PHILIPSBURG:--- The St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors Foundation successfully hosted its 11th Annual St. Martin Interscholastic Idols Singing Competition over the past weekend and would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to every single person who came out to support the talented youth of Saint Martin.
This year’s event featured three exciting competitions in one unforgettable evening, showcasing the incredible musical abilities, creativity, and stage presence of the island’s young performers.
The first segment of the evening featured the Secondary Schools Solo Competition, which saw three schools competing for the coveted title. The second runner-up position went to Derek Jesus Varela Medrano of the Milton Peters College, who delivered a beautiful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “Run to You.” The first runner-up title went to Mariangel Barraez Vasquez of the St. Maarten Academy, who performed Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” Notably, Mariangel was also the winner of the 2025 Primary Cycle 2 competition. The winner of the 2026 Secondary Solo Competition was Kimore Smith of the Charlotte Brookson Academy of the Performing Arts, who did a beautiful rendition of It Kills Me " by Melanie Fiona.
The second competition for the evening featured the Primary Schools Choir Competition, which included performances from the Marie Genevieve de Weever School, the Leonard Conner School, the Seventh-day Adventist School, and the Learning Unlimited Preparatory School.
The second runner-up position went to the Leonard Conner School with their rendition of “Let It Be.” The first runner-up title went to the Seventh-day Adventist School for their “We Come to Praise Medley.” The winners of the Primary School Choir Competition, participating for the very first time, were the Marie Genevieve de Weever School with their inspiring “Praise Medley.”

The final segment of the evening featured the Secondary Schools Choir Competition, in which three schools competed for top honors. The second runner-up title went to the Methodist Agogic Center CSE School, which performed a medley of “Man in the Mirror” and “Jireh.” The first runner-up title went to Learning Unlimited Preparatory School with their performance of “A Million Dreams.” The winners of the Secondary School Choir Competition, also participating for the very first time, was the Charlotte Brookson Academy of the Performing Arts with their moving rendition of “You Say.”
The evening concluded with a vibrant and energetic surprise guest performance by none other than the 2011, second annual St. Martin Interscholastic Idols winner, Mr. Raheem Atkinson, better known today as “Tension,” of the talented Skillful Band and Daddy Keys. The audience was pleasantly surprised and fully engaged as Raheem “TENSION” sang and performed with Daddy Keys, their 2026 winning Road March hit, “Screw in the thing” which had students, teachers, parents, and supporters dancing and singing along throughout the venue.
The Foundation expressed special appreciation to Tension, Daddy Keys, and the Skillful Band for returning to inspire the youth and for demonstrating how participating in initiatives such as the SXM Interscholastic Idols Competition can help nurture and launch artistic careers. Their performance brought an exciting and unforgettable energy to the evening and served as a reminder of the importance of giving back to the community and uplifting the next generation of talent.
President of the St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors Foundation, Angelique J.G. Romou, thanked the Secondary solo winner 2025 of CBA, Ms. Aalison Victorine for her guest performance as well and she expressed her gratitude to everyone who supported the event and praised the youth for their remarkable performances.
“This year’s competition truly continued to showcase the incredible talent that exists within our young people of Saint Martin. Patrons were able to experience three amazing competitions in one evening and witness St. Martin’s talent at its very best. We are extremely proud of all participants who took the stage with courage, passion, and excellence,” Romou stated.
The Foundation would also like to extend sincere appreciation to its distinguished panel of judges: Ms. Bonny L. Linaris, Mr. Leroy Brooks aka King Beau Beau, Ms. Inger Van der Zanden, Mr. Chardonnay Martes, and Ms. Mirougia Richardson. They thanked the esteemed judging panel for their professionalism, expertise, and invaluable contributions to the competition's success.
Special thanks were also extended to the Foundation’s financial sponsors for recognizing the importance of supporting our talented youth in Saint Martin. The Port of St. Maarten, especially Mr. Alexander Gumbs, the Be The Change Foundation, Ms. Melanie Choisie, and Mr. Imran McSood, for their generous financial contributions toward the successful execution of the event.
The Foundation also expresses gratitude to its in-kind donors and media partners, including:
• The People’s Tribune, Mr. Michael Granger
• Philipsburg Broadcasting, Laser 101, Mr. Francis Carty, and Gee Money
• SOS Radio 95.9 FM Mr. Billy Dee
• Youth Radio 92.5 FM Mr. Patou
• PJD2 and 102.7 FM, Mr. Don and Ms. Alicia Hughes, Joanne and Wendell Moore of People’s Voice
• 101.5 FM, Radio St. Martin Mr. Cuchie and Team
The Foundation also thanked its raffle sponsors, including Georgina’s Nails, Ms. Liddy Meyers, Inglot, Ms. Miranda Matthew, Pineapple Pete, Mr. Pierre, Divi Little Bay Resort, Ms. Anne Marie Brooks, and 978 Sanctorium, Mr. Fritz Isaac. Additional appreciation is extended to Van Dorp for always assisting with ticket sales, to Ms. Luli, to Obersi Electronics, to Xerox, to Mr. Alvin Obersi, to Mr. Robert Gibbs, and especially to Raoel for their continued support throughout the years. Special appreciation is extended to Aleeze Convention Center for their beautiful venue and to all members of the St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors team, the Young Ambassadors, parents, and volunteers. A Special thank you also to the principals, teachers, Choir directors, chaperones, parents, and all who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the evening such a memorable success.
The St. Martin Promoting Young Ambassadors Foundation is also encouraging the public to save the date for the 12th Annual St. Martin Interscholastic Idols Competition, tentatively scheduled for February 20th–21st, 2027.
The Foundation once again thanks the people of Saint Martin for continuing to support and encourage the talented youth of our island, encouraging them to continue shining bright like the stars that they are.

SANDY GROUND, Saint-Martin:---  A devastating traffic accident shook the island during the early hours of this morning after a vehicle reportedly lost control on RN7 near Sandy Ground, killing one young person and critically injuring four others.
The tragedy occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m., according to the Prefecture of Saint Martin. Preliminary findings indicate that a car traveling from the direction of Nettlé Bay veered off course and violently struck five young people who were seated on their scooters along the roadside.
Emergency rescue teams responded immediately to the scene. Despite rapid intervention, one victim was pronounced dead. The four other victims, all reported to be in absolute emergency condition, were rushed to the Louis-Constant Fleming Hospital Center, where medical personnel continue to provide urgent care.
The violent impact left the area in shock as residents awoke to news of yet another serious accident on the island’s roads. Authorities have not yet released the identities or ages of the victims pending notification of their families.
An official investigation has been launched to determine the exact causes and circumstances surrounding the collision. Investigators are expected to examine factors including speed, road conditions, and possible driver impairment.
Local officials are once again calling for increased vigilance and responsibility on the roads, particularly during nighttime hours, as concerns continue to grow over road safety across Saint-Martin.
More information is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):---  The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), through its Youth Health Care Baby Wellness Clinic has a vaccine outreach for members of the community for Wednesday, May 27.

Parents and guardians can bring the children and teenagers to the clinic at the Vineyard Office Park between 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27. You should also bring along your child’s vaccination record.

For those who would like additional information to verify their child(ren’s) status or would like to make an appointment, you can call 721-542-3003 or message CPS via WhatsApp 721-520-4163.

The vaccine outreach is geared primarily towards children four to nine-years-old who have not yet gotten their vaccine boosters. If parents have missed recent appointments for vaccines, CPS encourages them to make use of this opportunity for children from two months to 17-years-old.

The vaccines that are provided include: DTaP-IPV-Hib (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, and Poliomyelitis and Haemophilus influenza type B), PCV13 (Pneumococcus Conjugate Vaccine 13-valent), MMR (Measles, Mumps and Rubella), DT-IPV (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Poliomyelitis), and HPV (Human Papilloma Virus).

Vaccination is essential in preventing a wide range of childhood diseases and significantly reduces the risk of illness, disability, and death.

These include conditions such as cervical cancer, diphtheria, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, pertussis (whooping cough), pneumonia, polio, rotavirus, diarrhea, rubella, and tetanus.

CPS also highlights the importance of the HPV vaccine, which is recommended for girls between the ages of nine and 17. This vaccine offers long-term protection against cervical cancer, one of the leading causes of death among women, making early vaccination a vital preventive measure.

Maintaining routine vaccination coverage is crucial. According to PAHO, gaps in vaccination can leave children vulnerable to preventable diseases such as polio, tetanus, measles, and diphtheria, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Ensuring full immunization not only protects individuals but also strengthens community immunity.

Vaccines remain one of the most effective tools in eliminating childhood diseases. CPS urges parents and guardians to treat vaccination records with the same importance as other essential documents, such as passports or identification, ensuring they are up to date and safely stored.

