Soualiga Newsday Features
Menu

Soualiga Newsday Features (4925)

NAGICO Insurances (Business, Personal) – Fast, Fair & Always There

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The NAGICO Group has been in existence since 1982 and provides a myriad of property and casualty as well as life products and risk solutions to its customers, who are situated throughout the Caribbean; it is a dynamic and versatile group.

Through an exceptional understanding of the insurance business, our customers’ needs and the environment within which we operate, combined with the excellent support of our most valuable assets: our intermediary relationships, staff and reinsurance partners, the NAGICO Group has established an impressive and formidable presence in the Caribbean; operating within 21 territories.

Its promise and commitment from inception has been and remains to deliver fast and fair service to its customers and to always be there for them; a promise it has delivered on consistently over the years. This is the NAGICO way.

NAGICO is a financially strong and stable group due to risk management being at the core of its decision making, it is a preferred provider in the region and #1 in many of the islands, due to its reliability, trustworthiness and friendly service – its core values.

The NAGICO Group became even stronger when it gained Peak Reinsurance Company Limited, an A-Excellent rated entity by AM Best and maintaining >$800m in equity, as one of its shareholders. NAGICO is poised to achieve even greater success and remains focused on its 2020 vision: To be the most trusted insurer in the Caribbean.

Trust is important in life and business. We at NAGICO understand this fully as each day we conscientiously make and deliver on promises; promises to be fast, promises to be fair and promises to always be there for our customers!

Our intermediaries are a crucial part of our strategy. We grow and succeed together through the honouring of our promises. Through team work and the spirit of comradery we: NAGICO, our brokers and agents deliver on our initiatives as one and achieve our shared goals.

For more information about NAGICO, visit their website: www.nagico.com

Read more...

Caribbean Afro-Beauty & Heritage Photography Expo Celebrates Identity and Ancestral Pride

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Photography, fashion, history and cultural storytelling came together during the Caribbean Afro-Beauty & Heritage Photography Expo, held on August 1 and 2, 2026. Led by fashion creative / designer, photographer and creative director David Amauris Santos, the initiative celebrated Afro-Caribbean women while encouraging dialogue about identity, beauty, representation and heritage.

The two-day program opened at the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center with an educational workshop titled “Identity in the Fashion Industry.” Featured international guest Sasha Payton shared her journey from her Caribbean roots to the global fashion industry, addressing representation, colorism, confidence, self-image and building an authentic personal brand.

Payton is a Caribbean-American high-fashion model and creative professional with St. Martin & Jamaican roots, based in New York. During her career of more than a decade, she has worked in major fashion markets, including New York, Paris, Milan, London, Germany, Copenhagen, Norway and Sweden. Her experience also extends into casting, styling, production and editorial work. She is the founder of Muse Journal, an independent platform exploring fashion, culture, identity, music, art and sports.

The workshop was followed by the opening of the OurHairOurLegacy Slavery Photograph exhibition that has been supported by the Slavery Memorial Committee and Colors of the Caribbean Fashion & Cultural Showcase, featuring guided viewing, a fashion and heritage presentation, audience engagement and a conversation on the importance of cultural funding and partnerships.

The Expo continued on Sunday, August 2, at The Cave Rooftop Bar & Lounge. The evening combined photography, fashion, music, dance, poetry and public dialogue. Highlights included the St. Maarten Song performed by Benjamin Bell, an African and Caribbean heritage performance by “les madanm o ka and co” from the French Side, a photography exhibition reveal, an Afro-Caribbean heritage fashion presentation and a moderated conversation on beauty, culture and representation.

During the event, Santos explained the project’s creative vision, including its photography, styling, cultural influences and fashion elements. The exhibition featured portraits and documentary-style images communicating strength, dignity, resilience and ancestral pride. The visual narrative recognized the historic contributions of Afro-Caribbean women to agriculture, trade, family and community development.

“This project was created to ensure that our stories are documented and presented through our own cultural perspective,” said Santos. “Through photography and fashion, we wanted to honor the women whose labor, resilience and creativity helped shape Caribbean society and to show the side of slavery that is rarely spoken about: their strength.” We were happy to have in attendance, representative of UNESCO, our cultural department and board member of the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied.

