Caribbean Region:---  Only one week remains to enter EPIC’s first-ever Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean Photo Contest 2025, hosted in partnership with Caribbean Compass magazine. Time is running out, and this is your chance to share an image that shows why the Caribbean matters.

The contest invites residents and visitors to celebrate people, places, and wild nature through photography and storytelling. EPIC’s mission is to protect the Caribbean’s unique environments and cultures through science, education, advocacy, and stewardship (S.E.A.S). Seas & Scenes turns that mission into pictures and stories that amplify across the region, build awareness and pride, and inspire action.

More than $1,000 in total cash prizes are available. Audience Choice, decided by public vote, awards $300 for first, $100 for second, and $50 for third. Sailing & Yachting Adventures awards $200, $100, and $50. Caribbean Nature and the People Who Love It awards $200, $100, and $50. Up to fifteen Judges’ Choice recognitions will also be announced. All cash prize winners receive a one-year digital subscription to Doyle Guides.

Running until August 31, 2025, the contest invites photographers of all skill levels—whether professionals or smartphone users—to submit up to three original images that highlight Caribbean nature, culture, or conservation in action, then add a story that helps bring the moment to life. Even if you are not a photographer, everyone is invited to vote for their favorite photo and to engage through social media with the stories shared by the photographers on the contest website. Enter or vote at epicislands.org/photo-contest-2025.  

Winning entries will be chosen by a panel of judges from throughout the region, whose expertise includes photography, nature conservation, and Caribbean connections. Winners will be featured on Caribbean Compass and EPIC platforms, continuing a longstanding collaboration between the two organizations to celebrate the Caribbean’s unique heritage and a shared mission to inspire love for the region’s natural and cultural treasures while raising awareness of the urgent need to protect them.

"The photo gallery already reads like a love letter to the region."

– Elaine Lembo, Editor in Chief, Caribbean Compass magazine

The contest is made possible by presenting sponsor IGY Marinas, a longtime advocate for sustainable tourism and marine stewardship in the Caribbean.

"Sponsoring the EPIC Seas & Scenes Contest is a chance to invest in the future of our oceans and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. We are very proud to support a creative platform that celebrates the beauty of the Caribbean while raising awareness about the need to protect it," said Andy Caballero, Regional Manager Caribbean & Latin America at IGY Marinas.

Contest ends August 31, 2025. To enter, vote, or learn more, visit epicislands.org/photo-contest-2025.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The people of Sint Maarten are tired of excuses. They're tired of promises. And most of all, they're tired of paying inflated electricity and water bills while their government opts for endless studies instead of decisive action.

The Council of Ministers' latest decision regarding GEBE relief measures reads like a broken record: more studies are needed. This response comes despite having a comprehensive 40-page report from BTP and RAC that already exposes the glaring problems in our energy sector. How many more reports do we need before someone has the courage to act?

The Uncomfortable Truth About Our Energy Monopoly

Let's call it what it is – the energy and water markets in Sint Maarten are controlled by monopolistic suppliers who have been setting their own rules for years. SOL controls fuel imports, GEBE controls electricity and water distribution, and Seven Seas controls water production. These companies operate without meaningful oversight, free to determine tariffs at their discretion while the people bear the cost.

The BTP/RAC report reveals a damning reality: "For many years the main operators, SOL and GEBE, have been in a position to unilaterally determine the utility tariffs. This has resulted in a lack of transparency in tariff setting and consequently a diminished level of trust by the public."

This isn't just poor governance – it's a betrayal of public trust.

The Numbers Don't Lie

While government debate the need for more studies, the facts are already on the table. The report shows that between 2022-2024, GEBE generated a surplus of approximately 12.6 million guilders from the fuel clause alone. That's 12.6 million guilders in excess charges paid by residents and businesses – money that should have stayed in their pockets.

Even more troubling, the report found that "the current formula for determining the electricity tariffs could not be validated." We're paying bills based on calculations that can't even be properly verified.

