SABA (THE BOTTOM) - Saba recently had the privilege of hosting a visit from a Nordic ski scout team from the United States. The team consisted of Tracy Cote, the long-time Colby College Nordic Ski team coach; Patrick Cote, a US Ski Team certified course designer; Silas Eastman, the chief trail groomer and course manager in Jackson, New Hampshire, home of the largest Nordic skiing trail network in the region New England; and Deanna Eastman, a member of Jackson’s ski patrol and emergency response team.

The Nordic ski scout team set out on an adventure that ended up blending the beauty of skiing with the joy of hiking. Saba's roads and the attractive hiking trail system provided a remarkable opportunity for the team to combine the two activities seamlessly. They were delighted by the idea of skiing and then hiking, making the most of the island's natural terrain.

During their stay, the team took on the challenge of assembling four exhilarating uphill climbs. The roads proved to be a great match for their training and allowed them to push their limits while taking in the beautiful views that Saba has to offer. The team’s coordinator Chris Fauske stated, “the smoothness of the concrete road surface presented fewer challenges than the team anticipated and offered the opportunity for extensive ‘classic’ technique skiing.”

The island's warm hospitality, coupled with its stunning natural surroundings, left a lasting impression on the team members. As a result, the team is engaged in discussions to consider the island for future ski events.

As the Nordic ski team concluded their journey to Saba, they left with a deeper understanding of the island's potential. The team recognizes the untapped opportunity that Saba presents, and they are excited about the prospect of introducing the world of skiing to the Unspoiled Queen of the Caribbean.

This visit further strengthens Saba's reputation as a destination that embraces exciting outdoor adventures. The Public Entity Saba anticipates future collaborations with ski enthusiasts and is committed to highlighting Saba's distinctive charm on a global scale.

SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY, (DCOMM) – The Colorado State University (CSU) Department of Atmospheric Science said early April in its extended range forecast is predicting 13 named storms of which six to become hurricanes and two to reach major hurricane strength (Saffir/Simpson category 3-4-5) with sustained winds of 111 miles per hour or greater.

The Office of Disaster Management (ODM) which falls under the Fire Department (Ministry of General Affairs) headed by Fire Chief/Disaster Coordinator Clive Richardson, appeals to all residents and businesses to plan ahead and let’s ‘Be Prepared’ for the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season which opens on Thursday, June 1 and runs through November 30.

ODM calls on residents to review the content of their Disaster Kit and to start restocking it with the essentials that are necessary to ride out the hurricane season.

Every household’s Disaster Kit should be able to support members of the household for a minimum of seven days after the hurricane has passed.

The Disaster Kit should contain non-perishable food, water and medicine (fill prescriptions before the storm); non-electric can opener; first-aid kit; extra cash (ATM machines and credit cards won’t work if there is no electricity); a battery powered radio and flashlights as well as extra batteries; make sure cell phones are all charged prior to the arrival of the hurricane; fill up your car/truck with gas; check if your home and automobile insurance are up to date; put ID cards, passports and driver’s license, insurance papers in a waterproof bag along with other important documents.

If you are a parent with an infant or young child (ren), you also need to have essential items as part of your disaster supply kit: baby formula; diapers; bottles; powdered milk; medications; moist towels; and diaper rash ointment.

Your Disaster Kit must also include hand sanitizer, a soap bar or liquid soap; two cloth face coverings for each person; disinfecting wipes, or general household cleaning supplies to disinfect surfaces.

Now is the time to trim back tree branches from your home; cut all dead or weak branches on any trees on your property; clean-up your yard and put away items that could blow away during the passing of a hurricane; check your roof and storm shutters to make sure they are secure, and the latter are working.

For those whose homes are not yet storm/hurricane ready, you should make alternative housing arrangements to stay at family or friends.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and how to prepare for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.”

Listen to the Government Radio station – SXMGOV 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season. Be prepared!

