September 23, 2026 No comments
Third Reading Festival Sint Maarten Edition Kicks Off This Week
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – The Third Reading Festival: Sint Maarten Edition officially gets underway, with activities taking place this week leading up to the two-day festival on September 25 and 26, 2026. Stichting Biblionef Netherlands, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, the Library of Sint Maarten, Help Our Children Foundation, and the University of St. Martin (USM), is once again bringing together students, educators, authors, families and community partners to celebrate the joy of reading and learning. Now in its third year, the Reading Festival continues to grow, with this year’s program introducing new and interactive experiences alongside popular activities such as storytelling, author visits, creative workshops, educational games and book giveaways. Students will also have opportunities...
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September 22, 2026 No comments
A criminological perspective on crime in Sint Maarten: Part 1
SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY – By Marcus Pantophlet) - After more than 15 years of experience in law enforcement, combined with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology, I believe Sint Maarten's current crime situation requires us to look beyond individual criminal incidents and examine the broader social and socioeconomic conditions that contribute to crime. The recent series of robberies reported across Sint Maarten in September 2026 should concern all of us. While official monthly statistics are necessary before declaring a statistically confirmed increase in the crime rate, the frequency and nature of the reported robberies are a clear reason to examine what is happening beneath the surface. One of the most important factors is socioeconomic pressure. Sint Maarten can have economic activity and tourism...
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September 21, 2026 No comments
Man UP, Check UP Campaign Records Highest-Ever Participation as 518 Men Receive Free Prostate Cancer Screenings
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Positive Foundation and Elektralyets Foundation are celebrating the strongest participation in the history of the “Man UP, Check UP” Prostate Cancer Awareness Campaign, with 518 men receiving free PSA prostate cancer screenings during screening events held on September 5, 12, and 19. The 2026 results represent a 66% increase over 2025, when 312 men were screened, and a 245% increase since the campaign began in 2019, when 150 men participated. The three screening events drew steadily increasing numbers, with 125 men screened on September 5, 168 on September 12, and a record 225 on September 19. Organizers say the unprecedented turnout reflects growing awareness of prostate cancer prevention and the importance of early detection, while demonstrating the...
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September 21, 2026 No comments
Over 1554 kg of litter & debris collected during 2026 ICC
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Volunteers, students, community organisations and businesses came together across Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin for the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup (ICC), removing waste from beaches, coastlines, waterways and surrounding areas. Across the three days of activities, approximately 400 volunteers and students participated in the 2026 International Coastal Cleanup, collecting a combined 1554 kilograms of waste from Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin, not including the larger debris that could not easily be weighed. The most prevalent items recorded were single-use plastics and foam litter. The activities kicked off on Friday in Philipsburg, where 96 students from Oranje School, Leonard Conner School and Charlotte Brookson Academy cleaned the beach and boardwalk. In just one hour, the students collected 123 kilograms of...
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September 21, 2026 No comments
SZV LAUNCHES 2026 CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE SURVEY
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - SZV Social & Health Insurances is inviting clients to participate in its 2026 Customer Experience Survey, running from September 21 through October 2, 2026. The annual survey gives clients an opportunity to share their experiences with SZV services, communication and customer service. Clients can participate online, at SZV offices and through surveyors engaging with the community. Deep Dive Data B.V. has once again been engaged as the independent research company responsible for conducting the survey. Client feedback from the 2025 survey has helped SZV identify areas for improvement and take action. Among the initiatives introduced or advanced are: *Senior Priority Hours, providing priority assistance to seniors and customers who may need additional in-person support when visiting SZV. *A Waiting...
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