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.”

PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament and Vice Chair of the Justice Committee, Lyndon C. J. Lewis, expresses deep concern regarding the recent series of robberies and violent incidents that have occurred across St. Maarten in recent weeks. MP Lewis urges the Minister of Justice, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Police Force of St. Maarten to take all necessary measures to combat these crimes and safeguard the community effectively.
“As a Member of Parliament and Vice Chair of the Justice Committee, I am deeply saddened and concerned by the direction our beloved island is heading with the recent surge in robberies and acts of violence,” MP Lewis stated. “This is extremely troubling and presents a very negative image for our country, especially as we enter the high tourism and Christmas season.”
MP Lewis emphasized that the situation, if not adequately addressed, could escalate into a national crisis. He underscored the need for a unified approach, calling on all sectors of society to work together to restore peace and security.
“I would like to acknowledge and commend the police officers, law enforcement agencies, and all other front-line workers for their continuous and tireless efforts in showing up and increasing patrols to maintain public safety, despite the challenging working conditions they currently face,” he stated. “Your hard work and dedication do not go unnoticed. I urge you to continue standing firm as we navigate this difficult period.”
Addressing the youth of St. Maarten directly, MP Lewis made a heartfelt plea: “To my young people, I want to remind you that violence is never the answer. The choices you make today can shape your entire future. I strongly urge you to stay away from crime, and to those who continue down this path, be aware that you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
MP Lewis reaffirmed his commitment to working with the Ministry of Justice, law enforcement bodies, and community leaders to strengthen measures aimed at curbing crime and restoring a sense of safety for residents and visitors alike.
“Our island’s future depends on the safety and security of all who live here,” he concluded. “Let us stand together as one people, united in the fight against crime and in the pursuit of a better, safer St. Maarten.”

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Breast Cancer Support Group host by Still Beautiful, Positive and Elektralyets Foundations gathered on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, for a heartfelt Thanksgiving Potluck Feast at the 4C Foundation Conference Room on A.T. Illidge Road. The evening, facilitated by Mercedes Van Der Waals Wyatt, was filled with gratitude, shared experiences, and encouragement as members came together to celebrate life and support one another. This marked the conclusion of the 2025 meetings.
The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Virginie Matser Timmermans of VMT Consultancy, who shared insights on patient education and communication. Virginie previously collaborated with the Positive Foundation a decade ago to produce the brochure, Your Guide to Overcoming Side Effects of Radiation and Chemotherapy. This resource has been instrumental in helping patients at the St. Maarten Medical Center navigate treatment challenges.
Plans for Brochure Revamp
The Positive Foundation, along with VMT Consultancy, announced an initiative to revamp the existing brochure to serve the community better. During her presentation, Virginie took notes of feedback from group members for inclusion in the updated version. The updated version will:
• Feature advertisements for support group meetings.
• Present content in a more gender-inclusive design.
• Separate sections for radiation and chemotherapy side effects for easier reference.
• Provide clear contact details for organizations offering assistance.
• Provide Sample Meal Plans – Nutrition and wellness during recovery.
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Quotes from Partner Foundations
• Positive Foundation: “Education and support are the cornerstones of early detection and survivorship. Revamping this brochure ensures that every patient has access to clear, practical guidance and knows where to turn for help.”
• Elektralyets Foundation: “Cancer care is not just medical—it’s emotional, social, and deeply personal. This initiative reflects our commitment to holistic support for everyone affected.”
• Still Beautiful Foundation: “We believe beauty and strength shine through even in the toughest times. By updating this resource, we empower individuals to face treatment with confidence and dignity.”
Event Atmosphere
The Thanksgiving Potluck was a warm and uplifting occasion, with members bringing their favorite dishes and drinks to share. The event emphasized gratitude, connection, and mutual support—core values that strengthen the fight against cancer.
About the Breast Cancer Support Group
The group provides a safe space for individuals to share experiences, gain emotional support, and access educational resources. Meetings are held every last Thursday in every month and are open to anyone affected by breast cancer – breast cancer patients, survivors, and thrivers The support group is hosted by the Still Beautiful, Positive and Elektralyets Foundations. Next meeting is scheduled from January 29, 2026.
For more information about upcoming meetings contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Tel+1-721-588-8020
or to contribute ideas for the brochure revamp, please contact:
Positive Foundation
Tel: +1-721-580-9658
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.