PHILIPSBURG:--- The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is inviting local contractors and consultants to an informative session on bidding for an upcoming Sanitation (WASH) project in the Dutch Quarter. 

Led by the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) and implemented by UNOPS, this project builds upon the 9th and 10th EDF cycles, which initiated sanitation improvements in the Dutch Quarter. It represents a continuation of the program to modernize collective sewage and stormwater drainage in the area. The WASH project forms part of the Government of Sint Maarten’s broader commitment to strengthening essential public infrastructure and promoting sustainable development, particularly in densely populated areas. The works will be carried out with careful coordination and ongoing communication with residents as the project progresses.

To ensure this project benefits the local economy, UNOPS will host a webinar on April 21, 10:00 AM. The goal is to engage the local market and equip local firms with the technical and digital tools required to successfully bid on the project. 

The webinar is specifically tailored for construction companies with proven sanitation experience in Sint Maarten, as well as engineering and consulting firms specializing in the supervision of island-based sanitation projects. The webinar will feature an in-depth look at the project’s scope, requirements and timelines, as well as a comprehensive walkthrough of UNOPS procurement platforms, explaining compliance standards and the specific criteria used to evaluate bids. 

Interested parties should contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to register. 

Background. Dutch Quarter, situated in the Upper Princess Quarter Region of Sint Maarten and bordering the French side, is a densely populated area with a major road network that connects five larger communities, including Madam Estate, Middle Region, Belvedere, and Belle Plaine (French St. Martin). This road network facilitates movement for residents, visitors, and businesses. 

In addition to its roadways, Dutch Quarter manages stormwater runoff, directing water from elevated areas to lower regions, including the Middle Region District and much of the Defiance area, both located within the Dutch Quarter Basin. Existing water and sanitation infrastructure in the area had reached the end of its lifespan, increasing the need for a durable and sustainable solution. Minister Patrice Gumbs encourages all contractors to take part in this very critical project as we move to finalize the long-awaited sewage projects in the Dutch quarter. 

The new WASH project aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), contributing to improved health outcomes and long-term environmental protection. The official launch reaffirms the Government of Sint Maarten’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that strengthens public services, protects communities, and promotes sustainable development across the island.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The 2026 Sint Maarten Biodiversity Fest has been officially scheduled and will take place over the weekend of April 25–26, 2026. The two-day event promises a fun-filled program featuring engaging activities designed to help participants discover the island and enjoy its incredible biodiversity.

The 2026 Biodiversity Fest is organized by the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten and sponsored by Vogelbescherming Nederland, with support from local partners including Les Fruits de Mer and The Scuba Shop. Several environmental organizations will partner with the Nature Foundation to promote environmental awareness on the island.

Residents and visitors of all ages are welcome to participate. However, many activities have limited capacity and require advanced registration.

The program includes three activities on Saturday and two on Sunday, offering a diverse range of experiences for participants.

“These events help a wider audience discover, learn about, and better understand the importance of maintaining healthy biodiversity,” stated the Nature Foundation Sint Maarten. “This annual event invites residents and visitors to explore and celebrate Sint Maarten’s rich biodiversity through a series of engaging and educational initiatives.”

The 2026 Sint Maarten Biodiversity Fest will kick off on Saturday, April 25, 2026, with a beginner-friendly hike to the natural pools in the Point Blanche area. Following the hike, a free shuttle will transport participants to Amuseum Naturalis, where attendees will take part in an interactive exploration of the world of snails and participate in the Endemic Species Festival activities. In the evening, participants can enjoy a family-friendly activity focused on exploring nocturnal animals and their habitats.

On Sunday, April 26, 2026, participants will gather at The Scuba Shop in Simpson Bay for a guided snorkeling tour to discover the island’s underwater ecosystems and their relationships with the coastal biodiversity. The festival will conclude later that day with an ocean documentary screening at Van Dorp Spaces in Simpson Bay.

For more information on the Biodiversity Fest or any other events, please visit our website (https://naturefoundationsxm.org/2026-biodiversity-fest/) and our social media pages. 

We are also available by email, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call our office at +1 (721) 544-4267

PHILIPSBURG:---  “This week, I visited Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Sint Maarten—three islands, each with their own challenges and tremendous strength,” said the State Secretary of Kingdom Relations, reflecting on the first part of his working visit to the Dutch Caribbean.

The visit began with stops on Saba and Sint Eustatius, where the State Secretary assessed local projects, met with government officials, and engaged with community leaders to better understand the islands’ unique challenges and opportunities.

