SINT MAARTEN (CUL DE SAC) - On Tuesday, February 11, 2025, around 5:30 AM, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) raided a large marijuana plantation in the hills near Blyden’s Drive, Cul-de-Sac.

Acting on intelligence, officers discovered an extensive and well-maintained plantation, including a covered area designed for better cultivation. During the operation, police dismantled the setup, seized over 1,100 marijuana plants, and confiscated all related equipment.

A man found at the location was arrested and remains in custody as the investigation continues.

KPSM reminds the public that cultivating and possessing marijuana remains illegal and punishable by law. Despite any discussions or perceptions, the law has not changed, and authorities will continue enforcing regulations against illegal drug activities to ensure community safety.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is proud to announce reggae legends The Wailers as the headline act for its 45th Anniversary celebration! The globally renowned band will take center stage on the final night of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta, delivering a rocking performance on Sunday, March 9, 2025, to cap off four unforgettable days of world-class racing and entertainment. 

The Wailers’ highly anticipated performance marks a special moment in music history, as the band celebrates the 30th anniversary of the iconic Natural Mystic album featuring top reggae hits from Bob Marley & The Wailers. Fans can expect to hear classic hits from the album, such as “Natural Mystic,” “Positive Vibration,” and “Roots, Rock, Reggae,” along with fresh new tracks from their latest album Evolution. With current band leader and bassist Aston Barrett Jr, son of The Wailers’ original bandleader Aston “Familyman” Barrett, the band continues to preserve the legacy of their iconic sound.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate 45 years of ‘Serious Fun!’ than with the legendary sounds of The Wailers,” said Cary Byerley, Regatta Chair of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. “Their timeless music and positive energy perfectly capture the spirit of the Regatta, and we’re thrilled to welcome them to St. Maarten for this milestone event.”

The Wailers performance on Sunday, as well as all four days at the Port de Plaisance Regatta Village, will be open and free to the public – inviting everyone to experience the thrill of sail racing by day and legendary parties by night, March 6-9, 2025. Throughout the day, island goers can yachtspot from beaches around St. Maarten/Martin, and then meet the sailors back at the Regatta Village to celebrate with a cold Heineken together!

Daily Regatta Prize Giving kicks off at 6 PM Thursday-Sunday, followed by live entertainment featuring local and regional acts such as Tamillia, King James, Orange Grove, Trilla-G and Alison Hinds. The addition of The Wailers to the lineup ensures a grand finale that will have the entire island dancing under the Caribbean stars together, celebrating 45 years of “Serious Fun!” at the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta. 

“For 45 years, Heineken has been more than just a sponsor—we've been a proud partner in shaping the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta into the world-class event it is today. The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is more than a sailing race; it’s a celebration of the island and its culture, bringing people together from all over the world. Cheers to another successful edition!” said St. Maarten Heineken Brand Manager, Zoila Sanchez.

The "Serious Fun!" isn’t just reserved for shoreside festivities; on the water, the 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta promises exhilarating competition with an anticipated racing fleet of over 100 boats battling it out around the island from March 6-9, 2025. Witness a matchup between dueling 76-ft Maxi race boats, a fleet of over 20 Sunsail bareboats, and the dynamic Diam 24s, which continue to attract top performance sailors. 

Join us as we celebrate 45 years of world-class racing, music, and “Positive Vibrations” unique to the island of St. Maarten — where the sailing competition is serious, but the fun always comes first! Book your bucket-list St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Experience at booking.heinekenregatta.com

 Don't miss the incredible line up of entertainment for the 45th St. Maarten Heineken Regatta -- It's all FREE at Port de Plaisance Regatta Village, March 6-9, 2025 © St. Maarten Heineken Regatta

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In response to recent allegations of sexual harassment within the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM), the Management Team unequivocally condemns any form of sexual misconduct. Such behavior is a violation of our fundamental principles and undermines the trust and safety of both our organization and the community we serve.

