PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Youth Council Association is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 2025 St. Maarten Outstanding Youth Awards (SMOYA). Under this year’s theme, “Moving Forward to Rise Together,” the awards aim to recognize and honor young people between the ages of 12 and 25 who exemplify the best qualities of St. Maarten’s youth. Originally launched in 2005, SMOYA has celebrated the achievements of many remarkable young individuals. After a brief hiatus, the awards made a triumphant return in January 2024, featuring 25 inspiring nominees.

The 2025 SMOYA Awards Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025. Schools and organizations across St. Maarten are encouraged to submit nominations for outstanding youth who excel in various fields. This year, SMOYA nominations will be accepted in the following eight categories: Academic Improvement, Community, Culture, Environment, Music, Personal Improvement, Scientific/Technological Development, Sports.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, February 7, 2025. Schools and organizations interested in nominating outstanding youth can contact the St. Maarten Youth Council Association to receive the nomination form and additional information: phone: 548-5020 / 550-8971 / 548-5022 / 581-1953, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

The St. Maarten Youth Council Association looks forward to celebrating the achievements of St. Maarten’s young talents and leaders at the upcoming SMOYA ceremony.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The chairperson of Algemeen Pensioenfonds Sint Maarten (APS), Miss Nathalie Tackling, will resign per November 26, 2024, as she will be appointed Minister of Justice per that same date. Miss Tackling joined the board of APS as a representative of the CCSU on September 20, 2021. She was appointed as chairperson by the Minister of Finance on Januari 10, 2023. Nathalie Tackling: “Serving on the APS board and as chairperson has been a privilege. While I am excited to embark on this new journey as Minister of Justice, stepping down from APS is not a decision I take lightly. Over the past few years, APS has navigated significant challenges, and I am proud of the progress we’ve made. Together with the APS team, we have strengthened the organization and advanced its mission, including the development of local investments through the Sint Maarten Investment Company. I am confident that APS is well-positioned for the future.”

The chairperson of APS is independent and is nominated by the Minister of Finance. Mr. Robert-Jan James, vice-chairperson of APS, will assume the role of acting chairperson until a new chairperson is appointed. This position requires extensive knowledge of pensions and investments, as outlined in the relevant legislation. Candidates will undergo thorough screening by VDSM as well as an integrity and fitness assessment by the CBCS.

Mr. James states: “Miss Tackling has provided exceptional leadership as chairperson of APS during challenging times. Her strategic vision and steadfast dedication have significantly contributed to the progress and stability APS enjoys today. As a board, we are deeply grateful for her tireless efforts and commitment to the organization’s success.”

After the resignation of Miss Tackling, the board of APS consists of four people. Per July 1, 2024, Mr. Jason Grant has been appointed as board member of APS. Mr. Grant was put forward as a candidate by the Committee of Civil Servant Unions (CCSU).
The CCSU put Mr. Grant forward as the most suitable candidate for the position as Mr. Grant has an educational background in financial controlling and has worked in different capacities in both the private and public sectors, gaining vast experience in the fields of financial accounting, data collection, and reporting.
Mr. Grant states: “I am looking forward to contributing to a stable future of APS. Pension is one of the most important benefits for all participants, among which the civil servants who put me forward for this position. I feel a great responsibility to the execution of the pension scheme and sustainable development of APS in the interest of all participants.”
Mr. James adds: “The fields of expertise of a pension fund vary from legal, investment management, pension administration to risk management, IT-security and privacy. We see the expertise and experience of Mr. Grant as an important addition to the board.”

Mr. Grant has been tested on fitness and integrity by the Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten. The Governor appointed Mr. Grant by Landsbesluit of August 7, 2024, for a period of five years starting on July 1, 2024.

Next to Mr. James and Mr. Grant, Miss Shaira Bommel and Mr. Emilio Kalmera have a seat in the board as representatives of the Corporate Governance Council respectively the Minister of Finance.

