PHILIPSBURG:--- With the 2025 St. Maarten Marathon only days away, taking place on Sunday, 7 December, organizers are excited to announce that all 450 available spots have now been filled.
While official registration is closed, those who still wish to participate may request to be placed on the reserve list by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. On Saturday afternoon, organizers will review any cancellations, and individuals on the reserve list will be contacted if a spot becomes available.
This year’s event promises to be the largest and most diverse to date, with runners from more than 35 different nationalities already confirmed. The marathon offers four distances, each proudly supported by its title sponsors:
• ENNIA Full Marathon – starts at 4:15 AM, starts at Divi Little Bay, via the boardwalk, and Point Blanche towards Oyster Pond, French Quarter, Orient, through Grand Case, Marigot, up and down the causeway, through Cole Bay, and via Belair to Fort Amsterdam.
• Tortuga Half Marathon – starts at 5:30 AM, starts at Divi Little Bay and follows the same route as the full marathon, but takes a left in French Quarter, to go back to Fort Amsterdam through Dutch Quarter.
• Country Club at Port de Plaisance 10K – starts at 6:15 AM, starts at Divi Little Bay, over the boardwalk, Point Blanche, and goes around town over Walter A. Nisbeth road to Carrefour Bush road, past the Hospital, back to Fort Amsterdam.
• HBN LAW & TAX 5K Run or Walk – starts at 6:45 AM, starts at Divi Little Bay, goes to the end of the boardwalk, and then returns in the same way.
The finish line at Fort Amsterdam will once again serve as a central gathering point. Spectators, families, and supporters are warmly invited to come out, enjoy the atmosphere, and celebrate the runners as they complete their race.
Organizers also extend sincere appreciation to the event’s sponsors, whose commitment makes the marathon possible: ENNIA, HBN LAW & TAX, Divi Little Bay Beach Resort, Tortuga, Heineken 0.0, Country Club At Port De Plaisance, Divico, WeAreSXM, Heavenly Water, Valentin Davis, Snapsxm, Windward Roads, Caribbean Runner, SuperU, Pardon My French, Dollar Thrifty, TriSport, van der Meijden Graphics & Consultancy, Princess International Group, Seaview Beach & Pool Bar, Patty Healing Hands Massages, JAX, Allways Transport, Impulse Spa Clinic, YC-Events Sports Timing, Lagoonies Bistro Bar, Holland House Beach Hotel, ROMA Cucina Intaliana, Sint Maarten Yacht Club Bar & Restaurant, Red Cross, AquaMania, Driven Media, Mr. Chow Modern Asian Bistro, and Lucozade.
A heartfelt thank-you also goes out to all the wonderful volunteers, who play an essential role in ensuring a safe, smooth, and enjoyable event for every participant.
With excitement building and the island ready to welcome runners from near and far, the St. Maarten Marathon is set to once again highlight the spirit, scenery, and energy that make this event a standout in the region.

PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank proudly participated in Banking on St. Maarten, a public financial literacy event hosted by the St. Maarten Bankers Association in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. The community conversation formed part of Financial Literacy Month, creating a space for residents to engage directly with banking leaders and ask practical questions about money, banking services, savings, and financing.
Orco Bank joined fellow banks in reinforcing a shared commitment to open dialogue, transparency, and empowering the Sint Maarten community through better financial understanding.
“Financial literacy builds confidence and helps families make stronger decisions for their future,” said Merle Richardson, representing Orco Bank. “We were grateful to connect with residents, listen to their concerns, and answer questions openly. Orco Bank remains closer to the community and Closer to Your Goals.”
Orco Bank thanks the organizers and everyone who attended and reaffirms its ongoing commitment to supporting financial education initiatives that strengthen households and contribute to a more resilient Sint Maarten economy.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

PHILIPSBURG:--- With the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially coming to a close, Prime Minister, the Honorable Dr. Luc Mercelina, extends his sincere appreciation and gratitude for Sint Maarten and St. Martin being spared from destructive storms this year.