Santos brings extensive experience in fashion design, photography, casting, model management and event coordination. He currently serves as Director-General of Eudoxie Sewing Factory B.V. and has worked with respected regional and international designers and fashion brands.

The project also included model preparation, culturally inspired styling, location photography and behind-the-scenes documentation. The resulting photographs, interviews, videos and digital materials will contribute to a cultural archive supporting future exhibitions, educational activities and community discussions.

The Caribbean Afro-Beauty & Heritage Photography Expo was developed in partnership with Santos Handmade and the Philipsburg Cultural and Community Center, with funding from Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied and other contributors. The project also recognized the collaboration of the Slavery Memorial Committee, Purrfect Party Props, Eudoxie Sewing Factory, The Cave Rooftop Bar & Lounge, participating creatives, models, volunteers and cultural partners.

CARIBBEAN AFRO BEAUTY EXPO 01082026 1436

 

 

 

Read more...

Community Invited to the 3rd Annual Mom's Health Fair in Connection with World Breastfeeding Week 2026

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – Collective Prevention Services (CPS), in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF), proudly invites the public to attend the 3rd Annual Mom's Health Fair on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Aleeze Convention Center and Event Hall.

The Mom's Health Fair is one of the signature activities commemorating World Breastfeeding Week 2026 and continues to provide parents and families with direct access to the many services available throughout the community.

Designed to support families from pregnancy through adolescence, the fair brings together healthcare professionals, government departments, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and community partners under one roof.

Visitors will have the opportunity to: Learn about the services available to families right here on the island; Meet professionals from various organizations.

Those who visit the fair will also receive information on pregnancy, postpartum care, child development, education, nutrition, mental health, and family support, and be able to connect with agencies that provide ongoing assistance throughout the parenting journey.

The fair reflects this year's World Breastfeeding Week theme:

"Breastfeeding for a Sustainable start to life: Strengthen What Works."

By bringing organizations together in one location, the event aims to strengthen existing support systems and ensure families know where to access help when they need it most.

Admission is free, and all parents, expectant parents, caregivers, grandparents, and community members are encouraged to attend.

Additional information, including the event location and participating organizations, will be shared on the Collective Prevention Services, Government of Sint Maarten, Sint Maarten online mediums, the Sint Maarten Medical Center, and White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation Facebook pages.

For more information, contact: Collective Prevention Services

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel: (721)5423003/ 520-4163

Read more...

CPS Gears Up to Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2026

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and the White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF), is pleased to announce a new and exciting approach to celebrating breastfeeding during World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2026.

WBW is observed annually at a global level from August 1 to 7. The global campaign is to raise awareness about the critical role of breastfeeding in ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and children.

For the past 10 years, CPS has hosted a Breastfeeding Photo Competition that shows the beauty, strength, and bond created through breastfeeding.

This year, the initiative has evolved into a Breastfeeding Awareness Campaign, allowing even more mothers to participate and help normalize breastfeeding within our community.

Beginning July 25, 2026, breastfeeding mothers were invited to share a photo of their breastfeeding journey on Facebook. Participants should tag Collective Prevention Services (CPS), use official campaign hashtags, and encourage their family and friends to engage with their post. Don't forget your hashtags!

The campaign will run until August 7, 2026, with the photo receiving the highest level of community engagement being recognized with a special prize.

More importantly, the campaign aims to celebrate breastfeeding, encourage positive conversations, and inspire mothers by sharing real stories from across the island.

The initiative aligns with this year's World Breastfeeding Week theme: "Breastfeeding for a Sustainable start to life: Strengthen What Works."

Through this campaign, CPS and its partners hope to continue strengthening community support for breastfeeding while highlighting the importance of creating environments where mothers feel encouraged and empowered.

The public is encouraged to follow the Collective Prevention Services, Government of Sint Maarten, Sint Maarten Medical Center, and White and Yellow Cross Care Foundation Facebook pages for campaign details and upcoming World Breastfeeding Week activities.

