The bilateral cooperation between the Netherlands and Colombia was further consolidated during an official visit to the Defense in the Caribbean Region and to the Coastguard Caribbean Region, by Colombian Vice-Admiral Grisales, Chief of Marine Operations in Colombia. During the visit, the ties between both countries were further strengthened in counter-drug control, search and rescue operations, and joint military training.

The Columbian Admiral paid a work visit to the Marine Barracks at Parera, the training area Wacao, and the HNLMS Pelikaan and conversed with representatives of the Coastguard Caribbean Region and the Commander of the Naval Forces in the Caribbean Region. An important subject during the visit was the continuation and strengthening of collaboration.

Both countries underline the importance of joint operations, training, and exercises. The recent Estribo exercise in Colombia, whereby Dutch and Colombian Marines trained together, is seen as a successful example of operational collaboration. During the spring, joint counterdrug operations were already executed. A joint marine exercise is planned for the next fall period.

An important moment during the visit was Commander Walter Hansen's signing of an operational SAR agreement (Search and Rescue). This agreement stipulates clear procedures and communication lines for joint SAR operations in shared or contiguous maritime areas. Thus, safety on sea is being further enlarged, and collaboration between both countries is formalized.

The visit underlines the mutual trust and shared commitment to maritime safety in the Caribbean Region. The Kingdom of the Netherlands and Columbia will continue to intensely work together to a safer and more stable region.

PHILIPSBURG:--- With the Soul Beach Music Festival set to draw thousands of visitors to St. Maarten, Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Traffic and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has issued a call to action for the Philipsburg business community, residents, and stakeholders.

Through an open letter, the Minister expressed her excitement about the festival's return, noting its significance not only as a celebration of music but also as a platform to showcase the best of St. Maarten to the world. The festival offers a prime opportunity for businesses and residents to collaborate and make lasting impressions on tourists.

“I’m encouraging business owners in Philipsburg to consider opening their stores on Sunday, during the festival weekend,” Minister Heyliger-Marten stated, emphasizing the importance of leveraging the influx of foot traffic. "It’s a chance to be part of the buzz, to turn foot traffic into real opportunity, and to showcase the heart of our capital in full swing."

While the event promises economic opportunities, the Minister also urged residents to contribute to the island’s charm by demonstrating the friendliness and hospitality for which St. Maarten is known worldwide. "Your warm smiles, friendly greetings, and island hospitality are part of what make St. Maarten so unforgettable," she noted.

Minister Heyliger-Marten highlighted how the presence of businesses and the welcoming attitude of locals can create an experience that extends beyond the festival stage. “When we work together, residents and retailers alike, we create an experience that invites the world to feel what we know every day—that Philipsburg is not just a place you pass through, but a place you come back to.”

The Minister concluded her message by expressing confidence in the community’s ability to create a memorable experience for visitors and urged everyone to take pride in the island’s unique offerings.

The Soul Beach Music Festival, known for its vibrant line-up and energetic atmosphere, is expected to bring significant attention to St. Maarten. With open doors, smiling faces, and a collaborative spirit, Philipsburg aims to show the world why it remains one of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations.

Businesses reopening on Sunday and a collective community effort to welcome visitors could contribute significantly to the island’s economy while leaving an indelible mark on those experiencing St. Maarten for the first time. Together, Philipsburg’s businesses and residents hold the power to make this Soul Beach weekend an unforgettable success story.

