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St. Maarten Heart & Stroke Foundation Organizes Activities in February to Promote “The Heart: The Mind”

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The St. Maarten Heart and Stroke Foundation comes back in the Month of February to bring the awareness of cardiovascular disease. 

This year the Foundation’s theme is “The Heart: The Mind”. Linking Cardiovascular diseases with Mental Health. Linking the Heart and Mind and how they are both interconnected these past months the island has been experiencing a rise in mental health issues, as well with an increase in cardiovascular events. Depression and Other Issues 

Daily stressors, such as those related to work and traumatic incidents, can increase the risk of heart disease. Social isolation and loneliness — common sources of stress — are also linked to increased risk of heart attack or stroke https://www.google.com/ 

More information on our theme will be held on Friday February 7th, 2025, 7:00 p.m. at Aleeze Convention Center. Wear Something Red Admissions Free. 

February 7th, 2025, is wear Red Day, day where we will Wear Red for the awareness to encourage survivors to keep surviving, giving care givers hope, and remembering those that did not survive. 

Then on February 15th, at 4:30 p.m. we will be hosting our 2nd Annual “Heart Walk in Collaboration with Collective Preventive Services CPS. 

At this Remembrance Walk we will be remembering those who survived, those we lost. Encouraging the general public to come out and be inspired, be empowered, come and experience some fun. Walk with your Banners, Photos of your loves ones. Talented Students from the Charlotte Brookson Academy will also be leading the walk with their drums. 

On February 22, 2025 Is our Walk and Swim? This Event is always fun and reviving. We will be walking the Streets of Philipsburg, followed by water aerobics and a healthy breakfast. 

We are encouraging the public to wear Red on this day. Businesses can also decorate or ask their employees to wear red to show their support. 

Help us help you. Spread the word wear red. Eat healthier, know your numbers, maintain a healthy heart and mind.  

Know your Risk Factors for heart diseases: High Cholesterol, Hypertension, Smoking, Diabetes. 

Unhealthy body weight 

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Diabetes Foundation of Sint Maarten next testing program is on Saturday

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Diabetes Foundation of Sint Maarten (DFS) would like to inform the general public that they will be having their next testing morning on Saturday February 8, 2025, at the “ACE Mega Store,” at Union Road, Cole Bay.

The DFS program for the general public consists of the testing and distribution of information about Diabetes (glucose), cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI at “ACE Mega Store.” The testing and information distribution is from 10.00 am till 12.00 noon.

DFS tests are free of charge for the public.

“We would like to encourage the general public to continue testing on a regular, because you might have Diabetes and don’t know.

“Diabetes and other chronic diseases are at epidemic proportions in the Caribbean and other chronic diseases are at epidemic proportions in the Caribbean and continue to be a threat to the economic development of the region.

“We want to keep warning the general public to keep monitoring your food intake and try to keep checking yourself.

“Our aim as Foundation is to continue giving the necessary support and care to prevent Diabetes and increasing awareness on its consequences to the general public of St. Maarten.

“Our foundation is looking for volunteers to help us with our aim with prevent diabetes, give support and care to persons with Diabetes and to increase more awareness about Diabetes and its consequences on St. Maarten,” DFS said in a press statement on Wednesday.

For more information and about volunteering with DFS, please contact them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Reminder: Provisional Profit Tax Due by March 31, 2025

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Inspectorate of Taxes is reminding businesses that the deadline for paying and filling the 2024 Provisional Profit Tax Form is Monday, March 31, 2025.

To ensure compliance, businesses must submit the tax return form either at the cashier’s window or at the window at the Tax office in the Vineyard Building.

For cash/debit card payments, you can proceed to the Receivers Office. Payments can also be made at the Windward Islands Bank (WIB) to the Receivers Office Sint Maarten’s Naf. account: 324800-03 or Us$ account: 324800-05 or Royal Bank (RBC) Naf. account: 8200000005425048 or Us$ account: 8200000403930461. 

Or pay via online banking at your bank. Be sure to mention in the description box:

  • - Crib number;
  • - Year;
  • - Provisional profit tax

Businesses are encouraged to meet the deadline. For further information or assistance, contact the Inspectorate of Taxes via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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NAPB: Sint Maarten Strongly Opposes Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace!

