St. Martin News Network - St. Maarten

Agri Business Academy launches to cultivate a sustainable future for St. Maarten.

PHILIPSBURG: --- Last Thursday marked a pivotal moment for sustainable development and economic empowerment in St. Maarten with the official launch of the Agri Business Academy. This trailblazing initiative is a testament to the Ministry's commitment to economic diversification, sustainability, and food security in the nation. Developed collaboratively with Qredits and TWO, the academy is positioned as a vital resource to equip farmers, agriculturists, and landowners with the tools they need to succeed in modern agribusiness.

Suppose you're an aspiring or experienced professional in agriculture. In that case, the Agri Business Academy presents a unique opportunity to enhance your skills, grow your ventures, and contribute to a self-sufficient and resilient Agri-sector. The program’s first cohort has already heralded a promising start, and registration is now open for its next iteration, starting this October.

Empowering St. Maarten’s Agri-Sector Through Practical Learning

The Agri Business Academy program spans 15 weeks and offers a robust combination of practical agricultural training and essential business education. It’s designed to nurture an entrepreneurial mindset while providing participants with actionable skills to tackle challenges in the agri-sector. Whether you’re looking to refine your approach to supply chain management, improve marketing strategies, or perfect your product packaging, this program provides the tools to do just that. Crucially, the academy’s curriculum bridges the gap between agriculture and business, ensuring that participants not only succeed in the field but also the marketplace. By the end of the program, graduates will have a deeper understanding of how to manage operations efficiently, create value-added products, and secure a competitive edge in local and regional markets.

High-Value Incentives for Participants

One of the most enticing features of the Agri Business Academy is its integration with the Agri Loan program. Upon completing the 15-week training, participants become eligible to apply for an Agri Loan with highly favorable terms. The loan offers an interest rate of just 2%, alongside financing of up to $50,000 for growing agribusinesses. This access to affordable credit can be a game-changer, enabling farmers and landowners to scale their operations, invest in new technology, and develop innovative solutions.

It’s essential to note that completing the academy training is a prerequisite for loan eligibility. This ensures participants are well-prepared to manage their ventures responsibly and maximize their investments.

A Strong Start with the First Cohort

The inaugural cohort of the Agri Business Academy featured an impressive group of just under 20 participants. These included established business owners, emerging startups, and landowners eager to explore the vast potential of the agribusiness sector. This diversity underscores the program's broad appeal and relevance, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for agriculture and innovation.

Feedback from this first group has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants expressing excitement about the knowledge gained and the community-building aspect of the academy. Their success stories will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration for the next wave of participants.

Registration Opens for October Session

For those interested in joining this transformative program, now is the time to act. Registration is officially open for the academy’s next session, slated to begin in October. Whether you’re a small-scale farmer looking to expand or a newcomer exploring opportunities in agriculture, this program is tailored to help you achieve your goals. Don't miss the chance to gain the skills and resources to take your agribusiness ambitions to the next level.

Recognizing the People Behind the Initiative

The Agri Business Academy would not have become a reality without the dedication and collaboration of key individuals and organizations. Special recognition goes to Shervin Frederick and Avril Isaac of the Department of ETT, who led this initiative under Country Package E6.

Their vision and hard work laid the foundation for what promises to be a lasting impact on the agricultural sector.

Gratitude is also extended to Ms. Bernise Stoffer of RVO and Ms. Leona Romeo of TWO. Their steadfast support and partnership were instrumental in bringing this innovative program to life.

Cultivating a More Resilient Future

With the launch of the Agri Business Academy, St. Maarten is taking bold steps toward building a more secure and sustainable future. By empowering individuals with the tools, skills, and access to funding they need, the academy not only strengthens the nation’s agricultural sector but also opens doors for economic development, job creation, and greater food security.

This is only the beginning. The Agri Business Academy represents a call to action for all those passionate about agriculture and sustainability. Together, we can cultivate resilience, foster innovation, and ensure that St. Maarten thrives for generations to come. Register today and join this exciting movement toward growth and self-sufficiency.

CCRIF Partners with CelsiusPro to Launch the CCRIF Microinsurance Facility and Accompanying Digital Platform Solution to Scale Up Access to Inclusive Insurance… towards protecting lives and livelihoods impacted by climate-related events.

Cayman Islands, 7 July 2025. On the margins of London Climate Action Week in June 2025, CCRIF in partnership with CelsiusPro and its subsidiary, Global Parametrics, launched the CCRIF Microinsurance Facility as well as the underlying digital insurance administrative platform solution, the White Label Platform. This platform will allow for the efficient administration of microinsurance products (from product pricing to risk capacity management, policy management and settlement of claims) and enable multiple insurance companies to partner with CCRIF to roll out and market microinsurance products to new and existing customers. CCRIF CEO, Mr. Isaac Anthony, described this new partnership as a game changer, with the overarching objective of reducing vulnerability, leaving ‘no one behind’ and further closing the protection gap.

