SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - A couple out of New York, USA, gave a rave review on Tripadvisor about Cabana Bar & Restaurant located at Hilton Vacation Club Royal Palm Resort near the Simpson Bay Bridge.

My wife and I ate breakfast here in March 2024. I had oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins, whole wheat toast and a latte. The food and service were both very good.

Make sure to check out Cabana Bar & Restaurant which offers American, Caribbean and Barbeque dishes. They are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - An unusually light southwest wind greeted dinghy sailors on Simpson Bay for the 2026 Hope Ross Regatta on Saturday, February 7, but it didn’t stop them from racing. Despite the variable and shifty breeze, Race Officer Joris Zweers and his crew of volunteers were able to get three races completed before the noon cutoff time.

Part of SMYC’s Grant Thornton Dinghy Season Championship, the competition was tightly contested in the ILCA, Optimist, Optimist Green, and RS Zest fleets. Typically sailed on Simpson Bay Lagoon, the committee decided to set the course out in Simpson Bay in hopes that the wind would fill in. Also, due to the wind conditions, the course was kept short so more races could be completed.

The trick for all the fleets was to get a good start and to connect enough of the puffs and shifts to make it to the windward mark ahead of the competition. Downwind was a challenge as well, as boat speed was at a premium. Fortunately, the racers were skilled enough to keep the racing action tight and fun.

In the hotly contested ILCA Fleet, Clement Le Normand took third place, Tim Elfenbein grabbed second place, and taking the overall win with a tiebreak was SMYC Commodore Frits Bus.

The younger sailors in the Optimist and Optimist Green Fleet delivered their own share of excitement. Porter Cross took second place in the Optimist and Nathan Sheppard came in first. In the Green Fleet, Victoria Otto came in third place, Magnus Cross captured second place, and J’Amari de Groote took home the top prize in first place.

Four RS Zests came out for the regatta and it was Achille Le Normand in third place, followed by the duo of Ayla Bus and Isabelle Little in second place, and Ekamjot Jabbal Singh and Luke Little atop the podium in first place.

“Overall, the day went well and I’m happy that we were able to get three races finished in the light wind,” said SMYC Race Officer and sailing coach Zoris Zweers. “It wasn’t easy to set the course because of the shifting wind, but we got it done and I’m proud of how the kids sailed and handled the breeze.”

The 2026 Hope Ross Dinghy Regatta was a success, and we look forward to more events in the future. Next up on the schedule is the Hoedemaker Dinghy Regatta on March 21, 2026.

Optimist Fleet winners: 2nd Porter Cross (L) and 1st Nathan Sheppard (R).

Optimist Green Fleet winners: 3rd Victoria Otto (R), 2nd Magnus Cross (L), and 1st J’Amari de Groote (M).

RS Zest Fleet winners: 3rd Achille Le Normand (L), 2nd Ayla Bus (far R) and Isabelle Little, and 1st Ekamjot Jabbal Singh and Luke Little (middle R).

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - NV GEBE has acknowledged that the successful stabilization of the electricity supply and the completion of critical maintenance activities were achieved through the unwavering commitment, professionalism, and extended working hours of its operational and technical teams.

Their dedication and expertise were instrumental in ensuring system reliability and restoring stability, underscoring the vital role these teams play in maintaining essential services for the community.

Consequently, the 10 MW containerized generators that were installed in 2024 as a temporary measure to support the national power grid have been recently shipped off the island.

The containerized generators were installed during the 2024 energy crisis to provide short-term reinforcement to the power system at a time when several generating units were undergoing deferred maintenance. The additional capacity played a critical role in stabilizing electricity supply and significantly reducing load shedding during that period.

Following the successful execution of NV GEBE’s 2025 preventive maintenance program, all major engines are now up to date with required maintenance. As of November 30, 2025, NV GEBE no longer required the temporary generation support.

Consequently, the 10 MW containerized units were demobilized and returned in accordance with their original short-term purpose.

NV GEBE emphasizes that the current operational risk related to deferred maintenance is zero. The power plant is now operating in a significantly improved and stable condition, with enhanced reliability and resilience from a maintenance standpoint.

The completion of the 2025 preventive maintenance program has substantially reduced the overall risk profile of the power plant. This improvement has resulted in a more stable operating environment, enabling NV GEBE to reliably meet current and near future peak electricity demand.

Transition Manager, Mr. Roggendorf extended his sincere appreciation to the employees at the Power Plant for their dedication and hard work throughout this period. He noted that the successful stabilization of the electricity supply and completion of critical maintenance activities were made possible by the commitment, professionalism, and long hours invested by NV GEBE’s operational and technical teams.

While NV GEBE strives to provide reliable services to all our customers, unforeseen circumstances beyond our control may occasionally affect service delivery, but NV GEBE remains committed to ensuring a reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity supply for the people of St. Maarten through responsible planning, proactive maintenance, and transparent communication.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Small Properties Association (SMSPA) has applauded the decision by the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication to include small properties in its ongoing Strategic Economic Workshops and stakeholder consultations addressing national development priorities.

The inclusion of the small properties sector took place today during Day 2, themed “The Future of Tourism, Yachting, Safety & Security,” and featured a panel discussion on “Opportunities and Risks for Tourism Development in St. Maarten.”

The panel brought together representatives from tourism and hospitality, environmental planning, port, safety and security underscoring the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in shaping resilient and sustainable tourism development.

On the panel representing the small properties sector was Mr. Anastacio Baker of Baker Suites. SMSPA emphasized that the inclusion of small properties is critical to effective tourism policy development.

Small and locally owned accommodations play a unique role in community based tourism, local employment, neighborhood safety and the overall visitor experience. Their participation ensures that policies and support programs are grounded in operational realities and aligned with long term sustainability goals.

“As President of the St. Maarten Small Properties Association, I attended both Day 1 and Day 2 of the workshops as a representative of the sector and found the discussions to be impactful and forward- looking” said Ms. Nzinga Lake.

“We commend the Ministry of TEATT and TWO/BZK for its leadership in convening a board range of stakeholders and for intentionally creating space for inclusive dialogue. Such collaborations strengthens policy outcomes and supports a more resilient and sustainable tourism sector.

“SMSPA and its member’s welcome continued engagement in future consultations on tourism policies and support programs relevant to small and locally owned properties,” said Ms. Lake

About the St. Maarten Small Properties Association (SMSPA):

The SMSPA represents small hotels, guesthouses, and boutique accommodations in St. Maarten. Its mission is to promote sustainable growth, collaboration, and quality service within the hospitality industry while providing visitors with authentic Caribbean experiences.