PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Ministry of General Affairs' Office of Disaster Management (ODM) is calling on contractors, builders, developers, and trenching and excavation companies to ensure that comprehensive storm-ready plans are in place for the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

The first named storm of the season, Arthur, formed on Wednesday near the coasts of the U.S. state of Texas; however, it has since dissipated.

With construction activities taking place across the country, ODM is emphasizing the importance of securing building sites and construction materials in advance of any tropical storm or hurricane threat. Building materials, equipment, and construction debris left unsecured can pose significant risks to public safety and property during severe weather conditions.

Contractors and site managers are reminded that all construction, trenching, and excavation sites should be capable of being secured within 48 hours of a tropical storm or hurricane threat. Advance planning is essential to ensure that appropriate actions can be taken quickly when watches or warnings are issued.

Construction materials such as plywood, zinc sheeting, shingles, lumber, scaffolding, and other loose items can become dangerous airborne projectiles during high winds. These materials have the potential to cause extensive damage to homes, businesses, vehicles, and critical infrastructure, while also posing a serious threat to life and safety.

ODM urges all construction site supervisors, foremen, and project managers to review their hurricane preparedness procedures and ensure that all personnel understand their responsibilities in the event of severe weather. Preparedness plans should apply to projects of all sizes, from residential homes to large commercial developments.

As a standard practice throughout the hurricane season, construction sites should be kept organized and free of unnecessary debris. Contractors are encouraged to arrange for the timely removal of discarded materials such as old zinc sheets, wood, and other waste products, while limiting the amount of construction supplies stored on-site to only what is required for immediate operations. Construction equipment and machinery should also be secured appropriately.

ODM further advises that any planned deliveries of construction materials should be postponed if a tropical storm or hurricane is forecast to affect Sint Maarten within 48 hours. Once a tropical storm or hurricane watch has been issued, contractors should begin implementing site security measures, including the removal or securing of scaffolding, construction materials, tools, and equipment. Cranes and other heavy machinery should be secured according to established safety procedures.

Subcontractors should also be notified of their responsibilities to secure or remove their own materials and equipment from project sites. Work activities that could be damaged by adverse weather conditions, such as window installations, landscaping, or house wrap applications, should be suspended. Priority should instead be given to tasks that reduce storm-related risks, including concrete work, enclosing structures, and filling open excavations where feasible.

ODM advises contractors not to delay preparations until the last minute. Once a tropical storm or hurricane watch is issued, site inspections should be carried out promptly to identify and address potential hazards. Early action allows contractors and employees sufficient time to secure their homes and make final personal hurricane preparations for their families.

Following the passage of a storm or hurricane, contractors and builders should only return to project sites after the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), under the direction of the Prime Minister of Sint Maarten, has issued the official All Clear. At that time, damage assessments and clean-up activities may commence in accordance with safety guidelines.

The Office of Disaster Management stresses that hurricane preparedness is a shared responsibility. Proactive planning and timely action by the construction sector can significantly reduce storm-related damage and contribute to the safety and resilience of the community during the 2026 Atlantic Hurricane Season.

The community is urged to learn more about hurricane hazards and resources you need on how to prepare your family, home, or business for a storm/hurricane strike by visiting the Government website: www.sintmaartengov.org/hurricane where you will be able to download your “Hurricane Season Readiness Guide’ and “Hurricane Tracking Chart.” The information here is also valuable for new residents.

Listen to the Government Radio station SXMGOV – 107.9FM - for official information and news before, during and after a hurricane. You can also follow weather related news and information as well as national addresses by the Prime Minister, chairperson of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) by going to @SXMGOV Facebook Page.

For official weather-related information, check out the website of the Meteorological Department of St. Maarten (MDS): www.meteosxm.com or visit their social media page Facebook.com/sxmweather/

Remember, it only takes one hurricane to make it a bad season.  Be prepared!

