October 14, 2025 No comments
The Parliament of Sint Maarten Commemorates 15 Years of Country Status
SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) - On Monday, October 13, 2025, the Parliament of Sint Maarten sat in a Solemn Public Meeting to commemorate the Fifteenth Anniversary of Sint Maarten’s attainment of Country Status within the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The meeting was held in the General Assembly Chamber of the House of Parliament, on Wilhelminastraat 1, Philipsburg. Under the theme A Reflection of 15 Years of Country Status”, the ceremonial gathering brought together current and former Members of Parliament, government officials, dignitaries, and special invited guests, amongst others- former Presidents of Parliament and former Secretaries General of Parliament, to mark this significant milestone in the nation’s parliamentary history. The Parliament of Sint Maarten organizes a solemn public meeting every five years to reflect on...
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October 14, 2025 No comments
Global Leadership Forum – Breaking the Cycle set for November 5
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Preparations for the Global Leadership Forum (GLF), Breaking the Cycle, are well underway and will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM at Global Purpose Ministry International, Philipsburg, St. Maarten. This high-level forum will bring together voices from government, parliament, the justice system, the education sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and the faith community, alongside international speakers from the USA, Africa, and the Caribbean. The discussion will focus on: Transgenerational trauma and family dysfunction; Mental health challenges and social instability; Youth vulnerability and community restoration. Global Leadership Forum – Tentative Speakers / Panelists 1. Hon. Franklin Myers – Parliamentarian 2. Policy Advisor**, Ministry of VSA (Health & Social Affairs) 3. Tyanna Knight –...
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October 14, 2025 No comments
Prime Minister Mercelina Welcomes EU Delegation to Sint Maarten to Advance Key Projects
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Prime Minister and Minister of General Affairs, Dr. Luc Mercelina, recently met with representatives of the European Union Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS, CARICOM, and CARIFORUM to strengthen cooperation and advance ongoing and upcoming development initiatives for Sint Maarten. The EU delegation included Ms. Chiara Tardivo (Team Leader, Economic Resilience and Trade), Mr. Laurent Bal (Head of Contract, Finance & Audit), Ms. Teodora Deaconu (Contracts and Finance Officer), and Mr. Nuno Silva (Programme Manager, Economic Resilience and Trade). As of September 1, 2025, the portfolio for the Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) has officially been transferred from the EU Delegation in Guyana to the Delegation in Barbados. The new Head of Delegation, Ms....
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October 13, 2025 No comments
SCDF Announces Winner of Carnival 55 Logo Competition and Confirms 2026 Schedule Release
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) has officially unveiled the winning design for the Carnival 55 Logo Competition. The vibrant and dynamic design, titled “Carnival in Motion,” was created by local graphic designer Jeanelle Hunt-Mardembrough, who captured the true essence of St. Maarten’s biggest annual celebration. Hunt-Mardembrough’s design will serve as the official logo for Carnival 2026, which will run from April 10, 2026, to May 5, 2026. The logo will appear on all official Carnival merchandise, promotions, and digital platforms as the island celebrates 55 years of cultural unity, music, and revelry. Explaining her creative vision, Hunt-Mardembrough said: “My idea behind the ‘55’ design was swirling forms that feel like carnival, tropical...
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October 13, 2025 No comments
Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell Reflects on Constitutional Journey in Celebration of Constitution Day
THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – On Monday, October 13, 2025, Sint Maarten proudly commemorated its 15th anniversary as a constituent country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, celebrating Constitution Day under the theme “Fifteen Years of Country Status - Honoring Our Past, Shaping Our Future.” In recognition of this milestone and as the first President of the Parliament of Sint Maarten, the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell, delivered a special address to the Parliament of Sint Maarten, joining officials and dignitaries from across the country in reflecting on Sint Maarten’s constitutional journey since October 10, 2010. In her remarks, Minister Arrindell looked back on the early years of nation-building, noting that the day serves not only as a...
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