PHILIPSBURG:---  The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) proudly announces the local winners of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) 2025 Poster and Essay Competition, spotlighting the outstanding creativity and critical thinking displayed by St. Maarten’s youth.

In the Junior Division, Kayra Balani of St. Joseph School captured first place in the Essay Competition, while Wish-Mae Bailey earned top honors in the Poster Category.

In the Senior Division, Raynella Gomez of St. Maarten Academy secured first place in the Essay Competition, and Evan Amatdjais emerged as the winner of the Poster Category.

All winning entries have been submitted to FCCA Headquarters for regional judging. Regional winners are expected to be announced on Wednesday, December 10, 2025.

May-Ling Chun, Director of Tourism, commended the students for their achievements, stating:
“We are incredibly proud of these young ambassadors who continue to showcase the depth of talent and imagination found here in St. Maarten. Their work reflects not only creativity but also a genuine understanding of the importance of tourism and community. We congratulate each of them and look forward to seeing how they shine on the regional stage.”

The St. Maarten Tourism Bureau extends its appreciation to all participating schools for their partnership and support.

STB congratulates all winners and wishes them every success as they represent St. Maarten in the regional competition.

For additional inquiries, contact STB at +1-721-549-0200.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The RISE Foundation proudly announces the launch of Christmas Angels 2025, a community-centered initiative designed to brighten the holiday season for more than 500 children, differently-abled persons, seniors, and vulnerable individuals across the island.
The program officially begins on Wednesday, November 26, with the first self-service Christmas tree available at TelEm, followed by in-person locations from November 27 to December 1, and extended self-service access through December 8.
Christmas Angels forms part of RISE Foundation’s Season of Light pillar, which focuses on uplifting families and individuals during the holiday season through community involvement, compassion, and direct giving.

The process is simple: community members select a handmade angel from any participating location, purchase a gift for the individual the angel represents—using the suggested ideas provided—and return the gift to the same location by the stated deadline. This direct exchange allows the public to personally brighten someone's Christmas in the community.
This year’s angels were created by participants from 13 organizations and schools, including community-based partners such as 721 Kids Foundation, Mental Health Foundation, Sister Basilia Center, Ujima Foundation, Leaders For Change Foundation, and Foster Care (Judicial & Institutional Services), along with public and private schools such as ACE Foundation, Leonald Conner School, Marie G. De Weever School, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School, Prins Willem Alexander School, Ruby Labega School, and Oranje School. Together, they represent more than 500 individuals across the island.
To make participation accessible across St. Maarten, Christmas Angels will be available at seven locations island-wide, covering major districts from Philipsburg to Bush Road, Simpson Bay, and Cole Bay. From November 27 to December 1, community members can pick an angel in person at the Government Administration Building, Cost U Less, and Super City, with operating hours shared on the RISE Foundation’s social media platforms. In addition to the in-person opportunities, self-service trees will be available from November 26 to December 8 at TelEm’s Philipsburg and Simpson Bay offices, from November 28 to December 8 at La Sucrière Bakery, and from November 29 to December 8 at Princess Juliana International Airport. These extended locations allow individuals to select and return angles at their convenience throughout the two weeks.

Before the gifts are purchased and the angels are selected, it is important to remember that every angel represents someone in our community—a child or teenager, a differently-abled youth or adult, a senior, or an individual navigating mental health challenges. Each one is a real person hoping for a brighter Christmas, and it is this human connection that lies at the heart of the program.

During recent visits to several of the participating organizations, the RISE team witnessed moments that reflected the true spirit of the program, including:

At Marie G. de Weever Primary School, one student proudly held up his angel and said, “I liked it when I was coloring the angel, and I hope someone picks me so that I can be supported.”

“We made these angels for you. We hope you appreciate it, and I hope you buy our gift. God bless your heart,” shared a participant from 721 Kids Foundation.
And at the Mental Health Foundation, Valencia Chambers-Hixon shared how meaningful the project has been for her clients. “Our clients created these beautiful angels with so much love, creativity, and emphasis. This promotes inclusion, raises awareness, and gives them hope knowing the community is involved in something they made. It brings more meaningfulness and joy for Christmas.

