PHILIPSBURG:--- Motorworld, the Caribbean distributor for GAC, officially marked the grand launch of the full GAC vehicle line-up in Jamaica on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, delivering an immersive test drive experience that highlighted the brand’s accelerating growth and strong early reception in the local market.
Held at the National Indoor Sports Center, the large-scale event welcomed a wide cross-section of over 800 guests and stakeholders and represented a defining milestone for GAC’s expansion in the region. While a smaller media launch was conducted in late November 2025 at Fidelity Motors in Kingston, that event was intentionally limited following the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. This April event, therefore, represented the brand’s full-scale debut to the Jamaican public, with six models on display: the GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo, GS8, Empow, AION V, and the highly anticipated debut of the all-new S7.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Motorworld Chairman Tariq Amjad underscored the company’s long-term vision for the brand in the Caribbean. “This launch represents more than just the introduction of a new vehicle line-up. It reflects Motorworld’s commitment to bringing world-class automotive innovation to the Caribbean. We’ve always been confident in the strength of the GAC brand and its potential in the Jamaican market. Today’s event is the realization of that vision, and we are proud to officially present GAC to the Jamaican public in a way that truly reflects the brand.”
Jamaica’s introduction of GAC comes at a time when the brand is experiencing exceptional global momentum. In March 2026, GAC recorded sales of 42,165 units worldwide, representing an 86% year-on-year increase. This growth is further supported by strong industry recognition, including top rankings in residual value among Chinese automotive brands.
Motorworld emphasized that these global achievements translate directly into value for Caribbean customers, particularly in areas such as durability, resale value, and long-term ownership confidence. Backed by partnerships with leading international suppliers and rigorous testing standards exceeding four million kilometres, GAC vehicles are engineered to meet the demands of modern drivers. The manufacturer also has extensive experience producing vehicles for major global brands, including Toyota and Honda in China, further reinforcing its reputation for quality and reliability.
The launch event was organized by the appointed GAC dealer in Jamaica, Fidelity Motors Limited, which is supported by the extensive automotive framework of Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) Auto.
General Manager of Fidelity Motors Limited, Deborah Stewart, said the event celebrated a shift in the local automotive landscape. “As we celebrate 25 years, we are seeing a clear shift in what customers value - not just affordability, but technology, design, safety and overall driving experience. GAC delivers on all these fronts,” Stewart said.
She continued, “This launch was about more than showcasing vehicles; it was about demonstrating a new standard in the market. The response since our introduction late last year has been extremely encouraging, and with the introduction of the S7, we are building on that momentum with a line-up that is innovative, accessible and aligned with the needs of today’s Jamaican driver.”
SCDF Foundation Announces Chery Himla as Official Vehicle of St. Maarten Carnival 55th Anniversary.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF) is proud to announce the Chery Himla as the official vehicle of the 55th anniversary of St. Maarten Carnival. This milestone partnership marks the beginning of a new annual tradition and signals a strengthened collaboration between SCDF and its longstanding corporate partner, Motorworld.
As Carnival celebrates its 55th year, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, culture, and community engagement.
SCDF President Edwardo Radjouki shares that “the 55th anniversary has put us in a better position to make carnival as bright and as beautiful as possible. Carnival is not only a celebration of our culture, but also an opportunity to build meaningful partnerships that benefit our community. We are thrilled to welcome the Chery Himla as the official vehicle of this landmark edition and to continue working closely with Motorworld in bringing new experiences to Carnival."
The introduction of the Chery Himla to the market through this collaboration adds a new element to the festivities, blending automotive excellence with one of the island’s most vibrant cultural celebrations.
The Chery Himla features a spacious interior, intelligent safety systems, and a powerful yet efficient engine. Its debut during Carnival positions it as a vehicle that embodies both celebration and forward-thinking progress.
Chairman of Motorworld Group, Tariq Amjad, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership:
"We are honored to deepen our relationship with the SCDF through this exciting initiative. The Chery Himla is our newest exciting pickup option at Motorworld, and there is no better stage for its introduction than the 55th anniversary of St. Maarten Carnival. We look forward to making this collaboration an enduring tradition that grows stronger each year."
Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the Chery Himla up close at the official vehicle display located within the Carnival Village throughout the Carnival season, beautifully wrapped to fit the season.
WICSU-PSU Raises Alarm Once Again on the Urgent Need for Professional Psychological Care for First Responders.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU) is once again raising serious concern regarding the urgent need for professional psychological care and support for our frontline and essential workers, particularly our first responders who are continuously exposed to traumatic incidents in the line of duty.
WICSU-PSU has previously held discussions with Government regarding the urgent need to establish professional psychological care for frontline and essential workers. Government indicated that this matter had their attention; however, the Union is reminding Government that now more than ever, this support system must be put in place without further delay, as the urgency continues to grow with every traumatic incident our first responders face.
The Union has repeatedly stressed that what is needed is a structured and accessible system of professional psychological assistance readily available to all essential workers. This goes far beyond simple departmental debriefings after incidents; it requires access to qualified mental health professionals who can properly address trauma, stress, anxiety, emotional fatigue, and the long-term psychological effects that come with emergency response work.
