PHILIPSBURG:--- The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten has confirmed the first recorded sea turtle nesting incident of the season on Maho Beach. Responding to a report from a concerned public member, the team investigated the creature’s tracks and eyewitness videos to assert that a leatherback sea turtle had plausibly laid a nest the night of Thursday, April 18. The nesting season officially extends from May through December in Sint Maarten, though nesting activity can occur outside of this time.
The incident marks the first recorded leatherback nesting on Sint Maarten since June 2022 and the first nesting on Maho Beach since 2020. Leatherbacks (Dermochelys coriacea), a pelagic species that spends most of its time in the open water in contrast to resident green and hawksbill turtles, are the rarest and earliest nesting species on Sint Maarten. However, sea turtles of any species rarely nest on Maho Beach due to its lack of a vegetation line, short shore, and intense human activity.
“This is quite a rare event,” noted Science Officer Anna Venema. “The moment we walked on the beach and then measured the two-meter-wide tracks, it was obvious that a leatherback, the biggest sea turtle species in the world, had come to shore on busy Maho Beach.”
While the presence of eggs could not be confirmed by the Nature Foundation, which conducted an authorized “dig” the next morning, the female likely laid based on the site’s characteristics. Digs are carried out to confirm and count the eggs for scientific research and occasionally relocate them if the environmental manager decides they were laid in a hazardous area. Maho Beach, known for its frequent erosion and tourism pressures, is not an ideal site for this nest. However, the site has since been cordoned off and will be supplied with updated signage. If viable, 100 eggs or so are expected to hatch in around 60 days.
“We are currently busy creating information flyers and folders for nearby hotels and restaurants to reach a bigger audience,” added the Science Officer. “This nest is in a vulnerable spot and needs all the help it can get.”
The survival rate of sea turtle hatchlings is extremely low, with only some 1% reaching adulthood. To improve their chances, it is imperative that beachgoers and residents avoid disturbing nesting sites. The Nature Foundation urges the public to maintain a minimum distance of 15 meters (50 feet) from nesting sea turtles, keep dogs on a leash, fill in large sand holes, and refrain from using flashlights or bright lights on the beach, except for red or amber lights.
Leatherbacks, one of three sea turtle species that nest on Sint Maarten’s beaches, are critically endangered and protected locally and internationally. Under local laws, it is illegal to harm, capture or disturb sea turtles or their nesting sites. The Nature Foundation reminds residents and visitors to abide by these legal regulations to safeguard these creatures.
If you witness any sea turtle activity, please get in touch with the Nature Foundation promptly. During regular hours, call +1 (721) 544-4267. For after-hours reporting, use 1 +(721) 581-6365. You can also reach us by email at  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for less urgent matters.
Leatherback sea turtles, along with green and hawksbill sea turtles, are facing population declines and are listed as endangered, critically endangered, and vulnerable, respectively. Sea turtles play a critical role in marine ecosystems by regulating populations of jellyfish, sea urchins, and other invertebrates as both predators and prey. Their nesting activities on sandy beaches aerate the sand and enrich dune vegetation with nutrients, contributing to shoreline stability and erosion prevention. Sea turtles also aid in nutrient cycling by disturbing sediments while feeding, releasing crucial nutrients into the water, and dispersing organisms like jellyfish eggs. As biodiversity champions, they support diverse marine communities, while their population status serves as an indicator of broader ecosystem health. Recognizing their economic value, sea turtles constitute an eco-tourism attraction that benefits local economies and emphasizes the importance of conservation efforts for these iconic marine species.

