COLE BAY:--- Motorworld Group proudly announces the appointment of Tariq Amjad as its new Chairman, effective November 21, 2025, succeeding his father and long-standing Chairman, Imran McSood Amjad. This transition marks a significant milestone for one of the region’s leading automotive groups, signaling a new era of continued growth and regional expansion.
Born and raised in St. Maarten, Tariq Amjad has been deeply rooted in both the local community and the family’s entrepreneurial vision from an early age. After completing his university studies in the United States, he returned to St. Maarten to take over the Dollar Thrifty Car Rental operations. Under his leadership, the company quickly grew to become the largest car rental provider on the island.
While Tariq was expanding the rental business, his mother, Rena Amjad, and his brother, Reza Amjad, were working tirelessly to build and expand the Motorworld company, laying the foundation for what would grow into one of the Caribbean’s most influential automotive groups. Tariq joined the auto division soon after, taking on the role of Human Resources Manager, and later rising to Managing Director, where he served for many years.
In this role, Tariq spearheaded a new era for Motorworld, driving advancements in marketing, product planning, model development, and customer experience. He played a key role in introducing new vehicle models to the market and led the design and construction of the company’s state-of-the-art showroom, completed in 2017.
Guided by the entrepreneurial legacy of his father, outgoing Chairman Imran McSood Amjad, Tariq also embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy, acquiring regional distribution rights for top-performing Chinese automotive brands that are rapidly transforming the global automotive landscape. Today, under his leadership, the Motorworld Group is accelerating rapidly toward becoming one of the largest automotive groups in the Caribbean.
As he assumes the role of Chairman, Tariq expressed deep gratitude for his family’s foundation and his pride in the company’s local roots:
“It is an honor to carry forward the vision my parents and brother built with so much passion and determination. Our family has always believed in St. Maarten, and I am proud to continue leading a company that was born here and has grown here. I am committed to expanding the Motorworld legacy throughout the Caribbean while staying true to the values and community that shaped us.”
— Tariq Amjad, Chairman, Motorworld Group
The Motorworld Group also reaffirms the continued leadership of Rena Amjad, who will remain as Chief Executive Officer, bringing her dynamic leadership and strategic discipline to the company’s next chapter. Additionally, Imran McSood Amjad and Reza Amjad, will remain active members of the Board of Directors, providing continued guidance, governance, and oversight as the group advances its regional ambitions.
Motorworld extends its gratitude to Imran for his years of leadership and congratulates Tariq on this important new chapter in the company’s history.
Motorworld accelerates GAC Caribbean Expansion with Official Launch in Jamaica.
COLE BAY:--- Motorworld, the exclusive regional distributor for GAC in the Caribbean, announced the continued expansion of the brand with the official media launch of GAC in Jamaica. The introduction is being carried out through Fidelity Motors Limited, supported by the extensive automotive framework of Goddard Enterprises Limited (GEL) Auto. With St. Maarten serving as the central hub for GAC’s Caribbean operations, the Jamaica launch marks another major step in the brand’s rapidly advancing regional growth strategy.
Motorworld has now successfully launched GAC in 17 Caribbean territories, with Jamaica becoming the newest addition. By the end of Q1, the company expects to expand the brand into 21 territories, reinforcing GAC’s position as the fastest growing automotive brand in the Caribbean.
According to Tariq Amjad, Chairman of Motorworld, this expansion reflects the brand’s rising reputation across island markets. “The launch of GAC in Jamaica is an important milestone for the Caribbean. Jamaican consumers, like those in St. Maarten and our other territories, are increasingly demanding high-quality, technologically advanced vehicles at an attractive price with a strong warranty,” said Amjad. “We are confident that Jamaican customers will embrace these exceptionally engineered vehicles and the technology that has been so well received throughout the Caribbean.”
The Jamaica lineup includes five models already performing strongly across the region:
● Emkoo – a bold, futuristic SUV
● GS3 Emzoom – China’s Highest Quality Compact SUV
● GS8 – a premium full-size SUV
● Empow – a sporty and tech-forward performance sedan
● Aion V – a high-quality, fully electric, technologically advanced SUV
Several additional models are scheduled to follow, including the highly anticipated Aion UT, as well as an all-new tough and rugged pickup truck, further expanding GAC’s offering for Jamaicans seeking advanced mobility solutions.
A key factor behind GAC’s rapid rise is its robust after-sales infrastructure. GAC remains the only Chinese automaker with a dedicated regional parts warehouse in the Americas, located in Panama, enabling delivery of parts to Caribbean territories, including Jamaica, in as little as two weeks. This capability is essential to maintaining high service standards and supporting the brand’s fast-growing popularity across the region.
The Jamaica launch also showcased the GAC Smartwatch, an advanced Android-powered device that allows users to remotely start their vehicle, lock and unlock doors, control windows, locate their car, and access apps. This technology has already been well received in St. Maarten and throughout the Caribbean, demonstrating GAC’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovation at accessible price points.
