PHILIPSBURG:--- The Dutch government has announced its decision to refinance loans granted to Curaçao and St Maarten partially. These loans, originally issued in 2010 as part of a debt restructuring agreement during the constitutional reform of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, were due for repayment. However, the refinancing decision was made to support the financial stability of these territories.

Background of the Loans

• Curaçao: Loan amount of XCG 139.7 million (approximately €69.9 million).
• Sint Maarten: Loan amount of XCG 73.5 million (approximately €36.8 million).
• Combined, the loans total over €106 million, which was initially expected as revenue in the 2025 budget for Kingdom Relations.

Reason for Refinancing

The decision to refinance was influenced by advice from the College of Financial Supervision (Cft). The Cft highlighted that full repayment of the loans would significantly weaken the liquidity positions of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, potentially falling below the levels recommended by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This could jeopardize the continuity of public services in these territories.

• Curaçao: The country is in a position to repay part of its loan.
• Sint Maarten: Due to its fragile financial situation, repayment is currently not feasible.

The financial challenges faced by both territories are attributed to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and long-term financial obligations, including issues related to the pension insurer Ennia.

Impact on the Dutch Budget

The refinancing will reduce the projected revenues for the Kingdom Relations budget in 2025. Specifically:

• Revenues for Article 5 (Debt Restructuring/Loans) will decrease from €205.3 million to €98.7 million.
• The repayment of these loans will now be deferred to future years, though these amounts have not yet been incorporated into the budget.

Conclusion

This refinancing decision underscores the Dutch government's commitment to supporting the financial stability of Curaçao and Sint Maarten, ensuring the continuity of public services and addressing the economic challenges faced by these territories.

~CHTA NAMES CORAL REEF STEWARDSHIP AWARD WINNERS AND LAUNCHES BEST PRACTICES GUIDE~

MIAMI, Fla.:--- With Caribbean coral reefs under increasing threat from climate change, overfishing, and coastal development, the region’s tourism industry is stepping up. The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), through its Caribbean Alliance for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) and in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, recently hosted a webinar launching the new Caribbean Coral Reef Stewardship Best Practices Brief, featuring the winners of its inaugural Caribbean Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Awards.

During the virtual event, the winning organizations presented their projects and shared best practices for reef conservation that are also showcased in the Brief. Together, these efforts spotlight how tourism stakeholders can help protect one of the Caribbean’s most vital natural assets.

New Best Practices Guide to Inspire Reef-Focused Tourism

The Best Practices Brief profiles three successful, uniquely different models of reef stewardship led by tourism operators. It offers actionable guidance on how hotels, resorts, dive operators and tourism businesses can collaborate with communities, NGOs, and government agencies to protect and restore coral ecosystems. From innovative coral gardening and habitat mapping to creative community engagement and education, the Brief demonstrates how environmental protection can also create economic and social benefits.

Recognizing Leadership in Coral Conservation

Building on the Brief’s recommendations, CHTA honored organizations setting new standards for coral protection through education, innovation, and collaboration.

“This is not only about preserving coral reefs; it’s about honoring the deep connection between nature and the people of the Caribbean,” said Karolin Troubetzkoy, Acting Chair for CAST.  “When hotels and tourism-related businesses, communities, and conservationists come together, we’re protecting our heritage, safeguarding our investments, sustaining livelihoods, and ensuring that future generations can experience the beauty of these ecosystems. These awardees show what’s possible when sustainability is a shared commitment.”

2025 Caribbean Coral Reef Tourism Stewardship Awards Winners:

1st Place – Aquanauts Grenada
This Scuba Schools International (SSI) dive center has transformed invasive reef-damaging lionfish into an opportunity for conservation and community building. Through Lionfish Bites & Beats—a vibrant event combining live music, culinary experiences, and education—and the Aqua Rangers Youth Development Scholarship, Aquanauts has removed thousands of lionfish, funded marine conservation training for local youth, and created a replicable model blending education and public awareness-building, economic resilience and reef stewardship.

1st Runner-Up – Jamaica Inn Foundation, Ocho Rios
Jamaica Inn’s longstanding commitment to reef protection is embodied in the White River Fish Sanctuary, a 370-acre marine protected area which they helped to create and is co-managed with local stakeholders. Combining coral restoration, habitat mapping, and community education, with the unique engagement of local fishers, the Sanctuary has increased fish biomass by 500 percent while fostering sustainable livelihoods and scientific research.

2nd Runner-Up – Round Hill Hotel & Villas, Jamaica
Through its Reef Garden Initiative, Round Hill has become a pioneer in tourism-led reef restoration. In partnership with Seascape Caribbean and the Government of Jamaica, the resort has applied silvicultural coral propagation techniques, engaged local fishers as reef gardeners, and integrated guest experiences that connect travelers directly with conservation. The initiative shows how ecological impact and elevated guest engagement can go hand in hand.

These winning projects demonstrate how tourism, guided by strong partnerships and science-backed strategies, can drive both environmental restoration and sustainable economic growth across the Caribbean.

Tourism stakeholders are encouraged to explore the Best Practices Brief, share it across their networks, and draw inspiration from these leading examples. To access the full recording of the webinar and presentation decks, visit: https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com/commitment-initiatives.

The Brief, webinar and supporting research undertaken by CHTA/CAST to identify best practices by tourism industry stakeholders were made possible in part by support from The Nature Conservancy and the United Nations Environment Programme.  

For more information about CHTA and CAST, visit: https://caribbeanhotelandtourism.com.  Additional research and support information is available at The Nature Conservancy’s site: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/caribbean. 

