SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY-AIRPORT) - Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM) proudly hosted a highly successful Air Traffic Control (ATC) Open House, welcoming the community for a unique behind-the-scenes look into one of the most critical operations at the airport.

With overwhelming interest from the public, the event reached full capacity within just one week, with 200 people registered to attend. The Open House marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time in the airport’s 80-year history that this highly restricted area was opened to the public.

The event provided a unique opportunity to step inside the world of the Air Traffic Control Tower, an area not often accessible, offering visitors an up-close look at the vital role air traffic controllers play in ensuring the safety, efficiency, and coordination of all aircraft movements in and out of Sint Maarten.The initiative was designed not only to showcase the importance of air traffic control, but also to inspire future generations. By opening its doors, the airport aimed to spark interest among young people, while also giving parents valuable insight into potential career paths within aviation.

“We were truly encouraged by the level of interest and enthusiasm from the community,” said Richard van Dinter, Director of Air Traffic Services. “It is important for us to share what happens behind the scenes and to highlight the dedication and precision required in our field. We hope this experience has inspired many, especially the younger generation, to consider a future in aviation.”

The Open House also provided aviation enthusiasts with a rare chance to experience the tower firsthand, gaining a deeper understanding of daily operations and the teamwork involved in keeping the skies safe.

The initiative was spearheaded by Emile Levons, Chief Operations Officer, who emphasized the importance of community engagement. “This was about opening our doors and connecting with the community,” said Levons. “There is so much happening behind the scenes that people don’t often see. By sharing this, we not only educate but also inspire.”

Visitors shared overwhelmingly positive feedback following the event. “It was an incredible experience to see how everything works behind the scenes,” one visitor noted. “You gain a whole new level of respect for the people in the tower and the responsibility they carry every day.”

This unique event would not have been possible without the strong teamwork and collaboration of Richard van Dinter, ATC Director; Philmore Watson, ATS Supervisor; Duncan van Heyningen, ATS Training Manager; Emile Levons, COO; Cassie Schoutens, Corporate Communication Officer; and Naomie Mazzola, Social Media Manager. SXM Airport extends its sincere appreciation for their dedication, support, and commitment in bringing this initiative to life.

Princess Juliana International Airport also extends its sincere appreciation to all volunteers, supporting departments, and especially the Air Traffic Control team for opening their doors and delivering informative and engaging sessions throughout the day. SXM Airport is beyond proud of the dedicated professionals who operate the tower, ensuring the safety of all passengers and aircraft while representing the highest standards of aviation excellence.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - As Autism Awareness Month is observed across the country, Member of Parliament (MP) Francisco A. Lacroes says awareness matters, but on its own it does not ease the daily reality many families are living with, the MP said in a press statement on Wednesday.

“Awareness helps people understand,” Lacroes said. “But awareness doesn’t help a parent who is trying to find therapy. It doesn’t help a teacher standing in a classroom without the right support. And it doesn’t help a child who is being left behind.”

Across Sint Maarten, families with children on the autism spectrum are doing the best they can, often quietly and without enough help. Parents are facing emotional stress and financial pressure while navigating limited or difficult to access services. Teachers want to do more but many classrooms do not have the tools, training, or assistance needed to properly support students on the spectrum.

“This is not about one family or one school,” Lacroes said. “This is happening every day, in real households and in real classrooms.”

Autism spectrum disorder affects communication, behavior, and social interaction. Supporting a child with autism requires structure, patience, and specialized care. Without early screening, proper educational support, and access to therapy, children risk falling behind and families are left to fill gaps that should not be theirs to carry alone.

Lacroes stressed that while public campaigns and symbolic gestures are important, they must be followed by systems that people can actually rely on.

“We cannot expect parents to figure this out on their own. We cannot expect teachers to carry this responsibility without support. And we cannot expect children to thrive if we do not provide the right environment,” he said.

According to Lacroes, the country urgently needs a clear national autism support framework so families know where to turn. Early screening and intervention must be strengthened so children receive help as early as possible. Teachers need practical training and in class support, not just expectations. Therapy and care services must be more accessible, with shorter waiting times and fewer financial barriers. At the same time, stronger coordination is needed between SZV, VSA, and ECYS so families are not sent from office to office searching for answers.

Supporting a child with autism, Lacroes emphasized, means supporting everyone around that child.

“When we get this right, we are helping a parent who is doing their best, a teacher who wants to do more, and a family that is holding everything together,” he said.

He is calling on the Ministers of Public Health, Social Development and Labor, and Education, Culture, Youth and Sport to provide a clear overview of what support currently exists, where the gaps are, and how government intends to strengthen services going forward.

“Awareness should not be where this ends,” Lacroes concluded. “If we truly care about these children and these families, then our actions have to reflect that in a real and practical way.”

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Foresee (4C) Foundation in partnership with Islandpreneur recently hosted a four-part NPOwer workshop series - AI for Nonprofit Leaders - designed to help managers better understand and apply artificial intelligence in their daily work. Facilitated by Islandpreneur CEO Ife Badejo, the workshops introduced participants to practical AI tools and strategies for leadership, grant writing, budgeting and marketing.

Nonprofits on the island often face limited capacity, with too few staff members managing too many responsibilities. The NPOwer workshop series was designed for NGO professionals seeking accessible, hands-on ways to reduce administrative burdens, improve communication, strengthen fundraising efforts, and increase organizational visibility. Over the course of four two-hour sessions, participants engaged in live demonstrations and practical exercises, leaving not only with new knowledge, but also with concrete materials they could begin using immediately.

Topics included AI Essentials for Nonprofit Leaders, AI for Grant Writing, AI for Nonprofit Budgeting and AI for Nonprofit Marketing. Feedback from participants highlighted the usefulness of the training; sharing that they learned a great deal about using AI for marketing and social media, gained more knowledge and skills and discovered how the right prompt can lead to better results. Some described the workshop as “useful,” “resourceful” and an “eye opener,” with one participant noting that the 30-day content agenda was “just fantastic.”

Participants also emphasized that the workshop content could be applied directly to schools as well. The positive response, Foresee notes, points to a wider need for continued training opportunities of this kind. In their recommendations, participants called for more workshops, described the series as excellent and expressed appreciation for the passion and support brought to the sessions by Islandpreneur.

4C Foundation thanks Ife Badejo and Islandpreneur for a successful workshop series. The organization believes firmly that when St. Maarten’s nonprofit leaders are equipped with the right skills, tools and support, they are better able to grow and create lasting impact in the community.

Foresee invites nonprofits to join the NPOwer Announcements WhatsApp group, by sending a WhatsApp message requesting to be added to +1 (721) 550-7427.

For more information about 4C and upcoming NPOwer workshops, please contact NPOwer by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.