SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Whilst activities are ongoing to repair current engines and prepare for the arrival of the containerized 20 MW generators, which will alleviate the need for load shedding over the short term, NV GEBE is also working on the medium- to long-term solutions.

After a thorough review and analysis of NV GEBE's energy infrastructure, Energynautics GmbH presented a comprehensive report on their findings. This initiative was facilitated through the National Recovery Program Bureau's ‘Emergency Recovery Project 1’ of the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, with the aim to "elevate NV GEBE’s business and investment strategies, ensuring the delivery of reliable power across St. Maarten."

Energynautics GmbH developed several scenarios and sensitivities and through modeling, identified key areas of improvement required for enhanced energy reliability and efficiency, as well as the long-term investments needed for NV GEBE.

The report highlighted an in-depth review of the company's aging fossil-fuel-based generation fleet, capacity shortages during peak times, and seasonal and increasing demand due to tourism and business/ residential developments. These issues are compounded by the island’s susceptibility to hurricanes, necessitating robust reliability considerations in power system planning, along with equipment that can withstand major hurricane impacts.

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A key aspect of the project is the development of a ‘Least-Cost Power Development Plan’, focusing on least cost to meet the energy demands of Sint Maarten. Whilst regular generators remain required to meet demand, renewable energy is more cost effective in the long run and will minimize environmental impact. This plan will pave the way for the inaugural renewable energy project for NV GEBE, marking a milestone in the journey towards a sustainable energy portfolio.

The prime areas identified in the report are in alignment with NV GEBE's vision and management plans, which include:

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• Installation of two diesel generators as quickly as possible.
• Installation of a third diesel generator in 2026 to ensure sufficient capacity as demand continues to rise.

These steps will further stabilize the grid in the medium term and prevent power shortages.

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• Solar PV (carport and rooftop) and small onshore wind turbines were the main renewable technologies identified as feasible within the 10-year scope.
• Major milestones identified for 2025 (PV on public buildings & carport) and wind turbines in 2029.
• The model assumes a continuous steady development of privately installed PV systems. By 2034, all renewable potential is utilized in the model as the optimal techno-economic solution. Hence, utilizing more locations for renewable generation can bring further economic benefits to St. Maarten’s power system.

As it pertains to the renewable energy plan, the following recommendations were also stipulated:

• Identifying additional suitable land for photovoltaic (PV) installations - commonly called solar cells that convert sunlight into electricity.
• Definition of minimum technical requirements for new PV systems to maintain power system security and stability.

Overall result was stated that rapidly scaling up PV will decrease electricity costs and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as well as, enhance the reliability of the power supply and contribute to a cleaner energy mix.

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GEBE is working with government and other financiers to fund the significant investment in generation capacity. Once the financing is acquired the tendering to installation of large generators will require a minimum of 18 months.

GEBE’s efforts are crucial in driving the island’s recovery and future planning, and the utility is essential in executing the proposed solutions. Through this wide-ranging effort, NV GEBE is being strategically positioned to effectively achieve the company's mission to modernize and sustainably transform its energy infrastructure by updating its business plan, based on the detailed input from Energynautics GmbH.

“The report is strategically aligned with NV GEBE’s plans. Several recommended initiatives will be converted into our 5-year vision. This represents NV GEBE’s commitment to aligning its operations with modern energy standards, enhancing the quality of service for the residents and visitors of St. Maarten, and contributing to the global efforts towards sustainable energy solutions,” says Troy Washington, Temporary Manager, NV GEBE.

The Sint Maarten Trust Fund is financed by the Government of the Netherlands, managed by the World Bank and implemented on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten by the National Recovery Program Bureau.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), says October 1, the world will celebrate United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP).

The theme for 2024 is “Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide.”

The number of people aged 65 years or older worldwide is projected to more than double, rising from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion in 2050. The number of people aged 80 years or older is growing even faster.

CPS calls on members of the community to promote healthy ageing by embracing exercise and eating a healthy diet, while at the same time recognizing the contributions of caregivers.

CPS adds that society must continue to respect the dignity, beliefs, needs, and privacy of older persons, and for the right to make decisions about their care and quality of their lives.

According to the United Nations (UN), population ageing is a major global trend reshaping society worldwide. “Life expectancy at birth now exceeds 75 years in half of the world's countries, 25 years longer than in 1950.

