PHILIPSBURG:---  NV GEBE is taking a bold step to ensure the future of St. Maarten’s energy sector with its latest initiative. NV GEBE is engaging local talent through a collaboration with the National Institute for Professional Advancement (NIPA). This strategic partnership focuses on training the next generation of electrical technicians who will receive training at the containerized plant and will eventually operate NV GEBE’s upcoming 20 MW containerized power plant, which is set to enhance the island’s energy capacity significantly.
Six students from NIPA, all with electrical backgrounds, have been carefully selected to work on the mini-containerized power plant, a key addition to NV GEBE’s operations. These students will receive hands-on experience and technical training, allowing them to be at the forefront of the island’s energy infrastructure.
Temporary Manager of NV GEBE, Mr. Troy Washington, emphasized the importance of building local capacity. “At NV GEBE, we believe strongly in succession planning. Finding local technicians who are ready to step into roles immediately has been challenging, which is why we’re committed to training our own,” said Washington. “By working with NIPA, the only government-recognized institute for advanced vocational and technical education in St. Maarten, we’re equipping the next generation with the skills they need to operate and maintain our power infrastructure. This partnership is vital not only for NV GEBE but for St. Maarten.”
The Distribution and Production Management at NV GEBE shared their enthusiasm, stating, “We are excited to have these young minds onboard. The students will be working closely with our team, gaining invaluable experience with real-time scenarios and the operations of running a power plant. This exposure will shape them into the skilled professionals our island needs. We have also invited the second and third-year students to the power plant to get an in-depth understanding of how it operates.”
The 20 MW rent-to-own containerized power plant is set to arrive in October and will have a significant impact on St. Maarten’s energy grid, offering a much-needed boost of capacity. The plant will play a crucial role in supporting the island’s growing demand for electricity and ensuring the stability of the grid for both residents and businesses. While NV GEBE awaits the arrival of the 20MW, the students will start their training with the 10MW Mini Plant.
“Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for everyone on the island,” Washington continued. “This 20 MW plant will provide a more reliable power supply, which will have a positive ripple effect on the economy, businesses, and households. And by involving local students in the operation of this plant, we’re also creating opportunities for long-term career growth within the energy sector.”
NV GEBE remains committed to developing local talent and continuously improving the island’s energy services, ensuring a brighter future for St. Maarten through both infrastructural advancements and the empowerment of its youth.

Aruba / St. Maarten:---   The Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG) is proud to announce significant developments following our recent annual board meeting held in Aruba. This year’s gathering was marked by important changes in our leadership, a renewed commitment to increasing the visibility of our organization, and a strategic focus on expanding our cultural projects across the Caribbean islands of Curacao, Aruba, St. Maarten, Statia, Bonaire, and Saba. As the only cultural foundation that continues to operate across all six islands of the Kingdom of the Netherlands since the dismantling of the Netherlands Antilles in 2010, the CCG remains a pivotal entity in fostering cultural preservation and innovation in the region.
During the board meeting, key roles within the organization were reassigned to strengthen our capacity to serve the diverse cultural needs of the Caribbean. The board unanimously welcomed new roles within their existing and new members whose expertise and passion for cultural advocacy will be instrumental in driving forward our mission. The newly assigned roles are expected to enhance our outreach and the execution of projects that resonate with the cultural dynamics of our communities, ensuring that the legacy of the CCG continues to grow and adapt to contemporary challenges.
With a mixture of deep gratitude and sadness, we bid farewell to Lourdes B. Croes, who has served as both a member and Vice President of the CCG for the past 30 years. Lourdes has been a pillar of strength, guiding the foundation through three decades of cultural transformation. Her commitment and vision have left an indelible mark on the organization. While she steps down from her official role, her influence will continue to be felt in the cultural landscape of the Caribbean for years to come. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Lourdes for her unparalleled service and dedication. We will continue to look for her guidance and input as an honorary member of the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied.
As we look to the future, the CCG is particularly focused on expanding its visibility and impact across St. Maarten, Statia, and Saba. These islands are central to our mission, and we are committed to increasing the number and scope of cultural projects that celebrate and preserve their unique heritage. “By fostering strong partnerships and supporting local initiatives, we aim to empower cultural practitioners and organizations within these communities, ensuring that their rich histories and traditions continue to thrive,” said St. Maarten board members Ms. Candia Joseph & Ms. Kenty Lichtenberg, who represented St. Maarten during a 3 days meeting in Aruba.
The Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied remains steadfast in its role as a bridge between the six islands of the Kingdom, reinforcing our shared cultural identity even as political landscapes shift. Our continued collaboration with cultural stakeholders across the region highlights the enduring importance of our work in a post-Netherlands Antilles era. We are excited about the future and are committed to nurturing the vibrant cultural tapestry that unites our islands.

