PHILIPSBURG:--- In a bold and energized push to further stimulate regional tourism, the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB), in collaboration with the French St. Martin Tourism Office, hosted a high-impact Familiarization (Fam) Trip that brought 10 influential travel agents from Guadeloupe, Martinique, Curaçao, and Trinidad back to the heart of the Caribbean.

This initiative is part of a growing strategy to tap into the booming intra-Caribbean travel market, which has seen a 30%+ surge in regional flight bookings over the past two years. According to the Caribbean Tourism Organization, over 5 million residents of the Caribbean travel within the region annually, making this a lucrative segment.

“This Fam Trip wasn’t just a tour—it was a revelation,” said Gina Illidge, Marketing Officer from the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau. “Some of these agents hadn’t been to the island in over a decade, and what they experienced further enhanced their impression of St. Maarten-St. Martin as a top destination.”

The immersive itinerary showcased several hotels across the island; ranging from boutique beachfront escapes and budget-friendly amenities, to luxury resorts, giving the travel agents a firsthand look at the island’s diverse hospitality offerings. They were also treated to a curated culinary journey featuring a hosted breakfast, delectable lunch, dinner and cocktails, all infused with local flavors and mesmerizing views —demonstrating the island’s well-earned reputation as the "Culinary Capital of the Caribbean."

With regional travelers now seeking shorter-haul, culture-rich escapes within a safe travel environment, destinations like St. Maarten-St. Martin are uniquely positioned to deliver. “This is a new era for regional travel. We’re not just promoting our beloved destination—we’re reigniting regional pride, purposeful travel experiences, and cross-cultural connections," said Jacqueline Louis, STB's Caribbean Agent. 

Feedback from the attending agents was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing renewed confidence in selling the destination. Several agencies have already begun crafting new vacation packages to St. Maarten tailored specifically for Caribbean clientele.

This collaborative Fam Trip marks a powerful reminder: when French and Dutch St. Martin-St. Maarten unite, the whole island wins.

For more information, please contact STB’s Caribbean Agent: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

L’Agence de Santé Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin, Saint-Barthélemy informs the population of Saint-Barthélemy that a new anti-vector campaign will be conducted from July 7 to July 11, 2025. This initiative follows the actions launched last December after the detection of a new mosquito species in the territory: Aedes albopictus.

This intervention will specifically target neighborhoods located between Saint-Jean and Petit-Cul-de-Sac. ARS agents will carry out enhanced surveillance by placing numerous ovitraps to monitor the evolution of the mosquito population.

Additionally, targeted anti-larval operations will be conducted using portable sprayers, allowing precise action in the most affected areas. These operations will take place early in the morning and/or late in the day, periods when the mosquito is most active.

No specific measures are required from residents, except to facilitate access to private areas that may be involved in the intervention.

L’Agence de Santé thanks the population for their cooperation and commitment to this public health initiative.

MARIGOT:--- Ensuring accurate voter registration is crucial for the efficiency and fairness of any electoral process. The Collectivité of Saint-Martin has launched a voter registration update initiative to optimize electoral operations, and residents are encouraged to confirm their postal addresses as part of this effort.

Purpose of the Initiative

The service des élections in Saint-Martin is conducting an address update campaign to verify and maintain correct voter information. This ensures that electoral documents, such as voting materials, are delivered to the correct addresses. The initiative emphasizes the need for voters to confirm their addresses and provide the necessary documentation for verification.

When and Where?

A voter registration office is temporarily set up in Grand Case to facilitate this process. Here are the details:

• Dates: Monday, June 30, to Friday, July 4, 2025

• Location: Local EDF office, Rue du Cimetière, Grand Case

• Hours: 2:30 PM to 7:00 PM

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• Send documents to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

4. Through WhatsApp:

• Send required documents to +590 690 33 61 06.

Documents Required

To confirm your address, you need to provide:

• A copy of your ID.

• Proof of residence, such as a utility bill. If you are staying with someone else, an attestation d’hébergement (proof of lodging) is required.