PHILIPSBURG:--- The EYoung Talent Fund (EYT FoN), established by EY Dutch Caribbean as part of its broader community impact initiatives alongside EY Cares and managed by the Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG), has officially expanded its reach to Sint Maarten and has awarded its first financial contribution on the island to Shanelle Kemoya Bucknor, a talented young dancer at NIA who has been accepted into the internationally renowned Alvin Ailey School in New York.
Established in Curaçao in 2017, the EYT FoN supports exceptional young talent in pursuing opportunities in the fields of arts, culture, science, and sports. Since January 2026, the Fund has also been available to young talent on Sint Maarten.
For Shanelle, acceptance to Alvin Ailey represents an extraordinary opportunity to further develop her talent at one of the world’s leading institutions for professional dance training.
A Story of Talent and Opportunity
During a recent Cultuurfonds Caribisch Gebied (CCG) Fonds op Naam Foundings Session on Sint Maarten, Shanelle shared her words of gratitude and gave a special performance that showcased the talent and dedication that led to her acceptance into Alvin Ailey.
Her teacher, Arlene Halley, also addressed attendees and emphasized the importance of investing in local talent, highlighting how opportunities such as these can have a lasting impact on young artists and the wider community.
Investing in the Next Generation
The expansion of the EYoung Talent FoN to Sint Maarten reflects its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for talented young people across the Dutch Caribbean.
For Sint Maarten, the support provided to Shanelle Kemoya Bucknor represents more than a financial contribution- it is an investment in talent, ambition and the future of the island’s creative community.

Cole Bay:---  Continuing its commitment to youth development and student well-being, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset donated 14 hygiene baskets to graduating students of the Prins Willem Alexander Primary School (PWAS), marking the fifth consecutive year of this meaningful initiative.
The presentation took place during the club’s general meeting on June 8, 2026, where PWAS Director Mrs. Norma Barry and School Counselor Mrs. Jina Mamtani-Mahbubani accepted the donation on behalf of the school. The hygiene baskets, filled with essential personal care items, will be distributed to graduating students as they transition to secondary school.
Mrs. Norma Barry expressed sincere appreciation to the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset for its continued support, noting the positive impact the initiative has on students' confidence and well-being.
"Good hygiene builds confidence, self-esteem, and responsibility. Through this initiative, we hope to empower students with the essentials they need to begin secondary school with pride and confidence," stated Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset President Alex Pierre.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset congratulates the graduating students and wishes them continued success as they begin a new chapter.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at Carl N Sons Unique Inn and Conference Facilities in Cole Bay. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or follow the club on Facebook and Instagram at Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset.

MARIGOT, Saint Martin:---  Every mother deserves access to information and support as she begins one of life's most important journeys. With that belief in mind, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset presented a large digital television screen to the maternity ward of Louis Constant Fleming Hospital on June 17, 2026, to help strengthen maternal and child health education for families across the island.

The television will be installed in a dedicated educational room where expectant and new mothers will be able to view instructional videos and demonstrations on essential topics such as breastfeeding, bathing newborns, infant care, and other important practices that contribute to the health and well-being of both mother and child.

The donation reflects Rotary's commitment to Maternal and Child Health, one of Rotary International's key areas of focus. Through projects such as this, the club continues to invest in healthier futures for families and provide resources that empower parents with the knowledge and confidence needed to care for their children.

"One of the greatest gifts we can give a child is a healthy start in life, and that begins with supporting mothers," said Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset President Alex Pierre. "We are honored to partner with Louis Constant Fleming Hospital in creating opportunities for learning that will benefit families long after they leave the maternity ward. Every parent deserves access to information that helps them give their child the best possible start."

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset remains dedicated to answering the needs of the community through service projects that create lasting impact and improve lives. By supporting education and wellness initiatives, the club continues to make a difference for the most vulnerable members of society and help build stronger, healthier communities.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets every second and fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m. at Carl & Sons Unique Inn in Cole Bay.

For more information about the club and its community service projects, follow the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset on Facebook at Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset and on Instagram at @rotarysxmsunset.