PHILIPSBURG:--- The Ministry of VROMI (Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment & Infrastructure) informs the public that the current partial road closures on Cannegieter Street, from the intersection of Percy Labega Street to Manzanilla Steeg, will be extended to full nightly closures.

These closures are necessary to facilitate the application of asphalt on the affected sections. Works are scheduled to last for a maximum of three (3) nights, beginning Tuesday, September 9th, 2025, and ending Friday, September 12th, 2025. During this period, road closures will take place nightly from 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Motorists traveling to Philipsburg are advised to use the alternative routes via Longwall Road and Walter A. Nisbeth Road. Vehicles exiting Cannegieter Street from the heart of Philipsburg must use Manzanilla Steeg onto Walter A. Nisbeth Road to ensure smooth and uninterrupted travel during the nightly closures.

The Ministry of VROMI thanks the public for their continued patience, understanding, and cooperation as we work diligently to improve the road infrastructure for all.

Key Information Recap

Dates: Tuesday, September 9 -Friday, September 12, 2025

Location: Cannegieter Street (Percy Labega Street -Manzanilla Steeg)

Times: 8:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m.

Type: Nightly Partial Road Closures

Reason: Asphalt application works

Duration: Maximum 4 nights

Alternative Routes: Motorists traveling to Philipsburg are advised to use Longwall Road and Walter A. Nisbeth Road for smooth and uninterrupted travel.

Motorists exiting Cannegieter Street from the heart of Philipsburg must use Manzanilla Steeg onto Walter A. Nisbeth Road.

PHILIPSBURG:--- On September 6, the Sint Maarten Library buzzed with laughter, wonder, and excitement as Literacy Month kicked off with a special story time session. The celebrations will continue with Family Literacy Day on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Government Administrative Building – Soualiga Rooms 1 & 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Young readers and their families were treated to two heartwarming tales—Too Many Frogs by Sandy Asher and Library Lion by Michelle Knudsen—brought to life by Librarian M. Powell. The event went beyond storytelling: families became part of the experience, lending their voices and imaginations to the stories. The lively participation reflected the community’s strong commitment to nurturing a lifelong love of reading in its youngest members.

And this is just the beginning! Literacy Month celebrations will continue, building toward the highlight of the season: Family Literacy Day on Saturday, September 13. This family-centered festival promises fun, learning, and inspiration for all ages.

Highlights include: Parental Reading Workshop led by esteemed literacy advocate Patti Maier, sharing practical strategies for parents to engage children in reading; Enchanting Story Times designed to spark imagination; A Delightful Puppet Show, guaranteed to entertain young and old alike; Holistic Mindfulness Training led by medical students of the American University of the Caribbean (AUC); and Informational Booths offering resources and ideas for family learning.

Bring your family, create lasting memories, and discover the possibilities that reading opens for every child’s future.

Do not miss it—we cannot wait to see you there!

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library is celebrating World Literacy Day with a week-long reading initiative under the theme “From Peekaboo to Possibilities.”

Today, September 8^th, 2025, special guest reader Dennis Van Putten shared Mr. Slow Poke’s Heavy House by local author Leo Regals with the children of Reading Rainbow and Blue Point Academy. This story time session will spark joy, imagination, and a love of stories!

All week, guest readers from our community will visit local daycares and kindergartens to show just how powerful reading can be.

Join us for the grand finale on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Government Administration Building from 10 am to 2: 00 pm, featuring storytelling, live reading sessions, and a fun puppet show for the whole family!

Let us celebrate the power of literacy together.

Marigot:---  BPW Concordia (BPWC) hosted a Cultural Game Night on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at KES Fusion Pizza Lounge, celebrating BPW International’s 95th anniversary while showcasing local culture.

The event, chaired by founding BPWC member Soshina Stephen, was designed to create “a fun, educational, learning and engaging environment” for members and community guests.

Two-Part Format

The evening featured two distinct segments. The first focused on St. Martin’s cultural heritage through interactive trivia covering traditional foods, national symbols, local heroes, and island slang. This format proved valuable for visitors while challenging locals to deepen their cultural knowledge.

The second segment included BPW-themed board games and bingo rounds that educated participants about the organization’s history and mission to empower women and girls through advocacy, mentorship, and leadership development.

Community Participation

The event brought together multiple generations, with BPWC matriarchs Ms. Linda Lake, Maria Chemont, and Aida Holaman sharing their wisdom and experience. Young Maïa served as both participant and bingo caller, demonstrating BPW’s commitment to nurturing young female leaders.

Prizes were sourced from local merchants and vendors, reinforcing the emphasis on community partnership.

Perfect Venue Partnership

KES Fusion Pizza Lounge, owned by young entrepreneur Kevin Stephen, proved ideal for the cultural celebration. The restaurant specializes in fusing classic pizza with local Caribbean flavors, offering unique toppings like oxtail pizza, saltfish pizza, and smoked herring pizza. This concept perfectly complemented an event celebrating both international heritage and local identity.

Looking Forward

For Soshina Stephen, “a true daughter of the soil,” the event represented her commitment to preserving St. Martin’s cultural heritage and strengthening regional connections. The overwhelming success has inspired plans for future Cultural Game Night editions.

The evening successfully accomplished its mission of celebrating BPW International’s anniversary while strengthening community bonds through innovative programming that balanced education with entertainment.

Join BPW Concordia SXM

To find out how you can become a member and impact your community, contact BPW Concordia at:

•      Website: https://bpwconcordiasxm.wildapricot.org/
•      Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
•      Phone: ‪+590 690 663688 / ‪+1 721 586 5779
•      Facebook: BPWConcordiaSt.Martin
•      Instagram: @bpw.concordiasxm

BPW Concordia welcomes women passionate about leadership, community development, and cultural preservation.