• Why It Matters
• This update is not just a bureaucratic formality; it is a crucial step to ensure every voter can participate in elections seamlessly. Accurate address information helps avoid delays or issues with receiving voting materials, guaranteeing that every eligible voter is prepared for election day.
• The Collectivité of Saint-Martin encourages all voters to take this initiative seriously and verify their information promptly. Together, we can help ensure the success and integrity of the electoral process.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The John Larmonie Center was filled with pride, joy, and tears of triumph on the evening of Thursday, June 26, as fifteen determined students proudly walked across the stage to receive their certificates, marking the successful completion of a transformative 12-month Hospitality Skills Training course. The graduation ceremony wasn’t just a celebration of academic success—it was a celebration of resilience, redemption, and hope.

The course, titled "Second Chance by Community Hospitality & Recreational Intermediate Skills Training (C.H.R.I.S.T.)," was specially designed for marginalized young adults between the ages of 20 and 40—many of whom have faced significant life challenges including dropping out of high school or lacking access to positive mentorship. Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation implemented it under the leadership of Executive Director Mrs. Donna Morrison Wilson, whose unwavering commitment to youth empowerment continues to change lives.

“Tonight we celebrate not only achievement, but the ability to rise, to transform, and to believe again,” said Mrs. Morrison Wilson during her address. “Our island’s economic heart is hospitality, and by investing in these individuals, we are investing directly in the future of St. Maarten.”

The course was facilitated by none other than hospitality veteran Mr. Early Charlemagne, a Certified Hospitality Departmental Trainer through the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute (AHLEi). With over 30 years in the industry, Mr. Charlemagne infused the program with passion, structure, and professional insight, preparing participants not only to serve, but to lead.

“This was more than just a training course,” said Mr. Charlemagne. “It was a mission—my mission—to help shape ambassadors for St. Maarten’s tourism industry. Hospitality is our breadbasket, and we must train people who not only understand service, but live it.”

A Curriculum Rooted in Excellence and Empowerment

The students underwent a rigorous and holistic training program that covered both technical and personal development areas. Beginning with fundamental theory in Public Health & Sanitation, Social Skills, and an Introduction to Hospitality, they quickly advanced into professional certification courses including:

• Guest Service Gold – earning them the title of Certified Guest Services Professionals (CGSP)
• Restaurant Server certification
• Front Desk Representative training
• Food Handlers Certification, a mandatory industry standard
• WIEMS First Aid & CPR training

To ensure a well-rounded formation, Ms. Maria Chemont provided deeply personal development workshops covering Self-Esteem, Morals & Values, Knowing Your Worth, and Self-Presentation. These sessions empowered students to build confidence and cultivate the mindset required for consistent excellence in the hospitality field.

Real-World Application and Industry Collaboration

Five of the graduates were able to further hone their skills during a one-month internship at the prestigious Simpson Bay Beach Resort, where they received practical, hands-on training in various departments. Their performance was reportedly outstanding, earning praise from the resort’s management for professionalism and adaptability.

“We are sincerely grateful to the management of Simpson Bay Beach Resort for opening their doors and supporting these young professionals,” said Mr. Charlemagne.

SMDF: A Vital Partner in the Journey

The program was made possible through the generous funding and steadfast support of the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), a key NGO partner that continues to champion community advancement across the island.

“We are eternally grateful to SMDF,” said Mrs. Morrison Wilson. “Without their financial support and belief in our mission, this program would not have been possible.”

A Brighter Path Forward

As St. Maarten continues to thrive as a top Caribbean tourism destination, initiatives like the C.H.R.I.S.T. program are critical in preparing a workforce that is not only skilled, but passionately committed to representing the island with pride and purpose.

As the graduates received their certificates, applause filled the air and emotions ran high—many having overcome personal battles, setbacks, and self-doubt to reach this moment.

Some students expressed emotionally how the course was life-changing: “I never thought I’d find something I was good at. Now I feel like I’m part of something bigger—and I know I have a future.”

The Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation has already announced plans to continue and expand the program, with the goal of training approximately 15 new students each year—further affirming their commitment to shaping a more inclusive, skilled, and empowered hospitality workforce for St. Maarten.

For more information on the various programs offered by Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Telephone 1721 523-0901/523-8460/523-2170/586-9035. Visit our Facebook page Hearts United Holistic Care Foundation SXM.