SINT EUSTATIUS (ORANJESTAD) - In recent weeks, Care & Youth Caribbean Netherlands (ZJCN) launched a new campaign against domestic violence and child abuse, titled SAFE TOGETHER, STRONG TOGETHER. 

The campaign aims to support professionals such as social workers, teachers, and healthcare workers in implementing the new Protection Code, which has been in effect since the 1^st of January 2025. Additionally, a special advice helpline (0800 - 1414), has been established to offer a sympathetic ear and guidance. This helpline offers fully anonymous advice to callers who are experiencing a difficult situation at home or suspect family-related issues in their surroundings.

The campaign has received support from Commissioners Nina den Heyer (Bonaire), Reuben Merkman (St. Eustatius), and Eviton Heyliger (Saba), who all attended various meetings organized for professionals and citizens. These gatherings featured speakers who shared their personal experiences with domestic violence, including Jolly van Beelen - Ferwerda, Director of Governor de Graaff School. Actor and storyteller Archell Thompson, a survivor of child abuse himself, also contributed to the campaign. Through an interactive theatre performance, he raised questions in an accessible way to encourage discussions about domestic violence and child abuse.

Reuben Merkman stated, “This campaign is an extremely important starting point to instigate a mentality change in our people, especially for the sake of our youth. Our youth are our future, and I am happy to contribute to a safer St. Eustatius for them, where they can grow up.”

Jantine Homan, Head of the Social Domain at ZJCN, added, “Unfortunately, domestic violence and child abuse remain a reality, also in the Caribbean Netherlands. The Protection Code and the advice helpline are steps in the right direction to support victims and bystanders, providing them with a way out or simply advice. ZJCN is proud of this campaign, which highlights the Protection Code, and remains committed to a safer Caribbean Netherlands.”

Are you concerned about your safety or someone else's, or do you have questions about the Protection Code? Please call:

St. Eustatius: Statia Strong Support Hotline via +5993184837

Saba: Domestic Safety Point via +599 416 6936/ 416 3053

Bonaire: Guiami, Sentro Akseso via 0802-0802

Social Support Professionals Statia

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY/COLE BAY) – The Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) is actively preparing for the upcoming Causeway Jump Up, scheduled for Saturday, March 15, 2025. The event will commence at 8:00 PM from the Kimsha parking lot and follow an established route before concluding at the same location at approximately 11:30 PM.

The parade will proceed through Airport Road, Causeway Roundabout, Union Road, Kruythoff Roundabout, and Welfare Road, before returning to Kimsha. The public is encouraged to participate in the festivities while adhering to safety regulations and law enforcement directives.

In order to facilitate a secure and orderly event, KPSM will implement temporary road closures and heightened security measures along the designated route. Motorists should take note that specific sections of roads in the Cole Bay and Simpson Bay areas will be temporarily closed prior to and during the passage of the parade. Road users are advised to anticipate traffic diversions and plan alternative routes accordingly. Police officers will be deployed to ensure the safe movement of both participants and bystanders.

To assist motorists and patrons in planning their routes, KPSM has provided an estimated timeline indicating the expected location of the head of the jump-up at various points along the route:

• 8:00 PM – Departure from Kimsha parking lot
• 8:30 PM –Causeway Roundabout Airport Road
• 8:45 PM -- Causeway Roundabout Union Road
• 8:45 PM – Union Road (Peter John Road intersection)
• 9:20 PM – Union Road (Orange Grove Road intersection)
• 9:35 PM – Union Road (Arlet Peters road Intersection)
• 9:50 PM -- Kruythoff Roundabout
• 10:15 PM – Welfare Road (Cay Bay Road intersection)
• 11:00 PM – Welfare Road (Conner Road intersection)
• 11:30 PM – Return to Kimsha parking lot

The Sint Maarten Police Force urges all attendees to adhere to general safety guidelines. Furthermore, unlawful conduct, including the possession of firearms, drug use, physical altercations, and the carrying of weapons, will not be tolerated. Individuals found engaging in such activities will face strict legal consequences. KPSM emphasizes that the violent incidents, including gun-related offenses, that occurred during the 2024 Causeway Jump Up will not be tolerated this year.

Additionally, vendors selling along the parade route are requested to refrain from selling beverages in glass bottles or displaying glass bottles. These items can pose a security risk, as they may be used as weapons. Vendors are encouraged to use alternative packaging to help ensure a safe environment for all attendees.

In collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office, KPSM has established that fines and legal penalties will be imposed on individuals involved in criminal activities during the event. Law enforcement remains committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all participants.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI) hereby informs the general public and residents of Cole Bay that road works will commence on Uxbridge Drive from today, Wednesday March 12^th, 2025, as part of the Concrete Hard Resurfacing Project 2023-2024. The works will require a half-road closure between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. daily and are expected to last approximately two weeks.

The construction will be carried out alternately, allowing a road width of 2.5 meters at a time. Residents will be permitted to park along the roadside where feasible throughout the entire stretch of the affected road. However, during and immediately after the concrete pouring process, additional inconveniences may arise, temporarily restricting access to immediate residences, except in cases of emergency.

The project will be executed by Windward Roads Infrastructure, and the Ministry urges all motorists and pedestrians to exercise caution and be mindful of the workers on-site.

Half Road Closure Details:

Date: Starting March 12^th, 2025, for approximately 2 weeks.

Time: 7:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

Location: Uxbridge Drive, Colebay

Type of Closure: Half Road Closure

The Ministry of VROMI appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation as we work to improve the road infrastructure in Cole Bay. Further updates will be provided as necessary.