PHILIPSBURG:---The Government of St. Maarten, represented by Head of Delegation Stuart Johnson, Chief of Staff to the Honorable Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina, and Cameron Wathey, Head of the Directorate of Foreign Relations, actively participated in the three-day 30th session of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC) and the Caribbean Development Roundtable (CDR). The event, hosted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), took place from September 9–11, 2024, in Trinidad and Tobago.

The St. Maarten delegation's key objectives included re-engaging with ECLAC after years of non-participation, optimizing membership benefits, and advocating for greater support from the UN system for St. Maarten through expertise, resources, and data. Also, the delegation learned best practices in the region from fellow Small Island Developing States (SIDS) such as strategies toward economic diversification.

Johnson and Wathey also advocated for greater inclusion of associate members of ECLAC, which are not independent islands, in global climate finance mechanisms. They stressed that associate members of ECLAC must be granted the same access to critical global climate financing as full members to address disaster risk reduction.

"Every island, regardless of its constitution, must build its disaster resilience to face the immediate and long-term impacts of climate change," Johnson urged in his address at the CDCC.

Johnson reiterated in his address St.Maarten's support for the United Nation's Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), a key instrument that is being implemented to accurately demonstrate the vulnerabilities of SIDS, instead of the traditional way of measuring their financial needs and capacities based on their Gross National Income (GNI). "It is crucial that all small islands have equitable access to global funding for resilience building that accurately reflects our needs."

The St. Maarten delegation, along with other associate members such as the British Virgin Islands, Aruba, Montserrat and Martinique, highlighted the issues that associate members face and advocated for greater recognition and awareness of their concerns. “Associate members have unique challenges and must be given more support towards advancing regional cooperation within the global development framework.”

As part of their commitment to regional cooperation, the Sint Maarten delegation also nominated Alva Baptiste, Saint Lucia's Minister for External Affairs, International Trade, Civil Aviation, and Diaspora Affairs, as Vice-Chair of the CDCC.

The conference concluded with the adoption of five resolutions, with one particularly relevant to St. Maarten. This resolution called for increased technical, financial, and statistical support to Caribbean Non-Self-Governing Territories and associate members, emphasizing the need for improved data collection to track progress on sustainable development goals. It also advocates for the full inclusion of associate members in global development dialogues, ensuring their unique vulnerabilities are recognized.

Johnson and Wathey praised the CDCC and CDR for their efforts towards facilitating the sharing of best practices within the region and highlighting innovative strategies that may assist the region's unique needs. They also urged for ECLAC to push for all non-independent islands such as Saint Martin to participate as associate members.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In light of the recent criminal activity over the past few weeks, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) would like to inform the public that our officers and detectives are actively engaged in investigations and ongoing operations. Numerous leads are being pursued as part of our efforts to address these incidents and ensure the safety and security of our community.

While KPSM remains committed to maintaining law and order, we acknowledge the limitations of our resources. The public needs to understand that the police cannot be present at every location on the island. As such, we are appealing to the community for their cooperation and support in tackling these issues.

The Role of the Community and Stakeholders

The police force alone cannot effectively prevent crime. Law enforcement is often the last resort when addressing criminal activity. True and lasting solutions come from a collective effort involving everyone in the community, from individuals and local organizations to NGOs and government entities (GOs). By working together, we can address the root causes of crime and prevent incidents before they escalate.

We urge residents, community leaders, NGOs, and government agencies to collaborate in efforts to support crime prevention, early intervention, and social programs that reduce the factors that lead to criminal behavior. This may include supporting youth outreach programs, education, social services, and initiatives that foster stronger community bonds.

The Importance of Public Support

We also ask all citizens to remain vigilant and assist by sharing any information relevant to ongoing investigations. Your cooperation, whether through reporting suspicious activities or participating in community initiatives, is crucial in helping the police address these issues more effectively. Every effort counts, and together, we can make a significant impact in curbing criminal behavior.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the Sint Maarten Police Force at +1 721 542 2222 or use the anonymous tip line at 9300.

KPSM appreciates the ongoing support and cooperation of the public and stakeholders as we work towards ensuring a safer and more secure Sint Maarten for all.

KPSM Press Release.