PHILIPSBURG:--- The Government of Sint Maarten has taken a highly anticipated step toward modernizing public service delivery with the official kickoff of the E-Services and Data Exchange Platform, a key component of the Digital Government Transformation Project (DGTP).

The Digital Leadership Team (DLT) launch event, held on Friday at the Government Administration Building, was attended by members of the Council of Ministers, led by the Honorable Prime Minister Luc F.E. Mercelina, Secretary Generals, and key stakeholders across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies. The initiative will enhance data exchange (interoperability) and improve access to government services.

The project focuses on the design and development of selected high-demand digital services, accessible through multiple channels, including an online portal. In addition, implementing an interoperability platform will connect six (6) government registries to enable secure, standardized data exchange across institutions.

This will improve the accessibility to civil registry, national identification, and business registration. It will also enable data sharing between government entities. It is supported by national digital identity solutions such as eID and eSignature. 

The formal kickoff meeting served as a platform to align stakeholders and outline the roadmap for implementation. Representatives from registry application vendors also participated, reinforcing the collaborative approach required for the project’s success.

During the kickoff, the Digital Leadership Team introduced the project’s implementation partner, Orange Business Development Ltd. out of Bangladesh. Project Manager of the Orange Business Development Ltd. Shamim Hossain presented the project scope and outlined the strategic approach for execution, using local scenarios to better clarify the benefits of the outcomes. Senior Policy Officer and Work-stream 3 Project Manager under the DLT, Chard Charles provided an overview of the project’s roadmap and key milestones. He also detailed the roles and expectations of each stakeholder, emphasizing the importance of continued government-wide support to achieve the intended outcomes for Sint Maarten.

The event was officially opened by the Honorable Prime Minister, Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina, who commended the Digital Leadership Team for its consistency and dedication to improving public service delivery. He underscored the importance of building a digital government that is tailored to Sint Maarten’s unique context, while remaining inclusive and accessible to all citizens, including seniors and persons with disabilities.

“Even prior to reaching this stage, the project has already established critical groundwork, including the formation of the Digital Leadership Team, the development of a national digital strategy for both Government and country, the implementation of E-VROMI, cybersecurity training initiatives, ongoing legislative updates, and the design of a digital identification system (e-ID). A digital government transformation is inherently complex, comprising multiple interconnected components that must align effectively to achieve the desired outcomes,” stated the Director of the National Recovery Program Bureau, Claret Connor.

The kickoff marks the beginning of a collaborative journey toward a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric government. It sets the foundation for successful project execution, ensuring the delivery of all expected functionalities, outcomes, and long-term benefits for the people of Sint Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Bureau Telecommunications and Post (BTP) proudly congratulates the St. Maarten robotics team on securing an impressive 2nd place among eight competing countries. This remarkable achievement is even more inspiring given that the team had only a few weeks to prepare, while competing against teams with years of experience.

BTP extends its sincere appreciation to the teachers, the Science Fair Foundation, and all individuals involved for their dedication in guiding and supporting the students throughout this journey. Their collective efforts have played a vital role in this success.

As a proud sponsor, BTP remains committed to supporting initiatives that promote technology and innovation among young people. The organization will continue to work closely with schools and students to inspire and motivate the next generation to pursue careers in technology.

Director of BTP, Judianne Hoeve, stated:

“This achievement shows what is possible when our youth are given the right opportunities and support. We are incredibly proud of the team and remain committed to fostering talent and interest in technology across St. Maarten. I encourage all students to continue developing their technical skills and to pursue careers right here at home, as the technology sector continues to grow with opportunities in areas such as AI, robotics, and data centers.”