St. Maarten’s tourism product and some noted personalities received a major publicity boost regionally and wider afield when a number of highly-rated Caribbean influencers and cultural ambassadors used their platforms to highlight some of the island’s cultural attributes, loved personalities, entertainers, businesses, engaging activities and popular locations.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Hosted by the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) with support from several hospitality partners, the influencers and ambassadors, who received a red carpet welcome upon arrival to the island, included Barbados’ Queen of Soca and Caribbean Cultural Ambassador Her Excellency the Hon. Dr. Alison Hinds; popular Trinidad “What You Know” social media sensation, Daniel Loveless; Trinidad’s Steel Pan Superstar Joshua Regrello; Emo News, the top media influencer in Dominica; the dynamic community leader, radio host and DJ Sweet Sister Sensia from St. Kitts & Nevis and, the adventurous Aquamanrd from the Dominican Republic.
"The Caribbean market, especially during the Holiday season, is one that has traditionally been a great source of visitors for us. Bringing several top-notch influencers from the region to have a taste of St. Martin and tell their millions of followers about what they actually experienced in person is a very effective way to get our story out there, not only to the Caribbean region but indeed to the world at large. I want to thank the STB and all the sponsors who made this possible. This is a singular way to promote the island; it is gratifying that this was a collective effort. Together, we will achieve greater things." said Hon. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Minister of TEATT.
The influencers and ambassadors have a significant reach of approximately 3 million friends/followers via their respective social media platforms. Before, during, and after their visits to St. Maarten, they made posts about their experiences on the island, giving their audiences a glimpse into what the island is all about and what it has to offer through their eyes. Through their extensive networks and the numerous followers on popular social media networks such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and etc., their combined reach impacted wide-scale awareness and interest in visiting the destination. Consequently, the positive publicity that St. Maarten received throughout the Caribbean and worldwide is immeasurable.
“Their extensive range of followers are experiencing St. Maarten through their eyes as they engaged with the community through a combination of featured interviews as well as participation in various activities, the local lifestyle, culture, restaurants and entertainment hot spots. Their vibrant spirits (re)captured the hearts of St. Maarteners and left lasting memories throughout the Caribbean and beyond," said Jacqueline Louis, Caribbean Agent for St. Maarten Tourism Bureau.
Although the annual St. Martin Day festivities and the gastronomic St. Maarten Flavors signature event were among the highlights of their trips, the influencers enjoyed a wide range of unique experiences ranging from fine dining to local delicacies, street shopping to bar and club hopping, tours and a spa day to showcase the vast variety of exciting things that can be experienced in sensational St. Maarten. The influencers also visited several local cultural, scenic and entertainment spots, creating content for current and upcoming regional marketing campaigns.
The influencers/ambassadors were high in praises for the warm welcome and hospitality received while on the island and were in awe at the range of experiences that can be enjoyed with a sense of freedom and safety throughout St. Maarten.
Alison shared these warm words about her Sweet St. Maarten experience: "I can honestly say that the week I spent on the beautiful island of Sint Maarten (French and Dutch sides) was nothing short of amazing! I had the opportunity, thanks to the Sint Maarten Tourism Bureau, to see the island in a more personal and intimate way. I felt the warmth of the people, tasted some delicious food and had some very special and memorable experiences that I will cherish. But more than that, this is only the beginning. I can’t go into detail as yet but, know there are great plans in the works that will involve my return to your picturesque island and I’m excited for what’s to come. Je suis contente retourner à bientot!,” commented Hinds. "St. Maarten is truly a special place,” she added.
The trip also included some special events. The Queen of Soca, for example, participated in a specially organized "Up Close & Personal" with Dr. Alison Hinds inspirational event at University of St Martin (USM) on November 13, 2024, in which she reached out to inspire and uplift the lives of young women on the island. This event, which was organized by STB in collaboration with the University of St. Martin, was co-hosted by the Phenomenal Women and Essence and Mind Foundation.
“St. Maarten is my favorite Caribbean Island without a doubt," said Regrello. "I encountered the warmest people and enjoyed an unlimited amount of experiences, including the natural interactions with people on the streets and the cross-cultural connections with Sweet Pan Entertainment and many others throughout the community through my passion for playing the steel pan anytime and anywhere. I’ll be back for sure!”
A number of local businesses, entertainers and personalities, who are seen as St. Maarten's very own cultural ambassadors, were also showcased in several interviews on 'What Yuh Know,' resulting in regional promotions, which sparked connections to international networks with the potential to expand their reach and expose their career from St. Maarten/St. Martin to the world.
Daniel Loveless shared the following about his Sweet St. Maarten experience: "My stay in SXM was nothing short of amazing. From the moment I arrived, I was met with a hearty greeting at the airport and treated like a true VIP. I have never travelled to another Caribbean island and felt so at home! While I love all Caribbean countries, what stood out to me the most was the friendliness of each and everyone on the island. I was showered with gifts by numerous supporters of the show and it truly created a special place in my heart. The nightlife was like a nightlife I had never experienced before and I enjoyed learning new languages, genres of music and even dances I hadn’t known of before. The views of the crystal clear beach and mountains were a breathtaking sight every single day. St. Maarten is truly a special place, a place I will miss dearly when I’m not there. A place I miss while typing these words. No amount of words can describe the amazing, somewhat life changing trip this was. Thank you for the love St. Maarten. I’ll be back sooner than you think."
The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau thanked the regional personalities for their visit and the local sponsors, establishments and individuals for opening their doors and hearts to give them a taste of St. Maarten's unique "twice the Caribbean" charm. Several destination marketing campaigns and promotions are being planned in follow-up to their initial trips.
This venture was made possible by STB in collaboration with Holland House Beach Hotel, Simpson Bay Beach Resort, Seaview Beach Hotel, Commodore Suites, St. Maarten Hospitality and Trade Association - SXM Flavors, Majesty Car Rental, with support from T's Closet, Endless Summer, La Classe Boutique, Bubbles Tours, Nectar Spa at the Cliff, Colombier Guavaberry, Caribbean Liquors & Tobacco, The Creators Kayak Tour, Rosie's Beach Bar, Sweet Pan Entertainment, Inspired Selfie, Cisco's Transportation, Rainforest Adventures, Cooking & Baking with Trish, Dany's Beach Bar and French St. Martin - Festival de la Gastronomie.
For further information please stay tuned to St. Maarten Tourism Bureau's social media pages on Facebook/ Instagram.

PHILIPSBURG:---On December 2, 2024, at approximately 7:30 AM, the Police Central Dispatch received multiple calls reporting a single-vehicle accident at the intersection of Mountain Dove Road and Ground Dove Road in Point Blanche. According to reports, a small car had slammed into a wall, with a passenger trapped inside.

Police patrols, paramedics, and fire department personnel were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon arrival, officers encountered the male driver of a white Hyundai Atos, who was complaining of chest pain. Paramedics promptly attended to him.

After concerted efforts by the emergency responders, the female passenger, who was trapped in the back seat, was successfully extricated. She complained of pain in her back and neck. Both victims received medical assistance on-site before being transported to the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) for further treatment.

Preliminary investigations by the Traffic Department indicate that the vehicle reportedly lost power while ascending Ground Dove Road, causing it to roll backward uncontrollably and collide with the wall on Mountain Dove Road.

The Traffic Department of the KPSM is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

KPSM Press Release.