SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The United Sint Maarten Party (USP) established in 2014 has been a contender in every election since it was established, winning 2 seats in every election held since, with 3 seats being the highest awarded to the party in the 2016 election campaign.

Nicholas a founder and first president of the US Party first ran in 2016 at the bottom of the list as candidate number 19. In this upcoming election, he is running as the number 2 candidate behind his new leader Mrs. Pamela Gordon-Carty.

In an invited comment on Monday, Nicholas the former Chief of Staff in 2016 to Minister Melissa Arindell- Doncher (TEATT) was asked, what the country could expect if he’s elected.

“As I step into the political arena, as a candidate, the population of St. Maarten can anticipate a leader who is deeply rooted in the values of integrity, transparency, and progress,” said Nicholas.

In his introduction as a candidate to the population of St. Maarten, Nicholas emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing the pressing issues facing the nation. He articulated his vision for a future where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive, where the government is accountable to its people, and where the island's potential is fully achieved. He also spoke passionately about economic development, social welfare, and environmental sustainability.

Cecil Nicholas is a respected figure on St. Maarten, he is not just an entrepreneur and businessman; he is also an advocate for the betterment and enlightenment of the St. Maarten population. He is an example of what is possible when as an individual you commit your life to striving for independence, personal improvement, and a relentless pursuit of success, despite financial challenges.

Nicholas professed that his character is a reflection of the foundation upon which St. Maarten was built; a spirit of resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in the power of individual empowerment.

“In an environment where financial constraints often dictate the limits of one's aspirations, I stand as a beacon of hope and inspiration. I defied the odds, rising from humble beginnings to achieve remarkable success through sheer determination and an unyielding commitment to personal improvement,” added Nicholas.

Nicholas' conviction for independence extends to his unwavering support for initiatives that empower individuals to chart their own course. He understands the transformative impact of entrepreneurship and the role it plays in driving economic growth and prosperity.

His advocacy for policies and organizations like Qredits realized during his tenure as Chief of staff to the minister of TEATT, fosters an environment conducive to entrepreneurial success and has left an indelible mark on our society. His dedication to economic development, social welfare, environmental sustainability and community development exemplifies the leadership qualities needed for a prosperous and inclusive St. Maarten.

“I am a firm believer that personal improvement can be contagious and the more examples of the transformative power of independence there are in a society, the more inspired, motivated, forward thinking and progressive that society will become,” exclaimed Nicholas.

He is adamant that championing the cause of entrepreneurship, advocating for policies that empower individuals to succeed, and fostering an environment where financial challenges do not limit one’s aspirations; is a reflection of the core values with which every St. Maartener was raised.

“With a focus on inclusivity, empowerment, independence and personal improvement, I will set the stage for a new era of governance in St. Maarten, characterized by vision, empathy, and a steadfast commitment to public good,” concluded Nicholas.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Ministry of VROMI, in collaboration with the Fire Department, provides a follow-up announcement regarding the ongoing boulders removal operation on Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Point Blanche, across the Port of Sint Maarten. Regrettably, despite our best efforts, one boulder remains, necessitating the final phase of operations.

Key Details:

Date and Time: The final phase of the boulder’s removal operation is scheduled for, Sunday December 3^rd, 2023, from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM.

Location: The operation will take place on Juancho Yrausquin Boulevard, Point Blanche, across the Port of Sint Maarten, causing a partial road closure during the specified timeframe.

Reason for Operation: The remaining boulder requires special attention to ensure a safe and controlled removal. This operation is essential for the overall safety of the community.

Cautionary Note to Drivers: We urge all drivers to exercise extreme caution and consider planning trips accordingly. Temporary traffic management measures with KPSM will be in place to guide drivers safely through the area.

Emergency Access: Emergency vehicles will have continued access to Point Blanche through the port during the operation.

We understand that this operation may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption caused. The cooperation and understanding of the community are highly appreciated.

We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the Port of Sint Maarten’s Management for their invaluable cooperation in facilitating the smooth execution of this essential operation.

Our dedicated team is committed to swiftly completing this operation. All necessary precautions will be taken to ensure the safety of both residents and our operational team.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Infrastructure Department at VROMI This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - Peridot Foundation said in a statement on Thursday: “We are truly excited to welcome Mrs. Tomaro Pilgrim our guest speaker and her spouse Mr. Osrick Pelgrim to our shores. Together with Ms. Zoya Hyman, psychologist, this year’s domestic violence awareness program will be a must event to attend. United Nation’s theme for 2023: UNITE! INVEST TO PREVENT VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN & GIRLS is a call for action.”