The report makes crystal clear recommendations that could provide immediate relief:

• Regulate fuel prices for electricity generation through existing procedures

• Establish independent oversight of tariff calculations

• Correct the flawed fuel clause formula that has been overcharging consumers

• Implement transparent cost allocation between electricity and water services

These aren't radical suggestions requiring years of study – they're basic regulatory practices used worldwide.

The SOL Connection Demands Investigation

The Council of Ministers must heed the call for an in-depth study of SOL's fuel pricing and markup practices. The report shows that while SOL's base prices generally follow international markets,  “an increase in the other tariff components has been noted over these years."

What are these mysterious "other components"? Why are they increasing? The people deserve to know exactly what they're paying for when SOL charges GEBE for fuel that ultimately appears on every electricity bill.

The report notes that SOL and GEBE aren't even in agreement on fuel supply terms, creating "operational risks... environmental risks and eventually continuity risks for the energy provision as a whole." Yet somehow, consumers continue paying the price for this dysfunction.

Enough Studies – Time for Action

The BTP/RAC report provides 13 detailed recommendations for reform. These solutions exist right now. What we lack isn't information – it's political will.

The Council of Ministers' decision to commission more studies while people struggle with high energy costs is not just disappointing – it's insulting. How many reports do we need to confirm what everyone already knows? That our energy sector operates without proper oversight, that consumers are being overcharged, and that meaningful regulation is long overdue?

The people demand immediate action on three fronts:

1. Launch the comprehensive SOL study immediately – Every fuel delivery, every markup, every additional cost component must be scrutinized and justified.

2. Implement regulatory oversight now – BTP SXM should begin monthly reviews of GEBE's tariff calculations while the COM deliberates on formal regulatory frameworks.

3. Correct the fuel clause formula – The 12.6 million guilder surplus proves the current system is broken. Fix it and return excess charges to consumers.

The energy crisis in Sint Maarten isn't caused by a lack of studies – it's caused by a lack of action. The people can't wait for another report while they choose between paying electricity bills and buying groceries.

The Council of Ministers has the tools, the recommendations, and the legal authority to act. The only question remaining is whether they have the will to use them.

The people of Sint Maarten are watching. And they're running out of patience.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), in strategic partnership with regional airline WINAIR, proudly participated in the 2025 St. Kitts Music Festival, one of the Caribbean’s most celebrated and well-attended cultural events. Drawing over 30,000 patrons from across the region and the globe, the festival served as a powerful platform for promoting intra-Caribbean travel and elevating the appeal of destination St. Maarten.

As part of its continued commitment to regional tourism collaboration, STB activated an impressive lineup of marketing initiatives targeting high-value consumers.

A standout presence was achieved within the Carambola White Sands VVIP, attracting affluent festivalgoers with high disposable income and a strong appetite for travel. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, over 60% of VVIP event attendees travel internationally more than twice per year, representing a key demographic for tourism growth.

The sponsorship ensured prominent joint STB & WINAIR branding and destination visibility over the course of four days, strategically integrated into the Carambola White Sands VVIP area, as well as the grand finale at their luxurious beachside venue. 

On the general festival grounds, the St. Maarten team engaged attendees at multiple touchpoints, including a branded booth and stand located within exclusive VVIP seating areas. Patrons were invited to enter a raffle to win a complimentary trip to St. Maarten, courtesy of WINAIR—driving consumer interest and valuable lead generation.

The activation transitioned on Sunday to the pristine Carambola Beach Club for the White Sands finale, where additional direct engagement and high-visibility prize presentations further embedded St. Maarten into the festival's premium activities. This included onstage moments at the highly anticipated White Sands Pageant where both the Pageant winner and a random winner of the festival-wide raffle promotions were presented with a trip to St. Maarten, courtesy of WINAIR.

The initiative was successfully executed by IMBRACE, STB’s Caribbean marketing agency, led by Jacqueline Louis. This event marked the first activation under the newly signed WINAIR marketing partnership agreement, with several more joint campaigns already in the pipeline.