In applauding the partnership, Mr. Anthony stated that, “The CCRIF Microinsurance Facility will bring microinsurance or inclusive insurance into the hands of millions of persons across the Caribbean (and later on to Central America), thereby protecting lives and livelihoods in the face of the increasing frequency, intensity and unpredictability of hydrometeorological events associated with climate change that are bringing many hardships to low-income groups.”

Mr. Mark Rueegg, CEO of CelsiusPro, stated that, "We are grateful for the support of the Natural Disaster Fund to equip CCRIF and their partners with CelsiusPro's advanced parametric insurance technology. Our White Label Platform will help build an insurance ecosystem that reaches vulnerable communities across all CCRIF member countries."

Mr. Anthony stressed that CCRIF is well positioned to provide a platform to scale up microinsurance offerings in the countries that it has provided parametric insurance coverage to for the last 18 years. CCRIF operates as the Caribbean and Central America Parametric Insurance Facility and Development Insurer. CCRIF is a leader in bringing to market parametric insurance products for governments and key economic sectors. Today, CCRIF provides coverage to 30 members in the Caribbean and Central America and since its inception in 2007, has made 78 payouts totalling US$390 million. Today CCRIF has 7 parametric insurance products for tropical cyclones, excess rainfall, fluvial flooding, earthquakes, and for the electric, water and fisheries sectors.

This initiative is being supported with a grant from the Natural Disaster Fund (NDF), which is a blended risk transfer vehicle designed to mitigate the challenges in climate and natural catastrophes (NatCat) resilience for low-and-middle-income countries. The NDF is funded by the UK government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Germany’s development bank KfW on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).

The first product to be offered by the CCRIF Microinsurance Facility through the CelsiusPro White Label Platform would be the Livelihood Protection Policy (LPP), which is a parametric weather index-based insurance product that offers insurance coverage for wind that is associated with tropical storms and hurricanes and rainfall that occurs any time during the year. It is designed to protect the livelihoods of vulnerable, low-income individuals by providing quick cash payouts following extreme weather events. Payouts are tied to a series of thresholds for wind speed and rainfall and can therefore be made very quickly (within 14 days as is customary for CCRIF’s other parametric insurance policies), as there is no need to undertake on-the-ground damage or impact assessments.

The LPP targets small farmers, fishers, market vendors, food vendors, day labourers, construction workers, tourism workers and persons who own micro and small businesses, etc.

Payouts under the LPP will help persons to get their “livelihood” back on track without them having to wait for help from “external” sources such as the Government, friends, family, or from remittances etc. For example, if a farmer purchases the LPP, he or she will have a source of immediate funding to undertake activities such as draining fields, replanting, and reconstructing irrigation systems if the insurance policy triggers.

Historically, CCRIF’s expansion into microinsurance was based on a version of the LPP, developed and tested as part of the Climate Risk Adaptation and Insurance in the Caribbean (CRAIC) project in collaboration with the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII). MCII and CCRIF have been partners since 2011 studying the microinsurance landscape through research on the market and on vulnerable groups, learning lessons from the first introduction of the LPP in 2014 in 2 countries in the Caribbean and working to build capacity of key stakeholders, including insurance companies and regulators, to better understand climate risk insurance and microinsurance and how microinsurance could be applied within the context of social protection policies. Over the years, CCRIF has introduced ideas around scaling up microinsurance that have found favour with governments and have expanded the number of groups (e.g. seasonal tourism workers and others in the tourism value chain such as taxi drivers, small-scale entertainers, etc.) that could benefit from the LPP.

This current version of the LPP is underpinned by CCRIF’s state-of-the-art parametric insurance models, which are specifically customized for the Caribbean and Central America. CCRIF continues to push the innovation needle, by using its base models for tropical cyclones and excess rainfall to create products for sectors that either have no insurance or limited access to insurance or for underserved groups that need insurance. The LPP is an example of this innovation.

The LPP is expected to bring immeasurable benefits to the Caribbean. Not only will it play a key role in closing the protection gap, but for low-income groups, would provide some level of financial stability through the injection of quick liquidity or cash payouts, allowing them to avoid adopting coping strategies that could lead them into poverty. The LPP will also help to improve the credit worthiness of individuals in the long term, giving them access to financial services that they previously may not have had access to. The LPP will also play a key role in supporting governments’ policy goals related to financial inclusion – enabling underserved persons to participate in the financial system and over time benefit from the various services that the financial sector provides.

The LPP will initially be offered in 5 countries – Belize, Grenada, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad & Tobago.

CHTA announces return of CHIEF and Taste of the Caribbean, to be held in Barbados.

BARBADOS:--- The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) is pleased to announce the return of the Caribbean Hospitality Industry Exchange Forum (CHIEF) and Taste of the Caribbean, set to take place November 16–18, 2025, at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle Resort.

As cornerstones of CHTA’s professional development and industry engagement platform—created by and for the Caribbean hospitality community—CHIEF and Taste of the Caribbean will bring together industry leaders, rising professionals and culinary talent from across the region. The events aim to foster knowledge sharing, showcase innovation and celebrate the vibrant culture and creativity that define Caribbean tourism.

