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Breast Health Education and Support Group Initiative boosted by CIBC CARIBBEAN Move for the Cure

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Positive Foundation, Still Beautiful, and Elektralyets Foundation foundations recently got much-needed support from CIBC Caribbean (operating as CIBC FirstCaribbean in the Dutch Caribbean), as they were presented with funds from last year’s Walk for the Cure. 

Last year’s walk event raised USD 8,200 and will help the foundations with initiatives like their Breast Cancer Support Group

The support group started in May of 2023 and meets monthly, offering support for patients, survivors, and their families. 

Motivational  speakers, survivor stories, and guest speakers such as the St. Maarten Medical Center, doctors, and dieticians join to discuss essential topics such as coping with cancer, care and travel experiences, nutrition & self-care, among other relevant issues. The foundations aim to continue this effort into 2024 with a year-round program. 

CIBC FirstCaribbean's Walk for the Cure, which marked 12 years last year, is the largest cancer fundraiser in the region, originated as part of the bank's 10th-anniversary celebrations and is now held across the bank’s regional footprint.

The funds raised from the walk primarily go toward assisting in the purchase and maintenance of equipment used for diagnosing and treating cancer patients.

Move For Cure ins1

 

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Dr. MLK Jr. school receives 1 x 40ft container from Miss IQ Foundation

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr school recently received a shipment of 1 x 40ft container of furniture donated by the Miss IQ Foundation in the Netherlands.

Last year the Director Ms. Groenewoud and office General Manager Ms. Qnioun, of the Miss IQ Foundation in the Netherlands, paid a courtesy visit to the honorable Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, drs. Rodolphe Samuel.

The Miss IQ foundation is a non-profit organization in the Netherlands that assists schools, government institutions and other non-governmental organizations in the Dutch Caribbean with furniture and educational materials donated by schools and large corporations in the Netherlands.

In the past after the hurricanes the Miss IQ Foundation were able to ship five (5) containers with materials to the schools and other NGOs on Sin Maarten.

During the visit, the foundation representatives discussed the proposal of a collaboration whereby the Ministry and the schoolboards could work together to assist schools in receiving furniture and other educational materials donated to the Miss IQ Foundation.

The Foundation would be responsible for seeking donations of the furniture and other educational materials in the Netherlands, and arranging shipment of the furniture in containers and the receiving entity would cover the transportation and shipping costs incurred to ship the container to the Dutch Caribbean.

The proposal entails that the schools would prepare a “wish list” for furniture and other educational materials required, share the list with the Miss IQ Foundation, who in turn would then approach schools, and the business sector in the Netherlands to assist by donating the requested items.

Once the foundation receives positive responses to these requests from donors, Miss IQ Foundation calculates the costs as to the costs to ship these items in a container to the countries of destination which allows the arrangements of payment for the shipping costs. In the case of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. school, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport covered the transportation and shipping costs.

“As the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, I made the decision to select the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. school as a pilot project for this initiative, as this school, presently under repairs due to damaged sustained during the hurricane in 2017. This school has lost furniture and educational materials over the years resulting from the heavy rain through the damaged roofs.

“The container was shipped in early November 2023 and was scheduled to arrive on December 26th, 2023, however, due to miscommunication on the part of the shipping company in the Netherlands, the container was shipped to Djakarta and remained there for 2 additional weeks. Then it was again reloaded to be shipped to Sint Maarten and arrived here during the 1st week of January 2024.

“I also decided for Milton Peters College and Sundial schools to receive 4 x 40ft containers with school furniture as during the courtesy visit with the Miss IQ representative last year, I arranged for them to meet with the management team of Milton Peters College.

“The management team gladly accepted the proposal from Miss IQ representatives and reacted immediately by submitting a “wish-list” to the Ministry with requested furniture, as well as other educational materials. These containers once ready will be shipped to Sint Maarten early next month to arrive here by the end of February 2024.

“This collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport with the Foundation Miss IQ in the Netherlands, is indeed a remarkable initiative, which will significantly benefit our students, teachers, and the entire educational system.

“I hereby take this opportunity to thank Foundation Miss IQ director and staff for all their effort provided in assisting the management, staff, and students of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Milton Peters College, and the Sundial schools with the much-needed requested furniture and other educational materials,” Minister of Education Rodolphe Samuel said on Monday in a press statement.

MLK desks chairs and other stuff

MLK chairs

 

 

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Nathan Edward pays courtesy visit to NAGICO

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - St. Maarten’s very own Nathan Edward, who recently emerged as Top Bowler for the West Indies Under 19 Team, paid a courtesy visit to NAGICO Insurances on Friday morning.

