PHILIPSBURG:--- The Sint Maarten Library proudly recognizes and celebrates Ms. Shirley Richardson for her 45 years of dedicated service to the institution and its community, a remarkable milestone she reached on September 1, 2025.

Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Richardson has demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and passion for fostering a love of learning and reading. Her invaluable contributions have left a lasting impact on the community of Sint Maarten and generations of patrons who have benefited from her dedication.

The Library Board, General Manager, and staff extend their heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to Ms. Richardson for her outstanding service and steadfast loyalty over the past four and a half decades.

“Ms. Richardson embodies the values and spirit of the Sint Maarten Library,” said General Manager Marc Marshall. “Her dedication has enriched our community and strengthened our mission to serve as a hub of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.”

The Sint Maarten Library thanks Ms. Richardson for her extraordinary service of community enrichment.

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) has taken note of several videos and photos circulating on social media showing school fights among students since the start of the 2025/2026 academic year. Despite the school year just beginning, officers have already had to deal with these situations.

While our officers are committed to keeping students safe, these situations pull already limited police resources away from other urgent tasks in the community. Every time a fight breaks out, it not only endangers the young people directly involved but also those around them who are simply trying to focus on their education.

KPSM reminds parents and guardians that they play an important role in guiding their children. The behavior of minors is not only a school issue but also a family and community responsibility. Talking with children about conflict, respect, and making good choices can make a real difference in preventing violence.

We also want to make it clear that those who record and share these fights online are adding to the problem. Circulating such videos can encourage more violence and may lead to criminal consequences for those who spread them.

To help address these issues, KPSM’s Community Officers and School Resource Officers (SROs) will be working closely with schools, parents, and students. Their goal is to prevent conflicts before they escalate into violence and to create safer environments where students can thrive.

KPSM will continue to be present in and around schools, but we cannot do this alone. We are calling on parents, teachers, and the broader community to join us in addressing this behavior. Together, we can protect our children and keep our schools safe as places of learning and growth.

KPSM Press Release.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunication (TEATT), the Honourable Mrs. Grisha S. Heyliger-Marten, welcomed a delegation from Export Saint Lucia for an official courtesy call and trade mission briefing. The Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), the Honourable Mr. Richinel Brug, was also invited to attend, as the delegation’s interests touch on areas where both ministries collaborate.

Export Saint Lucia, the national export promotion agency of Saint Lucia, is leading a trade mission to Sint Maarten and St. Martin from September 1 to 4, 2025. The delegation comprises representatives from diverse sectors, including sustainable agriculture, manufacturing, food and beverage, health and wellness, and value-added products.

Among the businesses represented are:

• Sustainable Agricultural Supplies – fresh produce (bananas, plantains, coconuts, dasheen)
• Praslin Sea Moss Farmers Association and MossSoLucians – suppliers of dried sea moss
• Pure Press & Auera – sugar-free cold-pressed juices and sea moss-based wellness products
• Baron Foods – internationally recognized condiments and sauces
• St. Lucia Distillers – premium rums and spirits
• Saint Lu Woodworking – customized kitchens and furnishings
• Saint Lu Metals & Plastics and Caribbean Metals – commercial windows, roof systems, and fabrication solutions
• Natmed Ltd. – natural health and beauty products

The primary objective of the visit is to introduce Saint Lucian goods and services to the Sint Maarten market, strengthen business-to-business (B2B) linkages, and explore opportunities for sustainable trade partnerships. The delegation will meet with chambers of commerce, distributors, hotels, spas, and retailers to identify collaboration and market entry opportunities.

Speaking at the meeting, Minister Heyliger-Marten reaffirmed her commitment to advancing regional cooperation and encouraging economic ties across the Caribbean:

“As islands, we share not only geography but also aspirations for growth and resilience. I welcome the Export Saint Lucia team and encourage local businesses in Sint Maarten to seize this opportunity to connect, explore synergies, and consider partnerships. They are here for a short time, and I urge industries to use this week to see what is possible.”

Export Saint Lucia’s CEO, Ms. Sunita Daniel, expressed that the mission underscores their commitment to expanding Saint Lucia’s international market access, with Sint Maarten serving as a vital gateway for trade in the Northern Caribbean.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Motorworld Group is proud to announce that Peter & Company Auto, a division of GEL Auto, has been named the exclusive authorized dealer for GAC in Saint Lucia. The brand launch event was held at the company’s showroom on August 28, where they revealed their key models from the GAC lineup, including the GS3 Emzoom, Emkoo & AION V.

The Amjad family, along with team members from Motorworld, attended the launch to show their support and extend congratulations to Peter & Company Auto on the successful event and the enthusiasm of their staff.

Tariq Amjad, Managing Director of Motorworld, stated:

“We are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence, and delivering exceptional customer experiences. As one of China’s leading automotive manufacturers, GAC has earned global recognition for its award-winning vehicles. We’re proud to introduce this premium brand to Saint Lucia.”

Launch attendees were left with a positive impression of the brand’s production and global network. With a GAC parts distribution center located in Panama, customers can rest assured that they have easy access to genuine parts and maintenance support.

“GEL Auto is part of a regional group with deep roots in Caribbean markets,” said Alan Bayne, Chief Executive Officer of GEL Auto.  “Our culture has always been about innovation and delivering mobility solutions. With GAC, we bring to Saint Lucia vehicles recognized globally for design, durability, and technology, supported by the service customers expect from GEL and Peter & Company Auto.”

The launch of GAC in Saint Lucia marks another significant milestone for Motorworld, strengthening its position as the official regional distributor of GAC across the Caribbean and expanding its robust automotive network headquartered in St. Maarten.