SINT MARTIN (MARIGOT/GREAT BAY) - The 21^st annual St. Martin Book Fair has been postponed for reasons related to the health of the lit fest coordinator Shujah Reiph, said the Book Fair Committee (BFC) on Monday.

The Conscious Lyrics Foundation (CLF) also issued a statement over the weekend. “The new date to celebrate the 21^st anniversary of the festival in 2023 will be announced soon,” said CLF, the lead organization of the island-wide literary festival.

“In supporting Shujah’s recovery process we are working with our community partners to continue to plan for the best book fair yet,” said CLF.

The lit fest, with the theme of “resistance,” was already promoting the 2023 edition scheduled for June 1 – 3.

BFC said that 35 authors and workshop leaders from St. Martin, throughout the Caribbean, the USA, and Asia were set to participate in the book fair that was once described in Trinidad’s Caribbean Beat as “international and multilingual to the core.”

“I have to say again that I’m so touched by the many well-wishers since my health emergency early last week; and for the words of condolences at the passing of my father Arsene Reiph last Friday,” said Shujah Reiph, who is also president of CLF.

The pre-book fair play, Spitfire: The Lohkay Story, written by Shujah Reiph and directed by Fabian Adekunle Badejo, has also been postponed. Persons with tickets for the play, which was scheduled to premiere at Loterie Farm on May 31, are urged to hold on to their tickets as they will be honored for the new show date, said CLF.

The BFC also plans to be involved with pre-book fair activities such as a writers retreat, book launch, and “authors’ talk” on radio—all leading up to the new date that is to be set for the St. Martin Book Fair 2023.

In its weekend statement CLF thanked “the people of St. Martin” for their “understanding” and “for the continued support of our cultural and educational activities and events throughout the year.”

Both CLF and BFC are asking the public to “Kindly look out for further updates; and enjoy previous lit fest features @ houseofnehesipublish.com/sxm/st-martin-book-fair/ .”

SABA/THE HAGUE—The Executive Council started its working visit to the Netherlands on Monday, May 23. The delegation will meet with various ministries, members of Dutch Parliament and several organizations.

The Saba delegation consists of Island Governor Jonathan Johnson, Commissioners Bruce Zagers and Eviton Heyliger, Head of Finance Maureen Hassell-van der Kaap, Senior Policy Advisor Nicole Johnson, Head of the Planning Bureau Zoubeir Elatmani, Program Manager Nature and Environment Policy Plan Sarah van der Horn and Project Manager of Black Rocks Harbor Project Mario Prak.

The delegation attends the meetings in various compositions, depending on the type and subject of the meetings. For Commissioner Heyliger, this is his first official work visit to the Netherlands since his appointment.

On Monday, May 22, the delegation presented two important projects. At the Ministry of Home Affairs and Kingdom Relations (BZK) the project to expand the existing Administration Building was presented, while the presentation of the school building project took place at the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science (OCW).

Commissioners Zagers and Heyliger on Monday paid a visit to Member of the Second Chamber Attje Kuiken of the Labor Party (PvdA) to talk about the various developments and challenges that Saba faces. Also present at that meeting was Member of the First Chamber Jeroen Recourt of the PvdA party.

For the remainder of the week, the delegation has meetings at the Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor (SZW), the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate (EZK), the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (IenW), the Ministry of Public Health, Wellbeing and Sport (VWS), the Ministry of BZK, the Ministry of OCW, Bazalt Wonen and the Cadaster.

Important topics to be discussed in The Hague include healthcare, education, culture, the Black Rocks harbor project, social security, poverty alleviation, energy, telecom, housing, land registry, water, agriculture, connectivity, spatial planning and waste management.

Next week Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the delegation will pay a visit to education organization Yuverta in Houten and the World Horti Center in Naaldwijk. There will also be separate meetings with State Secretary for Kingdom Relations and Digitization Alexandra van Huffelen and Minister for Poverty, Participation and Pensions Carola Schouten. The delegation returns to Saba on Friday, June 2.