PHILIPSBURG:---  The Rotary Club of St. Maarten is excited to announce the extension of its highly anticipated community raffle, culminating in a live drawing on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in celebration of Emancipation Day.

The winning ticket will be drawn at 10:30 AM at Carrefour Market on Bush Road, where one lucky participant will drive away in a brand-new Changan CS55/Q05 Hybrid SUV.
Originally scheduled for March, the raffle has been extended to give even more community members the opportunity to participate in this meaningful fundraiser and support the Rotary Club's expanding community service initiatives throughout St. Maarten.

Raffle tickets are only $10 each, and all proceeds will directly benefit the Rotary Club of St. Maarten's annual community service projects, such as, the Annual Dictionary Distribution of 600 dictionaries to all grade 3 students in St. Maarten public schools, the preparation and delivery of over 300 Food Baskets for our neighbors and communities, serving over 300 Thanksgiving Day lunches to our elderly at the White/Yellow Cross, and our Annual Christmas Boxing Day Toy Drive for many of our children on the island.

Participants do not need to be present at the drawing to win.

"The Rotary Club of St. Martin is proud to continue investing in projects that strengthen and support our community," said Adelena Chandler. "This raffle is more than just a chance to win a fantastic new vehicle, it's an opportunity for the public to contribute directly to meaningful work across the island." Tickets remain available through The Rotary Club of St. Maarten members until the time of the drawing.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten.

Notary Keshia Richardson will be on site for drawing. The change of date was approved by TEATT

The public can listen to the drawing live on Island92 (91.9) FM, and online at island92.com by clicking listen live.

For additional information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors Foundation successfully hosted its 11th Annual St. Martin Interscholastic Idols Singing Competition over the past weekend and would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to every single person who came out to support the talented youth of Saint Martin.
This year’s event featured three exciting competitions in one unforgettable evening, showcasing the incredible musical abilities, creativity, and stage presence of the island’s young performers.
The first segment of the evening featured the Secondary Schools Solo Competition, which saw three schools competing for the coveted title. The second runner-up position went to Derek Jesus Varela Medrano of the Milton Peters College, who delivered a beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Run to You.” The first runner-up title went to Mariangel Barraez Vasquez of the St. Maarten Academy, who performed Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” Notably, Mariangel was also the winner of the 2025 Primary Cycle 2 competition. The winner of the 2026 Secondary Solo Competition was Kimore Smith of the Charlotte Brookson Academy of the Performing Arts, who did a beautiful rendition of It Kills Me " by Melanie Fiona.
The second competition for the evening featured the Primary Schools Choir Competition, which included performances from the Marie Genevieve de Weever School, the Leonard Conner School, the Seventh-day Adventist School, and the Learning Unlimited Preparatory School.
The second runner-up position went to the Leonard Conner School with their rendition of “Let It Be.” The first runner-up title went to the Seventh-day Adventist School for their “We Come to Praise Medley.” The winners of the Primary School Choir Competition, participating for the very first time, were the Marie Genevieve de Weever School with their inspiring “Praise Medley.”

