PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Maarten Automotive Federation is proud to announce the tremendous success of our Drag Racing Test & Tune event held yesterday on Souliga Road. The event began at 8:00 AM and concluded at 12:00 PM, attracting a great turnout of racers, supporters, and spectators.
One of the highlights of the event was the strong participation from both cars and motorcycles, with racers coming from both sides of the island, demonstrating the shared passion for motorsports throughout St. Maarten and St. Martin.
Safety remained the Federation’s top priority, and the strict safety precautions implemented throughout the event were clearly evident. The St. Maarten Automotive Federation commends all racers for their discipline, professionalism, and full compliance with the safety measures, which contributed greatly to the smooth execution of the event.
Many racers had the opportunity to test their reaction time off the starting line using the Christmas Tree starting lights. For several participants, this was their first experience using this system, but by the end of the session many had significantly improved and performed exceptionally well.
The Federation also noted the presence of tourists visiting the island, some of whom were car enthusiasts who stopped by to observe the event. Their interest highlights the potential for motorsports to contribute positively to sports tourism and entertainment on the island.
The St. Maarten Automotive Federation remains committed to its mission of keeping the sport of drag racing alive on the island while continuing to advocate for the development of a proper race track where racers can compete safely and professionally.
We would like to extend a special thank you to the Drag Race Association and its members for coming out and actively participating in the event. Your presence and collaboration continue to strengthen the motorsports community on the island.
The Federation would also like to express sincere gratitude to the Minister of VROMI, the Minister of Justice, and the entire Police Force for their continued support and cooperation, which plays a vital role in making these events possible.
Finally, we thank all racers, officials, volunteers, supporters, and spectators who came out and made this event a success. Your continued support is essential as we work together to build and grow the sport of motorsports in St. Maarten.
St. Maarten Automotive Federation
PHILIPSBURG:--- On March 5th, Senior Carnival Queen Contestant #3 and Financial Literacy Advocate Breyenne Brown paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Finance, Ms. Marinka J. Gumbs, as part of her community engagement and her pageant platform focused on financial literacy. The meeting with the Hon.Minister Ms. Gumbs provided an opportunity to discuss the importance of equipping individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary to make sound financial decisions, build financial stability, and create a more financially aware society. Breyenne shared that her passion for financial literacy was further strengthened after attending the Ministry of Finance's Financial Literacy Month workshops in November 2025. Having participated in all of the sessions, she found the discussions on budgeting, understanding pay slips, taxation, and financial planning both informative and inspiring. “Attending the Financial Literacy Month workshops last November was truly inspiring,” Breyenne Brown said. “Each session helped me better understand the importance of financial knowledge, and it confirmed for me that financial literacy is something I want to advocate during and after my pageant journey.” Breyenne noted that the workshops not only increased her understanding of financial management but also motivated her to use her platform to encourage young people and members of the community to become more financially informed and responsible. Ms. Brown, who also serves as a Personal Loan Officer at Republic Bank St. Maarten, used the opportunity to thank the Minister for her continued efforts in raising awareness about financial literacy and for her commitment to educating the public on responsible financial practices. During the visit, Ms. Brown presented Minister Ms. Gumbs with a bouquet of flowers as a gesture of appreciation and conducted a brief interview discussing the importance of financial education for young people and the need for open conversations about money management. Minister Ms. Gumbs commended Ms. Brown for taking a bold and meaningful approach with her pageant platform. “This was truly a full-circle moment for me,” Minister of Finance Ms. Gumbs shared. “Having known Breyenne’s family over the years, it is inspiring to see her step forward and use her pageantry platform to highlight financial literacy. It is a bold and important step, and she is the first contestant I have seen focus on this topic.”
Aruba:--- Recently, an inspiring and successful resilience training workshop took place in Aruba, led by self-defense instructor Ms. Aarti R. Baran, who is also a legal advisor and legislative lawyer. The training was part of a seminar titled “Psychiatric and Psychological Reporting as Access to Forensic Care in the Caribbean.” The seminar brought together professionals from various sectors who work daily to promote the well-being and safety of people in society.
PHILIPSBURG:--- On this International Women’s Day, I extend my sincere appreciation and recognition to the women of our country and around the world.