The working visit concluded on April 10th in Sint Maarten, where the State Secretary, together with PM Dr. Luc Mercelina, toured several key sites and reviewed initiatives aimed at strengthening the island’s infrastructure and community development.

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina emphasized the importance of the visit to Sint Maarten, stating, “This working visit represents more than an exchange of updates—it reflects our shared responsibility within the Kingdom to ensure that Sint Maarten’s recovery and future development are both sustainable and inclusive. We welcome the opportunity to showcase our progress, while also engaging in meaningful dialogue on the challenges that remain.”

Highlights of the Sint Maarten visit included a tour of the new library construction site and a brief commemorative ceremony marking the State Secretary’s first visit. This moment reflected continued collaboration to advance the Sint Maarten Library Project and demonstrated the shared commitment of partners in strengthening cooperation and implementing the Fostering Resilient Learning Projects. These projects, financed by the Government of the Netherlands through the Sint Maarten Trust Fund, managed by the World Bank, and implemented by the NRPB, aim to rebuild and enhance Sint Maarten’s educational and cultural infrastructure, ensuring safer and more resilient facilities for future generations.

Reflecting on this milestone, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina added, “Investments in education and community spaces, such as our national library, are investments in our people. These projects are critical to building resilience—not only in our infrastructure, but in the opportunities we create for future generations of Sint Maarten.”

The State Secretary also met with the Council of Ministers to discuss the implementation of Country Packages and the proposal for a roundtable conference on diversity within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina emphasized the significance of these discussions, “Sint Maarten continues to advocate for a more tailored and equitable approach within the Kingdom—one that recognizes the unique realities of small island states. Our engagement on the Country Packages and broader Kingdom relations must reflect mutual respect, flexibility, and a shared commitment to sustainable progress for our island.”

Additionally, the delegation visited several reconstruction and development projects, including the waste management site at the landfill and upgrades to the sewerage and water purification systems at the wastewater treatment plant on Illidge Road, as part of the Wastewater Management Project. The State Secretary also visited Point Blanche Prison, where he received updates on the construction of the new facility under the Sint Maarten Detention Sector Reform Program.

Speaking on these site visits, Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina noted, “These projects highlight both the progress we are making and the urgency with which we must continue to act—particularly in areas such as waste management, environmental protection, and justice reform. Strengthening these sectors is essential to improving the quality of life for our people and ensuring a more resilient Sint Maarten.”

These initiatives reaffirm ongoing efforts to restore essential infrastructure while supporting long-term sustainability and resilience for the island community. The State Secretary emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to Sint Maarten’s recovery and development and highlighted the importance of collaboration between local authorities and the wider Kingdom.

Prime Minister Dr. Mercelina concluded, “We appreciate the continued partnership within the Kingdom, and we remain committed to ensuring that Sint Maarten’s voice is heard and its needs are understood. Visits such as these reinforce the importance of cooperation as we work toward a stronger, more resilient future for our island.”

The State Secretary expressed his sincere thanks to everyone on Sint Maarten, Saba, and Sint Eustatius who welcomed him and shared updates on new developments before he continued his working visit to Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Motorworld officially introduced GAC to the Bonaire market on March 27 with a lively launch event at Autocity Bonaire. As the brand’s designated dealer, Autocity Bonaire, an established leader in the automotive industry across Bonaire and Curaçao, hosted the showroom event. The launch drew a strong turnout and featured vehicle displays, new model reveals, test drives, food trucks, and live entertainment.

The launch showcased GAC’s SUV lineup alongside its EV and plug-in hybrid models, designed to meet the practical demands of island driving. The introduction reflects Motorworld’s continued focus on expanding access to modern, factory-backed vehicle options across the region.

Martijn Lindhout, General Manager of Autocity Bonaire, commented:
 “The addition of GAC to our portfolio reflects our commitment to offering reliable, high-quality vehicles that meet the specific needs of island drivers. It also allows us to provide an alternative to grey and second-hand imports with factory-certified vehicles backed by strong warranty and service support.”

Tariq Amjad, Chairman of Motorworld, added:
 “We’re pleased to bring GAC to Bonaire and expand the range of modern, dependable vehicles available to customers. The turnout at the launch reflects a clear interest in new options that combine technology, efficiency, and long-term value.”

Bonaire marks the 19th Caribbean territory to welcome GAC through Motorworld’s regional distribution network, further strengthening the brand’s footprint across the region. Early market response has been positive, with strong interest and ongoing customer engagement following the launch event.

Looking ahead, Motorworld continues to expand its automotive portfolio across the Caribbean, reinforcing its commitment to providing reliable, modern mobility solutions tailored to the needs of local markets.