Soualiga News
Menu

Soualiga News (7797)

Students can Apply for the UNESCO 6th World Cultural Heritage Youth Symposium

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The 6th World Cultural Heritage Youth Symposium 2025 will be in Athens Greece from March 26, 2025, to March 30, 2025, under the theme "Arts and Cultural Heritage".

The Annual World Cultural Heritage Youth Symposium is being held on the occasion of the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. The Symposium is a contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals promoting “Education 2030” focused on SDG 4.7 as well as SDG17.

In April, a delegation of six (6) students represented Sint Maarten under the theme “This is My Cultural Heritage.” During their time, they were able to share the island’s culture with other delegations and be ambassadors for the island.

The symposium aims to bring together students and teachers from all over the world in order to raise cultural awareness, develop mutual respect and contribute to the creation of a new generation of world citizens that feel united in diversity and are willing to shape a sustainable future for everyone. This is being achieved through knowledge and experience exchange, interaction and collaboration on a common goal related to the world cultural heritage.

Applications are now opened to students between the ages 15- 24 and will close on November 21st, 2024. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request an application form, or ask your school’s administration.

 

 

 

Read more...

12 Advance to Rotary-Mid Isle Spelling Bee Semi-Finals

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - On Sunday November 3rd the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle held the Preliminary Round of their 10th Annual Spelling Bee competition at Belair Community Center. 35 students aged 9-11 from various primary schools on Dutch Sint Maarten and Anguilla took part in a sit down round where they were seated at various tables to write First Round words which were provided by the Club to study.

The words were called out, then used in a sentence, and then called out again, after which the students had 30 seconds to write the word down.

With 18 points each advancing to the Semi-Final Round are Aatya Naveenkumar (Alwyn Allison, Anguilla), Amyra Ottley and Karran Gianchandani (MAC-JAG), Moriah Stewart (7th Day Adventist) and Abhiram Lulla (St. Dominic).

With 19 points are Maliyah Muckett (Alwyn Allison Anguilla), Tianna Pinard and Mannat Sharma (MAC-JAG), Arudra Bharrat and Elenor Bradshaw (Orealia Kelly, Anguilla). With a perfect score of 20 points are Kiv Leyretana (Asha Stevens) and Meher Rajani (MAC-JAG).

The Semi-Final Round will again be at the Belair Center on November 17th, where Second Round words will be used. This time the students will be on stage to spell out the words in a mic.

The Finals will be on November 24th at American University of the Caribbean (AUC) Auditorium. Of the 12 Semi-Finalists, the top 5 students will advance to the Finals.

Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle thanks all the participating schools on Sint Maarten and Anguilla, all the volunteers such as Rotarians and Interactors of St. Dominic High School, sponsors Saint Maarten Shipping and Stevedoring, ICC Cargo, Give & Take, and Rotary District 7020.

Read more...

COCI Prepares for Elections. Three Board Positions to Become Available

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Three positions on the Board will become vacant as of January 1st, 2025, and these positions will be filled by three (3) candidates chosen in the upcoming Election.

Nomination period for the filling of these positions shall be from Friday

November 8th to Thursday November 21st, 2024.

The Chamber wants to remind the business community on St. Maarten, that nomination forms are available from Friday November 8th, 2024. These forms must be submitted to the Chamber no later than Thursday, November 21st, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.

The Electorate

Voters for Large Businesses are those entitled to vote, whose names appear in the Commercial Register as involved in an established company whose minimum capital investment is one hundred thousand guilders (Fls.100,000.00). Voters with less than one hundred thousand guilders capital investment are classified as Small Businesses.         

Entitled To Vote Are:

  • Residents (those registered with the Registry Office).
  • Of Dutch citizenship/nationality.
  • Who for one year, immediately preceding the making up of the Register of Voters, appear in the Commercial Register of the Chamber as:

Owner, partner, manager, deputy manager, managing director, supervisory director, general attorney or proxy holders (with no limitations).

Excluded From Voting Are:

  • Prisoners, people put in a ward because of insanity, persons adjudged bankrupt, etc.

Eligibility

Eligible are those who meet the following requirements:

  • Residents for the last two years;
  • Dutch citizenship;
  • Minimum of 25 years of age per 15 August 2024;
  • No incompatibilities (more persons in the same business);
  • Not excluded from eligibility (see entitled to vote).

Duration of Membership

A term of office lasts three years. Each year, one third of the membership steps down by rotation. Temporary vacancies: also stepping down by rotation.

  • Voluntary resignation.
  • Dismissal by law.

We want to advise all businesses who want to take part in the Election to first settle their outstanding bills at The Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Read more...

CPS reminds persons to get their seasonal flu vaccine

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), is recommending to persons to get their seasonal flu shot.

Influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads very easily from person to person and can affect anybody in any age group. 

