PHILIPSBURG:--- November 2025. Kadaster St. Maarten is moving forward with plans to establish a Cables and Lines Information Center (CLIC), a major step toward safer and more coordinated underground infrastructure management on the island.

The initiative follows recent discussions between Kadaster St. Maarten's Director, Benjamin Ortega, and senior representatives of Kadaster Netherlands, including Vincent Siegmund (Director, Operations, Services and Registration), Caroline Groot (Product Manager, KLIC), and Mathilde Molendijk (Program Manager, Caribbean Netherlands).

The meeting served as an introduction between both organisations’ management teams and focused on exchanging expertise on the Dutch KLIC system, which provides a secure national portal for digital information on cables and pipelines. Drawing on the Netherlands’ successful model and guided by international best practices such as the UK’s National Underground Asset Register, Kadaster St. Maarten aims to implement a localised version of CLIC by 2026, in close collaboration with the Ministry of VROMI.

To formalize this cooperation, Kadaster St. Maarten and various relevant stakeholders are finalising a Memorandum of Understanding outlining shared objectives for CLIC’s establishment. The agreement designates Kadaster as the official registry authority for all underground infrastructure and as the custodian of the national Base Infrastructure Ma,p the island’s single source of authoritative spatial data for planning, permitting, and development.

“The CLIC initiative will allow all utility and infrastructure stakeholders to access accurate, up-to-date information before excavation, minimising damage risks and improving coordination across the island,” said Mr. Ortega. “This is an important step toward a more digital, sustainable, and data-driven land administration system for Sint Maarten.”

The upcoming MOU also envisions enhancing data sharing between government departments, utilities, and key partners, paving the way for more integrated spatial planning and climate-resilient infrastructure management.

Further working sessions will continue into 2026 as Kadaster St. Maarten refines the system’s governance model, technical framework, and stakeholder engagement strategy ahead of full implementation.

The Bonaire Human Rights Organization (BHRO) proudly announces its participation in the COPPPAL International Observers Delegation for the New York General Elections of 4th November 2025 hosted by SDA. This landmark event marks a historic moment, as BHRO joined distinguished representatives from across Latin America and the Caribbean to observe one of the most closely watched elections in recent U.S. history.
This is the first time in history that an international delegation has observed a New York General Election, showing the people of Bonaire how important the work of the Bonaire Human Rights Organization is bringing their voice to the global stage, and making international contacts in every field to help the development of Bonaire.
The 2025 New York mayoral race has drawn worldwide attention, featuring three major candidates representing distinct political visions:
Andrew Cuomo, former Governor of New York, running as an Independent - Zohran Mamdani, progressive Democratic candidate and State Assembly member - Curtis Sliwa, representing the Republican Party
The race was described as a defining moment for the city’s political future, testing the balance between traditional power structures and emerging grassroots movements.
Following the official results confirming Zohran Mamdani’s victory, New York has entered a period of political transformation and social reflection. His win—making him the city’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor—has been hailed by many as a triumph for diversity, equity, and progressive reform. However, it has also triggered widespread upheaval and debate across the city’s political, business, and media landscapes.
Several establishment organizations and corporate leaders have voiced concern over Mamdani’s ambitious platform, which includes rent freezes, free public transportation, universal childcare, and expanded social programs. Political analysts describe this as a “political earthquake” that challenges the dominance of traditional power brokers in New York.
Meanwhile, grassroots and minority communities have celebrated the outcome as a victory for inclusion and representation, seeing in Mamdani’s leadership a reflection of America’s growing multicultural identity. Yet, his campaign and victory have also sparked divisive reactions, including Islamophobic and xenophobic rhetoric from far-right groups, and unease among moderate Democrats worried about the city’s economic direction under his leadership.
For the Bonaire Human Rights Organization, this election and its aftermath represent more than a local political shift—it highlights global challenges surrounding equity, representation, and the right to self-determination. As BHRO continues to defend the rights of Bonaire’s people and other small territories, witnessing such democratic transitions reinforces the importance of inclusive governance and respect for human dignity in all societies.
BHRO’s participation as an accredited observer reflects Bonaire’s expanding presence on the international stage, symbolizing solidarity with representative democratic processes and human rights advocacy worldwide.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, November 1, 2025, the Sint Maarten Youth Parliament continued its 2025 Annual Interscholastic Debate Competition (AIDC). This week's contest features four schools: Milton Peters College, St. Maarten Academy, St. Dominic High School, and Caribbean International Academy.

The first debate featured St. Dominic High against St. Maarten Academy, with St. Dominic defending the moot: “Schools have a moral obligation to ban or severely restrict the use of generative AI tools to protect students from the risks of misinformation, bias, and data privacy issues..” St. Maarten Academy emerged victorious in that contest. The Best Speaker title was awarded to Tyrique Walsh, the second speaker from St. Dominic High School.

The second debate featured Milton Peters College against Caribbean International Academy, with Academy defending the moot: “Prioritizing the full inclusion of students with disabilities in all school activities can negatively impact the academic and social experience of other students.” Milton Peters College emerged victorious in that contest. The Best Speaker title was awarded to Jada Smith, the rebuttal from Milton Peters College.

