February 23, 2026 No comments
Caribbean students better prepared for their move to the Netherlands
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Education Executive Agency (Dienst Uitvoering Onderwijs, DUO) is to visit the Caribbean region from 9 to 27 March to open temporary service desks and organise information sessions about student finance. During the visit the focus will also be on the new tool the government has developed to help students prepare for their move to the Netherlands. More than 1.500 young people from the Caribbean region move to the Netherlands every year in order to study. DUO joined forces with other (government) organisations in 2025 to develop a special online tool which would help make the transition as smooth as possible for the students in question. If they visit rijksoverheid.nl/caribischestudenten, they can obtain a personalised overview of...
Read more
February 22, 2026 No comments
Caribbean Destinations Risk Missing Cruise Revenue by Prioritizing Fees Over Experiences, Says Port St. Maarten CEO
SINT MAARTEN/MIRAMAR, FL – Caribbean ports and tourism authorities may be overlooking significant economic opportunities by focusing too heavily on increasing cruise head taxes and fees instead of strategies that boost visitor spending, according to Port St. Maarten Group CEO Alexander Gumbs. In the debut episode of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association’s (FCCA) Leadership Series, released this month, Gumbs shared candid insights with FCCA President Adam Ceserano, describing the current emphasis on taxation as often being approached without fully accounting for the broader economic contribution of cruise passengers. “I think at times the item or the topic is looked at with blinders on … not looking at a wider impact of the industry,” Gumbs said. Citing St. Maarten data, he noted that cruise visitors,...
Read more
February 22, 2026 No comments
MP Wever, Partnering with Schipper of DAM Caribbean NV, to Present A Proposal about the Traffic Situation
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - As Sint Maarten continues to grow as a premier tourist destination, Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher Wever is calling attention to a critical imbalance. While investments in the tourism sector are significant, infrastructure development has not kept pace, contributing to increasing traffic congestion and long-term sustainability challenges. Over the past several months, MP Wever has been working closely with architect Wouter Schipper of DAM Caribbean NV on a comprehensive proposal to present to the Ministers of VROMI and TEATT. The proposal outlines practical, phased solutions that can improve mobility today while preparing Sint Maarten for future growth. Rather than relying on a single large scale project, the proposal focuses on a logical timeline of...
Read more
February 22, 2026 No comments
Where Culture Lives Artist Prize Launches. Open Call for Artists and Creatives in the Dutch Caribbean
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Where Culture Lives (WCL) project is proud to announce the launch of the WCL Artist Prize; a special opportunity for artists and creatives in Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Maarten to share their interpretation of where and how culture lives in their communities. Starting Monday 23rd February 2026, artists from all disciplines are invited to submit original work that captures the essence of cultural heritage on their island. The prize welcomes submissions in all art forms; visual arts, music, performance, dance, literature & poetry, film, culinary arts, photography and digital media. "Our culture and heritage is felt, not only in museums but also in our streets, kitchens, festivals and in our everyday experiences...
Read more
February 22, 2026 No comments
Guyanese Celebrate 56 Years of Republic Status
ANGUILLA / ST. MARTIN – The Guyanese community across Anguilla, St. Martin, and the wider diaspora joins in celebration of Guyana’s 56th Republic Anniversary, which is marked on Monday, February 23. Marking more than half a century of sovereignty, this year’s milestone - observed under the national theme “Expressing Our Culture Through Innovations and Creativity” - highlights the nation’s historic economic transformation and the enduring strength of its people abroad. In a special radio address broadcast to the regional diaspora, Guyana’s Honorary Consul to Sint Maarten, Mrs. Kim Lucas-Felix reflected on the journey from the 1970 transition to a Co-operative Republic to Guyana’s current standing as a global leader in economic growth and environmental stewardship. “Fifty-six years ago, we took full responsibility for...
Read more
