PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a Central Committee meeting on September 15, 2025.  

The Central Committee meeting, which was adjourned on September 10, 2025, due to technical difficulties, will be reconvened on Monday at 10.00 hrs. in the Legislative Hall at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.

The agenda point is:

2. Advice regarding the installation and composition of the Permanent and Ad hoc Committees of Parliament

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 Court House 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 www.sxmparliament.org, www.pearlfmradio.sx and www.youtube.com/c/SintMaartenParliament 

PHILIPSBURG:--- As per the Constitution of Sint Maarten, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, marked the beginning of a New Parliamentary Year 2025-2026 for the Parliament of Sint Maarten.

On this occasion, a Solemn Plenary Session was convened at 10.00 hrs. with a speech by His Excellency the Governor, Ajamu Baly, LL.M, on behalf of the Government.

Each year, Parliament focuses on a theme that plays a pivotal role throughout the ceremony and reception of the day. This year was no exception, as the theme established is "Building digital trust: exploring a national AI strategy and further development of an Open Parliament".

As customary, the solemn meeting was followed by a military parade through the streets of Philipsburg, which featured the Marine Detachment on Sint Maarten, the Sint Maarten Police Force, the Royal Marechaussee, the Customs Force, the Coast Guard, the Voluntary Corps Sint Maarten, and the Sint Maarten Youth Brigade, all parading through the streets of Philipsburg.

The students of Group 7 from the Marie Genevieve Primary School, as well as those from the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, were invited this year to view the parade at Cyrus Wathey Square and interact with the dignitaries present.

This year, the reception following the ceremonial meeting was hosted by the Hon. President of Parliament, Sarah A. Wescot-Williams, at the Monumental Louisan Augusta Illidge Hall - Brick Building in the Methodist Church Complex on Back Street. During the reception, Mr. Jean-Marc Augusty was announced as the recipient of the President of Parliament Award 2025.  

Each year, during the reception on the occasion of the Opening of the new Parliamentary year, the Parliament of Sint Maarten recognizes individuals or organizations that contribute significantly to the community at large, based on the chosen theme. Ms. Ife Badejo, Mr. Ricky Sydney, Mr. Gregory Richardson, the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation, the FAVE School Board, as well as the Social Health Insurance (SZV) were recognized for their vision, commitment and accomplishments in advancing Artificial Intelligence and Technologies. These individuals and institutions, through usage and application have established themselves as Sint Maarten's AI Ambassadors, having an impact across local, regional and global platforms. In recognizing these AI and Technology Ambassadors, the Parliament of Sint Maarten wishes to encourage the community to embrace AI tools, digitalization and technology in a responsible manner.

The Parliament of Sint Maarten takes this opportunity to thank all stakeholders and invited guests for their participation and for making the Opening of the New Parliamentary Year 2025-2026 a success.  

MIAMI, Fla.:---  The countdown is on and the excitement is sizzling! The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has officially opened registration for Taste of the Caribbean, the region’s most celebrated culinary exchange and competition. This year’s event, taking place Nov. 16-18 at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle All-Inclusive Resort, promises an inspiring showcase of education, creativity, and culinary pride. 

Running alongside the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF), Taste of the Caribbean offers F&B professionals immersive sessions, exchange of ideas, and networking opportunities that spark creativity, drive innovation, and celebrate the region’s rich diversity of flavors. 

As part of the event, the popular Taste of the Caribbean competitions will once again set the stage for the Caribbean’s top chefs, bartenders and pastry artists to shine. Building on its decades-long tradition, the culinary competition has become the ultimate proving ground for F&B excellence with coveted titles including Caribbean Chef of the Year, Caribbean Junior Chef of the Year, Caribbean Bartender of the Year, and Caribbean Pastry Chef of the Year, among others.

“There’s nothing quite like the energy of Taste of the Caribbean, with the aroma of the region's spices in the air and the thrill of watching the Caribbean’s best display their skills with pride,” said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma. 

Participants refine their craft by observing established and rising culinary and beverage masters create dishes and cocktails, while receiving critiques from world-class judges that provide practical insights and global perspectives.

“What makes this event truly meaningful is the growth it sparks. Beyond the medals, participants walk away with sharpened skills, global exposure and a sense of camaraderie, as well as the honor of serving as culinary ambassadors — not only for their destinations but for the Caribbean as a whole,” added Ledesma.

Registration

Chefs, bartenders, students, and food & beverage industry professionals are encouraged to register and make their travel arrangements early to secure accommodations. Participants staying two nights or more at the host resort will also receive a $175 accommodation credit.

For more information or to register, visit https://chtataste.com/

Sponsors

Taste of the Caribbean is presented in partnership with Wyndham Grand Barbados, Sam Lords Castle All-Inclusive Resort & Spa. Additional sponsors include ABA Global Marketing, Interval International and Mastercard.