PHILIPSBURG:---  The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) and Kooyman BV have announced a new public-private initiative aimed at enhancing the visual experience and cultural atmosphere of Carnival 2025 along the Pondfill Strip.

As part of its broader commitment to supporting St. Maarten Carnival, Kooyman has partnered with the Ministry to assist booth holders who are building their structures in line with newly implemented construction guidelines. As part of this initiative, the 27 booth holders received Beautification Packages from Kooyman consisting of paint, lighting, and sunlight coverings to help improve the aesthetic, ambiance, and comfort of their booths, in keeping with the Ministry’s vision for a more cohesive and vibrant Carnival strip.

Kooyman will introduce the “Kooyman Link-Up Cornuh”, a dedicated seating and relaxation area on the Pondfill Strip. The space will feature picnic table seating, shaded areas, and an art activation for the whole family to enjoy. This initiative is part of Kooyman’s continued effort to give back to the community and enhance the overall Carnival experience for visitors and families.

“This initiative is more than beautification—it’s about celebrating the people and culture that make St. Maarten Carnival so special,” said the Minister of TEATT. “By supporting our booth holders and uplifting the aesthetic of the Pondfill Strip, we’re creating an atmosphere worthy of our rich traditions. We thank Kooyman for believing in this vision and look forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.”

Planning for the initiative began in the second quarter of 2024, with support from key stakeholders, including the Ministry of VROMI, KPSM, the Ministry of VSA, and the Fire Department. Booth holders received guidance throughout the process—from application to execution—to ensure compliance with updated safety and design standards.

Kooyman’s involvement in Carnival 2025 marks its first formal collaboration with the Ministry. Both parties have expressed interest in continuing the partnership in future editions of Carnival. Booths will also be judged this year, with the best-designed booth earning a complimentary spot for Carnival 2026.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In preparation for the anticipated Carnival 2025, the Sint Maarten Police Force (KPSM) and the Gendarmerie of Saint Martin have strengthened their working agreement to reinforce their commitment to public safety.

On Thursday, April 3, 2025, members of the Carnival 2025 Coordinating Team from KPSM met with their French law enforcement counterparts to discuss safety strategies and cross-border cooperation during the upcoming festivities. The meeting focused on ensuring a safe and secure environment for residents and visitors during the carnival season.

As part of this collaboration, French officers will assist KPSM in maintaining order and security during key Carnival events, including the parades, Jump-Ups, and large shows at the Festival Village. This joint effort reinforces the strong partnership between both law enforcement agencies and sends a clear message to individuals with ill intentions that authorities on both sides of the island are working together to guarantee public safety.

KPSM remains committed to fostering regional cooperation to enhance security and maintain public order. The force thanks the Gendarmerie of Saint Martin for their ongoing collaboration and support.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS), the Milton Peters College will be hosting its first “Dutch Summer Camp”. The aim of this summer camp is to help students improve their proficiency in the Dutch language, in a fun and creative way.
The first summer camp will be held between June 30, 2025, and July 11, 2025, for the current group of 8 students registered for either the TKL or HAVO/VWO department for the academic year 2025-2026. The camp will be organized at Milton Peters College, and the morning sessions (8:30 am until 11:30 am) will focus on improving Dutch in a fun and playful way through drama, songs, games, scavenger hunts, reading, and with the focus on the specific language needs of each child and study skills needed for a successful start in high school. The afternoon sessions will be centered around arts, technical science, sports, and excursions.
The second summer camp will take place between August 11 - 15 and is meant for TKL graduates who will be continuing their high school career at the HAVO/VWO department. This camp will focus on their specific needs to succeed in HAVO when it pertains to the required level of Dutch, study skills and research skills. They will also participate in recreational activities in the afternoons. Both camps will end with a showcase to the parents.
Despite Dutch being one of the two official languages of Sint Maarten, it remains foreign to many individuals, including our youngsters. Many students therefore struggle to obtain an adequate level in the language, which is needed for nationalization, working in government, the judicial system and for studying in the Netherlands. With specific Dutch as a foreign language strategies, the Milton Peters College wants to show the students that learning the language can be effective and enjoyable.
The Dutch Summer Camps are financed through the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sports (MECYS) and are therefore completely free of charge. The participants will be provided with a snack, lunch and beverages.
The deadline to register is Thursday, May 1st 2025. For questions, please call 548-3511/548-3190 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Permanent Committee meeting no. 02, which was to be held today,y Thursday, April 3, 2025, at 14.00 hrs. with as agenda points:
1. Incoming documents
2. Update by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication regarding agriculture on Sint Maarten
has been postponed until further notice upon the request of the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication.