PHILIPSBURG:--- Melackia Spencer marked 15 years of dedicated service to the Sint Maarten Library and its community on October 3, 2026. Throughout her service, Ms. Spencer has supported the Library’s mission to promote literacy and encourage a love of reading among children and families.

Ms. Spencer currently hosts the “Raising Readers” online story time sessions every other Wednesday for children ages 0 to 5, encouraging early literacy and introducing young children to the joy of books and storytelling.

In addition to her work with young readers, Ms. Spencer serves as a Reading Consultant, primarily at the Circulation Desk, and occasionally at the Information Desk, assisting patrons with Library services and resources.

Through these varied responsibilities, Ms. Spencer continues to support the Library’s programs and daily services.

The Sint Maarten Library Board and staff congratulate Ms. Spencer on her 15 years of service and thank her for her contributions to the Library and its community.

Through its programs, resources, and dedicated staff, the Library promotes access to knowledge, strengthens literacy, and encourages lifelong learning while supporting Sint Maarten's educational and cultural development.

PHILIPSBURG:--- A fun-filled activity that promotes early learning through play and creativity; parents and caregivers are invited to bring their little ones to Tiny Tots & Toast: Sip, Dance & Paint! Join us on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Sint Maarten Library’s Belvedere Satellite, located at the Belvedere Community Center.

This free community initiative welcomes children ages 2–5 and their parents, guardians, and caregivers for a playful experience filled with art, music, movement, and shared discovery. The activity encourages young children to explore their creativity while giving families a chance to spend quality time together and see how learning can be part of everyday play.

The program will feature a special art project, allowing each child to create a piece of artwork to take home. Little ones can also dance to toddler-friendly music and explore painting with safe, washable paints.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to participate alongside their children, whether painting together, moving to the music, or exploring new activities. These shared experiences offer a fun way to nurture curiosity, build confidence, and introduce young children to new forms of expression in a welcoming environment.

Space is limited to 20 children, so we encourage early registration. Registration closes on Monday, October 19, 2026. To register, visit the Sint Maarten Library. For more information or registration inquiries, call 542-2970 and ask for M. Spencer.

Through community initiatives such as Tiny Tots & Toast: Sip, Dance & Paint!, the Sint Maarten Library continues to promote early learning, creativity, and family engagement by creating opportunities for young children and their caregivers to learn, play, and grow together.

GRAND CAYMAN:--- The Government of Panama will receive US$17.4 million from CCRIF SPC following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake that struck the country on October 9, damaging schools, homes, hospitals, and public infrastructure.

CCRIF announced on October 15 that the payment was triggered under Panama’s earthquake insurance policy, purchased through the Fondo de Ahorro de Panamá. The payout will be made within 14 days of the disaster to support emergency response efforts.

According to the announcement, the earthquake occurred at 12:56 p.m. local time, with its epicenter near Pitaloza Arriba on the Azuero Peninsula.

CCRIF’s SPHERA earthquake model estimated ground acceleration of up to 0.5 g in Panama. The modeled government losses exceeded the threshold required to activate the country’s insurance coverage.

A preliminary report issued by Panama’s National Civil Protection System, SINAPROC, on October 12 identified damage to homes, schools, hospitals, public buildings and roads across several provinces.

The assessment recorded 656 affected schools, while authorities opened 14 shelters to accommodate 598 people. Damage assessments and humanitarian assistance continued. No deaths or missing persons had been reported when the assessment was finalized.

CCRIF Chief Executive Officer Isaac Anthony expressed concern for affected families and communities, emphasizing that the payment would help the government meet immediate needs.

“This payout will give the Government immediate liquidity to support its response at the time it is most needed,” Anthony said.

He also highlighted Panama’s use of its national savings fund to purchase earthquake insurance, describing it as an example of combining insurance coverage with national financial reserves to prepare for disasters.

Panama has been a CCRIF member since 2018. Before this earthquake, the country received three payouts linked to excess rainfall associated with Hurricane Eta in 2020 and exceptional rainfall events in 2024.

According to CCRIF, those earlier payments totaled about US$29 million.

The latest payment will bring CCRIF’s overall record to 83 payouts totaling more than US$500 million since its establishment in 2007. The facility said it has made every payout within 14 days of the triggering event.

CCRIF’s parametric insurance policies calculate payments using predefined hazard conditions and modelled losses, allowing funds to be released without waiting for detailed damage assessments on the ground.

The financing gives governments and public utilities access to money during the critical period following a disaster, helping them maintain essential services, support affected communities and manage emergency expenses.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Air Caraïbes has announced a new daily service between Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, and Princess Juliana International Airport, beginning January 8, 2027, expanding regional travel options and connections to its wider network.

The airline will operate the route with an ATR 72-600 aircraft, complementing its existing service to Grand Case Airport on the French side of the island.

Announced on October 15, the expansion aims to strengthen connections between Sint Maarten, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and the airline’s regional and transatlantic destinations.

Air Caraïbes Chief Executive Officer Karen Virapin said the new route reflects the company’s commitment to bringing Caribbean territories closer together and offering passengers more travel options.

Tickets went on sale on October 15, with advertised round-trip fares starting at €199, including taxes, from Pointe-à-Pitre, and €249, including taxes, from Fort-de-France.

The promotional fares are subject to availability and applicable conditions. The regional Basic fare includes a 5-kilogram cabin baggage allowance, with no checked baggage included.

The airline also announced it will resume direct flights between Paris-Orly and Princess Juliana International Airport from October 15, 2026. These flights will operate on Mondays and Thursdays using Airbus A350 aircraft.

Once the daily Guadeloupe service begins in January, the combination of direct flights and connections through Pointe-à-Pitre is expected to provide travel options between Sint Maarten and Paris throughout the week.

Advertised round-trip fares between Sint Maarten and Paris-Orly start at €756, including taxes, subject to availability and fare conditions.

Under the announced winter schedule, flights between Pointe-à-Pitre and Sint Maarten will operate as follows:

The new route will also offer additional onward travel opportunities through Princess Juliana International Airport to destinations across the Caribbean and the Americas, according to the announcement.

Schedules may change with the season. Passengers can consult www.aircaraibes.com for booking details, baggage conditions, and updated flight times.