August 05, 2026 No comments
‘Visibility is key’
SINT MAARTEN/THE NETHERLANDS - Representatives of various Human Rights and Queer/LGBTQIA+ organizations from Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Saint Martin, and Saba are participating in WorldPride in Amsterdam this week. Twelve representatives are joining forces at the initiative of the EQ Bonaire foundation from Bonaire. They are committed to mutual respect and equality. It is a busy week, but they are happy to actively participate in the various activities. For instance, on August 1st, they sailed along in the famous Canal Parade through the Amsterdam canals. They were on the boat of their host, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW). The Bonairean and Curacao flags and cardboards signs with Rèspèt! were proudly held high. Nos t’ei, We are here! Aruba Visibility is essential, explains Aruban...
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August 05, 2026 No comments
Five Tzu Chi volunteers complete humanitarian training in Mexico
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Five representatives of the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation–St. Maarten have returned home after participating in the 2026 Central and South America Volunteer Training Camp in Mexico, saying they were inspired to strengthen the foundation's humanitarian work on the island. The delegation, comprising Sai Fong Chu (Sandra) Cheung, Hilda Carrasco, Carolina Garcia, Natacha Marville and Louise Chu, attended the training camp from July 23 to July 29. They joined Tzu Chi volunteers and commissioners from Taiwan, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Ecuador, Paraguay, Honduras and Nicaragua for six days of learning, humanitarian service and cultural exchange. The delegation expressed gratitude to Tzu Chi Headquarters for the opportunity to participate in the programme, where they...
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August 04, 2026 No comments
MP Lewis Calls for Urgent Action Following the Series of Robberies in broad Daylight
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament (MP) and Vice Chair of the Justice Committee, Lyndon Lewis has expressed grave concern regarding the recent robberies in broad daylight. One of these robberies was committed in broad daylight, reportedly just steps away from a police station on Union Road, Cole Bay. According to MP Lewis, these crimes committed underscores the growing concerns surrounding public safety and our tourism product in Sint Maarten while raising serious questions that deserve immediate answers from the Minister of Justice and the Government on a whole. "The fact that some of these robberies were captured on video and has now gone viral only amplifies the fear and frustration being felt throughout our community,"...
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August 04, 2026 No comments
Connor Departs NRPB. Ruben J. Thompson to assume operational responsibility as Deputy Director
SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The National Recovery Program Bureau (NRPB) announces that Director Claret Connor will be sworn in as Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA) on Wednesday, August 5. As Connor assumes his new role, Rueben J. Thompson will assume responsibility for the Bureau’s day-to-day operations in the capacity of Deputy Director. Connor has served as Director of the NRPB since the Bureau’s formation in January 2019. During his leadership, the Bureau has successfully managed its portfolio of recovery and resilience projects financed through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund on behalf of the Government of Sint Maarten. Over the past seven years, the NRPB has supported the implementation of projects representing investments of approximately US$350 million while...
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August 04, 2026 No comments
Minister Arrindell Welcomes Curaçao’s Newly Appointed Minister Plenipotentiary
THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE) – Minister Plenipotentiary Drs. Gracita R. Arrindell recently welcomed the newly appointed Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, Sidney C. Justiana, to the Cabinet of Sint Maarten as part of his introductory meetings in The Hague following his arrival in the Netherlands three weeks ago. The introductory meeting provided an opportunity for both Ministers to exchange views on the role and responsibilities of a Minister Plenipotentiary and discuss their respective priorities and areas of focus for the coming period. They also reaffirmed the importance of maintaining close cooperation between the Caribbean countries of the Kingdom on matters of mutual interest. Minister Arrindell stated: "I wish the incoming Minister Plenipotentiary every success and strength as he assumes his new responsibilities. I look...
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