Willemstad/Philipsburg:---  The Centrale Bank of Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) has rolled out the educational project “Money Week” to primary schools in Curaçao and Sint Maarten this week. With this initiative, the CBCS aims to make children aware of the value of money, the importance of saving, and the need to make financial choices at a young age.
This week, all primary schools will receive a number of cash boxes containing play money banknotes and coins in the Caribbean guilder. Teachers can use these cash boxes during math lessons to teach money and financial topics in a playful, practical way.
Money Week opened in Sint Maarten at the Oranje Primary School. There, CBCS Sint Maarten interim director Dwayne, and Minister of Education Melissa Gumbs, jointly delivered a guest lecture to the children in group 5 at the school. Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs and CBCS employee Ghyslaine Rollocks-Petrona also contributed to the kick-off with a guest lecture at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School. During these guest lectures, students learn more about the new Caribbean guilder, and responsible money management is discussed interactively.
In Curaçao, Money Week was also formally opened with a guest lecture by CBCS President Richard Doornbosch, along with Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas and CBCS employee Shekinah Dare, at Kolegio San Hosé in Barber. The closing of the Money Week takes place on Friday, March 27, at the Johan van Walbeeckschool, where Minister of Education Sithree van Heydoorn, together with CBCS Executive Director Leila Matroos-Lasten, will deliver the final guest lecture.
In addition to the opening and closing lectures, CBCS staff will give guest lectures to group 5 students at various schools in Sint Maarten and Curaçao later this week. The primary schools, which had previously been informed about the project, responded particularly enthusiastically to the initiative. The CBCS received a large number of requests for guest lectures in a short period and is very pleased with the positive response from the schools.

With the launch of this project, the CBCS underscores its commitment to promoting financial self-reliance within the communities of Curaçao and Sint Maarten. In line with this social responsibility, the Money Week – inspired by the Dutch version – has been included in the CBCS's strategic planning for 2026–2028. Money Week takes place annually in March; the first edition runs this year from March 23rd through March 27th.

Willemstad, March 23, 2026
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

~Following a successful inaugural event in 2025, Caribbean hoteliers convene to accelerate direct booking strategies~

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.:---  As Caribbean hoteliers face mounting distribution costs and intensifying competition for direct guest relationships, the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) and Triptease are bringing proven, revenue-focused solutions to the region. Now in its second year, the Direct Booking Summit (DBS) Caribbean edition returns on Thursday, May 15, 2026, at Sandals Grande Antigua — immediately following the 2026 Caribbean Travel Marketplace.

“Following a successful inaugural Direct Booking Summit Caribbean, we’re building on that momentum to bring even more practical, revenue-focused strategies to the region,” said CHTA President Sanovnik Destang. “The summit has become an essential platform for Caribbean hoteliers to strengthen their direct booking performance, take greater ownership of the guest relationship, and drive long-term profitability.”

DBS Caribbean focuses on practical strategies to grow direct revenue, improve conversion, and reduce reliance on third-party channels. This year’s summit will spotlight the latest in digital marketing, AI-driven solutions, and emerging technology shaping booking behavior and guest acquisition.

"The first DBS Caribbean exceeded every expectation we had," said Charlie Osmond, Co-founder of Triptease. "What struck me was the confidence in that room. Hoteliers who came ready to learn left ready to act. The conversations were honest, the ambition was real, and the community that formed around it has only grown since. That's exactly why we're back. The industry has moved on, the questions have gotten sharper, and we think the Caribbean is ready to go even deeper on what it actually takes to win on direct. We can't wait to keep building this movement alongside CHTA."

Attendees will gain insights into:
Boosting Direct Bookings
Learn how hotels are increasing conversion and achieving 50%+ direct booking ratios through practical, real-world strategies.

AI & Automation for Guest Acquisition
Explore how AI-driven marketing, personalization, and automation are being used to attract high-value guests and convert demand into direct revenue.

Distribution & Revenue Strategy
Understand how to reduce reliance on third-party channels while optimizing pricing, channel mix, and overall profitability.

Peer Networking
Exchange proven approaches with regional operators facing similar commercial and distribution challenges.

Registration
Registration is now open for CHTA members and non-members. Following strong demand in 2025, capacity is limited. To learn more or secure your place, visit: www.DirectBookingSummitCaribbean.com.

For more information on this and other CHTA events, visit www.CaribbeanHotelandTourism.com.