SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - “The Road network of St. Maarten was subject of much debate during the handling of the amended budget 2024 in the Parliament”, Member of Parliament (MP) Sarah Wescot Williams stated in a recent letter to Minister of VROMI, Patrice Gumbs.

Before minister Gumbs’ tenure, information was provided by the ministry regarding dirt roads to be paved etc. as it related to the capital budget 2024. However, a detailed calendar of works with respect to the paving of side roads, the so-called Side Road Pavement project which was promised to parliament, has not been received, MP Wescot explained.

“I have reminded the minister to share this program with parliament, especially after the recent heavy rains that have laid bare a lot of deficiencies in our road system. Every road appears to be a priority and with a limited budget available, there must be a contingency plan put in place.”

Given the announced plan of the current minister to carefully analyze big development projects and their impact on the road network and drainage, it is concerning to see road work ongoing without taking these matters into consideration.

Of the Well Road, a highly traversed road, it was mentioned that this is a “secondary” road and scheduled for repairs in 2025. However, a caveat in all of the road repair projects seems to be the drainage or rather the lack of adequate drainage.

The Union Road was also frequently mentioned and questioned by members of parliament. As was e.g. Arch Road (Madame Estate). Of this latter road it was stated that it is a priority, but due to water issues, repairs could not start just yet.

Of the road to Point Blanche, it was stated that several meters of roadwork would be omitted to accommodate more in-depth drainage work.

It was also conceded by the ministry that generally no height surveys are being conducted and the sloping of the roads have not been addressed.

In August of 2022, the ministry announced receipt of the plan for a comprehensive approach to storm and waste water, with “recommendations, rules and regulations, for both storm water and waste water”.

At the announcement of that plan, it was stated “hard surfacing of (newly to develop) areas will cause storm water to be discharged very fast and thus forming a great threat for low-lying areas. The goal is to avoid huge amounts of storm water from flowing down very quickly and dragging everything along with it. Besides that, a quick rise of water levels may cause a lot a damage to buildings”.

The policy document for storm water includes a set of guidelines for slowing down the discharge as well as the storage of storm water in so called ‘detention ponds’ during the storm and for a period of time after the storm. “For new-to-develop areas, it is of utmost importance to adhere to these rules and guidelines to protect low-lying areas”, it was stated in 2022.

The capital investment 2024 budget includes 4 million guilders for hard surfacing of dirt roads, based on the CAPEX high lights from the VROMI ministry.

While the ministry determined Well Road to be a secondary road, the elucidation of the CAPEX high lights is “focused on secondary dirt roads island wide”.

Section 1 of the CAPEX Highlights mentioned the preparation works for Ackee Tree Drive and notes “the other roads in section one (Cole Bay) are pending the preparation works for drainage in the area (which are ongoing).

It is critical to understand what the ministry’s definition is of a secondary road and also which other roads in section 1 (Cole Bay), according to the ministry are pending the preparation works for drainage. What drainage work is ongoing?

MP Wescot continued her questions, based on the information provided by the ministry earlier this year and again during the handling of the 2024 budget amendment.

Who is responsible for the adequate sloping and drainage of the roads under construction in accordance with the Country St. Maarten Sewerage Master Plan 2020-2030?

Are the roads/drives in the Diamond Estate area (Peter John, Sea Grape, Bearded Fig Tree etc.) on the list of “secondary (dirt) roads? If not, why not?

The minister’s statement following the torrential rains of the past week alluded to strict measures regarding (new) developments.

Then the question begs: “what about government’s responsibility for the proper construction of the public infrastructure?”

I also took this opportunity to seek for further clarity on the government’s position on the road fund, given the recent statement by Prime Minister Mercelina that the loan which was provided to PJIA will come back to the country for infrastructural improvements.

If this is indeed the case, the road network plan needs to be updated and prioritized and the funding needs to be structured post haste, the MP concluded.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The second weekend of December brought an unforgettable sailing spectacle to the waters of Sint Maarten, St. Barth, and Anguilla, as the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and co-host Saint Martin Voile Pour Tous welcomed sailors to the 21st edition of the highly anticipated Course de l’Alliance, proudly sponsored by FKG.