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – NAPB-Sint Maarten is issuing this press release to state, in its entirety, that it stands firmly against any form of sexual misconduct, harassment, or inappropriate behavior within the workplace. The actions of any individual officer that violate the trust and safety of others, particularly through sexual misconduct, are completely unacceptable.

In light of a recent article concerning a case of sexual misconduct within KPSM (Ed. Sint Maarten Police Force) published via social media as well as a well-known media house, NAPB- Sint Maarten’s president, Marcus Pantophlet stated the following: 

“Law enforcement officers are held to the highest standards of conduct, and any violation of those standards, especially those that involve sexual misconduct undermines the integrity of the entire profession and harms the victims, our colleagues, and the communities we serve. NAPB-Sint Maarten maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual misconduct, harassment, or abuse of power. We strongly believe that any allegations of sexual misconduct, that a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation should be started and, in the same light, allowed the investigative process to take its course.”

NAPB- Sint Maarten encourages an environment where individuals feel safe to come forward without fear of retaliation or victimization. It is essential that victims have access to support services and resources to aid in their healing and recovery. In addition, NAPB- Sint Maarten calls for ongoing, mandatory training that focus on creating an environment free from harassment, fostering respect in the workplace, and ensuring that everyone understands the importance of consent, boundaries, and professional conduct.  This would help to ensure a safer, more respectful work environment for all. 

In closing, NAPB- Sint Maarten stands with those who have been affected directly and indirectly by sexual misconduct and pledge to do everything in our power to help eradicate this behavior from our ranks.

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Minister Gumbs of ECYS holds Introductory Meetings with School Boards. Says Challenges and Opportunities Lie Ahead

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport (ECYS), Ms. Melissa Gumbs, held introductory meetings with members of subsidised and private school boards over the last two weeks as part of her commitment to improving communication between educational institutions and the Ministry.

Each meeting allowed the minister to highlight her short-, medium-, and long-term priorities and gave the school boards space to express their concerns, highlight their accomplishments, and share their strategic plans with the minister.

Meetings were held with the boards of the Seventh Day Adventist, Methodist, Catholic, and Protestant schools on the island, as well as with the University of St. Martin, Charlotte Brookson Academy, SVOBE (MPC and Sundial), and Learning Unlimited Preparatory schools.

“I want to again, publicly, thank all academic institutions for participating in these introductory meetings,” Gumbs expressed in a statement. “While there are significant challenges facing the ministry and many schools, I believe that with open communication and dedicated collaboration, we can find creative and dynamic ways to move education on St. Maarten forward.”

Gumbs highlighted some of the recurring concerns that were shared with her, her Chief of Staff Suzette Moses-Burton, and MECYS Acting SG Shermina Powell-Richardson.

“Of course, the main concern is the amount of the subsidy received by those who are subsidised,” she stated. “I informed all subsidised boards that the lump sum system, which has caused some headaches over recent years, is currently being reviewed. As I explained in Parliament, actions requiring follow-up identified in the preliminary findings of this review will be addressed with urgency, and continued assessments will be conducted to make sure there is fairness, transparency, and accountability across the board.”

In addition to financial challenges, school boards highlighted difficulties with immigration processes to finalise documentation for incoming teachers, which Gumbs said she has already begun to address with her colleague, Minister of Justice Nathalie Tackling.

“Minister Tackling and I have committed to working together to resolve these bottlenecks in the immigration process,” Gumbs explained. “The intention is to implement solutions that are sustainable in the long term and in compliance with the laws of the land. In addition, I am also committed to finding creative ways to identify those young persons who display an affinity for teaching and create incentives for them to pursue that study and profession.”

Additionally, Gumbs shared with all subsidised boards that the Foundation-Based Education (FBE) system will be reviewed in 2025. This, she expressed, is something that she has been requesting and speaking about since being elected to Parliament in 2020.

“It’s a great honour to be able to put into motion something I have advocated for from the floor of Parliament since 2020,” Gumbs stated. “As Minister, it’s my goal to continue to initiate these types of assessments from within the Ministry but also to take action on the recommendations that they will reveal.”

Next up for Minister Gumbs are introductory school visits, where she will meet school managers, teachers, and students alike. Those interested in following updates from these visits and more are encouraged to follow the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport on Facebook.

