Simpson Bay, St. Maarten:---  The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA), in collaboration with the Simpson Bay Fireworks Association, is pleased to announce the return of Crew Year’s Eve, set to take place on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Crew Year’s Eve has become a much-anticipated tradition within St. Maarten’s maritime calendar, bringing together crew, marine professionals, residents, and visitors for an evening that celebrates the island’s vibrant marine community. The event will once again feature a festive atmosphere capped off with a spectacular fireworks display over Simpson Bay.
Following the strong turnout and positive response to previous editions, the SMMTA looks forward to welcoming the community for another memorable celebration. Crew Year’s Eve continues to serve as a moment of appreciation for the hard-working crews and businesses that contribute year-round to St. Maarten’s reputation as a leading yachting and maritime destination.
In addition to the main fireworks celebration scheduled for 10pm, several marinas will host events, welcoming both the maritime community and the wider public.
The SMMTA extends its sincere appreciation to the event partners and sponsors whose continued support makes Crew Year’s Eve possible: IGY Marinas, Yacht Club Port de Plaisance, Palapa Marina, Port of St. Maarten, Skyport Marina, Simpson Bay Resort, Pro Serve Marine, Island Water World, Napa, BWA Yachting, Carrefour, Steve Coetzer, PDG Supplies, and Bluwater Construction. Their commitment reflects the strength of collaboration within the marine sector and the shared pride in celebrating the people who power it.

Willemstad/Philipsburg:---  The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has been informed of the passing of Mr. Hushang Ansary and expresses its condolences to his family. With respect to the ongoing proceedings, the CBCS remains committed to recovering the losses suffered by Ennia.
Mr. Ansary’s attorney has informed the Joint Court of Justice of his passing. On that basis, the Court has stayed the liability proceedings against Mr. Ansary pending notification of his assumption of the position in the proceedings. Once this notification has been received, the proceedings can be resumed. It should be noted that the liability proceedings are not directed solely against Mr. Ansary personally, but also against other parties, including a legal entity affiliated with Mr. Ansary. Mr. Ansary’s passing does not change the legal position of these parties.
The CBCS remains fully committed to recovering Ennia’s losses from former directors and shareholders and will continue to take the necessary steps to protect these interests, including, where required, appropriate legal action against their legal successors.
Willemstad, January 6, 2026 CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

Willemstad, January 6, 2026 – The Government of Curaçao has announced the reappointment of a high-level representative to the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C., following a decision by the Council of Ministers. This move comes in response to dynamic geopolitical developments and strategic priorities in areas such as economics, tourism, justice, and security.
Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas, who also serves as Minister of General Affairs, has appointed Mr. Jérôme Beeldsnijder as the Plenipotentiary Minister of Curaçao at the Dutch Embassy in Washington, D.C.
Mr. Beeldsnijder, born in Suriname and raised in Tera Kòrá, Curaçao, brings a wealth of experience to the role. After completing his secondary education on the island, he pursued studies at the Royal Military Academy (KMA) in the Netherlands. His distinguished career includes service as a professional officer and multiple deployments to the former Yugoslavia, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he participated in special operations and collaborated with international intelligence agencies.
In addition to his military background, Mr. Beeldsnijder has held leadership roles as the director of National Security Services in both Sint Maarten and Curaçao. His extensive experience in managing complex situations, international decision-making, and strategic networking will be instrumental in advancing Curaçao's national interests.
As Plenipotentiary Minister, Mr. Beeldsnijder will focus on strengthening Curaçao's strategic relationships within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and with international partners. His efforts will prioritize security, geopolitical developments, justice, economic cooperation, and global positioning. His deep understanding of international security issues and his robust network within defense and security structures align closely with Curaçao's current and future priorities in the region.
Mr. Beeldsnijder will officially begin his duties in Washington, D.C., on February 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Mr. Mitchell Boyd will serve as Acting Director of the Curaçao Security Service.
On behalf of the government and the people of Curaçao, Prime Minister Pisas extended his best wishes to Mr. Beeldsnijder for success in his new mission representing the nation.

 CITED: https://gobiernu.cw/nl/nieuw/herintroductie-vertegenwoordiger-van-curacao-te-washington-d-c/

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament (MP) Lyndon Lewis is urging the Minister of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport, Melissa Gumbs, and Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure, Patrice Gumbs, to ensure that Fort Amsterdam, one of Sint Maarten’s most important historical monuments, is included in any upgrading and beautification initiatives undertaken by their ministries.
Fort Amsterdam, built in 1631, is among the island’s last remaining historic monuments. Constructed to protect the Dutch colonial outpost and seaport, it is recognized for its strategic location overlooking Great Bay and Little Bay and for being the site of the failed Dutch attempt to retake the fort from the Spanish in 1644.
Today, Fort Amsterdam is a popular tourist attraction, offering both historical insights and scenic views. However, MP Lewis expressed strong dissatisfaction with the monument's current state of neglect. During our visit, some Divi employees and tourists took the opportunity to express their dissatisfaction with the upkeep of our national historic monument. MP Lewis also spoke to Ma,x an environmental protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) researcher, who explained to the MP that the degradation of the Fort can have a significant negative impact not only on tourism but also to the Brown Pelicans, who uses the area as a nesting site, which is known to be the last nesting site of our national bird.
“It is quite embarrassing to see that one of our most popular tourist sites—attracting guests from around the world to experience and learn about our history—is facing deterioration and neglect. We must do better at maintaining and safeguarding our national historic monuments. As the Minister who oversees our culture, I urge you to take this situation seriously before Fort Amsterdam falls into a state that can no longer be revived,” MP Lewis stated.
MP Lewis also called on the Ministers to look to Fort Louis on the northern side of our island as an example, where continuous maintenance and upgrades are carried out to preserve its historical and cultural value.
“If our neighbors can prioritize the preservation of their historic sites, then surely we, too, can ensure that Fort Amsterdam receives the respect, investment, and care it deserves,” he added.
MP Lewis reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the protection and promotion of Sint Maarten’s cultural heritage, urging immediate action to prevent further decline of Fort Amsterdam. “This site is historically and ecologically important, and the Ministers responsible must do their job and preserve our national treasure. MP Lewis concluded.