PHILIPSBURG:--- Eight writers with books published by House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP) will participate in the 2026 St. Martin Book Fair, with Fabian Adekunle Badejo leading the group as keynote speaker at the Opening Ceremony on June 5 at 7:30 pm at Heritage Village in Spring Garden, Colombier.

The eight writers are among about 20 authors, artists, storytellers, and presenters featured at the 23^rd edition of the festival, which has grown into one of the Caribbean’s dynamic international literary events.

Faizah Tabasamu will conduct her always popular workshop on hair, while Tadzio Bervoets, whose debut collection of poems and stories is currently in production at HNP, will lead a workshop on the environment on June 6 at the University of St. Martin (USM).

Wycliffe Smith, whose study of religion in the Windward Islands during Slavery is also in production, will sit on the publishing panel. Rhoda Arrindell will serve as a panelist on education during the Presidents Forum, the symposium component of the festival.

Poet Safiyya Chance, fresh from her successful poetry-centered concert in May, is scheduled to participate in the literary recitals.

The children’s digital activity guide edited by Aishira Cicilia and Shanice Theodule-Felix has been selected as the featured publication for the Main Book Launch and Closing Ceremony on June 6 at 8 pm at USM. Admission to all book fair activities is free.

Under the theme “Soualiga Flambo,” this year’s festival celebrates what organizers describe as the remarkable growth of St. Martin’s literary community, reflected in the unprecedented number of the island’s authors participating in the event. Soualiga, a reputed Amerindian name for St. Martin, translates as “Land of Salt.”

When the St. Martin Book Fair began in 2003, with barely six weeks to organize, the organizers were able to secure more authors from abroad than on-island writers, showcasing just three St. Martin authors, festival founder Shujah Reiph said last week.

“In 2026, we can easily draw from a list of at least 40 St. Martin authors—both self-published writers and those with books released by publishers,” said Cindy Peters, Book Fair Committee member and political science lecturer at Clark Atlanta University.

“With his own study, literary output, and critical engagement with St. Martin literature and cultural production beginning at least 20 years before the book fair and continuing uninterrupted ever since, Badejo’s keynote address may offer a chapter-worthy examination of the fair’s role as a pillar in generating the environment that continues to fuel the growth of St. Martin writing,” said HNP Projects Director Lasana M. Sekou.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) successfully hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 21, 2026, bringing together members, industry stakeholders, partners, and supporters from across Sint Maarten's marine and yachting sector.
The AGM is an important annual opportunity for the Association to reflect on the previous year's achievements and activities, elect its Board of Directors, and set priorities and direction for the year ahead. Members received updates on the Association's initiatives, industry representation efforts, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing work to strengthen Sint Maarten's position as a leading yachting destination in the Caribbean.
A key component of this year's AGM was an interactive workshop centered around the eight pillars that the SMMTA has identified as essential to developing and sustaining a successful marine industry. Through facilitated discussions, members explored opportunities, challenges, and priorities within each pillar, providing valuable feedback that will help guide the Association's strategic focus in the coming year.
The SMMTA extends its sincere appreciation to all members, government representatives, industry partners, sponsors, and stakeholders who participated in the AGM and contributed to the workshop discussions. The feedback received will play an important role in shaping future initiatives and advocacy efforts.
During the election process, members voted to maintain continuity within the leadership of the Association by re-electing the existing Board of Directors for another term. The Board remains committed to advancing the interests of the industry, strengthening partnerships, and promoting sustainable growth throughout the marine sector.
Speaking following the AGM, SMMTA President Jesse Peterson expressed gratitude for the continued support and engagement shown by the membership.
The discussions held during the workshop reinforced the importance of working together to address challenges, seize opportunities, and build a stronger marine sector for Sint Maarten. Our industry continues to play a significant role in the island's economy, and the SMMTA remains committed to ensuring that its interests are represented and its future is actively shaped by those who work within it every day."
Looking ahead, the Association will continue advancing initiatives focused on industry development, advocacy, workforce growth, destination competitiveness, and stakeholder collaboration. Among these efforts is the upcoming Marine Industry Immersion Day, an initiative designed to provide students, educators, and future professionals with greater exposure to the diverse career opportunities available within Sint Maarten's marine sector.
The SMMTA remains committed to fostering a vibrant, innovative, and sustainable marine industry that contributes to the long-term prosperity of Sint Maarten.
About the Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA)
The Sint Maarten Marine Trades Association (SMMTA) represents businesses and professionals involved in the marine, yachting, and maritime sectors. Through advocacy, collaboration, and industry leadership, the Association works to support the continued growth and development of Sint Maarten as one of the Caribbean's premier yachting destinations.

HNLMS Groningen has taken over the role of station ship in the Caribbean from HNLMS Friesland. The patrol ship docked in St. Anna Bay in Willemstad this morning.
Over the coming months, the ship will be deployed for various safety tasks at sea, such as surveillance, enforcement, and combating illegal activities like drug smuggling. Additionally, it stands ready to provide support in emergency situations, such as during the hurricane season that began this month.
The Royal Netherlands Navy has four Holland-class patrol ships. These OPVs (Ocean-Going Patrol Vessels) are flexibly deployable vessels for the surveillance of coastal waters. The station ship has an NH90 maritime combat helicopter on board to support the ship with aerial operations.
For the past four months, HNLMS Friesland has fulfilled the role of station ship in the Caribbean. In addition to monitoring the security situation around the islands, the ship recently visited New Orleans, where it participated in festivities marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
With the presence of a station ship in the region, Defense contributes to peace and security in the Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating Yvrose Joseph, a 58-year-old woman who has been reported missing under concerning circumstances.
Ms. Joseph is described as approximately 1.60 meters (5'3") tall, with a heavy build and a dark brown complexion. She resides at Sucker Garden Road 111-B.
According to preliminary information, Ms. Joseph, who is known to suffer from medical conditions, was last seen on Thursday of last week while shopping with her spouse. During the outing, she reportedly walked away and did not return. Her whereabouts have remained unknown since that time.
KPSM is urging anyone who may have seen Ms. Joseph or who has any information regarding her whereabouts to contact the authorities immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact:
• KPSM Emergency Line: +1 (721) 542-2222
• Spouse (T. Jean-Marie): +1 (721) 587-4832
The Police Force of Sint Maarten continues its efforts to locate Ms. Joseph and ensure her safe and timely return.