For additional information, please contact: Collective Prevention Services, Tel: (721) 5423003/ 520-4163.

Breastfeeding is a natural and powerful act that provides unmatched health, nutritional, and emotional benefits. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), supporting parents —especially mothers— is essential to giving every child the best possible start in life. Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of that support.

Breast milk is the ideal nourishment for infants: it is safe, clean, and rich in antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses.

It provides all the energy and nutrients an infant needs in the early months and continues to offer significant nutritional value well into the second year of life.

Research shows that breast-fed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to become overweight or obese, and have a lower risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Mothers who breastfeed also benefit, with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

Read more...

Holistic Healing Center Opens Its Doors to Bring Hope, Healing, and Restoration to St. Martin

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - A new chapter of hope is unfolding for the people of St. Martin as the Holistic Healing Center (HHC) officially opens its doors on Saturday, August 1, 2026. More than the opening of a facility, this marks the beginning of a community movement dedicated to healing individuals, restoring families, and transforming communities.

Founded by Dr. Simply Ann, internationally recognized trauma-informed speaker, Certified Christian Mental Health Coach, evangelist, and Founder of Protect NextGen Foundation, the Holistic Healing Center was established after years of witnessing the growing emotional, mental, family, and social challenges affecting every sector of society.

The Center was created to answer one simple but urgent question:

"Who helps people heal before they reach crisis?"

Every day, medical professionals treat physical illnesses. Psychologists and mental health professionals intervene when people are already struggling with severe emotional or psychological challenges. Police officers, probation officers, youth workers, social workers, schools, courts, foster care agencies, domestic violence organizations, victim support services, churches, and many non-profit organizations all work tirelessly to respond to the consequences of trauma.

Yet between those services exists a significant gap.

The Holistic Healing Center exists to bridge that gap.

Healing the Whole Person

The Holistic Healing Center believes that true healing extends beyond the physical body. Emotional wounds, unresolved childhood trauma, grief, rejection, abuse, addiction, anxiety, family conflict, relationship breakdowns, stress, and life transitions often remain untreated until they develop into much larger problems.

The Center provides a safe, confidential, trauma-informed environment where individuals, couples, families, children, youth, and community members can begin the healing journey before emotional pain becomes crisis.

Its philosophy is simple:

Heal the mind. Restore the family. Transform the community.

Working from a holistic approach, the Center focuses on healing the body, soul, and spirit while promoting resilience, emotional wellness, healthy relationships, and personal growth.

Working Alongside—Not Replacing

The Holistic Healing Center is not designed to replace existing services.

Instead, it seeks to become a trusted community partner, working alongside:

  • Medical Doctors.
  • Mental Health Professionals.
  • Schools.
  • Government Ministries.
  • Probation and Judicial Services.
  • Police Department.
  • Victim Support Services.
  • Safe Haven Foundation.
  • Foster Care Services.
  • Youth Organizations.
  • Churches.
  • Community NGOs.
  • Rehabilitation and Reintegration Programs.
  • Funeral Homes and Grief Support Services.

Each organization plays an essential role in strengthening our society. The Holistic Healing Center's mission is to complement these services by addressing the emotional, relational, and trauma-related issues that often lie beneath the surface.

A Community Effort

The Grand Opening will bring together leaders from both the Dutch and French sides of the island, healthcare professionals, government representatives, justice partners, churches, educators, social organizations, and community stakeholders who share a common vision of building healthier families and stronger communities.

The event reflects the Center's commitment to collaboration across every sector of society and across both sides of the island.

Healing has no borders.

A Call for Partnership

The Holistic Healing Center extends an open invitation to Government, businesses, foundations, churches, healthcare providers, community organizations, and private citizens to partner in this important mission.

The Center is actively seeking:

  • Government collaboration.
  • Strategic partnerships.
  • Corporate sponsorships.
  • Volunteer professionals.
  • Community ambassadors.
  • Financial supporters.
  • Program sponsors.

The long-term vision also includes advocating for counseling, trauma-informed services, and preventive care to become increasingly accessible through insurance providers and public support, allowing more individuals and families to receive the help they need before reaching crisis.

