PHILIPSBURG:---  Orco Bank proudly sponsored the 29th edition of the St. Maarten Open, held on April 5th and 6th, 2025. This annual tournament organized by the St. Maarten Golf Association (SMGA) is highly anticipated and welcomes participants from across the Caribbean, North America, and Europe. The event's proceeds support local non-profit organizations, youth programs, and community services.
This sponsorship aligns with Orco Bank’s longstanding commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities. Since 2010, the St. Maarten Open has donated over USD $100,000 to impactful initiatives such as the Mental Health Foundation, LAB Sports Academy, Kids at Sea Foundation, St. Maarten Medical Center, and the SMGA Junior Golf Program. Supporting the tournament not only enhances visibility for regional athletic talent but also reinforces the bank’s mission to foster growth beyond banking.
Judy – King Richardson, Country Manager of Orco Bank Sint Maarten, expressed her pride in the partnership: “We believe in supporting initiatives that uplift our people and create lasting value for our island. The St. Maarten Open goes far beyond sport—it’s about investing in our youth, empowering local organizations, and building a stronger, united community. Orco Bank is honored to contribute to an event that shares these values and has such a meaningful impact.”
Orco Bank extends its gratitude to the St. Maarten Golf Association for their leadership and continued dedication to both the sport and the community. We also commend all participants and volunteers who made the event a success.
For more information about Orco Bank, please visit https://www.orcobank.com. Stay connected and follow us for daily updates on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/OrcoBank and LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/orco-bank.

Miramar, FL:---  This week’s FCCA Foundation Shining Stars Dinner brought together 10 presidents and senior leaders from FCCA Member Cruise Lines, along with more than 20 other high-level cruise executives, hosting the revitalized marquee event for Seatrade Cruise Global by Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA). ‘Shining Stars FCCA Foundation Dinner’ joined the record-setting cruise line brass with key stakeholders for an unforgettable night filled with surprises galore, delectable food, and a side of networking and routing an itinerary for mutual success, all while supporting a worthy cause.

“I cannot be more honored and humbled by the record amount of FCCA Member Line executives participating at our marquee event to support the FCCA Foundation,” said Michele Paige, CEO, FCCA. “This clearly shows their backing in its mission, and it made the event a tremendous success for all involved, actualizing the Foundation’s pillar of creating a better future – and cementing our legacy for this annual event at Seatrade.”

The exclusive event, coordinated by FCCA and supported by FCCA Member Cruise Lines, took place last evening at Papi Steak Miami. The record cruise executives hosted tables sponsored by FCCA partners interested in supporting the cause and engaged in a lively night packed with unique networking experiences.

Table Hosts (presidents and above) included Gus Antorcha, President of Princess Cruises; Michael Bayley, President & CEO, Royal Caribbean International; Beth Bodensteiner, President Holland America Line; Christine Duffy, President, Carnival Cruise Line; Felix Eichhorn, President, AIDA Cruises; Chris Ivy, CEO, Margaritaville at Sea; Paul Ludlow, President, Carnival UK; Tom McAlpin, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Virgin Voyages; Rick Sasso, Chairman, MSC Cruises USA; and Mark Tamis, President, Seabourn.

Diamonds International was the Featured Sponsor as part of its landmark collaborative partnership with the FCCA Foundation. Through the partnership, both entities have combined their resources, especially on the focus of direct contact with local communities to determine needs and ways to generate long-term benefits.

Port Everglades, Florida's Powerhouse Global Gateway, served as the Partner Sponsor – and again showcased its status as a powerhouse in support for the FCCA Foundation by continuing its tradition of being a Partner Sponsor for previous events supporting the Foundation.

“We are proud of our 25-plus year partnership with the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) and applaud their commitment through their foundation to foster economic growth and support local communities here and in the Caribbean,” said CEO and Port Director Joseph Morris.

Table Sponsors included Aviomar; Bahamas Ministry of Tourism; Café Azul; Chukka Caribbean Ltd.; Effy Jewelry; PortMiami; Port St. Maarten; and Tura Turizm. Additionally, Rodman Think Branding, LLC contributed as a Branding Promotional Sponsor.

All proceeds will go directly to the FCCA Foundation’s efforts and its focus on building a foundation for youths throughout the Caribbean and Latin America, with primary objectives of education, sports, and career-building opportunities to support them in the present and future – and annual efforts including the Holiday Gift Project, which recently delivered holiday gifts and festivities to nearly 5,000 children in 25 destinations; the Owen Arthur Scholarship Fund, a scholarship fueling educational growth across the Caribbean; essay and poster competitions that reward participating students and schools; and other need-based projects, such as recent donations to schools in St. Maarten during the last FCCA Cruise Conference & Trade Show.