The young All Rounder, who performed sensationally in the recent games held in South Africa took time out of his busy schedule to visit with members of the NAGICO Team and to regale them with tales of his recent experiences and travels.

“South Africa was tough, it took some adjusting, especially where the weather is concerned. The air is thinner there so even breathing was challenging,” he explained. “Aside from that it was a really good experience.”

He further explained how hard he has worked to get to where he currently is.

“I have been playing cricket since I was 6 years old in Kiddies Cricket and then moved on to hard ball cricket with Coach Singh,” the 18-year-old said, referring to Parsram ‘Rishie’ Singh, who is the local coach for Cricket St. Maarten. “I trained hard for years and finally got my opportunity after someone unfortunately got injured, because I was not picked originally. But when I got the most wickets in that match, I got noticed and chosen after that.”

The Management of NAGICO expressed hearty congratulations to Nathan and applauded him for stopping by to say thank you. “We are very proud of you and your accomplishments, the way you represent yourself and our island is impressive,” Eric Ellis, Managing Director of NAGICO said. “You have done us all proud, and NAGICO as a company is proud to have been one of your first sponsors and to have the opportunity to watch you grow and excel.”

CEO of NAGICO, Kyria Ali also praised Nathan and encouraged him to keep up the good work.

“You have made all of us proud, keep up the good work” she said. “Don’t let anyone cast any shadow of doubt on you, just keep up the good work.”

Edward also met with Mr. McSood Amjad, the Group Chairman and Majority Shareholder of the company, and thanked him for supporting and believing in him the entire step of the way.

At the end of the meet and greet, Nathan was presented with a gift on behalf of the company, as a token of encouragement and appreciation.

This is his second ICC U19 World Cup Tournament, which he played against South Africa, Australia, England, and Sri Lanka. Nathan had an impressive performance with both the bat and the ball, playing in all 4 matches, taking a total of 11 wickets, 4.6 economy, 101 runs and 51 batting average!

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STB and Frontier Airlines Announces New Routes & Increased Connectivity

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) proudly hosted their first press conference for the year, in collaboration with Frontier Airlines on Friday, February 2nd, at the STB offices. The press conference served as a significant moment to highlight and update the media on the details surrounding Frontier Airlines' eagerly anticipated return of the seasonal flight from Orlando International Airport (MCO) in Orlando, Florida, and the introduction of two new weekly flights from Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The MCO-SXM weekly route is scheduled to take off on May 18th and run until August 10th, specifically on Saturdays, while the SJU-SXM flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays from June 3rd until August 13th.

Expressing her enthusiasm, St. Maarten Tourism Director May-Ling Chun remarked, "Frontier Airlines' seasonal flights to St. Maarten have consistently boasted impressive passenger demand. We are delighted that they are making a return this year, introducing two additional flights from San Juan. This development also increases our airlift options via sky to connect to the United States. The historical ties between St. Maarten and Puerto Rico make the latter a dependable market, particularly during the summer months. Our esteemed Public Relations and Marketing firm for the Caribbean region, IMBRACE GROUP, is diligently crafting plans for the promotion of St. Maarten in Puerto Rico in collaboration with the Puerto Rico Tourism Board, sparking considerable excitement.”

Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle expressed his excitement, stating, "We are thrilled and eagerly look forward to making this venture a resounding success." This development not only facilitates direct access to San Juan, Puerto Rico, but also opens connections to 18 other destinations, aligning seamlessly with St. Maarten’s goal to expand our airlift network. Current flights from San Juan include Philadelphia, PA, Orlando, FL, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Miami, FL, Jacksonville, FL, Punta Cana, DR, Santo Domingo, DR, Atlanta, GA (HUB), Cleveland, OH, Hartford, CT, Baltimore, MD, and Raleigh Durham, NC. Other routes per June 2024 will include Boston, MA, Charlotte, NC, Norfolk, VA, West Palm Beach, FL, Fort Myers, FL, and St Croix, USVI. Additional travel services, such as baggage and advance seat assignments are available for purchase separately at an additional charge.

These new routes are poised to coincide with the establishment of a new Frontier crew base at SJU in June 2024. To facilitate the opening of the base, Frontier will conduct interviews for flight attendant roles in February. Access to this exclusive event will be by invitation only, and individuals aspiring to join the ranks of Frontier's flight attendants are encouraged to apply at www.flyfrontier.com/careers/flight-attendant.

Minister of TEATT Arthur Lambriex extended his congratulations to all parties involved, emphasizing the magnitude of this milestone in the airline's growth. He conveyed optimism for continued progress and expressed gratitude to the dedicated team at STB and Frontier Airlines for their hard work, encouraging a collective commitment to ensuring the success and expansion of this flight and the destination arrivals.