Our Professional Team

The Holistic Healing Center brings together a multidisciplinary team of professionals dedicated to serving the community, including:

  • Psychologists.
  • Certified Christian Mental Health Coaches.
  • Trauma Specialists.
  • Family Coaches.
  • Marriage Coaches.
  • Youth Mentors.
  • Community Support Professionals.
  • Certified Facilitators.
  • Experienced Volunteers.

Together, the team provides counseling, coaching, support groups, family restoration programs, youth interventions, trauma-informed education, leadership development, and community outreach.

Looking Toward the Future

While St. Martin is home to the first Holistic Healing Center, the vision reaches far beyond the island.

The long-term goal is to establish additional centers throughout the Caribbean, creating a regional network of trauma-informed healing services that equip communities to break cycles of trauma, strengthen families, and restore hope for future generations.

About the Founder

Dr. Simply Ann is an internationally recognized motivational speaker, evangelist, trauma-informed leader, Certified Christian Mental Health Coach, author, television host, and Founder of Protect NextGen Foundation.

For many years, she has served individuals, families, youth, prison populations, victims of trauma, women, churches, and community organizations with one unwavering mission:

Breaking cycles. Restoring lives. Building healthier communities.

Join the Movement

Healing is not just the responsibility of one organization—it is the responsibility of an entire community.

When individuals heal, families become stronger.

When families become stronger, communities become healthier.

When communities become healthier, nations are transformed.

The Holistic Healing Center invites everyone to become part of this movement toward healing, hope, and restoration.

Holistic Healing Center
Location: Philipsburg, St. Martin
Tel./Cell: +1 (721) 542-8000 | +1 (721) 523-8007
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.holistichealingcenter.sx

Healing Minds. Restoring Families. Transforming Communities.

Holistic Center Services pix4

Holistic Healing Center pix3

Holistic Center pix1

 

Read more...

A Nation Reading Together: Celebrating Literacy, Culture, and Community

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the Sint Maarten Library will host a community reading celebration in Support of CLIMB SXM National Literacy Movement during a special staff book recitation and community reading initiative, welcoming the entire Sint Maarten community to take part in a shared moment of literacy, culture, and connection.

Under the national call “Drop Everything and Read (DEAR)”, the Library invites students, families, businesses, organizations, and community members to pause their daily routines and come together in celebration of the joy and power of reading from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Sint Maarten Library.

This year’s gathering will also honor the legacy of celebrated Sint Maarten cultural icon and renowned Caribbean author Lady Ruby Bute, through readings from her book J’ouvert. Her work continues to inspire pride, identity, and a deep appreciation for Caribbean storytelling and heritage.

The program will be virtually recorded and showcased live, supporting the vision of establishing DEAR as an annual national tradition where the entire island unites to celebrate literacy and the importance of reading.

“Reading is more than a fad; it is a gateway to knowledge, imagination, and lifelong learning,” the Library shares. “Through this initiative, we invite our community to come together and celebrate the strength of a people who read.”

This initiative reinforces the Library’s commitment to promoting literacy, strengthening community engagement, and fostering a lifelong love of reading across all ages.

The Sint Maarten Library warmly invites everyone to attend, participate, and experience the power of shared reading in honor of heritage, education, and community unity.

#DEAR #DropEverythingAndRead #CLIMBSXM #NationalLiteracyMovement #SintMaartenLibrary #ReadTogether #LiteracyMatters #Community #StMaarten #CaribbeanReaders.

Read more...

NAGICO Insurances (Business, Personal) – Fast, Fair & Always There

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The NAGICO Group has been in existence since 1982 and provides a myriad of property and casualty as well as life products and risk solutions to its customers, who are situated throughout the Caribbean; it is a dynamic and versatile group.

Through an exceptional understanding of the insurance business, our customers’ needs and the environment within which we operate, combined with the excellent support of our most valuable assets: our intermediary relationships, staff and reinsurance partners, the NAGICO Group has established an impressive and formidable presence in the Caribbean; operating within 21 territories.

