PHILIPSBURG:--- Celebrating one year since opening its doors, La Casa Del Habano St. Maarten hosted an extraordinary anniversary event that turned Cyrus Wathey Square (where the lounge is located) into a vibrant slice of Havana, drawing a lively crowd of cigar aficionados from around the world, local officials, radio and media personalities and global celebrities to revel in this momentous occasion. This celebration not only commemorated the first successful year but also celebrated the rich cultural heritage that the household name La Casa Del Habano has brought to the Caribbean from Cuba.
Exactly one year ago, on May 16th, La Casa Del Habano opened with a soft launch and quickly established itself as a premier destination for cigar lovers, both locals and visitors. Now, 365 days later, the venue is known for bringing together the finest elements of Cuban tradition, including authentic top-class habanos, luxury spirits, and a pristine lounge for those perfectly curated moments.
The event featured an array of vintage cars that transformed Cyrus Wathey Square into a picturesque scene reminiscent of 1950s Havana, creating numerous Instagrammable moments for the guests. Live cigar rolling demonstrations provided a captivating glimpse into the artistry behind each premium cigar, while a Grammy-award-winning saxophonist and a roster of famed musicians entertained the crowd, setting the mood with vibrant Cuban melodies.
Among the attendees were notable franchise owners from across the Caribbean, influencers, and media personalities who all came together to share their passion for the unique cigar experience La Casa Del Habano St. Maarten offers. Guests enjoyed a selection of Cuba's best rums and expertly mixed cocktails alongside a curated selection of Cuban cigars.
La Casa Del Habano St. Maarten’s management wishes to take this opportunity to express their deep gratitude to the St. Maarten community for embracing their presence and making the lounge a favored destination for luxury and relaxation. As they move into their second year, they are committed to continuing the tradition of providing an authentic Cuban experience matched with unparalleled hospitality in the heart of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Ministry of Public Housing, Environment, Spatial Planning, and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI), Department of Infrastructure announces that part of Front Street will be closed to motorized traffic on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
A section of Front Street between Praktizijnsteeg – adjacent to the Catholic cemetery – and Kruythoffsteeg will be closed for approximately four hours from 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
Access to Front Street will be from the other side streets and alleyways.
The Ministry of VROMI apologizes for any inconvenience caused.

Like many aspects of life, Mother Nature can be unpredictable and unforgiving. Therefore, taking necessary precautions while sailing or engaging in any water-related activity can be crucial during emergencies.
As the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard, it's our duty to remind all boaters, commercial or recreational, of safety regulations during the Safe Boating Week (May 18th to 24th) .
In this regard, here are essential safety guidelines we recommend everyone following:
- Each vessel must have enough life vests for everyone onboard.
- Adhere to the maximum capacity outlined in boat documentation.
- Captains must have a charged cellphone or functional VHF radio and GPS equipment.
- Signaling equipment such as; flares or whistles must be on board.
- A fully equipped and up to date first aid kit must be on board.
- There should always be enough clean water for all passengers on board.
- Wave runner operators must wear life vests and moderate speed in designated areas.
- Captains or vessel agents must report to the Immigration office upon arrival or departure from Sint Maarten.
- Everyone onboard must carry identification, and boat documentation should be up-to-date and accessible.
- Vessels must have operational lights when traveling at night for visibility and safety.
- Public intoxication while sailing or operating a vessel is strictly prohibited.
- In emergencies, contact 913, send a WhatsApp message to +5999 510 0913 or use VHF channel 16.
By following these guidelines, we limit the chances of accidents occurring whenever partaking in water related activities.
If you or someone you know has experienced a traumatic event at sea in need of emotional support, please contact the Victim Support Services of Sint Maarten for guidance and assistance. You can reach them by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 1.721.587.6477.
Stay safe and enjoy your time on the sea!

Willemstad—The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), Gaming Control Board (GCB), and the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) in Curaçao continue their commitment to fighting money laundering and the financing of terrorism and proliferation (AML/CFT/CFP). To formalize their collaboration, on May 10, 2024, they entered into a Multilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMoU).