PHILIPSBURG:--- St. Maarten is preparing for an exciting Carnival season, with new initiatives aimed at enhancing both cultural expression and economic activity across the island.

A major highlight of Carnival 55 is the introduction of Bacchanal Boulevard, a vibrant vending area along the Pondfill featuring 40 booths. The initiative is designed to revive the lively atmosphere long associated with Carnival, providing opportunities for local vendors and enhancing the visitor experience.

The Government has once again partnered with Kooyman through “Kooyman Corner,” continuing a collaboration that supports booth holders and contributes to the overall success of the Carnival season.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to support local vendors both within the Festival Village and across the island. Officials stress that responsible participation will be key to maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment throughout the festivities.

Vendors are being reminded of the importance of compliance, including securing all necessary permits and completing required inspections related to fire safety, public health, and economic regulations. Authorities emphasize that safety must remain a top priority during all events.

Early signs indicate a positive outlook, with visitors already arriving specifically to experience Carnival. This trend highlights the event’s growing importance as both a cultural celebration and a driver of tourism.

At its core, Carnival is being positioned as more than entertainment—it is a celebration of identity, unity, and community. Residents are encouraged to act as proud ambassadors of St. Maarten, showcasing the island’s hospitality and vibrant culture.

Businesses are also being called upon to contribute to the festive atmosphere by decorating their spaces and creating a welcoming environment for visitors. At the same time, there is a strong appeal for collective responsibility in keeping the island clean and presentable.

With preparations underway, Carnival 55 is shaping up to be a defining moment for St. Maarten—one that blends culture, community, and economic opportunity.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Aquatic Federation (SMAF) national swim team consists of 10 swimmers—5 boys and 5 girls.  The team consists of Azaiah Roper- Duzon, Holdson Jean Fort, Kjeld van der Meer, Declan Boyd, and Emmbriel Flanders, as well as J’aishaa Jeffers, Victoria Otto, Caithlyn Challenger, Lois Geeerdink, and Aiyana Bourne.  Both Victoria and Holdson are new members of the national swim team.  They will compete against athletes from 20 Caribbean countries at the CARIFTA 2026 Aquatics Championships, which will take place in Martinique from April 3–8, 2026. The young athletes will compete in a variety of aquatic disciplines, showcasing their skills and determination on a regional stage. Accompanying the team will be a coach, Dwight Vermeer, and a delegation leader, Claudia Connor, both representing SMAF and providing guidance and support throughout the competition.

All pool events will be held at the Lamentin Aquatic Center in Martinique. The CARIFTA Aquatics Championships is regarded as a key developmental event, offering young swimmers the opportunity to gain valuable international experience and prepare for higher levels of competition.

Supporters and fans are encouraged to follow the team’s journey and stay updated on their performance through social media platforms, including Instagram (@cariftamartinique2026 and @liguenatationmartinique) and Facebook (CARIFTA Aquatics Championships 2026 and Martinique Swimming League).

PHILIPSBURG:--- Excitement filled the air on Sunday, March 29th, as students, parents, and supporters gathered to witness the annual Caribbean Gems Interscholastic Elementary and High School Swim Meets. The event, organized by Caribbean Gems, Carib Swim Team (CST), and the St. Maarten Aquatic Federation (SMAF), brought together young swimmers from the different schools in a spirited display of talent and sportsmanship.

The morning session kicked off with the elementary school competition, featuring seven participating schools. St. Dominic Primary School emerged as the overall winner, followed by Learning Unlimited in second place and Sr. Regina Primary School in third. Caribbean International Academy secured fourth place, while Asha Stevens Hillside School placed 5th, John A. Gumbs MAC Campus placed 6^th , and Martin Luther King School placed seventh. Notably, Martin Luther King School was represented by a single swimmer, demonstrating determination and resilience. The School Spirit Trophy was awarded to Sr. Regina Primary School for their enthusiastic support.

In the afternoon, the spotlight shifted to the secondary schools. Caribbean International Academy (CIA) claimed first place, with St. Dominic School High finishing second and Milton Peters College taking third. Learning Unlimited placed fourth, followed by St. Maarten Academy in fifth, MAC Comprehensive Secondary Education in sixth, and St. Maarten Vocational Training School in seventh. Similar to the morning session, St. Maarten Vocational Training School was represented by a single swimmer. The School Spirit Trophy went to St. Dominic High School.

The St. Maarten Aquatic Federation expressed its gratitude to Caribbean Gems for its continued sponsorship of the event for over 30 years. The company’s contributions include providing medals, trophies, certificates, and facilitating the use of the swimming pool. Appreciation was also extended to Carib Swim Team for technical support, WIEMS, lifeguards, Eline Broere, and Nikki Grandtner, as well as the volunteers from CST and the board members of SMAF who ensured the success of the event. We would like to thank all participating schools and expressed hopes for an even greater turnout at the 2027.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Tax Administration is pleased to announce that number plates within the MF and V categories, which were previously unavailable, are now ready for collection. Motorists who have already completed payment and are awaiting their plates are encouraged to visit the Receiver’s Office on Pond Island to collect them.

Motorists who were issued temporary M plates are requested to return these plates in order to receive their assigned V or R number plate.

To collect your number plate, motorists must present the following documents at the service window: proof of payment, valid insurance, and a valid inspection card. Payments can be made online, via bank transfer, or in person at the Receiver’s Office.

Online payments are available via the online portal at https://services.sintmaartengov.org/ or via bank transfer to the following accounts: WIB USD 324800-05 / XCG 324800-03; RBC USD 8200000403930461 / XCG 8200000005425048.

For payments made via bank transfer, motorists must include their name and vehicle plate number in the payment description. Receipts, stickers, or number plates can be collected at the Receiver’s Office within three to five working days, provided all required documents are presented.

The Tax Administration urges all motorists who have not yet paid for or collected their 2026 motor vehicle stickers to do so at their earliest convenience.