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National Alliance Faction in Parliament Seeks Answers on Delayed 2025 National Budget Publication

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The National Alliance (NA) faction in Parliament is seeking clarification on the unexplained delay in the official publication of the approved 2025 National Budget. Despite Parliament approving the budget on January 17th, 2025, it hasn’t been published in the National Gazette, a necessary step to take legal effect.

The NA faction has formally requested an update from the President of Parliament on the reason for this delay and inquired when the budget will be published.

According to Article 82 of the Constitution of Sint Maarten, national ordinances such as the national budget are adopted by both the government and Parliament. Furthermore, Article 89 states that national ordinances must be published before they can take effect, which implies that the government cannot lawfully operate under the 2025 budget until its official publication.

This situation is especially concerning given that the National Alliance had previously questioned the urgency with which the budget was pushed through Parliament. Despite its approval, the budget remains unpublished, further delaying the process and raising serious concerns about transparency and efficiency.

The NA faction is particularly troubled by these delays, as they are eager to see the timely execution of key budgetary allocations, including the implementation of ASYCUDA, the payment of cost-of-living adjustments (COLA), vacation pay, school subsidies, the amendments approved during the budget debate, and the long-overdue back pay for justice personnel.

The National Alliance faction urges the government to act swiftly in finalizing this process to ensure the budget can be implemented without further delay. The budget is a critical financial instrument, and its proper implementation is necessary for the country’s stability and development.

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Adventure, Creativity, and Cultural Celebration: Highlights from Mylo Freeman’s Successful Workshops

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The vibrant week of author and illustrator Mylo Freeman’s visit to Sint Maarten, sponsored by Biblionef in collaboration with the Sint Maarten Library, the Ministry of Education, Youth, Culture, and Sports, and SECDA, was a resounding success. This inspiring initiative culminated in two unforgettable events that seamlessly blended creativity, education, and excitement."

A Day of Adventure and Creativity:

On the final day of activities, a dynamic illustration workshop was held for children aged 7-10 from Alexander’s and Brighter Child Afterschool Programs. However, the day took an unexpected turn when the building’s smoke detectors sounded, prompting a safe evacuation.

The children were met with a delightful surprise outside: Prime Minister Luc Mercelina! The Prime Minister took time to greet the excited children, creating a moment they will not soon forget. Once the building was cleared and deemed safe, the workshop resumed, allowing the children to complete their illustration activities. Despite the interruption, their enthusiasm and creativity remained unwavering.

Barbie Workshop: Celebrating Diversity and Creativity:

Earlier in the week, on Saturday, January 18, a special Barbie workshop was held for children aged 4-6 at the Government Building. This unique event celebrated diversity and imagination. Children brought their own Barbie dolls to the session, where they explored a fascinating collection of Barbie dolls representing various ethnic backgrounds.

Guided by renowned author Mylo Freeman, the children learned about the history of Black Barbie and engaged in hands-on activities, designing and decorating vibrant outfits for their dolls. The workshop not only sparked creativity but also encouraged discussions on cultural representation and inclusivity.

A Memorable Week with Mylo Freeman:

Throughout the week, Mylo Freeman, celebrated author and illustrator, captivated young audiences at daycare centers across Sint Maarten. Through engaging workshops and readings, she introduced children to her beloved book Hello, Baby!, inspiring young minds with messages of love and acceptance.

The week’s activities showcased the power of collaboration in creating meaningful experiences for children. Biblionef, along with its partners, remains dedicated to fostering initiatives that merge education, culture, and creativity.

Writers’ and Illustrators’ Workshops: Nurturing Aspiring Creators

The highlight of the week was the Writers’ and Illustrators’ Workshops, held on Monday, January 20, and Tuesday, January 21, 2025. During the Writers’ Workshop, Mylo Freeman guided participants through the essential elements of picture book storytelling, including story structure, ways to activate a narrative using a basic storyline scheme, and key do's and don'ts of writing for children. Participants were then tasked with writing a short story based on the theme of "fantasy."

This was followed by the Illustrators’ Workshop, where Freeman emphasized the importance of composition, starting with small sketches to develop a feel for illustrations, experimenting with different perspectives, and expressing emotions vividly. Participants explored various artistic techniques, including watercolor, digital illustration, inks, and mixed media. The hands-on nature of the workshop allowed them to experiment with different materials and enhance their artistic expression.

