PHILIPSBURG, SINT MAARTEN:--- Two leading environmental NGOs on the island of Saint Martin have signed a landmark agreement to enhance cross-border conservation efforts. The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten (NFSXM) and l'Association de Gestion de la Réserve Naturelle de Saint-Martin (AGRNSM) are pleased to announce the long-awaited signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between their organizations.

Though signed internally in March, the formal agreement was publicly celebrated at a ceremony held at the Great Salt Pond’s birding platform on the morning of June 30. The official partnership enables systematic and long-term collaboration between the two principal nature reserve managers on Sint Maarten and Saint-Martin. The organizations can now easily share human resources, exchange critical data, and carry out scientific research and educational programming together.

While national guidelines between the two countries had previously made it difficult for the NGO environmental authorities to align their work officially, progress was also delayed as each organization had been prioritizing its own development and internal stability. Only once this foundation was more secure did both parties have the capacity to pursue a sustained and meaningful transboundary relationship.

The partnership has already shown tangible benefits. Since March’s signing, staff exchanges have resulted in up to a 60% increase in human resource capacity for activities such as underwater coral reef monitoring and public educational events. Frequent communication between the organizations has led to immediate action — often within minutes — for cross-boundary responses to environmental crimes, distressed wildlife, and other reports. The organizations have also jointly submitted their first application for a regional project.

The MoU is the result of nearly two years of deepening cooperation, sparked by the overlapping project activities of NFSXM’s CORENA project and AGRNSM’s ReCorEA project, which focused on mapping and monitoring coastlines, including mangroves, seagrasses, and coral reefs. Though the groups have communicated in the past, particularly on invasive species management, this MoU marks the first step toward sustainable collaboration and integration between the signing organizations.

The agreement was signed by NFSXM Board Chairman Binkie van Es and AGRNSM Board President Anne-Karine Fleming. Directors Julien Chalifour (AGRNSM) and Leslie Hickerson (NFSXM) were also in attendance, along with CORENA and ReCorEA project managers Sabrine Brismeur and Clément Bonnardel.

“Though the natural ecosystems and wildlife of Saint Martin do not recognize political borders, they are strongly impacted by the very real differences in our countries’ environmental policies and management actions,” NFSXM and AGRNSM said in a statement. “As small non-profits, it can be challenging to keep up with just what we are doing on our side. When we share staff and interns, start working on projects together, and align our visions, we strengthen the effectiveness of our conservation work for Saint Martin. This agreement is long overdue, and we are very excited for our future together.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- The National Institute of Arts (NIA) closed the 2024–2025 academic year with an unforgettable weekend of music and dance performances under the theme “Close to the Heart.”

On Friday and Saturday, June 20 and 21, audiences were treated to three spectacular dance showcases featuring students ranging from age three and up. Choreographed by esteemed instructors Mr. Rudolph Davis, Miss Beebee (Eolia Ada), and Ms. Arlene Halley, the recitals featured a rich variety of dance genres, including creative dance, ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop, urban, and Afro-Caribbean, as well as an appearance by the Total Theater Teen group with Tr. Roos de Vries

As Ms. Arlene shared in the recital program, “Each step performed on this stage is more than choreography — it's a piece of someone’s heart.” The performances represented more than skill — they expressed the love, courage, and effort each dancer invested in the journey, inspiring the audience to reflect on what they hold closest to their hearts. Display boards in the lobby invited attendees to leave personal reflections and takeaways.

Ms. Arlene also shared a personal milestone during the event, marking her 50th year as a dance educator — a truly remarkable legacy in the world of performing arts.

The weekend continued on Sunday, June 22, with the concert “Sing It with the NIA String  Orchestra”, under the direction of Maestro Dennis Amajan, local vocal talents Benjamin Bell, Juline Gumbs, and Essynce delivered stirring performances that resonated deeply with the audience, accompanied by the young musicians.

