June 15, 2026 No comments
USM Celebrates Academic Excellence at 32nd Commencement Exercise
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) – The University of St. Martin (USM) proudly celebrated the achievements of its graduates during its Thirty-Second Commencement Exercise, honoring degree recipients, GED graduates, ESL certificate recipients, faculty, and outstanding student leaders during a memorable evening of academic recognition and celebration. Held under the theme “Empowered by Knowledge, Driven by Purpose,” the ceremony brought together family members, friends, faculty, staff, alumni, government officials, and distinguished guests to recognize the accomplishments of students who successfully completed their educational journeys. The evening opened with welcoming remarks from President of the University of St. Maarten Foundation, Mrs. Valerie Giterson-Pantophlet, who congratulated the graduates on reaching this important milestone and encouraged them to use their education to make meaningful contributions to society. A...
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June 15, 2026 No comments
NV GEBE Management Receives Petition from ACP-SXM
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Today Monday, June 15, 2026, representatives of the NV GEBE Management Team, led by Temporary Manager Iris Arrindell, met with two members of the ACP-SXM Board and their legal representative, Valya Pantophlet. Also present on behalf of NV GEBE was the company's legal representative, Florentine Paanakker of Lexwell Attorneys. Prior to the meeting, ACP-SXM formally presented its petition to NV GEBE Management. The petition was signed and received by Temporary Manager Arrindell in the presence of ACP-SXM Board members and their supporters who had gathered for the peaceful march. Following the presentation, both parties convened in the conference room of NV GEBE, where the ACP-SXM Board provided an overview of the points contained in the petition. NV GEBE acknowledges...
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June 15, 2026 No comments
Choosing Happiness: Didi Krishna Brings Message of Hope, Resilience, and Purpose
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - At a time when many people are navigating stress, uncertainty, and the demands of modern life, internationally respected humanitarian leader, author, and speaker Didi Krishna will visit St. Maarten to share a message of hope, resilience, and personal transformation through her presentation, “Choose Happiness.” Hosted by the Indian Merchants Association (IMA) and the Sadhu Vaswani Center St. Maarten, the free public event will take place on Thursday, June 25, at Port St. Maarten (Harbor). Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Guests are requested to be seated by 6:15 p.m., and the program will begin promptly at 6:30 p.m. The theme of her St. Maarten presentation, “Choose Happiness,” reflects a philosophy Didi Krishna has shared around the world: that...
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June 15, 2026 No comments
Grisha Congratulates Arrindell. Reaffirms Call for Transparency, Compliance & Lower Electricity Costs
SINT MAARTEN (POND ISLAND) - Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Maarten, today extended warm congratulations to Ms. Iris Arrindell on her appointment as Temporary Manager of NV GEBE, describing the appointment as “an important step toward restoring stability, transparency and public confidence in GEBE.” “I wish Ms. Arrindell strength and success as she takes on this critical responsibility,” the Minister stated. “Her appointment is a breath of fresh air and comes at a pivotal moment, and I look forward to constructive cooperation as we work to bring clarity, accountability and relief to the people of St. Maarten.” Minister Heyliger-Marten also reiterated her earlier public position regarding the recent increase in fuel clause, which she previously condemned as...
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June 15, 2026 No comments
Arrindell appointed as Temporary Manager of NV GEBE
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Iris Arrindell has been appointed as Temporary Manager of NV GEBE after the conditional resignation of the previous manager Thomas Roggendorf who resigned effectively Friday, June 12, 2026. Arrindell on Monday, June 15, 2026, issued a statement to customers and employees with respect to how the company will move forward. “For more than 65 years, NV GEBE has been a household name and an integral part of the fabric of St. Maarten. Through periods of growth, times of hardship, and moments of uncertainty, we remained steadfast in our mission: to provide the people of this country with reliable water and electricity services. “Our journey has not been without challenges. We have experienced successes and setbacks, yet our commitment...
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