A Special Appearance on Sint Maarten Library Virtual Storytime

As part of her visit, Mylo Freeman made a special appearance on the Sint Maarten Library’s Virtual Storytime, where she presented two of her books: Calling Dr. Zaza and Princess Arabella is a Big Sister.

In addition, her recently published book Hello, Baby! is part of an ongoing special promotion. While supplies last, babies and toddlers (ages 0-2) who register at the Sint Maarten Library will receive a Baby Kit, and children aged 3 will receive a Hello, Baby! backpack upon registration. For older children, Princess Arabella is a Big Sister was featured on the library’s program It’s Time for a Story.

The Sint Maarten Library encourages both patrons and non-patrons to stay engaged for upcoming exciting projects. In addition invites the community to keep celebrating the transformative power of storytelling and imagination.

For more information on upcoming events and initiatives, please visit Sint Maarten Library or follow us on social media. 

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Bervoets Emphasizes the Role of Financial Innovation in Advancing the Caribbean’s Blue Economy

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - At the Caribbean Green Infrastructure Conference (CGIC) 2025, Tadzio Bervoets, a leading Caribbean expert in marine conservation, conservation finance and sustainable ocean economies, delivered a keynote presentation on the importance of innovative financial mechanisms in securing long-term environmental and economic resilience for the Caribbean.

Bervoets, who has spent almost two decades at the intersection of marine conservation, policy development, and financial sustainability, currently serves as the Project Lead for the Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s (CBF) BluEFin Project. His work focuses on designing and implementing nature-based financial solutions, including blue bonds, debt conversion strategies, and blue carbon markets, to provide sustainable funding for marine and coastal protection.

Addressing an audience that included Ministers and Parliamentarians from Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM nations, as well as experts in infrastructure development and environmental finance, Bervoets underscored the urgent need for Caribbean governments to fully understand and strategically implement financial instruments that support sustainable economic growth while preserving critical ecosystems.

"The Caribbean must take ownership of its financial future by leveraging the mechanisms available to us," Bervoets stated. "Blue finance tools such as debt conversions and blue bonds are not just theoretical concepts—they are practical solutions that have already been successfully implemented in other regions. If properly structured, they can provide the long-term capital needed to invest in marine conservation, climate adaptation, and resilient infrastructure without increasing financial burdens on our economies.”

During his presentation, Bervoets detailed how public-private partnerships, structured investment mechanisms, and integrated financial policies can create a more stable and self-sufficient blue economy in the region. He highlighted successful models where sustainable debt restructuring has been used to fund conservation efforts while reducing national debt burdens, noting that such approaches could be adapted to the unique economic and ecological realities of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

His participation at CGIC 2025 further reinforced the growing recognition that financial innovation must be at the core of Caribbean climate adaptation strategies. As extreme weather events, sea level rise, and biodiversity loss continue to threaten regional economies, Bervoets emphasized that aligning conservation priorities with economic planning is no longer optional—it is imperative for survival.

Throughout the conference, he engaged with regional financial institutions, policymakers, and conservation leaders to discuss opportunities for scaling up sustainable finance initiatives, particularly through collaborative governance frameworks and capacity-building programs. These discussions underscored the critical role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in ensuring that Caribbean nations do not just access financial mechanisms, but also shape them to serve their long-term interests.

The CBF BluEFin Project, financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Waters Focal Area, is a regional initiative dedicated to expanding nature-based financial solutions for marine conservation. The project is developing innovative financing mechanisms that mobilize investment into sustainable blue economy sectors while strengthening local and regional financial management capabilities.

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CMC DAY 3: SUN AND SPRAY, SAIL TODAY!

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - Yesterday marked the beginning of the second half of CMC, where scoreboards are starting to be filled with bullets and show a kind of reality to all participants, revealing leaders and their followers. But in the race toward fun, there is no finish line! With weather conditions quite like the day before, we knew the gods of sailing would deliver the right materials for a great thrilling sailing day.

Apart from the rally participants, still in a party mood, some racers, although known as resistant, have started to show some fatigue and boats are requiring a bit of maintenance. At CMC, challenges are a daily reality!

Rally Division: Just Another Day in Paradise

Morning light in Anse Marcel looked like a Gauguin painting. A mix of pale green, intenseblue and shades of grey after a short shower gifted us with a magic rainbow. Based on thetime trial calculation, each multihull would be given a departure time, so that the Committee could expect all yachts to arrive – more or less – at the same time in St Barth later on Saturday.

As promised, we investigated to know more about what happened last night during the party, but it seems the Rally secrets are so well kept that we will never find out. Whatever!

Between 10AM and 10.30AM, participants leaving Anse Marcel in choppy seas had to sail round St Martin, north of Tintamarre. They were expected for a sundowner at Saint Barth Yacht Club in Gustavia.

CSA Race: Strategic sailing, tactical turns

At CMC, every day is a new day! On that third racing day, trained crews are getting familiar with the neighborhood, improving their maneuvers, fine-tuning their trimmings, enhancing their level and upgrading their skillsets! The longer the legs, the bigger gaps become.

Today’s route included a direct sail to St Barth, to be left on portside which means tacking and rolling on its windward coast. Then a long downwind sail up north toward Tintamarre, to be left on portside as well, before heading south along Sint Maarten, and, last, make a left turn to target Simpson Bay as the wind was dying a little. Nice journey!

Seasoned sailors will easily understand that such a course requires not only some tactical experience but also a physical commitment. An exercise in which Gunboat 72 LAYLA shined.

“My crew and I are very happy with the results today, but there’s still one race to go tomorrow!” stated the owner. Games aren’t done yet!

Diam24: If in doubt, go big!

“In such weather, having extra kilos on board can be interesting” shares Pierre Altier, member of CMC Steering Committee, and key to the Diam24 presence in the Caribbean. “Ideal crew weight is 220kilos, but in today’s breeze, the heavier was the better” continues CRYBABY’s owner and skipper.

Talking about physical condition, sailing a one-design lightweight trimaran can quickly become very demanding. Think about blinking every three seconds to wave salt out of your eyes, constantly moving in or out, fore and aft, up and down on the hull or the trampoline, to balance weight and optimize the righting moment. Think about the communication on board between helmsman, trimmer and number one at the mast foot. Only a perfect coordination allows performance. And when all crew are well trained and experienced what happens? The level gets higher and higher! But boats also start to weaken, and abdominal muscles begin to hurt. Ouch!

After the second race today, one could easily feel from the VHF communications that crews were tiring and boats were suffering: broken rudder, loose batten, etc. At 1PM, only 5 out 9 were still in functioning mode to continue racing, when the Race Committee made a wise decision and said “stop”. On the last tack, gennakers were flying downwind, and crews were visibly pushing as hard as they could to grab a couple of precious seconds. A quick look at the scoreboard shows that the podium is almost frozen yet allowing some potential surprises and suspense for tomorrow.

To the question “how was today? Tough or easy?”, ANOMALY’s skipper, Jan Sotelo, leading the scoreboard, answered in a smile: “easy!”

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INNOVATE 2025: AI & Automation for Entrepreneurial Growth

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) – On February 9, 2025, Islandpreneur hosts its first masterclass of the year focused on equipping Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) with digital tools to accelerate growth. 

This exclusive in-person masterclass, INNOVATE 2025, is designed to help small business owners scale their operations and revenue using cutting-edge tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and Google’s Messy Middle framework, a new research-based way of marketing and engaging with customers.  

This event will take place at the Board Room at Holland House Hotel in Philipsburg from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM providing hands-on learning and real-world applications. This 3-hour interactive session will guide business owners through the Transition Model, helping them identify their current business stage—whether in Survival, Stability, Scalability, or Sustainability—and craft a roadmap for success in 2025.

This masterclass is carefully curated to ensure that business owners have practical strategies to navigate today’s fast-changing landscape combining AI, automation, and consumer psychology to ensure they stay ahead.

Some of the key takeaways include: 1) understanding and implementing AI and automation for business efficiency, 2) mastering the messy middle – a game changing approach to consumer decision-making and 3) building a strategic 90-day action plan for sustainable business growth. Attendees will get an assessment to identify where they are in their business growth journey and will leave with a comprehensive workbook, actionable insights, and access to valuable business tools.

Facilitated by Ife Badejo, internationally recognized Founder & CEO of Islandpreneur International, this masterclass is only available for 12 entrepreneurs and includes light refreshments. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or whatsapp +1-721-520-0033. To register, visit: www.islandpreneur.co

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