The competition continues the following Saturday, November 15 at 6:30 pm, with two debates. The first debate will feature Milton Peters College and St. Dominic High. St. Dominic High  will defend the moot: “Every educational institution should be required to give students thorough instruction on online privacy and digital rights, and safe technology use.”

In the second debate, Caribbean International Academy will compete against St. Maarten Academy, defending the moot: “The preservation of cultural heritage should not be the burden of our academic institutions.”

The debates take place in Room 202 at the University of St. Martin. Admission is US$2.00, and refreshments will be available for purchase. Come out and support your favourite team!

by Cdr. Bud Slabbaert

Have you ever heard of a “Zig when they Zag” campaign? “Study the methods of your competitors and do the exact opposite”, David Ogilvy, an advertising pioneer often hailed as the “Father of Advertising.” He revolutionized the industry by blending emotional appeal with rational benefits. Contrarian branding thrives when one challenges standards with purpose, not just to be different, but to be unforgettable.

According to regional tourism boards, over 20 Caribbean islands host culinary festivals. Various media mention about 10 different Culinary Capitals of the Caribbean spanning from the Cayman Islands to Barbados. Contrary to culinary festivals that celebrate indulgence, gourmet legacy, and flavor, weight-loss tourism would emphasize wellness, detox, and transformation.

The United States, a major tourism source market for most of the Caribbean territories, is a country where weight loss is a main issue, driven by high obesity rates and growing demand for wellness tourism.

The global weight loss market exceeds US$250 billion. The Caribbean owns the most under-leveraged asset: nature’s healing infrastructure. It doesn’t need not selling a product. It can export a transformation. The region can build the world’s first branded weight loss tourism circuit where every island becomes a gateway to vitality.

Weight-loss and diet-focused tourism is a thriving niche within the broader wellness travel industry. It's often called weight loss retreats, fitness holidays, or detox tourism, and it's designed to help travelers jumpstart healthier lifestyles in immersive, supportive environments.
These experiences are often marketed as transformational journeys rather than quick weight-loss fixes with pills, vaccinations or even surgery. They emphasize sustainable lifestyle changes over crash diets.

David Ogilvy’s approach to weight-loss tourism branding campaign would likely include the following. Don’t position it as a retreat but rather as a rebirth. He would define the offer as more than a vacation, but instead a turning point. He’d position it as an emotionally enriching journey to reclaim health and vitality. His headline mastery would come up with slogans like “Lose weight. Gain life”, “Where the ocean meets your new beginning”, or “Escape the ordinary. Return transformed.” He would use a testimonial like “I came for the Caribbean beach. I left with a new body, a new mindset, and a new life.”

A full Ogilvy-style campaign concept for Caribbean weight-loss tourism, tailored to wellness, youth, and regenerative goals with clarity and emotional pull. “We offer direction. Our islands are more than beautiful; they’re biologically restorative. Here, weight loss is not punishment. It’s empowerment. The Caribbean helps guests shed more than pounds; they shed doubt, fatigue, and fear. It’s a rebirth. Book a reservation for your transformation, and your journey will begin here. Welcome to the Caribbean’s most vital export: vitality itself.”

There are so many potential expressions that are more meaningful than the common sun, sand, and sea clichés, which are marketing misalignment and brand fatigue, missing opportunities to differentiate through wellness and innovation. For instance: “Island-born wellness therapy, and cultural healing” or “Where the ocean meets your new beginning” or “Healing begins where the tide turns.” Or “From stress to strength. From fatigue to freedom” or “Immerse in nature and culture while focusing on personal well-being”, “Waste no more. Heal much more.”. Enough?

Smart targeting, especially toward U.S. wellness seekers or high-net-worth travelers, is underutilized. There is an overreliance on traditional tourism. Many destinations still depend heavily on cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts, which offer low per-capita economic impact and limited local engagement. There’s a need to pivot toward high-value, low-impact tourism, such as wellness and nature immersion.

What is this weight-loss tourism really all about, and what should be in it for them? They want their darn energy back and to renew their body and mind. They are too smart for woo-woo and too tired for hacks. They want to return home from a Caribbean vacation, with a body that feels 10 years younger and feels lighter by losing 10–15 pounds without hunger or humiliation.

David Ogilvy would have branded weight-loss tourism as a transformative lifestyle experience, anchored in credibility, emotional aspiration, and product truth. He’d avoid gimmicks and instead build a campaign rooted in trust, storytelling, and clear benefits.

“Position the region as a global leader in regenerative tourism and wellness experiences.”. Maybe there could be the Weight-Loss Capital (Zig!) of the Caribbean, contrary to the Culinary Capital (Zag!). Bold brands may do the opposite of their competitors and win big.

Weight-loss tourism typically includes structured wellness programs often combining fitness classes, yoga, meditation, and spa treatments. Restaurants could offer diet menus. Nutritionists tailor meals to support weight loss and detoxification. There could be metabolism-boosting workouts with activities that range from hiking and boot camps to aquatic fitness and dance. How about holistic therapies like massage, acupuncture, and mindfulness sessions to help reduce stress and support transformation?

Are you noticing something here? Different employment and career opportunities that can be well compensated. Also, new small business opportunities for entrepreneurial members in the community. The keyword for it may be tourism diversification.