Its promise and commitment from inception has been and remains to deliver fast and fair service to its customers and to always be there for them; a promise it has delivered on consistently over the years. This is the NAGICO way.

NAGICO is a financially strong and stable group due to risk management being at the core of its decision making, it is a preferred provider in the region and #1 in many of the islands, due to its reliability, trustworthiness and friendly service – its core values.

The NAGICO Group became even stronger when it gained Peak Reinsurance Company Limited, an A-Excellent rated entity by AM Best and maintaining >$800m in equity, as one of its shareholders. NAGICO is poised to achieve even greater success and remains focused on its 2020 vision: To be the most trusted insurer in the Caribbean.

Trust is important in life and business. We at NAGICO understand this fully as each day we conscientiously make and deliver on promises; promises to be fast, promises to be fair and promises to always be there for our customers!

Our intermediaries are a crucial part of our strategy. We grow and succeed together through the honouring of our promises. Through team work and the spirit of comradery we: NAGICO, our brokers and agents deliver on our initiatives as one and achieve our shared goals.

For more information about NAGICO, visit their website: www.nagico.com

Read more...

WIB Hosts Summer Vacation Pop-Up Loan Event at Bush Road Digital Branch

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) is pleased to invite the community to its Summer Vacation Pop-Up Loan Event on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the WIB Bush Road Digital Branch from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

As the summer season begins, many individuals and families prepare for vacations, back-to-school expenses, hurricane preparedness, home improvement projects, and other seasonal needs. This Summer Vacation Pop-Up Loan Event is designed to provide customers with convenient access to financing solutions that can help turn their plans into reality.

Under the theme “Summer Dreams Start Here,” the event will offer a relaxed and welcoming outdoor experience, complete with music and on-site WIB representatives available to answer questions, discuss loan options, and assist with applications.

Whether you are planning a summer getaway, tackling a home project, or managing seasonal expenses, the WIB team will be available throughout the day to help you explore financing options that fit your needs.

Customers interested in applying are requested to bring the following documents:

  • Job Letter.
  • Two (2) Most Recent Pay slips.
  • Valid Government-Issued Identification.
  • Proof of Address.

Having these documents available will help ensure a smoother application process and allow our team to assist you more efficiently.

No appointment is necessary. Simply stop by, speak with a representative, and learn more about how WIB can help you make the most of the season ahead.

The Summer Vacation Pop-Up Loan Event is part of The Windward Islands Bank’s ongoing commitment to making banking accessible, convenient, and relevant to the needs of the community.

We look forward to welcoming you to our summer vacation pop-up at Bushroad branch on July 3.

Read more...

NAPA: Your one stop shop for all your auto, truck, and marine needs. Check US Out Today!

SINT MAARTEN (COLE BAY/PHILIPSBURG) – With over 600,000-part numbers available, NAPA St. Maarten services more than just the needs of auto and truck owners.

NAPA St. Maarten excels in 'special-order' service. A leader in the auto, truck and marine parts business, NAPA understands the need for quality parts and excellent service.

NAPA St. Maarten’s Mission: "Be the Premier one stop stores for all your Automotive, Truck & Marine Parts.”

Napa SXM = your one stop shop for all your auto, truck and marine needs!

Remember, NAPAs Philipsburg location is open on Sunday in case you need them!

9:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Read more...

Gasoline and Diesel prices Drop on Friday

SINT MAARTEN (PHILIPSBURG) – On Friday, June 26th, fuel pump prices will be adjusted for gasoline and diesel at 6:00 AM. 

The current price of unleaded gasoline is Naf.3.202 per liter, will be adjusted to the new price of Naf.2.940 per liter.

The current price of diesel is Naf.2.968 per liter, will be adjusted to the new price of Naf.2.564 per liter.

The Government of Sint Maarten regulates the prices of petroleum products by imposing a maximum price at which wholesalers and retailers can sell these products in the country to motorists.

At the international level, the prices of crude oil have experienced adjustments and local prices follow the international trend, and therefore prices are adjusted to reflect this. 

Read more...
Subscribe to this RSS feed

Soualiga Radio