A highlight of the evening was a surprise mid-show screening of a 20-minute documentary titled “Music Brings People Together” — a moving portrait of the Youth Orchestra’s journey from its 2020 launch during the COVID-19 pandemic to its vibrant presence today. Directed by filmmaker Mr. Peter Sagnia. The film was made possible through the generosity of the Republic Bank Sint Maarten N.V. through its Power to Make a Difference programme. This project was also supported by an intensive workshop week in November 2024 led by internationally renowned conductor Maestro Juan Cristobal Palacios from the USA.

The evening concluded with dynamic performances by the Youth Orchestra conducted by Mr. Neville James, bringing the weekend and school year to a meaningful close.

NIA extends heartfelt thanks to Republic Bank Sint Maarten, its dedicated teachers, passionate students, and the sold-out audiences who made Recital 2025: Close to the Heart a resounding success.

For more information, contact: The National Institute of Arts Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Phone: 520-0444

PHILIPSBURG:--- On June 14, HNLMS Friesland once again intercepted a drug shipment in the Caribbean Sea. Following a pursuit, the Royal Netherlands Navy vessel seized 511 kilograms of cocaine and detained six smugglers.

The action began when a suspicious vessel was detected using radar systems. HNLMS Friesland immediately responded by launching its fast interceptor boats (Friscs) and initiating a pursuit together with a helicopter from the U.S. Coast Guard. Onboard the Friscs were combined teams consisting of Royal Netherlands Navy crew members and personnel from the U.S. Coast Guard. The so-called "go-fast" vessel ignored repeated calls to stop. During the dangerous chase, the smugglers performed evasive maneuvers and jettisoned packages overboard. Precision shots at the vessel from the helicopter ultimately brought the go-fast to a halt.

A total of 19 packages of cocaine were recovered from the water, amounting to a combined weight of 511 kilograms.

Since the end of May, HNLMS Friesland has served as the Royal Netherlands Navy’s station ship in the Caribbean region. Conducting counter-narcotics operations is one of its key tasks. In this capacity, the vessel alternates cooperation with the U.S. Coast Guard and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. In addition, the ship remains ready to provide humanitarian assistance, such as during natural disasters like hurricanes.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In a bold and energized push to further stimulate regional tourism, the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), in collaboration with the French St. Martin Tourism Office, hosted a high-impact Familiarization (Fam) Trip that brought 10 influential travel agents from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Curaçao, and Trinidad back to the heart of the Caribbean.

This initiative is part of a growing strategy to tap into the booming intra-Caribbean travel market, which has seen a 30%+ surge in regional flight bookings over the past two years. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, over 5 million residents of the Caribbean travel within the region annually, making this a lucrative segment.

“This Fam Trip wasn’t just a tour—it was a revelation,” said Gina Illidge, Marketing Officer from the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. “Some of these agents hadn’t been to the island in over a decade, and what they experienced further enhanced their impression of St. Maarten-St. Martin as a top destination.”

The immersive itinerary showcased several hotels across the island; ranging from boutique beachfront escapes and budget-friendly amenities, to luxury resorts, giving the travel agents a firsthand look at the island’s diverse hospitality offerings. They were also treated to a curated culinary journey featuring a hosted breakfast, delectable lunch, dinner and cocktails, all infused with local flavors and mesmerizing views —demonstrating the island’s well-earned reputation as the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean."

With regional travelers now seeking shorter-haul, culture-rich escapes within a safe travel environment, destinations like St. Maarten-St. Martin are uniquely positioned to deliver. “This is a new era for regional travel. We’re not just promoting our beloved destination—we’re reigniting regional pride, purposeful travel experiences, and cross-cultural connections," said Jacqueline Louis, STB's Caribbean Agent. 

Feedback from the attending agents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing renewed confidence in selling the destination. Several agencies have already begun crafting new vacation packages to St. Maarten tailored specifically for Caribbean clientele.

This collaborative Fam Trip marks a powerful reminder: when French and Dutch St. Martin-St. Maarten unite, the whole island wins.

For more information, please contact STB’s Caribbean Agent: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.