PHILIPSBURG:--- “Today marks a turning point for St. Maarten’s electricity future.” Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication, Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, stated as she announced the official publication of the Ministerial Decree designating the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP) as Supervisor under the Electricity Concession Ordinance. This marks the first time since the Ordinance was established that the legal supervisory mechanism for the electricity sector has been activated.
Minister Heyliger-Marten stated that this step is “not only historic, but essential for restoring order, transparency, and long‑term stability in our electricity system.”
For years, the GEBE operated without the supervision afforded by law. The obligations between the Electricity Concession Ordinance and the Concession, including multi-annual planning, audited financials, quality reporting, maintenance standards, and tariff transparency, were not enforced. The result was predictable: unstable electricity supply, unverified tariffs, rising fuel clause charges, missing data, and a complete breakdown of public trust.
“The country is still recovering from the consequences of years of inaction, shortcuts, and political quick fixes that led to the near total collapse of GEBE,” the Minister said. “There was no proper oversight, and that left the people without protection.”
When this Government took office, the electricity sector was in crisis. Prime Minister Mercelina spent nearly two years stabilizing GEBE, rebuilding its Supervisory Board, and preventing further deterioration of the grid. The process to restore proper executive management is still ongoing.
“People forget how close we came to a total collapse,” the Minister said. “We inherited a GEBE that had no verified data, no audited financials, no approved multi-annual plan, and no functioning oversight. We had to rebuild the foundation before we could fix the roof.”
“When we assumed office in May 2024, the fuel clause was already above 40 cents per kilowatt hour. Yet at that time, those who now shout loudest were not calling it ‘too high.’ This shows the real issue: for years, governments reacted to symptoms instead of fixing the system. We are choosing a different path because leadership is not reflected by shouting; leadership fixes what’s broken. Anyone can demand instant action when they are sitting in opposition. Governing, however, requires understanding the consequences of every decision made.”
The Minister reiterated that under the Electricity Concession Ordinance, the Government cannot legally set electricity tariffs without verified, cost-oriented data from the concession holder. GEBE was given the opportunity to submit a complete tariff proposal as required by its concession itself. They did not. This triggered the need to activate the Supervisor, who now has the legal authority to:
• Request and verify all operational and financial data
• Inspect and audit GEBE
• Monitor compliance with the Concession
• Provide the Government with the verified information required to establish a lawful LBham tariff decree.
“This is the correct pathway,” the Minister said. “It is the only pathway that protects the people, protects the country, and ensures that any tariff decision we make will stand up legally and financially.”
The Minister addressed recent public commentary suggesting that the Government could bypass the Concession Ordinance and set tariffs immediately using the general Tariff Ordinance alone.
“This is simply not true,” the Minister said. “Electricity tariffs are governed by a specific law; the Electricity Concession Ordinance, and that law requires a National Decree containing general measures based on cost orientation regarding the concession holder’s investments and operational business activities concerning generation, distribution and supply of electricity. If Government were to take shortcuts now, the tariff would be unlawful, GEBE could collapse financially and the people would be worse off. I will not repeat the mistakes that caused the electricity crisis.”
She added “St. Maarten cannot afford another collapse. I will not gamble with the country’s economy, electricity system, or the people’s future just to satisfy political pressure or create catchy headlines.”
The Minister acknowledged the frustration many households and businesses feel.
“People want relief, and they deserve relief. But they also deserve a system that works, a system that is fair and a system that will not collapse again in two years. We are not here to repeat the mistakes of the past. We are here to fix them.”
The Minister reminds the public that during the previous administration, the relief that was given was possible only because the country received hundreds of millions in loans from the Netherlands during and after Covid-19. Loans that the people of St. Maarten, as taxpayers are still responsible for today.
“This is not about pointing fingers,” the Minister said. “It is a matter of understanding why we must fix the system structurally. Quick fixes feel good in the moment, but they leave the country weaker. We are choosing the responsible path, the path that protects the people long-term.”
The publication of the Ministerial Decree is the beginning of a new era of regulation in St. Maarten. For the first time, the Government will have structured oversight, enforceable compliance of the concession, transparent tariff methodology and a foundation for long-term energy transition.
“This is how we protect consumers,” the Minister concluded. “This is how we build a future where electricity is reliable, affordable and accountable. This is the beginning of a stronger, more reliable electricity future for every household and every business on our island.”