The Union emphasizes that this matter will remain one of the key discussion points in the ongoing negotiations with the Government. Protecting the mental health of our frontline workers must be treated as a priority and not as an afterthought.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, served as a painful reminder of just how critical this support system is. On that day alone, St. Maarten witnessed three tragic deaths resulting from traffic accidents, requiring the immediate response of the three essential emergency services: Fire Department, Ambulance, and Police.
These workers are not machines; they are human beings. They carry the emotional and psychological weight of every call they respond to. In a small community like St. Maarten, where everyone is connected in some way, the trauma is often even heavier, as responders may personally know the victims, the families involved, or the circumstances surrounding these tragedies. As a Union, we also hear our member, we recognize the silent struggles, the emotional burden, the sleepless nights, and the mental exhaustion that often go unseen long after the sirens have stopped.
The increasing number of serious traffic accidents and fatalities is becoming a daily occurrence, and a heartfelt plea to is being made to all drivers and road users: stay focused while driving. Do not text and drive. Drive responsibly for your own safety and for the safety of others on the road. As Carnival festivities are currently being celebrated, WICSU-PSU is also making a strong appeal to the public to celebrate responsibly. Drink responsibly and do not drink and drive. Party with a designated driver. The life you save might very well be your own. Let us all work together to ensure that this festive season remains safe, enjoyable, and free from preventable tragedies.
To our bikers, we say this with sincerity: St. Maarten needs you. We are losing far too many of our young men to traffic accidents, many of whom leave behind children who will now grow up without their fathers. These are losses that deeply impact families, communities, and our nation as a whole.
We extend our deepest condolences to all families affected by these recent tragedies and pray for strength, healing, and comfort during this difficult time.
To our heroes, our frontline and essential workers, we thank you for your unwavering service, sacrifice, and dedication. Every call you answer comes with uncertainty, yet you continue to serve with courage and commitment. We see you, we appreciate you, and we continue to fight for the support you deserve.
The President and Board
Windward Islands Civil Servants Union – Private Sector Union (WICSU-PSU)
Third Road Fatality in less than eight hours shocks St. Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG: --- The island of Sint Maarten was struck by tragedy Sunday night after a third traffic fatality was recorded in less than eight hours, following a serious collision involving a scooter and a motor vehicle near the intersection of Voges Street and Nisbeth Road.
According to KPSM, emergency dispatch received several calls shortly after 8:00 p.m. on April 19 reporting a major accident at the busy junction.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the scooter rider was traveling along Nisbeth Road toward the Freedom Fighters Roundabout when a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction attempted to make a left turn onto Voges Street.
Police said initial findings suggest the scooter rider had been overtaking several vehicles and was riding on one wheel moments before the crash. During that maneuver, the scooter collided with the turning vehicle.
Ambulance personnel responded swiftly and transported the rider to Sint Maarten Medical Center in critical condition. A passenger in the vehicle also sustained serious injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Later that evening, authorities confirmed that the scooter rider had succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision.
The latest death marks the third fatal road fatality on the island within an eight-hour span, raising growing concern among residents and officials over road safety and reckless driving behavior.
In a statement, police urged all motorists and riders to obey traffic laws, avoid dangerous overtaking, and refrain from stunt riding on public roads.
“This is a deeply concerning development for the community,” police said, while extending condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.
The Traffic Department continues to investigate the incident.
New Kingdom protocol strengthens how St. Maarten works with partners on maritime matters.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Sint Maarten has taken a step to strengthen how it manages maritime responsibilities, with Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten signing an updated Kingdom protocol to improve cooperation across maritime sectors.
The agreement, signed on April 17, 2026, in Sint Maarten during the Four Countries Consultation with Aruba, Curaçao, and the Netherlands, establishes a more structured and consistent way for the countries to work together on maritime matters. It also supports agreements reached on specific areas such as maritime accident investigation, ensuring that cooperation is consistently applied.
Minister Heyliger-Marten stated: “This ensures that we are not working in isolation. It creates a clear structure for cooperation, so that we can meet our responsibilities effectively and consistently.”
The updated framework formalizes how the countries coordinate on key maritime areas, including safety, compliance, and environmental protection.
It introduces clearer roles and responsibilities, regular coordination, shared planning and follow-up on priorities, and better alignment with international standards.
In practical terms, this means maritime issues will be addressed in a more coordinated and predictable way across the Kingdom.
For St. Maarten, maritime responsibilities extend beyond port operations. They include maintaining safety at sea, protecting the marine environment, and meeting international obligations.
The Minister linked this directly to national interests: “Our maritime responsibilities are directly connected to our economy, our environment, and our international reputation. Stronger cooperation helps ensure we meet those responsibilities in a consistent and reliable way.”
While cooperation between the countries already existed, the new protocol strengthens how that cooperation is organized and maintained. It moves the approach from informal coordination to a structured system with clear follow-up and accountability.
Minister Heyliger-Marten said: “This is about moving from good cooperation to structured cooperation. That is essential if we want to operate effectively and meet international expectations.”
Maritime challenges do not stop at borders. By working together, the countries can share expertise, address gaps in capacity, and respond more effectively.
“No single country has all the capacity on its own,” the Minister said. “By working together, we strengthen the entire system.”
Minister Heyliger-Marten said that this is part of a broader effort to modernize maritime governance: “We are building a system that is coordinated, transparent, and future-focused. This ensures that Sint Maarten remains a responsible and reliable maritime partner.”