“By 2030, older persons are projected to outnumber youth globally, with this increase most rapid in developing countries. This demographic shift has significantly transformed the caregiving landscape, encompassing a wide range of needs for both paid and unpaid support in formal and informal settings.

“As populations age, the demand for comprehensive healthcare, care, and social support services has grown substantially, particularly for older persons with conditions such as dementia.

“In recognition of these challenges and opportunities, the 34th commemoration of the United Nations International Day of Older Persons therefore will focus on the theme of "Ageing with Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care and Support Systems for Older Persons Worldwide".

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - In celebration of World Tourism Day, the Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunications (TEATT), under the leadership of the Honorable Grisha Heyliger-Marten, organized a series of activities designed to engage the public and honor the vital role tourism plays in St. Maarten’s economy.

Minister Heyliger-Marten has made it a priority to include the island’s youth in this year’s celebrations. .

“Tourism is not only the mainstay of our economy, it is also the industry of the future. Therefore, it is only proper for us to engage the youth right now as they are the future of our island,” the Minister said.

In line with this vision and as part of the festivities leading up to World Tourism Day, fifty-two students from the Asha Stevens Christian School, along with three staff members, were invited aboard the *Icon of the Seas*, the world’s largest cruise ship, during its port visit.

The students were treated to a full tour of the vessel and enjoyed lunch on board. In addition, thirty students from St. Maarten Academy had the unforgettable experience of touring the island by air on a WINAIR flight, while twenty students from the Sr. Regina School will participate in an exclusive of the Sonesta Maho Beach Resort.

Looking ahead, Minister Heyliger-Marten is proud to announce that an award ceremony will be held on September 30th at the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. During this event, the Minister will honor Tourism Pioneers who have made an incredible impact on the island’s tourism industry.

“It is important to give honor where honor is due. This recognition is a way of giving those who have made significant contributions to the development of Tourism on the island their flowers now,” the Director of Tourism Ms. May-Ling Chun stated.

The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau is excited to celebrate World Tourism Day and the significant strides being made in the tourism sector, both in fostering the growth of the industry and inspiring the next generation to carry forward this important legacy.

Students of the Asha Stevens Christian Hillside School from the 6th grade along with representatives of the school and the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau.  

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – Friday, September 27, 2024, marks World Tourism Day.

The Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications Hon. Grisha Heyliger Marten, World Tourism Day message is as follows:

Fellow St. Martiners, Distinguished visitors, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Today (Ed. Friday, September 27) is more than just another World Tourism Day. Since its inception in 1980, this day—celebrated on September 27—serves as a global call to action. For over half a century, tourism has been the lifeblood of St. Martin’s economy, contributing to 70% of our financial stability. It is, in fact, our bread and butter. Tourism is not only crucial to our island but also the largest industry in the world. As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we join the rest of the world in focusing on this vital industry.

This year’s theme, “Tourism and Peace,” highlights the significant role that tourism can and should play in fostering global peace. It challenges all stakeholders to make peace a core part of their mission. Peace is not a given in today’s world of uncertainty and turmoil. Yet, it is essential—not just for the survival of humanity, but also for tourism to thrive. Tourists naturally avoid areas of conflict for their own safety and security. The very essence of tourism calls for peace, as it brings together people of different nationalities, languages, cultures, and economic backgrounds.

There’s a Moorish proverb that says, “He who does not travel does not know the value of men.” Travel indeed offers a unique opportunity to understand and appreciate others. St. Martin earned the title of the "Friendly Island" because we place immense value on our visitors. This aspect of our collective character has been a key factor in developing our island into a leading tourism destination in the Caribbean

The future of tourism rests in the hands of our youth. What steps are we taking to ensure they understand the significance of tourism and how it fosters mutual understanding and respect? This year’s celebration focuses on engaging the younger generation. Randomly selected public elementary school students, particularly those in grades 5 and 6, will have the chance to participate in an aerial tour with WINAIR, our national carrier. They will also visit a cruise ship, a hotel, airport and harbor, giving them a firsthand experience of what tourism means for our island.

The long-term goal is to make Tourism studies an integral part of the school curriculum, ensuring the sustainability of this industry, which requires continuous innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit—qualities that we, as a people, are blessed with on St. Martin.

Tourism on our island is not just a means of earning a livelihood; it is a way of life. But we must continuously reinvent ourselves, upgrade our facilities and infrastructure, and most importantly, adopt a mindset that positions us as part of a global community seeking lasting peace. This journey begins with our children.

Happy World Tourism Day!