PHILIPSBURG:--- The international postal event hosted in Sint Maarten concluded with great success, earning praise from the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT), Mrs. Grisha Heyliger-Marten, for its excellent organization, meaningful discussions, and warm Caribbean hospitality.
The Minister of TEATT, who was instrumental in bringing this important event to Sint Maarten, played an active role throughout the conference and its social activities. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of modernizing and strengthening postal services to support innovation, trade, and connectivity.
Improved postal services are a cornerstone of Sint Maarten’s digital and economic development strategy. As e-commerce continues to expand globally, reliable, efficient, and technology-driven postal operations are essential for the island’s growth and competitiveness.
Over the course of the conference, 50 delegates from across the region discussed strategies to modernize postal operations, enhance logistics and delivery systems, and strengthen regional cooperation. The sessions highlighted the growing role of postal services in enabling e-commerce, financial inclusion, and small business development — areas of increasing importance to Sint Maarten’s future economy.
Interim Director of the Bureau of Telecommunications and Post (BTP), Mrs. Judianne Labega-Hoeve, commended the collaborative spirit of the participants and expressed pride in Sint Maarten’s role as host. “We are deeply honored by the positive feedback we received from our regional colleagues,” said Mrs. Labega-Hoeve. “This event reflects the progress we’ve made in building partnerships and showcases Sint Maarten’s potential as a hub for innovation and regional dialogue in the postal and telecommunications sectors.”
The closing event took place at Emilios, one of Sint Maarten’s most iconic historical venues. Before the dinner, international delegates visited the viewpoint overlooking the island, where they experienced the natural beauty and hospitality that define Sint Maarten.
Franklin Castro, Secretary General of the Postal Union of the Americas, Spain, and Portugal (UPAEP), was highly impressed by the level of professionalism, engagement, and organizational capability demonstrated by the local hosts. He expressed confidence in Sint Maarten’s potential to play a leading role in regional postal regulation and pledged support for hosting a major upcoming regulatory postal forum on the island.
The event marked another milestone for Sint Maarten as it continues to position itself as a key player in regional cooperation. With growing opportunities in e-commerce and digital trade, the enhancement of postal services remains a top priority in supporting the island’s economic diversification and connectivity goals.
A special note of appreciation was extended to Prime Minister Luc Mercelina and Minister of Finance Marinka Gumbs for their steadfast support and encouragement in making the event a success.
Willemstad:--- The Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance (DCNA) and the CARMABI Foundation brought together scientists, policymakers, and community representatives from across the region on 7 November for the symposium Healthy Waters. Thriving Nature. Vibrant Communities on Curaçao. The event focused on improving coastal water quality to protect marine ecosystems and support healthy, resilient communities.