“This season has ended without national distress, and for that, we give thanks to God,” said Prime Minister Mercelina. “But equally important, I acknowledge the people across St. Maarten, who stayed alert, prepared responsibly, and looked out for one another. Our safety is something we experienced together as an island.”

The Prime Minister noted that for many residents, relief this season carries added meaning, as the effects of past hurricanes, particularly Irma, remain part of the island’s collective memory.

“When storms pass us by, we don’t just take a breath, we take stock,” he continued. “Because peace means families avoided displacement, businesses avoided shutdown, and our community routines stayed intact. For a small island, stability is protection too.”

Prime Minister Mercelina also conveyed appreciation to emergency responders and community disaster partners for their continuous readiness throughout the season.

“To our Police Force, Fire Department, ambulance department, Coast Guard, VROMI teams, the Red Cross, volunteers, and every resident who took action to secure their surroundings, thank you for helping to safeguard this country. Your vigilance strengthened national preparedness and eased public concern.”

The Prime Minister emphasized, "We close this season in gratitude, but we stay prepared.”

COLE BAY:--- Motorworld, the exclusive regional distributor for GAC in the Caribbean, announced the continued expansion of the brand with the official media launch of GAC in Jamaica. The introduction is being carried out through Fidelity Motors Limited, supported by the extensive automotive framework of Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) Auto. With St. Maarten serving as the central hub for GAC’s Caribbean operations, the Jamaica launch marks another major step in the brand’s rapidly advancing regional growth strategy.
Motorworld has now successfully launched GAC in 17 Caribbean territories, with Jamaica becoming the newest addition. By the end of Q1, the company expects to expand the brand into 21 territories, reinforcing GAC’s position as the fastest growing automotive brand in the Caribbean.
According to Tariq Amjad, Chairman of Motorworld, this expansion reflects the brand’s rising reputation across island markets. “The launch of GAC in Jamaica is an important milestone for the Caribbean. Jamaican consumers, like those in St. Maarten and our other territories, are increasingly demanding high-quality, technologically advanced vehicles at an attractive price with a strong warranty,” said Amjad. “We are confident that Jamaican customers will embrace these exceptionally engineered vehicles and the technology that has been so well received throughout the Caribbean.”
The Jamaica lineup includes five models already performing strongly across the region:
● Emkoo – a bold, futuristic SUV

● GS3 Emzoom – China’s Highest Quality Compact SUV

● GS8 – a premium full-size SUV

● Empow – a sporty and tech-forward performance sedan

● Aion V – a high-quality, fully electric, technologically advanced SUV

Several additional models are scheduled to follow, including the highly anticipated Aion UT, as well as an all-new tough and rugged pickup truck, further expanding GAC’s offering for Jamaicans seeking advanced mobility solutions.
A key factor behind GAC’s rapid rise is its robust after-sales infrastructure. GAC remains the only Chinese automaker with a dedicated regional parts warehouse in the Americas, located in Panama, enabling delivery of parts to Caribbean territories, including Jamaica, in as little as two weeks. This capability is essential to maintaining high service standards and supporting the brand’s fast-growing popularity across the region.
The Jamaica launch also showcased the GAC Smartwatch, an advanced Android-powered device that allows users to remotely start their vehicle, lock and unlock doors, control windows, locate their car, and access apps. This technology has already been well received in St. Maarten and throughout the Caribbean, demonstrating GAC’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovation at accessible price points.
Alan Bayne, CEO of GEL Auto, emphasized the organization’s confidence in the Jamaican market. “Our long-term commitment to the region, together with Motorworld’s leadership in distribution, training, and after-sales support, positions GAC for sustained success,” Bayne noted. “Our automotive network spans Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, and Jamaica’s inclusion in the GAC network reinforces our belief in its economic strength and in the growing demand for high-quality global automotive brands.”
With strong regional support, expanding model offerings, and rapidly growing brand momentum, GAC is set to make a meaningful and lasting impact in Jamaica’s automotive landscape.