Experts think that influenza viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Less often, a person might get influenza (flu) by touching a surface or object that has influenza virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

Influenza viruses can be detected in most infected people beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. People with flu are the most contagious during the first three days of their illness.

Check with your physician to see whether or not you are part of the high-risk group and be proactive.  Get vaccinated and apply strict and consistent preventive measures to stop you from getting the flu. 

Influenza is a serious public health problem that causes severe illnesses and deaths for higher risk populations.  Vaccination (flu shot) is the most effective way to prevent infection.

Persons who form part of high-risk groups include people who are more likely than others to develop severe disease, resulting in hospitalization or death, if they should be infected. They include:

children aged six months to four years; the elderly 60-65 years of age; pregnant women (regardless of trimester must be discussed with physician); and immunosuppressed individuals or people with chronic medical conditions. 

Front-line workers as well as health care workers who may be in contact with patients in these risk groups (personnel in nursing homes, senior citizen home, hospital, outpatient clinics and general practitioner/specialist practices), should get their flu vaccination.

Home care givers of persons with a very high risk for severe illness and mortality attributed to the flu should also get vaccinated.

People with flu can spread it to others. Most experts think that influenza viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Putting physical distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.

Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has influenza virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

People with flu are contagious Influenza viruses can be detected in most infected persons beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick. People with flu are most contagious during the first three days of their illness. Some people, including young children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer periods of time.

Symptoms typically begin about two days (but can range from one to four days) after influenza viruses infect a person's respiratory tract. It is theoretically possible that before symptoms begin, an infected person can spread influenza viruses to their close contacts. Some people can be infected with influenza viruses and have no symptoms but may still be able to spread the virus to their close contacts.

Consult your family physician (house doctor) in due time once you don’t feel well, and do not place others at risk. Take the necessary preventive measures when in the vicinity of any sick persons. Apply strict cough etiquette and proper hand hygiene.

Eat healthy foods, get a lot of exercise, and maintain a good sleep schedule which is usually eight hours.

Read more...

Integrity Chamber Launches New Season of "Let's Talk About Integrity" Video Series

SINT MAARTEN (CAY HILL) - The Integrity Chamber is excited to announce the launch of a new season of the “Let’s Talk About Integrity” video series, titled “Civic Participation and the Democratic System”. The series brings together a line-up of distinguished guests, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise to critical topics.

This season’s episodes aim to inform citizens about the democratic system of Sint Maarten and encourage their involvement through different forms of civic participation. Active civic participation is important, as it allows citizens to make their voices heard on issues that affect the community and be involved in decision-making processes. It also allows citizens to hold government officials and elected representatives accountable.

The new season features insightful interviews with professionals from diverse backgrounds, providing viewers with a deeper understanding of democratic processes, the role and responsibilities of citizens, voter engagement after elections, and the importance of civic participation in strengthening democracy.

The first episodes are now available on the Integrity Chamber’s official Facebook page, with new episodes premiering each Friday at 8:00 am. Citizens are encouraged to tune in weekly to gain valuable knowledge and varying perspectives.

Follow the Integrity Chamber at Facebook.com/IntegrityChamber to stay updated on upcoming episodes and engage in the ongoing conversation about integrity.

Read more...

Milton Peters College Wins Annual Interscholastic Debate Competition 2024

SINT MAARTEN (SOUTH REWARD) - The Sint Maarten Youth Parliament is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the Annual Interscholastic Debate. The finals were held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the University of St. Martin (USM).

This highly anticipated event brought together top young debaters from Milton Peters College and St. Dominic High, who engaged in a lively and thought-provoking discourse.

The moot for this debate was “Relaxed hair grooming rules are a distraction to learning.”). Competing as the Proposition team from St. Dominic High were Tanya Halley (1st speaker), Adio Williams (2nd speaker), and Tamanna Sharma (rebutter).

Representing Milton Peters College as the Opposition team were Asante Philips (1st speaker), Gabriella Pauletta (2nd speaker), and Isaiah Peterson (rebutter). After a spirited debate, Milton Peters College emerged victorious with an impressive total of 655 points, while St. Dominic High secured second place with 589 points.

Gabriella Pauletta of Milton Peters College was awarded the title of Best Speaker for the final debate with a score of 72 points. Notably, there was a tie for the Overall Best Speaker award between Gabriella Pauletta and Adio Williams of St. Dominic High who received the best speaker award in debate one.

The Sint Maarten Youth Parliament congratulates all participants for their dedication and hard work in preparing for this event. We also extend our gratitude to the University of St. Martin for hosting the finals, providing a space where St. Maarten's youth can showcase their oratory and critical thinking skills.

Special thanks to CC1 for providing water and beverages, and to Domino’s Pizza for their generous sponsorship of refreshments.

MPC

 

 

 

Read more...