St. Martin:--- Under the inspiring global theme “Inspire, Innovate, Empower, Transform – Together We Shape a Sustainable Future,” Business and Professional Women Concordia St. Martin gathered on June 29th for its Annual Candle Lighting Ceremony; an event steeped in tradition, symbolism, and an unwavering commitment to women’s advancement.

The Candle Lighting Ceremony is a cherished tradition within Business and Professional Women International (BPWI), symbolizing the light each woman carries within her and the collective flame that ignites progress around the world.

Each candle lit represents an enduring vision of unity, hope, and action, connecting women of every generation, profession, and community across the globe.

This year’s ceremony powerfully honored that legacy. During the evening, the new executive board was formally installed, marking a new chapter of dedicated leadership and service for the organization. The installation was graciously conducted by member Sharanne Gibbs. The newly installed officers are:

• President: Catherine Magdeleine
• Vice President of Membership:

              Kathia Magdeleine

• Secretary: Sophia Carti
• Treasurer: Emelinda Lake
• Assistant Treasurer: Sharanne Gibbs

Before the ceremonial lighting of the candles, members and guests were inspired by a stirring keynote address delivered by member Danielle Chance. In her address, Ms. Chance reminded all present why this ceremony matters; not only as a tribute to the courageous women who paved the way, but as a call to action for the next generation of Caribbean women leaders.

She emphasized that each candle represents courage, connection, and a shared responsibility to light the way where darkness still remains.

The symbolic candle lighting was then beautifully conducted by members Suzanne Scantaberry and Luciana Vera Gomez, who led attendees in renewing their commitment to inspire, innovate, empower, and transform together.

As the flames flickered brightly, the room was filled with a shared sense of purpose and promise: that every member of BPW Concordia will continue to carry this light into boardrooms, communities, and corridors of power, ensuring that no woman is left behind on the journey to equality and sustainable progress.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The St. Maarten Academy Vocational Business Campus (VBC) proudly celebrated a defining moment on Thursday, June 26, 2025, as it hosted its 22nd Graduation Ceremony under the inspiring theme: “Dream Big, Start Small, and Pay It Forward.” The event honored the achievements of the Class of 2025 while showcasing the campus’s academic excellence, impactful programs, and bold new direction.

This year, 70 students sat the ETE external examinations, with 61 successfully passing—an outstanding 87% pass rate. The campus also recorded 100% success in its CSPE practical exams across both PKL and PBL levels in the flagship Administration and Commerce streams, under the expert guidance of Head of Department Mr. Travis McQuilkin.

The ceremony highlighted the resounding success of VBC’s Job Training Program, led by Mrs. Olivace, which also achieved a 100% pass rate, with graduates transitioning seamlessly into roles across local businesses.

Additionally, three of the six graduating classes—P4A, B4A, and B4B—achieved a 100% passing rate, a testament to the steadfast mentorship of Mrs. Macie Barnes-Pantophlet, Mr. Walter Aikman, and Ms. Petromella Layne.

Two students were specially recognized for their exceptional academic performance and leadership:

• PKL Valedictorian: Aiden Austrie
• PBL Valedictorian: Josue Leon Reales

These honorees exemplify the dedication, perseverance, and community spirit that VBC instills in its learners.

The 2024–2025 academic year marked a new chapter for the institution. Formerly known as the St. Maarten Academy PSVE, the school officially rebranded as the Vocational Business Campus (VBC) on October 25, 2024, as part of the FAVE 50th Anniversary celebration. This transformation signals a future-focused commitment to delivering business-centered, market-relevant education grounded in character development.

“Our transformation into a specialized business campus is not just a change in name, but a recommitment to student empowerment,” said Principal Ms. Monique Beek. “We are raising the bar in vocational education—producing students who are not just academically sound, but technically skilled and socially responsible.”

The event concluded with heartfelt appreciation to the community of supporters, including the FAVE Board & Executive Director drs. Tallulah Baly, the VBC Management (Ms. Caline Celestin - Vice-Principal and Ms. Barbara Cocks) and Graduation Team, Bernadette Davis (Marketing Solution), Motorworld (CEO Farina Amjad, Managing Director Tariq Amjad, and General Marketing Manager Earlynna George), and the Dutch Representatives in St. Maarten.

A special acknowledgment was also extended to the Department of Student Care (DSC)—Ms. Barbara Cocks, Ms. Ramonda Hanze, and Ms. Nkozana Illis—for their steadfast support and guidance of the students on their journey to becoming. Their commitment to the holistic development and well-being of every learner continues to be a pillar of the VBC experience.

In a special message on behalf of the FAVE Board, drs. Tallulah Baly shared a forward-looking charge: “As we celebrate the achievements of our students and the unwavering dedication of our staff, let us be clear—this is only the beginning. We are not merely changing a name; we are reimagining a future. The FAVE Board is committed to equipping students with practical skills in Business Administration and Commerce—skills that open pathways to entrepreneurship, meaningful employment, and further education. But this transformation cannot be realized in isolation. To the businesses, community members, and leaders: we need your partnership. Vocational education is not just an investment in our youth—it is an investment in the future of St. Maarten. The young people we empower today will become the entrepreneurs, innovators, and nation-builders of tomorrow.”

In her final remarks, Principal Beek echoed this sentiment as she inspired the graduating class:
“Because you have honoured God, today He has honoured you. You are the product of a school that believes in equipping you not only for exams but for life.”

The St. Maarten Academy Vocational Business Campus (VBC) is positioning itself as the island’s leading VSBO institution, focused on delivering comprehensive training in Administration and Commerce. With a mission to prepare students academically, technically, and in service to our community, VBC will serve as the cornerstone in the future development of St. Maarten’s Vocational Education landscape.

“Dream Big, Start Small, and Pay It Forward.”
— St. Maarten Academy VBC, Class of 2025