The event kicked off on Thursday, December 5, with registration and a skipper’s briefing at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club. Participating teams received shirts and a goodie bag. Race Officer Elja van der Horst led the skipper’s briefing, ensuring everyone was prepared for the exciting days ahead.

This year, 21 boats competed across four fleets: CSA 1, CSA 2, CSA Multihull, and the Diam fleet.

The first race took place on Friday, December 6, with boats starting at 11:00 a.m. from Simpson Bay and heading toward St. Barth. Ideal sailing conditions created a spectacular race, with the Diam fleet completing the course in just two hours. The Saint Barth Yacht Club welcomed participants with a happy hour, a delicious paella dinner, and the day’s prize-giving ceremony led by Elja van der Horst.

On Saturday, competitors embarked on a challenging journey from St. Barth to Anguilla. The race committee started the downwind race early, at 9:00 a.m., ensuring all fleets had ample time for the longer sail. The finish times of the teams varied significantly, with some finishing after five hours of sailing. The Anguilla Yacht Club greeted the sailors at the finish line, followed by a dinner and prize-giving ceremony at ROY’s.

The final leg on Sunday brought added excitement, especially for the Diam fleet, where the outcome of the last race would determine the overall winner. The Anguilla Yacht Club handled the start, allowing the committee boat to prepare the finish line in Simpson Bay.

After the final finish, sailors gathered at the Sint Maarten Yacht Club for the closing ceremony and prize-giving at 4:00 p.m. FKG provided trophies for the first-place winners in all fleets, while second and third places received fine bottles of wine.

In the CSA 1 Class, competition was fierce among eight boats. Maelia secured first place, followed by Dauntless in second and More Zessin’ in third.

The CSA 2 Class featured four Melges boats with closely matched performances. Budget Marine Rodeo finished fourth, Team IWW secured third, and Caraibes Diesel claimed second. The overall winner was the event sponsor, FKG.

In the CSA Multihull Class, two boats competed against each other, with Seaduction triumphing over Oceans Tribute.

The Diam Fleet showcased seven boats in this thrilling category. Karibuni placed third, while Cry Baby and Ty Male tied on points. Ty Male ultimately claimed first place after a thrilling final race.

The Course de l’Alliance was a resounding success thanks to the dedication of many. Special thanks were extended to Saint-Martin Voile Pour Tous, FKG, the Anguilla Yacht Club, and the St. Barth Yacht Club for their contributions to this cherished regatta. Also, a big shout out to AXA Yacht Services Ltd for helping the whole fleet with Anguilla clearance.

As sailors head home with unforgettable memories, the organizers expressed their appreciation to everyone who made this event possible, especially all competitors. Here’s to celebrating another successful edition of the Course de l’Alliance, and we hope to see everyone back for next year’s event.

SINT MAARTEN/CAYMAN ISLANDS - Health City Cayman Islands has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in regional orthopedic care by performing the English-speaking Caribbean’s first robotic knee replacement surgery using the state-of-the-art Smith & Nephew CORI Surgical System.

This cutting-edge technology equips surgeons with real-time imaging and 3D digital modeling, enabling precise implant placement customized to each patient’s anatomy. This leads to a faster recovery, improved mobility, and a more natural feel for patients undergoing partial or total knee replacements.

Osteoarthritis, a major cause of knee pain exacerbated by rising obesity and diabetes rates, poses a growing health challenge across Latin America and the Caribbean. The condition gradually deteriorates cartilage – the smooth cushioning between bones – leading to pain, reduced mobility, and a diminished quality of life.

Senior Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Clinical Director at Health City, Dr. Binoy Chattuparambil, expressed his enthusiasm for the introduction of this transformative technology: “By integrating real-time imaging and planning, we can improve outcomes and elevate the standard of care we provide. We are committed to leveraging cutting-edge tools like CORI to ensure patient safety, satisfaction, and optimal recovery.”

Shomari Scott, Chief Business Officer at Health City, highlighted the significance of the milestone, stating, “Implementing the CORI Surgical System marks another pivotal step in our mission to deliver innovative health care solutions. This advanced robotic technology positions us at the forefront of orthopedic care in the region. By investing in tools that improve patient outcomes and streamline our surgical processes, we reinforce our commitment to excellence and ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care available.”

