~Featuring a Nature Reserve and Conservation area~

Indigo Bay, St. Maarten:--- –Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences has presented a comprehensive eco tourism and sustainability plan for Indigo Bay, developed together with global environmental consultancy Mac & Field and a team of independent scientists. The plan is built on a voluntarily commissioned Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and is intended to guide the long-term protection, restoration and responsible enjoyment of Indigo Bay’s land and marine environment by guests and the people of St. Maarten.
Planned as a 280-room resort with branded residences, Vie L’Ven states that its goal is to be a good neighbor in Indigo Bay and a long-term partner for St. Maarten. The eco tourism plan sets out concrete measures for conservation, low-impact design and environmental education, covering both the shoreline and the hillsides surrounding the property.
This initiative follows the completion of the EIA on October 27th, 2025, underscoring the property's commitment to a sustainable and responsible coastal development. A member of Leading Hotels of the World, Vie L’Ven appointed internationally recognized environmental consultancy Mac & Field, with headquarters in Amsterdam and Bonaire, to conduct the study and guide the resort’s sustainable development approach.
To further strengthen its environmental stewardship, the resort will spearhead an Environmental Monitoring Committee that will support conservation initiatives, eco-tourism opportunities, and advise on marine and coastal preservation practices in partnership with local experts.
Vie L’Ven intends to join the internationally recognized Green Globe program, further demonstrating a commitment to sustainable operation and management across all aspects of the resort. Through this certification, the property will implement Green Globe standards from the very start, guiding its energy, water, waste, and community engagement initiatives.
In collaboration with the commissioned environmental scientists and specialists, Vie L’Ven will embrace Beach Nourishment policies aligned with local regulations, including procedures to manage breakwaters, docks, and “no-go” zones to protect marine habitats. Guests will have designated access points for watersports, snorkeling, and shipwreck exploration, with specific guidelines to ensure safe and respectful interaction with coral and marine life. These efforts are supported by broader sustainability initiatives across the property, including the use of best-in-class water and greywater treatment systems.
At the heart of the eco-tourism plan is Vie L’Ven’s Nature Reserve and Conservation area, a protected wildlife zone designed as an immersive experience for guests. Within the open-air habitat, nature trails and viewing areas will allow visitors to connect with the environment while preserving the integrity of native habitats. Vie L’Ven also plans to introduce educational programming centered on local flora, fauna, and sustainable tourism practices, including interactive sessions for both adults and children. Interpretive signage throughout the reserve will highlight local wildlife, their ecological significance, and ways to engage responsibly with the natural environment.
Residents and visitors will also be invited to participate in Vie L’Ven’s hands-on conservation efforts, such as beach cleanups and marine monitoring programs, designed to deepen understanding of St. Maarten’s rich biodiversity. Guided snorkeling tours, coral restoration activities and sea turtle nesting observations will give guests the opportunity to engage directly with the natural world. Vie L’Ven will also establish designated protected zones, intended to safeguard coral colonies and other ecologically sensitive areas through local best practices of protection, such as surface buoys to mark sensitive habitat.
These efforts are supported by broader sustainability initiatives across the property, including the use of recyclable materials, energy-efficient appliances, alternative energy sources, and a no-plastics policy that extends across all operations. The resort will also prioritize sourcing local produce and products, supporting St. Maarten’s economy.
In addition to these measures, the development of a 280-room resort and residences at Indigo Bay is expected to generate a wide range of opportunities for St. Maarten residents and businesses. From construction and maintenance to hospitality services, transportation, tours and cultural experiences, the project will rely on local talent and suppliers wherever possible. Vie L’Ven intends to deepen cooperation with local contractors, farmers, fishers, artists and entrepreneurs so that the economic benefits linked to the resort are broadly shared within the community.
Vie L’Ven Resort & Residences is working closely with the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment, and Infrastructure (VROMI), local partners, and the community to ensure the successful implementation of the EIA’s recommendations and long-term protection of Indigo Bay’s marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

~As one of St. Maarten’s AI Ambassadors, Ife Badejo unveils an Exclusive wealth-building tool.~

PHILIPSBURG:--- ACU Credit Union will host the final workshop in its well-received 2025 AI education series this Tuesday, offering members and non-members a hands-on look at how artificial intelligence can transform personal and business finance in the Caribbean.
The workshop, "AI & Finance: Unlocking the Future of Finance & Productivity with AI," takes place on December 2, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at The University of St. Martin.
Over the past three months, the series has equipped more than 100 participants with practical AI skills—reflecting ACU’s commitment to empowering the community in a rapidly changing digital world.
Leading this final session is Ife Badejo, one of St. Maarten’s recognized AI Ambassadors and the Caribbean’s Go-To AI Analyst. Badejo is widely known for making artificial intelligence clear, accessible, and relevant to island realities, helping individuals and businesses understand how emerging technologies can strengthen economic resilience and unlock new opportunities.
“Our members and the wider community deserve access to the best tools and training,” said Eldrid Fos, CEO of ACU Credit Union. “In 2026, we will be providing additional workshops and programs for the community including our youth. Partnering with Islandpreneur allows us to bring cutting-edge knowledge to the community and support the financial future of our islands.”
While AI conversations globally often remain theoretical or technical, this workshop focuses on practical, real-time tools that participants can use immediately.
Attendees will learn how AI can support financial empowerment, productivity, and strategic planning through demonstrations that include:

• AI-supported financial decision-making
• Smart budgeting and expense optimization for Caribbean economies
• Predictive scenario modeling for business and personal wealth
• Income diversification tailored to island markets
• Risk assessment and emergency planning for seasonal and hurricane impacts
“AI is more than technology—it’s transformative power,” said Badejo. “On December 2, participants won’t just learn about AI. They’ll experience it—watching AI analyze real financial patterns and generate personalized strategies they can apply right away.”
Participants will also receive complimentary early access to a new proprietary AI wealth-building tool developed by Islandpreneur International.
The beta tool uses artificial intelligence to analyse income, spending patterns, and personal financial goals, then creates customized wealth-building roadmaps designed specifically for Caribbean realities. Attendees will be the first to test the tool and offer feedback before its wider release.
The soft launch of this tool marks an important step in Islandpreneur’s ongoing work to make AI more accessible and practical for Caribbean communities.
Here are some key details of the event.
Workshop: AI & Finance: Unlocking the Future of Finance & Productivity with AI
Date: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The University of St. Martin
Registration: www.acu.cw/coursesxm
Seats are limited, so registration is required. There is no fee to attend. Due to strong interest and exclusive beta access, please sign up in advance to secure your spot.
To learn more about Islandpreneur International and its initiatives, visit https://www.islandpreneur.co or follow updates at https://www.facebook.com/iamislandpreneur.

POINTE BLANCHE:---  The upcoming inaugural calls of MSC Grandiosa, Celebrity Xcel, and Marella Discovery 2 in the first week of December mark another significant moment for Port St. Maarten, emphatically confirming the island’s position as one of the most popular and strategically essential destinations in the Caribbean.
MSC Grandiosa made its inaugural call on Monday, December 1, and this will be followed by Celebrity Xcel on Thursday, December 4, and Marella Discovery 2 on December 7.
These three distinct vessels—representing mega-ship, next-generation luxury, and major international operators—collectively demonstrate that St. Maarten possesses the infrastructure, diversity, and passenger appeal required by the world's most demanding cruise lines. Since October, Port St. Maarten has received seven inaugural calls.
Such a concentration of high-profile maiden visits within a single week sends a powerful message to the global tourism market: St. Maarten is a reliable, high-volume, and deeply desired port of call.
The inclusion of the Celebrity Xcel, a new ship often associated with premium, experience-driven passengers, reflects the island's success in attracting higher-yield tourism markets. These passengers typically spend more on curated excursions, fine dining, and luxury retail, thereby maximizing the economic benefit to local businesses.
Concurrently, the arrival of the MSC Grandiosa on Monday highlights St. Maarten's capability to handle and efficiently process passengers from the largest contemporary class of mega-ships. As MSC is a major player in the European market, this inaugural call is crucial for maintaining and expanding the island's market reach beyond traditional North American source countries, validating the port’s capacity to serve diverse, global passenger loads.
The third vessel, Marella Discovery 2, further diversifies the port's portfolio by strengthening ties with the key United Kingdom (UK) tourism sector. Marella Cruises, a prominent British line, choosing St. Maarten for a prominent inaugural signals confidence in the island's ability to cater specifically to the preferences of UK-based travelers, including their demand for varied and safe excursion options.
This mix of vessels—mega-ships that test capacity limits, luxury lines that demand high service standards, and international operators that require reliable logistics—underscores that St. Maarten is not reliant on a single market segment but rather serves as a crucial, versatile anchor in multiple Caribbean itineraries.
This continuous influx of inaugural visits serves as an indisputable validation of St. Maarten’s long-standing appeal. The island’s unique proposition—combining the dual Dutch and French cultural experiences, famous beaches like Maho, and world-class duty-free shopping—is unmatched in the region.
Cruise line itinerary planners are clearly recognizing the successful efforts made by Port St. Maarten Group management to invest in modern facilities, ensure efficient processes, and foster constructive relationships with the local service sector.
This collaborative success allows the destination to maintain the superior operational performance required for tight scheduling while consistently delivering exceptional guest experiences.
This popularity translates directly into job security and prosperity for the taxi drivers, tour operators, restaurants, and retailers that collectively make the St. Maarten visitor experience so highly rated.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday, November 29th, 160 guests boarded the navy ship HNLMS Groningen for the annual Naval Relations Day of the Navy Ship in Curaçao. The Ministry of Defence in the Caribbean and the Caribbean Coast Guard offered a glimpse into the operational world of the station ship at sea. It provided an opportunity for dialogue among the government, businesses, the Ministry of Defence, and the Coast Guard.
During the day, guests were treated to demonstrations by the Ministry of Defence's airborne and maritime units and the Caribbean Coast Guard. In addition to the demonstrations, there were onboard tours and the traditional "blue snack." The Naval Operations Day of the Navy Ship took place in Aruba earlier this month.

Current Situation
During the opening speech, the commander of the Dutch forces in the Caribbean, reflected on the current situation: ”Current developments in the Caribbean may be cause for concern. Protecting the Caribbean part of the Kingdom is the highest priority of the Ministry of Defence in the Caribbean. There is currently no immediate threat to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The station ship is currently conducting patrols to monitor the security situation around the ABC Islands. The Ministry of Defence is not involved in the American operation in the region. The Ministry of Defence is closely monitoring developments and keeping the Kingdom well-informed. CZMCARIB protects the Caribbean and contributes to stability and security in the region.”