Community members are encouraged to take part by selecting an angel, purchasing a gift, and returning it during the designated period. Those who wish to support the initiative in another way may make a financial contribution to help cover gifts for unselected angels, logistical expenses, volunteer support, outreach, and promotional efforts to ensure no beneficiary is left out. Individuals, families, companies, and groups can also volunteer at in-person locations between November 27 and December 1 by contacting the RISE Foundation to register their availability.

For more information about the project, or to donate, volunteer, or make general inquiries, contact us at +1-721-584-7473 or +1-721-523-8421, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or message us on Facebook and Instagram at @risesxm.

PHILIPSBURG/MARIGOT:--- In the current edition of Karavan, literary scholar Eva Christina Kullberg takes Swedish readers on a tour de force through contemporary Caribbean “hurricane poetry,” said Jacqueline Sample, president of House of Nehesi Publishers (HNP).
With the theme of Orkanpoesi (Hurricane Poetry), the journal was released less than two weeks before the catastrophic Hurricane Melissa caused widespread destruction in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba in late October 2025.
Though not planned as such, Karavan is both timely and reflective, featuring key storm-ridden literature that has emerged with remarkable resilience in the region—especially following the devastating hurricanes Irma and Maria in September 2017, said Sample.
As the theme editor who wrote the extensive scholarly introduction, Kullberg, an Uppsala University professor, also coordinated the selection and translation of the poems into Swedish.
She also conducted interviews, highlighting some seven poets and their work on how disaster disrupts the lives of people and devastates the land in Dominica, St. Martin, the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Haiti.
From towering authors like Haiti’s Frankétienne to fast-emerging St. Martin voices like Faizah Tabasamu (Rochelle Ward), the Hurricane Poetry section fills 60 of the 96 pages in the Karavan literary journal (Nr. 3, 2025).
Poets and authors Fabian Adekunle Badejo, Celia Sorhaindo, Richard Georges, Ana Portnoy Brimmer, and Lasana M. Sekou are also featured in the Orkanpoesi edition of Karavan.
Some of the books from which poems were translated from their original English, Spanish, or French include the HNP titles Tangle by Tabasamu, SOS: Season of Storms by Badejo, and Hurricane Protocol by Sekou, said Sample.

Simpson Bay:---  On Friday, Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM Airport) proudly celebrated the opening of its new exclusive terminal building for private jet passengers, marking yet another milestone in the airport’s continued development as a premier gateway for private aviation to the Caribbean. Following the royal reopening of the main terminal building in 2024, SXM Airport has now introduced this new facility designed to elevate the travel experience for private jet travelers.

In recent years, SXM airport has demonstrated consistent double-digit growth. With the opening of this new exclusive terminal building for private aviation, the airport is fully equipped to welcome even more high-end passengers, expanding its capacity and enhancing its premium offerings. SXM continues to connect cultures and communities across the Caribbean, serving destinations including Saba, Statia, St. Barth’s, Anguilla, Dominica, Nevis, and Tortola. The airport’s strategic partnerships with ExecuJet and Signature Aviation further reinforce its role as a regional leader in private aviation.
SXM Airport extended heartfelt appreciation to all employees - both internal staff and external contractors, whose dedication, expertise, and resilience brought this long-awaited facility to life. Special recognition was given to Nathalie Lambriex, whose exceptional interior design work and oversight ensured that the new terminal exudes a luxurious, modern, and welcoming atmosphere throughout.
“With this exclusive terminal for private jet passengers, SXM sets a new standard for private aviation in the region,” says CEO and President of Princess Juliana International Airport Michael Cleaver “We are proud to offer an experience that reflects the elegance and ambition of our passengers and our island.”
Atlantic Aviation Chief Commercial Officer John Redcay added: "We’re honored to be part of this milestone for Princess Juliana International Airport (SXM). This new terminal marks an important step forward for private aviation in the region, and we’re grateful that our Sint Maarten operation - currently operating as ExecuJet - will play a central role in delivering a world-class experience to customers across the Caribbean."

Signature Aviation Chief Commercial Officer Derek DeCross commented:
"St. Maarten is one of the most unique destinations within both the Caribbean and Signature’s global network, highlighted by rich culture, a vibrant culinary scene, and scenic beaches. We’re proud to be part of this transformation and to offer our guests an elevated experience at every turn.”
The airport also expressed sincere thanks to everyone who attended, celebrated with us, and raised a toast to mark this important milestone for SXM Airport and the community we proudly serve.