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MGDW Primary School Embraces Sustainability with The Green Dream Project

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Marie Genevieve de Weever (MGDW) Primary School is proud to announce its partnership with The Green Dream Project, a sustainability initiative aimed at fostering a greener future for St. Maarten.

This collaboration marks a significant stride for MGDW Primary School as it commits to integrating sustainable practices into its educational framework, nurturing a generation of environmentally conscious citizens.

Stuart Johnson, School Manager of MGDW Primary School, expressed gratitude to Mr. Claude Javois, UNESCO, and EPIC for spearheading this initiative. Johnson emphasized the importance of instilling environmental awareness in students and acknowledged the opportunity for the school to contribute to a more sustainable community. Recognizing the urgent need for sustainability education, the school has enthusiastically joined forces with The Green Dream Project to implement innovative solutions for waste management and environmental conservation.

The Green Dream Project was founded by Claude Javois in 2018 and has since been dedicated to promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable development in St. Maarten.

Mr. Javois said, “Mr. Stuart Johnson, School Manager at MGDW Primary School, along with the dedicated teachers, students, and staff, deserves commendation for embracing the Green Dream Projects ethos. Their commitment signifies the school's transition to becoming a "Green School" dedicated to sustainable practices.”

Marcellia Henry, Secretary General of UNESCO, St. Maarten, has been instrumental in driving the waste management cause forward, earning heartfelt appreciation from  Mr. Javois and the entire Green community.

"The partnership between MGDW Primary School and The Green Dream Project underscores a shared commitment to environmental education and sustainable practices, setting a precedent for positive change within the local community," Johnson concluded.

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Governor Baly appoints Mercelina as Formateur. Final Report due March 4

SINT MAARTEN (HARBOUR VIEW) - Considering the results of the January 11, 2024, elections, the information received following the informateur consultations, His Excellency Governor Ajamu G. Baly, LL.M. has requested the leader of the URSM, Mr. Luc Mercelina, to take into consideration an assignment as Formateur.

In that capacity the Governor requested Mr. Mercelina to form a new government which has the support of the parliamentary factions of the four parties that signed the intent to form a coalition on January 13, but is also able to bridge differences with the opposition in parliament to foster political stability and that consists of ministers who are committed to the development and execution of a governing program aimed at the promotion of the wellbeing of Sint Maarten and its people.

The Governor requested the formateur to form a new government and to formulate a government program that is in adherence with the analysis given in the final report of the informateurs of february 2 2024, the priorities for a new government program set by the Governor in his request to the informateurs of january 19 2024 and the political manifestos of the four parties involved.

The Governor further emphasized the importance of the strict observance of the regulatory requirements, including the screening criteria applicable to the appointment for candidate-ministers.

The formateur took the commission into consideration and will keep the Governor informed on a weekly basis during the formation process. The Governor requested Mr. Mercelina to present him the final report of the formation process by March 4, 2024.

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Winair to support SMART 2024 with Regional Travel Agent Contest

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Winair will increase its support for the 2024 edition of the St. Martin / St. Maarten Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART). This was announced by St. Maarten’s national carrier and organizing party SHTA.

As is done during its previous support, the airline offers a discounted rate for registered buyers and suppliers from its destinations via link at the event site SHTA.com/SMART. Amongst other initiatives to promote the important regional tourism event, a travel agent contest will be held, allowing return tickets for regional agents taking part in the event.

Winair is embracing the platform to showcase its expanded reach and growing influence as a regional carrier, as recent fleet expansions underscore Winair's commitment to growth and development. CEO Hans van de Velde expressed optimism, stating, " With the finalization of the rebuilding of our partner, Princess Juliana International Airport, ahead and Winair continuously looking for new horizons, this is a great moment to meet and strategize cooperation for the near future and beyond with our tourism partners."

SMARTs 16th edition will be held this April 8th to 11th at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort. The tradeshow is organized by the Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau, St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA), the Office de Tourisme de St. Martin and the Club du Tourisme.

SMART 2024 opened its Early Bird Registration last week. Tourism businesses and those serving the industry are invited to join the principal tradeshow of the Northeastern Caribbean to connect to tourism firms foreign and domestic.

The event is the largest travel platform in the Northeastern Caribbean for foreign tour operators, OTA’s and travel agents to do business with local hoteliers, DMC’s and excursions. In addition, the presence of many large regional hotels and companies attracts further interested companies from the region and beyond, serving the region’s main industry.

Lower Early Bird Prices apply until February 28th. As SMARTs previous edition was wholly sold out, organizers encourage to ensure a spot on the tradeshow floor within this timeframe.