“Our program will be held at the Los SanFernando’s event hall, located at the Airport Boulevard Road #29 in Simpson Bay next to the Republic Bank on Friday, December 1. Program commences at 8:00 PM and concludes 9.30 PM.

“The message is clear”, said President of Peridot Foundation Gracita Arrindell, “Societies must be proactive and invest more in programs and policies to create a safer place for all, especially for women and girls.

This joint effort achieves life changing and lasting results. It also means a chance for positive intergenerational improved quality of life.

Therefore we are most appreciative of the founders of Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E (TC) to accept our invitation to collaborate with our foundation to enlighten our audience on this subject matter.”

Arrindell continues: “Peridot Foundation whole-heartedly shares the vision of Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E which is the belief that ‘within every individual there is the potential to achieve greatness’.

“Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E. is a non-profit organization that provides behavioral and mental health therapy and support services to individuals, families, couples, and group therapeutic counseling addressing issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and mood disorders. ‘TC’ also provides therapeutic counseling services to youth and adults.

“With a great focus on youth ‘TC’s organization includes a wonderful ‘YES’ program.

This ‘Yes’ program, as stated by the founders, ‘guarantees irrespective of the individuals financial situation all eligible youth up to age 23 services they need for wellness’.

I ask the question, when is the time to structurally expand our established programs to include such an opportunity for our youth in Sint Maarten?”

Arrindell continued: “Mrs. Pilgrim experience spans over twenty years that include; internal strength building, parent/child relationship building, self-esteem/self-worth/self-care & assertiveness for the youth, teaching parent education, coping and management skills as it pertains to trauma/stress/depression/and anxiety, relationship issues, juvenile delinquency, grief, and meditation.

“Equipped with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in sociology, master’s degrees both in counseling and human services. She holds a LMSW (license master’s social worker) and is a HS-BCP (Human Services Board-Certified Practitioner).”

Gracita concludes: “as stated previously, our exciting and informative program line –up features not only our two formidable speakers Mrs. Tomaro Pilgrim and Ms. Zoya Hyman our popular young psychologist who is equally excited to continue her thought provoking messages with our audience.

“Our program includes a stellar performance by students of Charlotte Brookson Academy for the Performing Arts as well as an element of surprise.

‘Creating Healing Answers & Necessary Guidance for Excellence’ is the motto of Tomaro’s C.H.A.N.G.E. Let us do just that, starting today.”

SINT MAARTEN (SIMPSON BAY) - TradeWinds Experience and the Caribbean Multihull Challenge Race & Rally are joining forces this February on the occasion of the 6^th annual running of this fast-growing regatta & rally. As TradeWinds introduces its new Fontaine Pajot 59’ TWe6 Smart Electric Yacht – Aurora - it has selected the Sint Maarten Yacht Club’s CMC to showcase its initiative toward creating advanced sustainability by adding electric catamarans in the years to come.

Aurora is powered by hydro, solar, and wind. She is state of the art sustainable….as green as can be given recent advances in technology. With 5 comfortable cabins, ensuite heads, and entertaining space everywhere, she is built for her guests to enjoy perfect luxury in the Caribbean and anywhere she goes. Available only to TradeWinds Experience club members and their guests, we are bound to hear more and more about her in the marine and luxury travel industry press as we go forward.

To highlight the kick-off -- and further celebrate their 25^th anniversary; TradeWinds – founded in Sint Maarten -- is supporting the marine environmental work of both the Caribbean Cetacean Society and CLEAR Caribbean. Through the generosity of the CMC and TradeWinds - marine mammal protection and coral reef restoration activities in the Caribbean will benefit from a campaign to raise funds and build awareness for both these enterprises. 

In conjunction with TradeWinds Caribbean Multihull Challenge top level sponsorship; all sailors, guests, and visitors to the Sint Maarten Yacht Club during the CMC’s 5-day program - January 31^st through February 4^th - will get an opportunity to see Aurora and meet with CSS, CLEAR, and TradeWinds representatives to learn more about each one’s actions to maintain the health of our oceans.

Aurora will be a standout in the CMC’s four-day rally visiting Simpson and Great Bays in St. Maarten, Tintemarre and Anse Marcel in St. Martin, and Gustavia in St. Barth’s. She will sail with a leadership group from the company as crew; and socialize each night with all CMC sailors.

As a further highlight of this year’s event, the CMC is introducing a commemorative dry wicking polo from Magic Marine embroidered with the brilliant event logo. 10% of the total sales of the polo will be donated 50/50 to CSS and CLEAR. Says Stephen Burzon, volunteer marketing director of the CMC….”as evidence of the successful evolution of our unique multihulls-only race and rally and our love of the oceans, the steering committee has voted to add more soul to our enterprise by creating a donation for our environmental partners.