary from April 10 to May 6, 2026, Telem is connecting this year’s cultural experience by partnering with a trio of local content creators to bring Carnival closer to audiences both on the ground and online. As a major partner of Carnival 2026, Telem has teamed up with popular social media influencers and performers Rummer, Lisa Adams, and Tracy Laville. The trio will collaborate to promote its marketing efforts throughout the Carnival season. Known for their strong digital presence and highly engaged audiences, these creators will serve as Telem’s official Carnival content crew. From April 10 through May 6, the influencers are on the frontlines of...
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April 21, 2026 No comments
Ongoing coastal development plans continue to threaten St. Maarten’s nature and access
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten is once again voicing its concerns for environmental conservation and public access on the island, following recent news about developments around Mullet Bay, Beacon Hill, and Little Bay. For nearly three decades, since our founding in 1997, the Nature Foundation has worked – often quietly and behind closed doors – to protect Sint Maarten’s coastlines, wetlands, and hillsides. We have submitted countless assessments, provided formal advice, and engaged directly with government. Sint Maarten’s natural ecosystems are essential to wildlife, recreation, culture, economy, and wellbeing, but we continue to lose them at alarming rates. The past few weeks have seen a flurry of activity that has caused renewed concerns about the future...
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