Winners of the Big Live Nature Quiz - Kids Edition Announced

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) is thrilled to announce the results of the 2024 Big Live Nature Quiz - Kids Edition, a successful event where primary schools and young nature enthusiasts from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saba, St. Eustatius, and St. Maarten came together to expand their knowledge of nature through learning and competition.

Over 480 students from across the six Dutch Caribbean islands participated in the live online quiz. Designed to inspire and educate, the quiz focused on the theme “Nature’s Locals, Newcomers, and Intruders,” teaching kids about the unique ecosystems of the Dutch Caribbean and the importance of protecting their environments from invasive species. 

And the Winner Is...

The winning team of this year’s quiz is “Dutch Learners” from Saba Sacred Heart on Saba! With impressive knowledge of native, non-native, and invasive species, they outshone their competitors to claim first place in the 2024 Big Live Nature Quiz. As a reward for their exceptional performance, the team will enjoy an exciting sailing and snorkeling trip with their teacher, giving them the chance to explore the marine life around their island and deepen their connection to nature.

Each island also celebrated its local champions, recognizing their commitment to nature education. The local winners are:

  • Aruba: Anne Droid from Colegio San Hose
  • Bonaire: Yfke Kiara Ezrah Keke from Basisschool Aquamarin
  • Curacao: de spiekende spinnen from Albert Schweitzerschool
  • Saba: Dutch learners from Saba Sacred Heart
  • Eustatius: Flamboyant Sint Eustatius from Governor de Graaff Foundation
  • Maarten: Adventure Kids from St. Dominic Primary School

These teams, who showcased outstanding knowledge and teamwork, will each be awarded snorkel sets to further inspire their love for the ocean and its ecosystems.

The DCNA extends heartfelt congratulations to all participating teams for their enthusiasm, spirit, and impressive nature knowledge! We look forward to seeing these young environmental champions continue to grow and protect the rich biodiversity of the Dutch Caribbean.

An Engaging and Educational Experience for All

The quiz provided a fantastic opportunity for children to engage with nature in a fun and interactive way. With questions based on DCNA’s BioNews Kids magazine, participants learned about the diverse wildlife of their islands and the challenges posed by invasive species. The magazine, available in multiple languages including English, Dutch, Papiamentu, and Papiamento, helped children prepare for the event and will continue to serve as a valuable educational resource.

A Collaborative Effort for Conservation Education

The Big Live Nature Quiz is a true team effort, brought to life through the collaboration of all six Dutch Caribbean islands and DCNA’s conservation partners: Aruba Conservation FoundationCARMABISTINAPASaba Conservation Foundation, St. Eustatius National Parks Foundation (STENAPA), and the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten. With support from local schools, Dutch Caribbean TV, and financial contributions from the the  Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security and Nature and the Dutch National Postcode Lottery, the event reached young minds across the region.

Do You Want to See How the Kids Did in the Quiz?

Don’t miss the knowledge battle! Tune in on Saturday the 9th of November at 6 pm on the Energia TV channel.

DCNA Participating Kids from Pelikaan School Bonaire

Participating Kids from Pelikaan School-Bonaire.

 

Read more...

Contributing to a future-proof financial sector. Kickoff of the Financial Sector Strategic Review project

SINT MAARTEN/CURACAO - On Tuesday, October 29th, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) and Nyenrode Business University successfully launched the Financial Sector Strategic Review (FSSR) project, in the presence of representatives from the financial sector, government, academia, and private sector in Curaçao and Sint Maarten.

A well-functioning and future-proof financial sector is a prerequisite for economic growth and national self-reliance. In the coming years, the local financial sector will increasingly face new challenges but also opportunities stemming from developments such as digitalization, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and evolving regulation.

With a sound strategic approach, the financial sector of the monetary union of Curaçao and Sint Maarten can capitalize on these changes and maximize future opportunities. The FSSR initiative seeks to contribute to a future financial sector that supports sustainable economic growth in Curaçao and Sint Maarten and, in turn, fosters the self-reliance of both countries.

Nyenrode Business University will conduct a thorough assessment of current structures, systems, regulations, and opportunities across the financial markets. During the FSSR kickoff meeting, participants from Curaçao and Sint Maarten exchanged views on several trends expected to shape the future of the local financial sectors.

Professor André Nijhof (Nyenrode) led an informative and engaging introduction to the review project. After the presentation on why and how to integrally review the financial sector, participants formed smaller groups to discuss the changes, risks, and opportunities they face.

Discussions revolved around six central themes: economic, legal, social, environmental, political, and technical changes that will shape the future of the financial sector. The afternoon was concluded with a preview of the next steps in the research project, followed by an hour of networking.

Over the coming months, the research team from Nyenrode will conduct interviews with a selection of representatives to gain a wide-ranging view of the current developments and potential challenges likely to affect the financial sector.