~Better Data for Better Decision-making in Focus~

WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:---  On May 21, the Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) hosted its second symposium for this year, specifically focusing on Sint Maarten. The “Better Data, Better Decisions’’ symposium emphasized the role and importance of data, especially balance of payments statistics, used by the CBCS for research, economic analysis, and policymaking in the monetary union. Through its research, the CBCS aims to foster dialogue and collaboration with the academic community, its regional counterparts, and other key stakeholders. Small countries often face challenges in collecting accurate and reliable statistics due to limited resources, capacity constraints, and vulnerability to external shocks. Sint Maarten is no exception. Compounding this for Sint Maarten is the open border with Saint Martin, which adds further complexity to building a robust and comprehensive statistical system. The symposium’s purpose, therefore, was threefold. First, to raise awareness of the importance of data and statistics for the CBCS’s work and core tasks. Second, to present findings from its empirical work on Sint Maarten, such as the country’s performance in terms of foreign direct investment inflows and regional integration. And third, to engage with the public in a meaningful exchange that will help the CBCS improve the quality and relevance of both its statistics and its research. The program featured presentations and panel discussions, with participants representing the government, the business community, and other stakeholders with an interest in improving the country’s data landscape. In keeping with the spirit of regional integration and better statistics, a highlight of the event was the presence of representatives of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB), including its governor, as well as the regional director of the Institut d'Émission des Départements d'Outre-Mer (IEDOM), to share their experiences and participate in the dialogue. This was the second in a series of research-focused symposiums scheduled for this year. In January, the CBCS hosted the first symposium in Curaçao, which addressed the critical role of government in the economy. Later this year, in November, the CBCS will host the annual Monetary Studies Conference of the Caribbean Economic Research Team, comprising countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). During this conference, researchers from across the Caribbean will come together to share insights on critical and timely economic topics. In the meantime, the CBCS is actively working to improve the availability and quality of Sint Maarten’s data landscape through collaboration with key stakeholders and enhancing the compilation of its balance of payments statistics. The CBCS is also in discussions with IEDOM on ways to exchange information and data to better measure cross-border flows and GDP. In addition, the CBCS aims to strengthen local collaboration with Sint Maarten’s Department of Statistics (STAT) and other key stakeholders to improve not only trade statistics but also real sector data, such as national accounts and inflation figures in the interest of Sint Maarten. The presentations delivered during the symposium are available on the website of the CBCS: https://www.centralbank.cw/event-calendar/events/symposium-better-data-better-decisions

Willemstad May 22, 2025 CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

Simpson Bay, St. Maarten — Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIA) is proud to announce its first-ever “PJIA Shopping Experience,” taking place on Friday, May 30, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This special event will welcome the community inside the newly completed terminal for an unforgettable evening of shopping, entertainment, and community celebration.

For one evening only, residents and guests are invited to explore the interior of the airport without a boarding pass and enjoy access to the wide range of duty-free shops, restaurants, and exclusive retail offers typically reserved for travelers. This is a unique opportunity to rediscover PJIA in a way the public has never seen before.

A special gesture of inclusion will also mark the event. PJIA is honored to welcome 20 foster children and 22 senior citizens from the White and Yellow Cross Foundation, ensuring that this experience is one shared by all members of the community.

Visitors will enjoy summer-themed promotions across all participating shops and restaurants, offering a taste of travel without ever leaving the island. These deals will be truly exclusive for this one-night event, as PJIA will be waiving its concessionaire fees, allowing retailers to pass on even greater savings to shoppers. The event will also feature live entertainment and a dedicated children’s area with activities such as face painting and a bouncy castle, ensuring fun for the entire family.

Throughout the evening, attendees can win exciting raffle prizes, including airline contributions courtesy of Caribbean Airlines, Delta, United Airlines, and others still to be confirmed. Hotel accommodations will be raffled from esteemed partners such as Golden Rock Resort in Statia, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort, and Princess Heights Boutique Hotel. Additional prizes will include jewelry from Little Europe, Ballerina Jewelers, Gold Coin, electronics from Boolchand’s, car rental vouchers from Dollar Thrifty Sint Maarten, and many more exciting gifts still to be announced.

Those wishing to attend should register through the official link https://tally.so/r/3xBx2k shared on PJIA’s social media platforms. A valid government-issued ID will be required for entry into the secured departure hall area, including for children. Public parking will be free for all guests on the night of the event.

The PJIA Shopping Experience reflects Princess Juliana International Airport’s commitment to community engagement, with a warm, island welcome. This event is not just about shopping; it’s about reconnecting with the heart of the airport and celebrating its role as more than a gateway, but a proud part of St. Maarten’s cultural and economic identity. Due to the enthusiastic response and strong community interest, the PJIA Shopping Experience is set to become a recurring event throughout the year, offering more opportunities for residents and visitors alike to enjoy the unique atmosphere of PJIA.