Alan Bayne, CEO of GEL Auto, emphasized the organization’s confidence in the Jamaican market. “Our long-term commitment to the region, together with Motorworld’s leadership in distribution, training, and after-sales support, positions GAC for sustained success,” Bayne noted. “Our automotive network spans Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Grenada, and Jamaica’s inclusion in the GAC network reinforces our belief in its economic strength and in the growing demand for high-quality global automotive brands.”
With strong regional support, expanding model offerings, and rapidly growing brand momentum, GAC is set to make a meaningful and lasting impact in Jamaica’s automotive landscape.
Sint Maarten's Economy at Risk as Brazen Crime Wave Targets Tourists.
PHILIPSBURG:--- A string of audacious robberies targeting both tourists and residents has sent a shockwave across Sint Maarten, threatening to cripple the island's tourism-dependent economy as the critical holiday season begins. The most recent incident, a coordinated heist at the Divi Little Bay Hotel, has left visitors terrified and the community demanding urgent action.
On Sunday evening, a group of young men reportedly gained access to the resort, where they proceeded to ransack approximately seven rooms, stealing valuables and personal belongings from tourists. Bystanders described a scene of chaos and fear, with many guests believing the perpetrators were armed. The traumatic event prompted some victims to declare they would never return to Sint Maarten, vowing to warn other travelers about their ordeal.
This single incident threatens to have a devastating ripple effect. An economy built on the promise of a safe, welcoming paradise cannot withstand stories of terrified visitors. Negative publicity from tourists sharing their experiences could inflict long-term damage on the island's reputation, deterring future bookings and striking a direct blow to local businesses, hotels, and the livelihoods of thousands.
The hotel heist is not an isolated event. It follows a recent crime spree that has put the entire island on high alert. In the early hours of November 30th, criminals carried out two separate, bold robberies. One involved a suspect impersonating a police officer to rob a business owner in Madame Estate. Just hours later, a team of five individuals stormed a hotel in the Oyster Bay area, overpowering staff and stealing a safe.
This escalation of crime as the peak tourist season approaches has created a sense of crisis. With police already investigating a series of armed robberies, there is growing concern that authorities are struggling to contain the violence. The government and the Ministry of Justice are now under immense pressure to implement a decisive plan to restore order and protect the island’s primary economic driver.
Failure to act swiftly could have dire consequences. If tourists perceive Sint Maarten as unsafe, the economic fallout will be severe and prolonged. The immediate challenge is not only to catch the perpetrators but also to restore confidence in the island's ability to guarantee the safety of its visitors. The future of Sint Maarten's reputation as a premier Caribbean destination hangs in the balance.
New Snail Exhibit Launches at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House Saturday, December 6th.
French Quarter:--- The Les Fruits de Mer association invites the public to see the new snail exhibit at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House. The free launch event for the panels will be held on Saturday, December 6th, from 9 am to noon. Guests can see the new snail panels and visit the Amuseum. There will also be free coloring pages featuring local snails. The panels were created with the support of Stibeman and Stichting ANEMOON.
“Snails are some of St. Martin’s most interesting animals,” said exhibit designer Mark Yokoyama. “We have snails that live in the trees, on the ground and in the soil. We have snails that are hunters, some that are scavengers, and others that are plant eaters. We even have rare snails that are only found in a few places on the planet!”
The Les Fruits de Mer association has been researching snails with the help of Tello Neckheim, a snail expert and frequent visitor to St. Martin. One of the new panels includes native snails, and the other features snails that were brought to St. Martin by people. The association plans to develop more snail panels, a coloring book and a field guide to local snails. There are about 50 species of land and freshwater snails on St. Martin.
Funding for the panels was provided by two foundations based in the Netherlands. Stibeman (Stichting tot Behartiging van de Belangen van de Malacologie in Nederland) is a foundation dedicated to the study of snails. Stichting ANEMOON is a foundation dedicated to the study of marine life.
The exhibit launch will be held on Saturday, December 6th, from 9 am to noon at Amuseum Naturalis at The Old House on the hill above Coconut Grove. The free event is also a great chance to visit the museum. There will be a coloring station with a variety of snail coloring pages for attendees to enjoy.
MP Lyndon Lewis Acknowledges the End of the Hurricane Season and Extends Gratitude to the People of Sint Maarten.
PHILIPSBURG:--- NOW Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis extends heartfelt gratitude to the people of Sint Maarten as the island officially marks the end of the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. MP Lewis expressed relief and appreciation that the nation has safely navigated another season without major threats or impacts.
“I am thankful that Sint Maarten has once again been spared from severe weather events this year,” MP Lewis stated. “We recognize the power and unpredictability of nature, and we are truly blessed to have come through this season safely.”
MP Lewis commended the dedicated efforts of emergency personnel, volunteers, and essential workers, as well as the preparedness and cooperation demonstrated by residents throughout the season. He emphasized that the collective vigilance and resilience of the community continue to strengthen the island year after year.
As the hurricane season concludes, MP Lewis encourages the public to remain cautious, look out for one another, and continue fostering unity and preparedness in all circumstances.
“I wish all residents a safe, enjoyable, and peaceful remainder of the year,” MP Lewis added. “May God continue to guide and protect our beloved Sint Maarten through every season ahead.”