PHILIPSBURG, April 9, 2025 — RBC Royal Bank N.V. (‘RBC’) announced today adjustments to its
branch hours of operation. This change aligns with client and consumer changing needs and
preferences, ensuring a consistent client experience while enhancing the workplace for its employees.
Effective Monday, May 5, 2025, the new hours of operation for the branch in St. Maarten will be adjusted
to the following:

Days of Business Hours of Business
Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

More and more, clients and consumers prefer the convenience of self-serve options for their everyday
financial transactions and are turning to digital banking and ATM services while leveraging personalized,
in-branch support for more complex financial advice, like buying a home or car, investing for retirement,
or saving for their children’s education.
RBC continues to focus on enhancing its channels, technology and talent. The bank has made
significant investments in its self-serve channels and has made progress in the digital environment,
making branch visits for clients quicker, easier, and more efficient, enhancing the client experience.
RBC’s multiple distribution channels ensure clients can meet with the bank anytime, anywhere and at
their own convenience, supporting their needs and financial goals, based on their choice and flexibility.
RBC also expects these changes will improve the work environment for its employees, allowing them to
serve clients with dedicated and focused attention, contributing to employee engagement and providing
the best client experience.
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PHILIPSBURG DCOMM):--- The application process for the annual Hurricane Passes for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season, which starts June 1 and runs through November 30, will start on Monday, April 14.

There are two types of passes: the Disaster Pass and the Hurricane Pass. No passes will be issued to business owners, except for some exemption categories, as noted below.

The pass allows the bearer to access the public road to visit the place of business to assess possible damage to the property. No company passes will be accepted during curfew hours. This can only take place during certain hours that will be stipulated and announced by the Prime Minister in a curfew situation.

Potential applicants have until Friday, May 30, 2025, to present all relevant information related to the process of requesting a pass.

Disaster Passes are issued to the following crucial disaster relief organizations and are valid for three years. The disaster relief organization consists of the following: Emergency Operations Center staff, Emergency Support Functions (ESFs) staff, Crucial governmental organizations, and entities involved in disaster management such as medical institutions, general practitioners and pharmacies, Red Cross, WIEMS, White & Yellow Cross Foundation, National Security Service VDSM, Sea Rescue, Shelter Management, Ministers, and their drivers.

The following categories qualify for a Hurricane Pass which is valid for two-years: Essential Government personnel without a disaster pass; Essential personnel of crucial companies or organizations: NV GEBE, Seven Seas Water, Telecom and Internet providers, Princess Juliana International Airport, Port St. Maarten, Hotels and Guesthouses, Marinas, Fuel distributors and gas stations, Commercial banks, Hardware stores, Security companies (supervisors only), Medium and large sized supermarkets, Restaurants (those providing food services to emergency services), Importers and Wholesale Companies for perishable goods (Only requests can be submitted for refrigeration and or generator technicians).

The crucial organizations listed above (disaster & hurricane passes) can request personal passes for their key personnel.

The Office of Disaster Management that falls under the Ministry of General Affairs is handling the application process for the passes on behalf of the Prime Minister.

The Hurricane Pass is valid for the 2025 and 2026 hurricane seasons and will remain the property of the Government of Sint Maarten.

Please note that company passes will be accepted during curfew hours from the following institutions: Sint Maarten Medical Center, and White & Yellow Cross Foundation.

The pass system is a mechanism to maintain public order during emergency situations. The Prime Minister assesses the damage in conjunction with Emergency Disaster Management entities of the Government after a disaster has occurred and can impose a curfew if the extent of the damage poses a threat to the safety and security of the community.

An application form can be requested by sending an email to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Emails should include the following: Name of business or organization; A short description of activities of the business or the organization; Request for either disaster or hurricane pass.

When submitting the application, the following documents need to be attached:
- copy business license fee paid (or receipt) for 2025 for businesses.
- proof of 2025 registration at the Chamber of Commerce, for organizations.
- copy valid Sint Maarten ID-card of applicant.
- Nafl. 50,- in leges stamps per application (to be obtained at the Receiver’s Office or the Simpson Bay Public Service Center), this is a non-refundable handling fee; a copy of a digital payment transfer is accepted as well.
- One (1) passport picture for new applicants, to be sent in JPEG-format to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the name of the person clearly indicated.

The application form has to be completed and submitted to the offices of the Fire Department & Disaster Management – in print form, to the attention of the secretary located at Jackal Road 5 (Office hours Monday-Friday 9.00AM to 4.00PM), Cay Hill, by Friday, May 30, 2025, with all necessary documents attached.

Applicants will be informed by email or telephone when to pick up the pass at the aforementioned address.