VBC Shines at 22nd Graduation Ceremony with 87% Pass Rate and a Renewed Vision for Vocational Excellence.

vbcacademy03072025PHILIPSBURG:---  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


Minister Plenipotentiary Arrindell lays wreath at National Slavery Monument.

gracita02072027THE NETHERLANDS (THE HAGUE):---  On Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, the Netherlands commemorated its history of slavery at the National Slavery Monument in Oosterpark, Amsterdam. Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita R. Arrindell laid a wreath at the monument on behalf of Sint Maarten.

Wreaths were also laid by Carlson Manuel, Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao, and Joselin S. Croes, Director of the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Aruba.

On July 1st, 1863, the Netherlands enacted a law to abolish slavery. After a ten-year transitional period, the actual abolition came into effect in 1873. Hundreds of attendees were addressed by several speakers, including Silveria Jacobs, former Prime Minister of Sint Maarten; outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof; Wendeline Flores, Vice Chair of NiNsee; and Mayor of Amsterdam Femke Halsema.

The National Commemoration of the Dutch Slavery Past is organized by NiNsee, the National Institute for the Study of Dutch Slavery and its Legacy. NiNsee collects, manages, and shares knowledge about this shared history.

In addition to the official commemoration, the “breaking of the chains” was celebrated at Museumplein during the Keti Koti Festival.

New Anti-Vector Campaign in Saint-Barthélemy: July 7-11, 2025.

imagesL’Agence de Santé Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy informs the population of Saint-Barthélemy that a new anti-vector campaign will be conducted from July 7 to July 11, 2025. This initiative follows the actions launched last December after the detection of a new mosquito species in the territory: Aedes albopictus.

This intervention will specifically target neighborhoods located between Saint-Jean and Petit-Cul-de-Sac. ARS agents will carry out enhanced surveillance by placing numerous ovitraps to monitor the evolution of the mosquito population.

Additionally, targeted anti-larval operations will be conducted using portable sprayers, allowing precise action in the most affected areas. These operations will take place early in the morning and/or late in the day, periods when the mosquito is most active.

No specific measures are required from residents, except to facilitate access to private areas that may be involved in the intervention.

L’Agence de Santé thanks the population for their cooperation and commitment to this public health initiative.

Caribbean Business Hub event draws full house despite NATO summit in The Hague.

cbh01072025The Hague:--- While President Trump left The Hague after the NATO summit on Wednesday evening, entrepreneurs and professionals gathered at the Cabinet of the Minister Plenipotentiary of Curaçao for an inspiring networking event organized by the Caribbean Business Hub (CBH).

The evening was opened by chairman Nico de Visser, who emphasized CBH's ambitions: stimulating entrepreneurship, from inspiring circular projects and investment funds to innovative (franchise) formulas on all the Caribbean islands and Latin America. CBH achieves this by informing, facilitating, supporting, and most importantly, matching. New is their online marketplace for business acquisitions, financing requests, and real estate opportunities. Personal contact remains the beating heart of their approach during networking events.

Next year, the ambition will grow further when CBH organizes the Caribbean & Latin Village: a large fair for entrepreneurs, franchisees, hospitality tycoons, real estate agents, service companies, stakeholders, and investors. Exhibitors and sponsors can already respond now.

Architect George Polman, director of AG Architects in Haarlem, the Netherlands, gave an impressive keynote, which he began in Papiamento – a powerful signal about the importance of cultural alignment in international business. He presented very inspiring megaprojects on Bonaire. They range from exclusive, colorful villas and mansions in Caribbean style to creating new destinations for old buildings, as well as high-quality social housing with the same characteristic look. According to George Polman, social enterprises have a significant positive impact on society. By also building high-quality homes for the less fortunate, the gap between rich and poor is narrowed.

Then, Mrs. Penningston pitched her Curaçao company, a striking example of Caribbean entrepreneurship making the leap to the European market. She talked about Blue Curaçao liqueur, which was invented and developed on the island itself in 1896. The tamarind liqueur, their tropical surprise, was also presented during the liqueur tasting.

The evening was concluded by Minister Plenipotentiary Carlson Manuel, who encouraged attendees to actively seek opportunities on the islands and emphasized that entrepreneurs are welcome on all the Caribbean islands, particularly on Curaçao.

With a tropical buffet, good conversations, and a constructive atmosphere, the event was once again a success. The next CBH networking event is scheduled for Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

TEATT Ministry Announces Temporary Closure and Restructuring of Economic Licenses Department to Improve Public Service Delivery.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), under the leadership of Minister Grisha Heyliger-Marten, has announced the temporary closure of the Department of Economic Licenses’ service desk at the Public Service Center (PSC), effective July 1, 2025, for a period of four to six weeks.

This decision is part of a strategic effort to address recurring public concerns, improve turnaround times, and strengthen the quality of service provided to the business community, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It aligns with the Ministry’s broader mission to ease the process of doing business in St. Maarten.

“I’ve listened to the complaints and frustrations from the public and the staff of the Department, and I am taking decisive action,” stated Minister Heyliger-Marten. “The goal is to assist the staff by restructuring internal processes, give them time to only address the backlog, and reintroduce a system that prioritizes their concerns by means of efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.”

Key updates during the closure include:

A new digital document submission: Applicants will be able to upload required documents from wherever they are. This will make the process easier, more flexible, and reduce the need to come in person unless absolutely necessary. More updates on how you can receive assistance during closure via the of Small Economic Development Corporation SEDC and/or the Chamber of Commerce COCI, we be mentioned later this week.

Discontinuation of the current online system: The existing online submission platform will be phased out. A new short-term digital solution will be introduced to ensure more reliable and user-friendly service.

Return to walk-in service: After the service desk reopens, morning hours will accommodate walk-in submissions and inquiries using a number system. Afternoon hours (1 PM to 4 PM) will be dedicated to application status updates.

Follow-up for existing appointments: All individuals with appointments scheduled for July and early August will be contacted during the first week of July to inform them of next steps and address their pending requests.

To manage this transition, a dedicated internal project team has been assigned to support implementation, clear the backlog, and enhance communication between the department and the public.

“The Ministry fully recognizes the vital role that MSMEs play in our economy and the challenges they face when accessing basic services,” added Minister Heyliger-Marten. “This restructuring represents a short- to mid-term solution that will bring relief now, while we continue working on broader long-term reforms through the Country Packages.”

The Department will also participate in the upcoming Go Local Event, hosted in Philipsburg on the Boardwalk from July 24 to 27, 2025. During this event, the department will host an informational tent to share updates, answer public inquiries, and promote awareness about the new licensing process.

While the temporary closure may cause some short-term inconvenience, the Ministry is confident that these measures will result in improved service, renewed public trust, and a more efficient approach to licensing that reflects the needs of a modern economy.

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