Advanced Surgical Options for Osteoarthritis

The CORI system represents the latest advancement in knee robotic surgery. It provides a three-dimensional view of the knee, enabling surgeons to select the ideal implant size and develop a comprehensive surgical plan that optimizes movement and function. The system, which significantly reduces the likelihood of complications, allows precise removal of damaged surfaces, joint balancing, and accurate implant positioning based on the patient’s unique knee anatomy.

Partial knee replacement, an option for early to mid-stage osteoarthritis, replaces only the damaged part of the knee, preserving supporting tissues and ligaments. Total knee replacement is used for advanced cases, replacing the entire joint with an artificial implant to restore function and alleviate pain.

Dr. Niranjan Nagaraja, Senior Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon at Health City Cayman Islands, revealed that the CORI Surgical System represents a paradigm shift in orthopedic surgery, allowing for unmatched precision and adaptability: “By incorporating advanced robotics into our procedures, we are not only enhancing surgical accuracy but also creating opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing. This milestone reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries in patient care and ensuring the best possible outcomes for every individual we treat.”

Dr. Alwin Almeida, Consultant Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, emphasized the personalized approach made possible by CORI: “It’s a custom fit for the patient … you can decide exactly which size goes where, and then you have the perfect fit for the patient. So the CORI Surgical System means better functional outcome, better range of motion, and a faster healing process.”

Building on a track record of innovation, Health City partnered with OceanMed in 2022 to perform the Cayman Islands’ first robotic laparoscopic surgeries using the da Vinci X surgical system. 

As Health City Cayman Islands continues to pioneer robotic surgery, it reaffirms its dedication to advancing medical technology and delivering exceptional patient care, paving the way for a healthier future in the Caribbean.

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - The Sint Maarten Yacht Club and Saint Martin Voile Pour Tous are delighted to announce the 21st edition of the Course de l’Alliance. This three-island regatta is scheduled to take place from December 6th to 8th, 2024, with registration and a skipper’s briefing on Thursday, December 5th. This iconic sailing event will feature 19 boats, promising a weekend of exciting races and great camaraderie.

For the first time, the Sint Maarten Yacht Club and Saint Martin Voile Pour Tous are teaming up to organize this year’s regatta, combining their expertise to enhance the event. Adding to the excitement, competitors from the Round the Rock Regatta, organized by Holland Creations House, will also join the Course de l’Alliance. These racers will sail to St. Eustatius on December 4th and return to Sint Maarten on December 5th, ready to take part in the Course de l’Alliance.

The regatta kicks off in Simpson Bay, Sint Maarten, on Friday, December 6th, with the fleet racing to Saint Barth, where the Saint Barth Yacht Club will host a vibrant happy hour and paella dinner for all competitors.

On Saturday, December 7th, the fleet continues to the shores of Anguilla, navigating challenging seas and stunning landscapes.

The grand finale unfolds on Sunday, December 8th, as competitors race back to Sint Maarten to determine the overall winners in various classes. Trophies will be provided by FKG, renowned for crafting beautiful awards for the Course de l’Alliance.

This year’s regatta will feature a range of boats, including the CSA 1 and CSA 2 fleets, a multihull fleet, and the Diam 24 fleet. Reigning champions are returning to defend their titles, such as Team IWW, the CSA 1 winner from 2023. In contrast, the Diam 24 fleet and CSA Multihull class are open for new champions, with previous winners not registered for this year’s race.

The Sint Maarten Yacht Club extends its heartfelt gratitude to sponsor FKG Marine, whose support has been instrumental in the success of this event. FKG will also participate in the event with a Melges 24.

The Course de l’Alliance is a celebration of camaraderie and sailing mastery, offering a unique opportunity for sailors to showcase their skills while exploring the Caribbean’s most stunning islands.

“We’re thrilled to welcome a big fleet of boats to the 21st edition of the Course de l’Alliance,” said Race Officer Elja van der Horst. “With 19 teams participating, this year’s event offers a thrilling mix of competition and diversity. It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable weekend for everyone involved.”

For last year’s results or more information about this year’s edition, including the Notice of Race and registration details, please visit smyc.com/la-course-de-lalliance or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.