CHIEF, CHTA’s premier educational and networking forum, will once again spotlight innovation, leadership, and practical strategies to address the tourism sector’s most pressing challenges. This year’s theme, “Innovating Caribbean Tourism for a Disrupted World: Adapting with Purpose, Leading with People, Planning for Permanence,” sets the tone for a robust lineup of immersive workshops and skills-building sessions led by a soon-to-be-announced roster of thought leaders.

“From culinary trends to operational strategy, CHIEF attendees gain practical tools to elevate their businesses and careers across the Caribbean,” said CHTA CEO Vanessa Ledesma. “This year’s workshops will dive even deeper, equipping participants with actionable insights from some of the industry’s most dynamic voices, making CHIEF a must-attend for forward-thinking professionals.”

As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen regional supply chains and drive innovation, this year’s CHIEF will additionally include a Linkages Showcase. This dynamic marketplace will connect local and regional vendors with hotels, resorts, and other tourism-related businesses, encouraging more Caribbean sourcing and collaboration. Building upon its recent partnership with the Global Alliance for Innovation in Tourism (GAIN), this year’s event will also feature a broader range of technology providers and hospitality tech efforts, offering attendees access to the tools and insights shaping the future of Caribbean tourism.

Running concurrently, Taste of the Caribbean will return with its signature culinary competitions, celebrating the flavors, creativity, and talent of the region’s best chefs and mixologists. Competitors will vie for top honors in four individual categories—Caribbean Chef of the Year, Junior Chef, Bartender, and Pastry Chef, all while earning valuable exposure and professional development.

Registration details for both events will be announced soon. Sponsorship opportunities are available on a limited basis; inquiries can be directed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. For more information, visit www.chtachief.com.

CPS Gears Up to Celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2025.

PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- The Collective Prevention Services (CPS), a division of Youth Health Care within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (Ministry VSA), is proud to announce its plans to commemorate World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), observed annually from August 1 to 7.

This year’s theme is “Prioritise Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.”

CPS is partnering with the Sint Maarten Medical Center (SMMC) and the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF) to raise awareness about the critical role of breastfeeding in ensuring the health and well-being of both mothers and children.

Breastfeeding is a natural and powerful act that provides unmatched health, nutritional, and emotional benefits. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), supporting parents —especially mothers— is essential to giving every child the best possible start in life. Breastfeeding is a cornerstone of that support.

Breastmilk is the ideal nourishment for infants: it is safe, clean, and rich in antibodies that protect against common childhood illnesses.

It provides all the energy and nutrients an infant need in the early months and continues to offer significant nutritional value well into the second year of life.

Research shows that breast-fed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to become overweight or obese, and have a lower risk of developing diabetes later in life.

Mothers who breastfeed also benefit, with a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.

This year’s WBW campaign will feature a variety of activities aimed at engaging the community, including: A Breastfeeding Photo Competition ending August 1, 2025; Guest appearances on local radio programs to discuss the importance of breastfeeding; A Sip and Paint event for mothers and pregnant women; A Soothing Walk for pregnant women and moms; A series of press releases and awareness messages; A Mom’s Fair on August 9.

For more information on the planned activities, please contact the SMMC Pediatric or OB/GYN wards, White & Yellow Cross District Nursing, or CPS.

Be sure to look out for their full calendar of events on all their social media platforms.

For direct inquiries, contact CPS at (721) 542-3003 or WhatsApp (721 520-4163).

St. Maarten Sports Federation Raffle Fundraiser a Resounding Success.

sportsfederation07072025 St. Maarten:--- The St. Maarten Sports Federation (SMSF) is proud to announce the successful completion of its recent fundraising raffle, which took place during the thrilling Domino’s Interschool Dinghy Sailing Championship on May 24, 2025.

Out of the 900 raffle tickets printed, an impressive 816 were sold, marking the event as a true community achievement. The raffle draw was held live at the sailing event, adding excitement and engagement to an already dynamic day.

We are pleased to congratulate the lucky winners:

1st Prize – Ticket #793
2nd Prize – Ticket #108
3rd Prize – Ticket #367

This fundraiser was made possible through the dedication of numerous individuals and organizations. We extend heartfelt thanks to the sports federations and the SMSF board members who enthusiastically sold tickets and championed this cause.

A special thank you goes out to our generous sponsors:

Winair
Simpson Bay Resort
Divi Resorts

Your support and contributions were invaluable and greatly appreciated.

Most importantly, we wish to thank every single person who purchased a ticket; your participation directly supports the ongoing development and restructuring of SMSF, youth and sports programs across St. Maarten. With your help, we continue to build a stronger, more united sporting community.

On behalf of the St. Maarten Sports Federation, thank you for being a part of this success story.

Follow all sports and recreational activities on our social media pages @Sint Maarten Sports Federation.

For more information, please contact:
Maria Collazos Cotton, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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