KPSM remains committed to fostering a safe and respectful workplace for all employees, regardless of rank or position. Sexual harassment and misconduct have no place in our organization, and we take all reports of such behavior seriously.

In the past, reported incidents of sexual misconduct have been thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities, including the Prosecutor's Office, the National Detectives, and the Department of Internal Affairs. Any recent incidents that have been reported are also currently under investigation by the relevant agencies to ensure accountability and justice. To prevent and address these serious issues, KPSM has implemented and will continue to strengthen the following initiatives:

• Conducting thorough and transparent investigations into all allegations of sexual harassment.
• Implementing mandatory training programs for all staff to promote awareness and prevention.
• Advancing a culture change program within the organization.
• Reviewing and reinforcing policies and procedures to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences.

As a learning organization, KPSM remains steadfast in its mission to serve with honor and integrity. We reaffirm our zero-tolerance stance against any behavior that undermines the dignity and respect of our officers and the public. While awaiting the outcome of ongoing investigations, we remain committed to justice, ethical conduct, and rebuilding trust within our ranks and the community.

SINT MAARTEN/MIAMI, Fla. – After a historic 2024 that shattered visitor records and delivered transformative advocacy wins, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), is setting the stage for meaningful progress and development for the industry and its members. Sanovnik Destang, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts and President of CHTA, unveiled a bold vision for 2025 centered on innovation, sustainability, and collaboration—promising to position the region as a global leader in tourism and economic development.

A Year of Growth and Resilience

“The Caribbean achieved unparalleled success in 2024, thanks to the collective strength of our community,” said Destang. “We recorded historic visitor numbers, tackled legislative challenges, and made strides in connecting tourism with other vital economic sectors.”

Among the most significant achievements for economic growth was a tax advocacy effort in the Dominican Republic, which helped preserve vital tax incentives for hotels and tourism businesses that had been under threat of removal due to proposed tax reforms.

The year also saw the establishment of the Linkages Task Force, led by former CHTA President Nicola Madden-Greig, to strengthen connections between tourism and sectors such as agriculture and local businesses, fostering a more inclusive economic model.

Additionally, the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) and the return of Taste of the Caribbean provided valuable platforms to showcase regional excellence, foster collaboration, and drive innovation.

Building on the Success of 2024: Looking Ahead to 2025

With the momentum from a record-breaking year, CHTA is now setting its sights on 2025. According to travel intelligence company Forward Keys, the island of Curaçao has seen a 16 percent increase in flight bookings for the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, while Sint Maarten and Antigua and Barbuda have each recorded an 11 percent increase.

Capitalizing on these strong early trends, CHTA’s 2025 strategy will focus on three transformative pillars:

Developing the Region’s Workforce: New training initiatives will equip hospitality professionals with the skills needed to keep the Caribbean competitive on a global scale.

Harnessing Technology: Enhancing guest experiences and improving operational efficiency through digital transformation remains a top priority.

Strengthening Linkages: Deepening connections between tourism and local industries to drive sustainable growth and enrich visitor experiences.

“A key part of this vision is our 2025 work plan, which also includes updates to our bylaws to modernize governance and ensure CHTA remains agile, inclusive, and future-focused,” Destang explained.

Caribbean Travel Marketplace 2025: A First for Antigua & Barbuda

One of the most anticipated events of the year, the Caribbean Travel Marketplace, will be hosted in Antigua & Barbuda for the first time. This marks only the third time the event has been held in the Eastern Caribbean. Marketplace 2025 will offer an enhanced experience with features such as the Linkages Trade Show, Responsible Tourism Day, and the Direct Booking Summit – Caribbean Edition, all designed to foster collaboration, innovation and drive business to the region and CHTA members.

“Caribbean Travel Marketplace, along with supplemental CHTA events this year, will serve as a catalyst for collaboration and new ideas, setting the stage for the future of Caribbean tourism,” Destang added.

With a steadfast commitment to partnership, innovation, and sustainability, CHTA is poised to lead the region into a new era of opportunity.