“Festivals are a major catalyst for regional travel, with studies showing that 45% of Caribbean travelers plan trips specifically around cultural events,” noted Jacqueline Louis. “Our presence at the St. Kitts Music Festival allowed us to tap directly into that energy, bringing our island’s warmth, vibrancy, and unique experiences to life for thousands of potential visitors.”

Beyond the course of the events, the STB team engaged with several key stakeholders to strengthen regional ties and explore future collaborations. Notably, they met with St. Kitts' Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Marsha Henderson. This further underscored the commitment to fostering regional travel and leveraging multi-cultural tourism exchanges.

Additionally, the promotional push included radio interviews and targeted sales calls with travel agents, strengthening trade relationships and amplifying St. Maarten’s appeal as a year-round destination.

The joint activation exemplified the power of regional partnerships in modern tourism marketing. STB and WINAIR not only enhanced brand visibility but also fostered genuine connections with a diverse, engaged audience. The activation was met with enthusiasm and appreciation from festivalgoers eager to learn more, visit more often and experience what St. Maarten has to offer.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Telem Group acknowledges the concerns expressed by the Sint Maarten Communications Union (SMCU) regarding the future of telecommunications in our country. As Sint Maarten’s only locally owned telecommunications provider, we recognize our responsibility not only to deliver reliable service, but also to protect jobs, build resilience, and ensure that our island keeps pace with global digital transformation.

Long-Term Transformation, Not Quick Fixes

Over the past 24 months, Telem has undertaken the most ambitious modernization in our company's history. This transformation is not a reaction to foreign competition—rather, it is our roadmap all along. In April 2025, even before Starlink’s concession was announced, we rolled out new ultra-fast fiber packages across the island.

Our top-consumer package now delivers 250 Mbps download and 100 Mbps upload speeds, exceeding Starlink’s upload capacity and placing Sint Maarten on par with other markets. Importantly, we achieved this without raising costs to consumers—prices remain unchanged, starting at just $55 per month.

On the mobile side, we reached another significant milestone in June 2025, when we successfully deployed a brand-new, state-of-the-art mobile core after months of planning, preparation, and hard work. This future-ready platform serves as the foundation for our 5G rollout, with island-wide coverage anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. By then, Sint Maarten will have one of the most advanced telecommunications infrastructures in the Caribbean.

Financial Responsibility and Sustainability

Unlike many regional operators, Telem has achieved this transformation without taking on new loans. Through efficiency improvements, cost reductions, and strategic partnerships, we are modernizing sustainably while protecting the interests of our employees and customers. This disciplined approach ensures long-term stability and resilience.

 Jobs, Sovereignty, and Local Commitment

Telem is more than a telecom provider—we are part of the fabric of Sint Maarten. Our employees live here, work here, and are deeply invested in this island’s success. When the government entrusted us with the Government Wide Area Network (GWAN) fiber project, it reaffirmed our unique role as the partner of choice to safeguard national infrastructure.

While global players like Starlink may offer connectivity options, they do not provide local jobs, invest in local infrastructure, or contribute to the resilience of Sint Maarten. Telem does.

A Clear Path Forward

We acknowledge the challenges of the past and recognize that there is still more work to be done. But let us be clear: Telem is not standing still. We are moving confidently into the future with a long-term vision of resilience, innovation, and service excellence.

Our focus remains on:

• Completing the island-wide broadband internet rollout.

• Delivering 5G technology.

• Continuing to improve customer experience and reliability.

• Protecting and investing in local jobs.

• Delivering world-class services at affordable, stable prices for all residents.

Closing Statement

We welcome dialogue with all stakeholders, but we must also move beyond fear of change. Telem is not just surviving; we are transforming. Our strategy is ambitious, sustainable, and rooted in serving the people of Sint Maarten.

Together, we are building a modern telecommunications future—by Sint Maarten, for Sint Maarten.