For more information, please contact the Department of New Works at 542-4292 ext 2388.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The final day of racing was nothing short of legendary to wrap up an amazing 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. Fleets made their way to their designated start boats out in Cole Bay and Simpson Bay. It was a delayed start waiting for the wind to fill in; so fleets were running the line, sailing through a sea of spectator boats who were waiting for the action to start. Race Committee reset the course 3 different times, but finally conditions delivered! Once the wind arrived, it sustained, giving sailors a champagne sailing day on the crystal-clear water.

The courses created by Race Committee were a mix of around the mark and windward leeward, taking fleets along the southwestern Dutch coastline – making their way to Maho and Mullet Bay Beaches. This is where the magic happened. It was a sea of colors as fleets approached the shoreline on their downwind legs, while planes soared overhead and landed at Princess Juliana International Airport. Fleets collided once again to create a dynamic scene of Bareboats, Volvos, Melges, Diams, J-Boats, Multihulls, and more, all racing together with an iconic St. Maarten backdrop.

The competition has been as close as ever, with many fierce match-ups within each class creating close standings that were settled out on the racecourses.

The race boats made their way to the same windward mark where the tone was set for the day. In CSA1, Sailing Poland strayed from the mark and lost ground, meanwhile Ocean Breeze was late hoisting their spinnaker. A clean mark rounding by Leaps and Bounds 2 earned them a strong lead to claim first but DNF the second race – losing out on an undefeated Regatta, yet still coming first overall in their class.

The close competition in CSA2 between DNR, GEM, and Kinship continued. DNR led the way rounding the mark followed by GEM and Kinship. But it would be Kinship to cross the finish, claiming their first win of the Regatta and coming third overall in the fleet. “It was a GEM of a day!,” said the DNR team as they walked off the stage with their awards at the final prize giving, teasing their friendly competitors.

Two teams were going for sweeps in their class heading into today’s races. Pata Negra in CSA3 and El Ocaso in CSA5 finished the Regatta undefeated! These two teams had strong leads in every race the last 4 days of competition. “Given the wind conditions, our boat was really favorable. We’re really happy with our performance. It’s an amazing Regatta, the seas here are always enjoyable, and we had a great time together. We’ll be back for sure!,” said crew member Steve Rigby after the final day of racing. El Ocaso went on to win the entire St. Maarten Heineken Regatta with a crew full of friends and family.

There were great performances in the Multihulls, Bareboats, and Island Time classes. Alethia claimed their first win of the Regatta in Island Time class, while Oceans Tribute took 1st in Multihull 1. La Novia was finally overthrown by Seaduction who took 1st for Multihull 2. “It’s not easy – it’s a fight on the water every day, but it’s exceptional here. We’ve been doing the regatta for the last 8 years and we’ll continue to do it for more,” said Georges Coutu of La Novia, a Regatta regular.

The atmosphere on the water today was something special. The turning mark at Mullet Bay delivered exhilarating scenes for the spectator boats and crowds on shore. Cheers erupted while race boats whipped around the mark as planes were landing and taking off. As the day was wrapping up, teams came over the radio thanking the Race Committee for their hard work, great organization, and particular course selection over the last 4 days, especially given the tough conditions.

The day on the water ended with a celebratory Bridge Show at the 2 PM Simpson Bay bridge opening. The Sint Maarten Yacht Club was packed with spectators to watch teams decked out in costumes putting on their finest performances. Shirts were off, Heineken was sprayed, sailors went up the masts, and there was even a proposal (she said yes!).

The final value for the final day of the 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is, fittingly, “celebration.” This year we are celebrating what makes the Regatta unique in its 45th anniversary. The scale of this internationally-acclaimed, bucket-list event is one you cannot describe until you come and experience it for yourself. The diversity and inclusivity are at the forefront of our values, and are represented on the water and on shore. Everyone is welcomed – sailors and tourists from all around the world, and island-wide locals.

What a better way to close out this celebratory anniversary than with a legendary party. As mentioned by Oceans Tribute this year, “The racing is only part of it. Good music and great beer! It’s nice seeing everyone from the water in the Village.” Sailors filed into the Regatta Village for the final prize giving at the main stage before live entertainment kicked off the good vibes. Then it was time for the grand finale – The Wailers!! Reggae legends put on an iconic performance as a packed crowd grooved to Caribbean vibes all night long.

The magic of the regatta would not be possible without the dedication and hard work of our hundreds of volunteers. From building the Regatta Village, Race Committee, Volunteer Care, Hospitality, and much, much more, the volunteers are the heart of the Regatta.

A huge thank you to all of our sponsors who help create such an incredible bucket-list event: Heineken, Veuve Clicquot, Port de Plaisance Resorts and Yacht Club, SEIKO as the official Regatta timekeeper, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, St. Martin Tourism, Shipwreck Shops, Gill, Real Auto, Vie L’Ven, Sint Maarten Yacht Club, Windward Islands Bank, Divico, Avis, Exofor, Sol, Sunsail, Flow, Port St. Maarten, Seahawk, and Island 92 Radio.

It was an exceptional end to an incredible 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. We can’t wait to do it all again next year! Mark your calendars for the 46th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta – March 5-8, 2026!

Anything can happen at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta -- including a proposal during the Bridge Show! © Laurens Morel

The Wailers headed up to Fort Amsterdam for an impressive view of the Regatta racing fleet before performing for the crowd later that night © Digital Island