The final segment of the evening featured the Secondary Schools Choir Competition, in which three schools competed for top honors. The second runner-up title went to the Methodist Agogic Center CSE School, which performed a medley of “Man in the Mirror” and “Jireh.” The first runner-up title went to Learning Unlimited Preparatory School with their performance of “A Million Dreams.” The winners of the Secondary School Choir Competition, also participating for the very first time, was the Charlotte Brookson Academy of the Performing Arts with their moving rendition of “You Say.”
The evening concluded with a vibrant and energetic surprise guest performance by none other than the 2011, second annual St. Martin Interscholastic Idols winner, Mr. Raheem Atkinson, better known today as “Tension,” of the talented Skillful Band and Daddy Keys. The audience was pleasantly surprised and fully engaged as Raheem “TENSION” sang and performed with Daddy Keys, their 2026 winning Road March hit, “Screw in the thing” which had students, teachers, parents, and supporters dancing and singing along throughout the venue.
The Foundation expressed special appreciation to Tension, Daddy Keys, and the Skillful Band for returning to inspire the youth and for demonstrating how participating in initiatives such as the SXM Interscholastic Idols Competition can help nurture and launch artistic careers. Their performance brought an exciting and unforgettable energy to the evening and served as a reminder of the importance of giving back to the community and uplifting the next generation of talent.
President of the St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors Foundation, Angelique J.G. Romou, thanked the Secondary solo winner 2025 of CBA, Ms. Aalison Victorine for her guest performance as well and she expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported the event and praised the youth for their remarkable performances.
“This year’s competition truly continued to showcase the incredible talent that exists within our young people of Saint Martin. Patrons were able to experience three amazing competitions in one evening and witness St. Martin’s talent at its very best. We are extremely proud of all participants who took the stage with courage, passion, and excellence,” Romou stated.
The Foundation would also like to extend sincere appreciation to its distinguished panel of judges: Ms. Bonny L. Linaris, Mr. Leroy Brooks aka King Beau Beau, Ms. Inger Van der Zanden, Mr. Chardonnay Martes, and Ms. Mirougia Richardson. They thanked the esteemed judging panel for their professionalism, expertise, and invaluable contributions to the competition's success.
Special thanks were also extended to the Foundation’s financial sponsors for recognizing the importance of supporting our talented youth in Saint Martin. The Port of St. Maarten, especially Mr. Alexander Gumbs, the Be The Change Foundation, Ms. Melanie Choisie, and Mr. Imran McSood, for their generous financial contributions toward the successful execution of the event.
The Foundation also expresses gratitude to its in-kind donors and media partners, including:
• The People’s Tribune, Mr. Michael Granger
• Philipsburg Broadcasting, Laser 101, Mr. Francis Carty, and Gee Money
• SOS Radio 95.9 FM Mr. Billy Dee
• Youth Radio 92.5 FM Mr. Patou
• PJD2 and 102.7 FM, Mr. Don and Ms. Alicia Hughes, Joanne and Wendell Moore of People’s Voice
• 101.5 FM, Radio St. Martin Mr. Cuchie and Team
The Foundation also thanked its raffle sponsors, including Georgina’s Nails, Ms. Liddy Meyers, Inglot, Ms. Miranda Matthew, Pineapple Pete, Mr. Pierre, Divi Little Bay Resort, Ms. Anne Marie Brooks, and 978 Sanctorium, Mr. Fritz Isaac. Additional appreciation is extended to Van Dorp for always assisting with ticket sales, to Ms. Luli, to Obersi Electronics, to Xerox, to Mr. Alvin Obersi, to Mr. Robert Gibbs, and especially to Raoel for their continued support throughout the years. Special appreciation is extended to Aleeze Convention Center for their beautiful venue and to all members of the St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors team, the Young Ambassadors, parents, and volunteers. A Special thank you also to the principals, teachers, Choir directors, chaperones, parents, and all who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the evening such a memorable success.
The St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors Foundation is also encouraging the public to save the date for the 12th Annual St. Martin Interscholastic Idols Competition, tentatively scheduled for February 20th–21st, 2027.
The Foundation once again thanks the people of Saint Martin for continuing to support and encourage the talented youth of our island, encouraging them to continue shining bright like the stars that they are.

SANDY GROUND, Saint-Martin:---  A devastating traffic accident shook the island during the early hours of this morning after a vehicle reportedly lost control on RN7 near Sandy Ground, killing one young person and critically injuring four others.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m., according to the Prefecture of Saint Martin. Preliminary findings indicate that a car traveling from the direction of Nettlé Bay veered off course and violently struck five young people who were seated on their scooters along the roadside.
Emergency rescue teams responded immediately to the scene. Despite rapid intervention, one victim was pronounced dead. The four other victims, all reported to be in absolute emergency condition, were rushed to the Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital Center, where medical personnel continue to provide urgent care.
The violent impact left the area in shock as residents awoke to news of yet another serious accident on the island’s roads. Authorities have not yet released the identities or ages of the victims pending notification of their families.
An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact causes and circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators are expected to examine factors including speed, road conditions, and possible driver impairment.
Local officials are once again calling for increased vigilance and responsibility on the roads, particularly during nighttime hours, as concerns continue to grow over road safety across Saint-Martin.
More information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), through its Youth Health Care Baby Wellness Clinic has a vaccine outreach for members of the community for Wednesday, May 27.

Parents and guardians can bring the children and teenagers to the clinic at the Vineyard Office Park between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27. You should also bring along your child’s vaccination record.

For those who would like additional information to verify their child(ren’s) status or would like to make an appointment, you can call 721-542-3003 or message CPS via WhatsApp 721-520-4163.

The vaccine outreach is geared primarily towards children four to nine-years-old who have not yet gotten their vaccine boosters. If parents have missed recent appointments for vaccines, CPS encourages them to make use of this opportunity for children from two months to 17-years-old.

The vaccines that are provided include: DTaP-IPV-Hib (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenza type B), PCV13 (Pneumococcus Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), DT-IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis), and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

Vaccination is essential in preventing a wide range of childhood diseases and significantly reduces the risk of illness, disability, and death.

These include conditions such as cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus, diarrhea, rubella, and tetanus.

CPS also highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls between the ages of nine and 17. This vaccine offers long-term protection against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of death among women, making early vaccination a vital preventive measure.

Maintaining routine vaccination coverage is crucial. According to PAHO, gaps in vaccination can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as polio, tetanus, measles, and diphtheria, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Ensuring full immunization not only protects individuals but also strengthens community immunity.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in eliminating childhood diseases. CPS urges parents and guardians to treat vaccination records with the same importance as other essential documents, such as passports or identification, ensuring they are up to date and safely stored.