SAINT-MARTIN:--- La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, is proud to announce "Dames à Âmes: A Collective Voice for Resilience and Feminine Radiance," an exclusive charity gala dedicated to supporting La Maison des Femmes de Saint-Martin. This prestigious event will take place on Saturday, June 20th, 2026, from 7:00 PM, within the intimate and exclusive setting of Villa Sula at La Samanna.
The gala aims to raise critical funds for La Maison des Femmes, an invaluable local organization providing essential mental, legal, and professional support to women victims of violence on the island. Recent budgetary cuts have severely impacted these vital services, creating an urgent need for community assistance. La Samanna has stepped forward to lead this fundraising effort, ensuring that all proceeds directly benefit the association.
"This event is for a cause incredibly dear to my heart," says Stephanie Moritel, Hotel Manager at La Samanna. "The services provided by La Maison des Femmes are indispensable, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure they can continue their life-changing work. 'Dames à Âmes' is more than a fundraiser; it's a powerful statement of solidarity and a celebration of women's strength and spirit. This is a truly community gathering, inviting all individuals, men and women alike, to unite in support of a cause that benefits our entire island."
The evening promises to be an unforgettable experience, featuring a curated cocktail & culinary experience, a special entertainment program, and an impressive lineup of talent and influential figures:
• Honorary Host: Renowned film producer and actress Sidra Smith.
• Patron of La Maison des Femmes: Clara Kata.
• Exclusive Performances:
o J'nai Bridges, the internationally acclaimed 3-time Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano. o Melky Jean, Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and founder of The Carma Foundation. o DJ Killerz, a prominent DJ and music producer from Martinique.
A silent auction with amazing lots will be a key highlight, offering guests the chance to bid on unique experiences and luxury items. These include:
• A bottle of Ruinart Blanc de Blanc with a second skin.
• A 2-night stay at Eden Apartment Fourteen.
• A signed gold record by Kalash.
• A private dinner with Chef Foini.
• A weekend at La Samanna (including dinner at L'Oursin + 1 night).
• A dinner in the wine cellar.
• A dinner at La Spiaggia.
• A day of lunch + couple's massage.
• A Vitamix mixer.
• A set of Prestige wine glasses.
• 2 VIP tickets for GIMS at Défense Arena Bercy.
• A signed item from GIMS.
• VIP Aquafest tickets.
• A 2-night stay at Villa Ambiance.
• Signed cleats by Djibril Cissé.
• A $150 dinner at Momohana.
• A 3-night stay with chef and butler at Chateau des Palmiers.
• A signed jersey by Thierry Henry.
• A Virgil Abloh Vuitton T-shirt.
• A weekend at Villa Nuit d'Étoiles.
• A Thai Savana dinner for 2.
• A 1-year membership for 1 person at Liberty Gym.
• An Air France SXM-CDG business class flight.
• An Air France X Delsey Cruise tote bag.
• 2 round-trip tickets from SXM on the Winair network.
• A weekend at The Fourteen.
• 2 tickets for the concert of Aya Nakamura in Montreal.
• 2 tickets for the concert of BTS in Paris.
For those unable to attend the gala, an online bidding form will be available to participate in the silent auction prior to the event.
"Your presence can transform lives: for the healing, dignity, and future of all Saint Martin women," emphasizes Stephanie Moritel. "This profound opportunity allows our community to unite, fostering a collective voice for resilience."
Event Details:
• What: "Dames à Âmes: A Collective Voice for Resilience and Feminine Radiance" Charity Gala
• When: Saturday, June 20th, 2026, from 7:00 PM
• Where: Villa Sula, La Samanna, A Belmond Hotel, Saint-Martin
• Tickets: $175 per person. Limited availability. Reservations and prepayment required. Reserve your tickets using the link https://sevn.ly/xf3QBiku

PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in an urgent Public meeting on June 10, 2026.
The Public meeting, which was adjourned on May 27, 2026, will be reconvened on Wednesday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The Prime Minister and the Minister of General Affairs will return to Parliament to answer questions posed by Members of Parliament in the first round.
The agenda point is:
Deliberations with the Prime Minister addressing the recent allegations of integrity breaches concerning the Prime Minister’s involvement in the affairs of the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA) (IS/926/2025-2026 dated April 7, 2026)
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations. All persons visiting the House of Parliament must adhere to the house rules.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Courthouse in Philipsburg.
The parliamentary sessions will be carried live on TV 15, Soualiga Headlines, via SXM GOV radio FM 107.9, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the internet

St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago:---  The Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI) today welcomed a distinguished international delegation to its Headquarters for a strategic courtesy call aimed at deepening agricultural innovation and regional food security.

The high-level delegation included Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim, Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA); Ms. Diana Francis, IICA Representative in Trinidad and Tobago; Mr. Cleber Soares, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of the Ministry of Agriculture, Brazil; and Ms. Priscila Rech Moser, Agricultural Attaché at the Embassy of Brazil in Costa Rica.

The visiting officials met with CARDI’s leadership team, led by Executive Director Mr Ansari Hosein, along with Mr Fayaz Shah (Manager, Science, Technology and Innovation), Mr Tristan Alvarez (Manager, Planning and Resource Mobilization), and Mr Curtis Nero (Head, Finance Unit). Discussions centered on several ongoing regional projects and future avenues of technical cooperation between the Caribbean, IICA, and Brazil.

A key highlight of the visit was a special exhibition showcasing tangible outputs from the robust CARDI-IICA partnership. On display were high-yield black-eyed peas from recent pilot initiatives, commercial-grade soybeans and black beans produced in Belize, and multiple climate-resilient varieties of sweet potato.

Additionally, the Brazilian Deputy Minister was given a live demonstration of innovative digital tracking technology deployed by CARDI to detect the larvae of the South American Palm Weevil. This technology plays a critical role in mitigating the pest's spread, safeguarding the region's coconut and palm industries.

This courtesy call underscores a shared commitment to deploying cutting-edge agricultural science and cross-border partnerships to build a more sustainable and climate-resilient food system across the Americas and the Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Orco Bank Sint Maarten reaffirmed its commitment to the island's youth through its support of the No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation, as part of the bank's Orco Cares community impact program.

As one of its inaugural Orco Cares initiatives, Orco Bank mobilized its employees to work alongside the No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation in Sucker Garden, refurbishing an agricultural greenhouse used for youth education programs. The hands-on project gives local children a safer, better-equipped space to learn, grow, and connect with their environment.

The effort forms part of Orco Cares, the bank's permanent umbrella for year-round community engagement in Sint Maarten, rather than a one-time gesture. Through Orco Cares, Orco Bank commits to supporting the people and places that make the island home, with a particular focus on initiatives that uplift youth and strengthen community life.

"Supporting No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation is exactly what Orco Cares was created to do," said Mrs. Judy King, Country Manager of Orco Bank Sint Maarten. "When we invest our time and hands in a space where children thrive and grow, we are investing in the future of Sint Maarten. This is our home, and we believe a bank's value is measured not only in financial terms, but in the strength of the community it serves."

Orco Bank extends its appreciation to the No Kidding With Our Kids Foundation for its continued dedication to the youth of Sint Maarten and looks forward to deepening its community partnerships under the Orco Cares program in the months ahead.