The researchers will also benchmark international best practices. Based on these findings and the latest trends, the final report will propose a blueprint that contributes to the financial sector’s stability and promotes innovation, inclusion, and transparency. With the FSSR initiative, the CBCS aims to contribute to a more future-proof financial sector.

CBCS fin sect rev pix2

Professor André Nijhof

 

 

Read more...

AI and the future of Caribbean tourism

SINT MAARTEN (COMMENTARY - by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert) - The stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry may have to do some rethinking. AI may significantly change the way tourists look for a destination and which hotel to choose.

Tourists may not spend a lot of time anymore to check out websites to read there what is offered there. AI skips the biddly-boo. They may not use the websites of on-line travel agencies and compare one with another. AI makes the process easier. Just provide specifics what one is looking for in a vacation and let AI find the answers.

An example:

I'm looking for a vacation in the Caribbean, rich nature, access from New York, low price, 2 persons, January, nightlife

Following was the AI response:

“That sounds like a fantastic plan! Here are a few Caribbean destinations that might be perfect for your vacation:

  • Dominican Republic (Punta Cana): Known for its beautiful beaches, lush nature, and vibrant nightlife, Punta Cana offers all-inclusive resorts that are reasonably priced and easily accessible from New York.
  • Jamaica (Montego Bay): Montego Bay is a popular destination with stunning beaches, rich natural beauty, and a lively nightlife. There are many affordable all-inclusive resorts that cater to couples.
  • Cancun, Mexico: Cancun offers a mix of beautiful beaches, rich cultural heritage, and a vibrant nightlife. There are many all-inclusive resorts that provide great value for money and are easily accessible from New York.
  • Aruba: Aruba is known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant nightlife. It's also reasonably priced and accessible from New York.
  • Puerto Rico: With its lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife, Puerto Rico is a great choice for a Caribbean getaway. It's also easily accessible from New York.

Would you like more information on any of these destinations, or do you have a specific preference?” AI asks.

Then the next step would be to tell AI which of these five destinations one is interested in. So, I asked the same question but instead of Caribbean, I named one of the five above destinations.

I’m neither going to show you the chosen destination nor the hotels/resorts in the AI response, for the simple reason that I’m not promoting any particular destination. Just providing information on how things work:  

“xxxxx” is a fantastic choice for a Caribbean vacation! Here are some options for all-inclusive resorts that offer great value, rich nature, and vibrant nightlife:

  • Adults Only - All Inclusive, this resort offers stunning beaches, clear waters, and a variety of dining and entertainment options. Prices start at around $689 per person for a 3-night stay with roundtrip flights included.
  • Adults Only - All Inclusive, this resort provides a luxurious experience with beautiful surroundings and top-notch amenities. Prices start at around $1,176 per person for a 3-night stay with roundtrip flights included.
  • Adults Only - All Inclusive: This resort offers a fantastic beachfront location, a variety of dining options, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Prices start at around $1,564 per person for a 3-night stay with roundtrip flights included.
  • All Inclusive: Located in xxxx, this resort features stunning ocean views, multiple swimming pools, and a lively atmosphere. Prices start at around $802 per person for a 3-night stay with roundtrip flights included.

These resorts offer a mix of relaxation, adventure, and entertainment, making them perfect for a memorable vacation in xxxx. Would you like more details on any of these options, or do you have any specific preferences?” AI asks.

And one could continue the AI communication. Isn’t that experience much easier in terms of trying to figure out where you want to stay and what you want to do, as opposed to getting a list of a thousand hotels in an order that may or may not meet your specific preferences and what you actually want out of that trip?

The new normal is not going to be the same as the old normal. This is an obvious example wherein customers can see a real difference in what gen AI can do to help them with the travel discovery process. So now the various tourism and hospitality stakeholders may have to rethink how they spend their money on advertising, promotions, road tours or conference/exhibition visits.

Now more thought should be given to IA technology and how the algorithms and processing of available data work. And then adept to what become the new normal, that means new strategies, budget changes, summarized “Re-Thinking”.  

The Moliere, widely regarded as one of the great writers in the French language and world literature once wrote: “Beauty without intelligence is like a hook without bait.” One wonders what he would say about “Beauty without Artificial Intelligence”?

BUD search3

BUD search2

 

 

 

Read more...

CCPF holds Band Clash Meeting to set foundation for upcoming events

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Carnival Corner Presents Foundation (CCPF) convened its inaugural Band Clash Meeting on October 31st at the Philipsburg Culture Center.

The meeting focused on reviewing criteria, rules, regulations, and prizes with the participating bands, and the information was well received.

Band leaders and managers provided valuable feedback, which Carnival Corner acknowledged. Despite the rainy weather, the organization expressed gratitude to those who attended.

A second meeting is set for December, with the date, time, and location to be announced. Registration remains open until December 20, 2024.

Read more...
Subscribe to this RSS feed

Soualiga Radio