Simpson Bay:---  Princess Juliana International Airport (PJIAE) is thrilled to announce its official sponsorship of the vibrant St. Maarten Carnival from 18 April-5 May 2024.
“We are delighted to partner with the St. Maarten Carnival Foundation and support this cherished cultural celebration,” said Michiel Parent, Commercial Director at Princess Juliana Airport. “The St. Maarten Carnival embodies the spirit of our beautiful island – full of energy, joy, and a deep appreciation for our heritage. As the first point of contact for many visitors, we are committed to showcasing the best of St. Maarten, and the Carnival is a perfect way to do that.”
The St. Maarten Carnival is a two-week extravaganza filled with electrifying parades, pulsating calypso rhythms, captivating soca beats, and a contagious energy that sweeps through the entire island. This year’s theme promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Princess Juliana International Airport's sponsorship will be prominently displayed throughout the Carnival festivities, including signage at key locations and participation in some of the most popular events. The airport will also host Carnival-themed activities for the arriving passengers, ensuring their St. Maarten adventure begins the moment they leave the plane.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, at approximately 10:50 a.m., N.V. GEBE experienced an oil spill at the Power Plant, regrettably leading to oil release onto parts of the shoreline. The oil spill was an unfortunate event that originated from an overflowing settling tank within the fuel farm, the central point at the Power Plant for the primary fuel oil holdings. The excess oil cascaded into the surrounding area and eventually reached select shoreline parts via storm drains.

N.V. GEBE's dedicated team promptly mobilized an emergency response team and successfully contained the spill internally. Additionally, the team swiftly activated the Oil Spill Response Protocol. During this process, the relevant authorities, including The Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard (DCCG) and the environmental agency, i.e., The Nature Foundation St. Maarten, were immediately alerted to ensure the situation was handled safely and efficiently.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation, N.V. GEBE promptly sought assistance from Sol Antilles N.V. Their invaluable support, combined with the efforts of the teams from the Nature Foundation and N.V. GEBE, significantly bolstered the containment measures, effectively curbing the spread of oil and mitigating its impact on vulnerable ecosystems.

With all hands on deck, the teams worked effectively together to clean up and contain the oil spill in a well-coordinated, collaborative response effort.

N.V. GEBE extends its sincere gratitude to the Nature Foundation St. Maarten, Sol Antilles N.V., and the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard for their swift collaboration and unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. Their partnership has been instrumental in minimizing the ecological impact of this incident.

 The Nature Foundation St. Maarten states that they are very thankful for GEBE's quick call to report the oil spill and clear communication regarding the situation. Today's incident was quickly mitigated and contained thanks to the bilateral communication between GEBE and Nature Foundation. We look forward to further collaboration to build higher capacity for future responses. Only through better contingency planning and capacity building can we address similar incidents and protect the coastal environment of Sint Maarten. The quick response of the Nature Foundation team was instrumental in lessening the spill's impacts to ensure the situation was managed correctly.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) are the focus of the Collective Preventive Service’s (CPS) annual calendar of health observances for the month of April. CPS reminds and encourages the community to take a proactive approach to preventing STIs.

Sexually Transmitted Infections are real and are present. STIs do not discriminate. Individuals should also be well informed by educating themselves about STIs to make wise decisions.


STIs are infections that are spread primarily through person-to-person sexual contact. STIs are infections that are likely to be transmitted while having unprotected sex.

If you may have been exposed to an STI or if you have ever had unprotected (without a condom) sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with someone whose status you don't know, consult your general practitioner, and get tested.

There are more than 30 different sexually transmissible bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

The most common conditions they cause are gonorrhea, chlamydial infection, syphilis, trichomoniasis, chancroid, genital herpes, genital warts, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, hepatitis B infection and cancer.

Practicing safer sex is important as it decreases the chances of transmitting sexual infections. Safer sex means taking positive action to lower the risk of sexually transmitted infections. You can lower your risk of becoming infected with an STI by using a (male or female) condom the right way every time you have sex.

Unsafe sex results in unplanned consequences. Be responsible for your health and your partner’s by making an informed choice.

For STI information you can also contact your general practitioner and the Sint Maarten AIDS Foundation. Enjoy life, be well informed, and get yourself tested and know your status!