French Quarter, St. Martin:---  The Les Fruits de Mer association invites the public to the free, holiday-themed launch for Oualichi Kids Island. The new coloring book showcases our local wildlife. The festive launch event will be held this Saturday, December 13, from 9 am to noon at Amuseum Naturalis. Children and adults will enjoy free holiday crafts, including decorating cookies and wooden ornaments shaped like our island wildlife. Free copies of the new book will be given away at the event, and light refreshments will be served.

Oualichi Kids Island features easy-to-color art of St. Martin animals and their names in English, French, Spanis,h and Dutch. It is the first book in the new Oualichi Kids book series from Les Fruits de Mer. The association created the new series in response to the requests of early education teachers for St. Martin coloring books with simple illustrations for the very young, and large-print animal names.

“Oualichi is one of the Amerindian names for this island,” said author Jenn Yerkes. “Oualichi Kids Island is specially made for the little ones who live in this unique multi-lingual place.”

“It’s a fun way for little kids to start connecting with the natural heritage of their island,” said Mark Yokoyama, co-founder of Les Fruits de Mer. “Plus it makes a great holiday gift,” added Yerkes. “So pass by and get a free copy at the Amuseum this Saturday morning!”

Free copies of Oualichi Kids Island will be given away at the launch, and festive art activities, cookie decorating and refreshments will be offered thanks to event sponsor Delta Petroleum. The free event will be held on Saturday December 13 at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House in French Quarter from 9am to noon.

The new book is also available as a free download from lesfruitsdemer.com, and for purchase on amazon.com worldwide. Teachers and youth group leaders interested in copies are encouraged to contact Les Fruits de Mer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Companies, organizations or individuals interested in sponsoring copies for schools are also encouraged to contact the association.

Free printed copies of Oualichi Kids Island will also be given to local schools as part of Les Fruits de Mer’s book program. This project is supported by Vie Associative and the Politique de la ville de Saint-Martin, implemented by the State and the Collectivité de Saint-Martin. Oualichi Kids Island was produced with support from Vie Associative, the Collectivité de Saint-Martin and the Agence nationale de la cohésion des territoires.

PHILIPSBURG:---  The Government of Sint Maarten has taken another significant step in strengthening our civil service and unlocking funding opportunities with the formal signing of the Certificate of Extraordinary Membership with the Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG International). The signing took place immediately following a high-level working meeting between the Government of Sint Maarten and VNG International representatives.

Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina was accompanied by a formal delegation which included the Minister Plenipotentiary of Sint Maarten, Gracita Arrindell, and Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister, Mr. Stuart Johnson. Their presence affirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening governance frameworks, ensuring compliance, and maximizing future opportunities for cooperation.

The certificate, co-signed by Prime Minister Dr. Luc Mercelina and VNG Chair and Mayor of Utrecht Sharon Dijksma, officially recognizes Sint Maarten's extraordinary membership. Reflecting on the occasion, the Prime Minister stated, “The signing of this certificate is far more than a formality — it is a statement of confidence in Sint Maarten’s future. Through this strengthened partnership with VNG International, we are unlocking new avenues of support, knowledge exchange, and technical expertise that will directly improve the lives of our people.”

During the constructive meeting, the Government of Sint Maarten and VNG International discussed several priority areas for a 10 year program. These include enhancing mental health services, support the training of medical professionals and transitioning toward greener and more sustainable energy sources. The discussions also addressed outstanding technical assistance under the TWO country packages, including the status of available support and the potential reallocation of remaining resources.

Prime Minister Mercelina emphasized the value of these areas of cooperation, noting, “We are committed to modernizing Sint Maarten through evidence-based policies, professional capacity, and strong partnerships. VNG International can help us build the systems and expertise our ministries and institutions need to deliver at the highest level.”

Human resource development also featured prominently in the discussions, with a focus on recruitment needs within key ministries, the creation of training opportunities for medical specialists, and the development of pathways for other medical personnel in anticipation of the opening of our new hospital. These initiatives align with the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the civil service and enhance the island’s professional workforce.
“Our people are our greatest resource,” PM Dr. Mercelina added. “By investing in training and development, we are investing in a stronger, more resilient Sint Maarten.”

The signing of the certificate symbolizes shared values of equality, trust, and responsible cooperation between Sint Maarten and VNG International. Concluding the meeting, Prime Minister Mercelina remarked, “Sint Maarten stands ready to work side-by-side with VNG International to build the strong, professional, service-oriented public sector our citizens deserve. Today’s signing marks a new chapter — one where cooperation leads to real, tangible progress for our island nation.”

HNLMS Den Helder is returning to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The ship was previously there for warm-water trials. After interim visits to Norfolk and New York, this supply ship is now returning to the Caribbean region.

The ship will remain in the area in order to contribute to resupply if required. The Ministry of Defence periodically assesses whether this is appropriate as an additional precaution in light of current developments. Tensions in the region do not presently constitute a direct threat to the ABC Islands.

HNLMS Den Helder has been in the Caribbean since mid-October for warm-weather trials. The high humidity and high seawater temperatures provide ideal conditions for testing how the ship and its installations will respond.

The Royal Netherlands Navy officially commissioned HNLMS Den Helder on October 1, 2025.

PHILIPSBURG:--- After twenty-five years of living and operating a business in Sint Maarten, I experienced something this past Friday night in Maho that I never imagined possible—a gun was placed to my head during an attempted robbery.

While I was fortunate to walk away physically unharmed, this incident highlights a growing and deeply troubling reality: the surge in crime across Sint Maarten has reached a level that threatens both residents and the tourism industry on which our economy depends.

At present, there is insufficient police presence on the streets and limited resources available to deter or respond to criminal activity. Additionally, our open and uncontrolled borders allow individuals to commit crimes and cross between the Dutch and French sides within minutes, often without consequence. This creates an environment where criminals feel empowered, and victims feel unprotected.

As a long-time resident and business owner, I am urgently calling on the Government of Sint Maarten to take immediate and decisive action to restore safety on the island. The implementation of 24/7 border controls, increased police presence, and coordinated cross-border security measures are no longer optional—they are essential.

These are practical, common-sense steps that can significantly reduce crime and reinforce the safety of our community. We should not have to wait for a tragic event to force change. The people of Sint Maarten, and the tourists who choose our island, deserve to feel safe.

I have never once felt unsafe in the 25 years I’ve lived here. Today, I am concerned not only for myself, but for every business owner, employee, resident, and visitor. Without swift response and stronger security measures, St. Maarten risks losing the trust and confidence of the very people who keep this island thriving.

I urge our leaders to prioritize public safety and take the actions necessary to protect our community

From: Manny Almirakis, Owner of Lotus Nightclub