Interested parties can take up contact as of today with the SMART team at 1-721-542-0108 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or find booking and lodging information at SHTA.com/SMART.

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Roxanne Howell Appointed and Sworn-in as Secretary General Finance

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Finance is pleased to announce the appointment and subsequent swearing-in of Ms. Roxanne Howell as the new Secretary General of Finance. Ms. Howell's appointment marks a significant milestone in her distinguished career, having rapidly ascended from the position of Concern Controller within the Ministry to now leading as the Secretary General.

Governor Ajamu Baly had the honor of administering the oath of office to Ms. Howell in a special ceremony held earlier last month, making her the first Secretary General to be sworn in by Governor Baly. This event not only underscores the confidence and trust placed in Ms. Howell by the Ministry of Finance but also reflects the collaborative spirit between our Ministry and the Governor's office in advancing financial governance and excellence.

Ms. Howell's exemplary dedication, unparalleled work ethic, and exceptional leadership skills have been evident throughout her tenure with the Ministry.

In her new role, Secretary General Howell will play a pivotal role in steering the Ministry of Finance towards continued success, fostering financial stability, and implementing strategic initiatives that align with the government's economic goals.

The Ministry of Finance extends its heartfelt congratulations to Secretary General Roxanne Howell and expresses gratitude to Governor Ajamu Baly for presiding over the swearing-in ceremony. We are confident that Ms. Howell's leadership will contribute significantly to the ongoing success and progress of the Ministry of Finance.

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URSM Applauds Central Voting Bureau for Exemplary Performance in Parliamentary Election

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Dr. Luc Mercelina, Leader of the Unified Resilient St. Maarten Movement (URSM), extends heartfelt appreciation to the Central Voting Bureau for their exceptional efforts and dedication throughout the Parliamentary Election 2024.

The URSM Leader expressed gratitude, stating, "We commend the Central Voting Bureau for their tireless commitment and professionalism during this critical electoral process. They made a challenging task appear seamless, showcasing utmost teamwork and dedication."

The URSM board would like to acknowledge the tremendous work carried out by the Central Voting Bureau. Their efficiency and diligence have played a pivotal role in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process, upholding the democratic values cherished by the people of St. Maarten.

As the URSM continues its mission to foster unity and resilience within the community, we recognize the integral role of institutions like the Central Voting Bureau in maintaining the integrity of the democratic process in St. Maarten.

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Brug urges the people of Sint Maarten to come out and vote massively for Integrity Honesty & Competence

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Number seven candidate on the URSM slate Richinel Brug, urges the people of Sint Maarten to come out on January 11th, and vote massively for Integrity Honesty & Competence.

“As this election season comes to an end, I would like to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the unwavering support from the people of Sint Maarten. It has been an incredible journey, and one that I am truly humbled by.”

“Thank you for your interest in my vision for a better future for our children. Thank you for joining the movement. I believe wholeheartedly that our children deserve elected politicians who are honest and have integrity, who genuinely care about the well-being of our children. Politicians who are committed to securing a prosperous future for them. They need leaders who will prioritize education as the foundation upon which all progress can be built.”

“Leaders who understand the critical role of our teachers and frontline workers. Leaders who respect our seniors. Too often, we witness politicians who make empty promises without any intention of fulfilling them once they are elected into office. This kind of dishonesty erodes trust in our democratic system and undermines the hopes and dreams of our younger generation.”

“Thus, it is imperative that we elect representatives with integrity. Individuals such as my person who prior to being elected took monies out of my pocket to create 3 draft amendments in an effort to alleviate poverty on Sint Maarten. I submitted a draft National decree containing general measures ensuring that every child who goes to school on an empty stomach can receive a free meal. I also submitted a Risk-allowance proposal for frontline workers. The Risk-allowance law initiative would not only bolster the benefits of our current civil servants who are considered Frontline Workers, it would also add additional value to the profession itself. It would not only be applicable to personnel in the Justice chain, but also to the hardworking men and women at the Fire Department, the Ambulance department, our civil servants who are nurses, our security guards, and any other civil servant whose function adds additional risk to their life or their ability to continue to provide for their families.”

“Lastly, I submitted a draft law initiative to ensure teachers who are stuck in their current salary scale, can go over to the next scale. As said before: teachers should not be held hostage in their current salary scales. I did not only talk the talk: but I also walked the walked prior to being elected.”

“I would like to thank the Almighty, my family, the URSM, my team and you the voter for your unwavering support. May we move forward together with hope, determination, and a shared commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous Sint Maarten. I, Richinel Brug, humbly ask you to vote on January 11th, 2024, for my person: the number 7 candidate on the URSM slate (list number 6) led by Dr. Mercelina.

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