PHILIPSBURG:---  The Honorable demissionaire Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor (VSA), Omar Ottley, along with the Council of Ministers, has decided to revert to the legally established calculation method for persons aged 60 and older. This decision came after concerns from the executing agency were raised about the negative impact of the new calculation method, implemented in 2013 as a pilot, on seniors.

Under the new calculation method, seniors who previously received the full amount of aid, FLS. 505, saw their benefits reduced to either FLS. 267 or FLS. 400, depending on their circumstances. Minister Ottley responded swiftly to these concerns, taking action ahead of the approval and implementation of the draft of the lbham financial aid ordinance, which is currently undergoing legal processes.

The decision aims to ensure that seniors qualifying for financial aid receive an amount that increases their spending capacity, aligning with the government's objective. While the revised calculation method will not take effect immediately, it will be implemented within the coming months. This delay will allow the executing agency to adjust internal procedures accordingly.

Minister Ottley emphasized the urgency of this decision, stating, "We must ensure our seniors receive the support they need to maintain their quality of life. The increase in financial aid is a step in the right direction toward achieving this goal. The public should also be aware that an increase for all vulnerable groups is also in the works."

SABA:--- Saba participated in the 16th edition of the St. Maarten / St. Martin Annual Regional Tradeshow (SMART). The event, which brought together Tour Operators, Travel Agents, Travel Writers, and Event Planners from across the US, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean, served as a pivotal platform for Saba to showcase its unique offerings and the opportunity for valuable connections within the tourism industry.
Throughout the event, Saba had the opportunity to engage in a series of appointments to promote the island's activities, inform attendees of its diverse range of experiences, and foster networking opportunities with new and existing tour operators and travel agents. Particularly noteworthy was the emphasis on highlighting Saba's potential for island hopping experiences, an area that new tour operators could overlook. The Tourist Bureau was represented by Stephanie Peterson & Malinda Hassell.
Furthermore, Saba had the privilege of meeting with representatives from St. Martin and St. Maarten tourism boards, WinAir, and other regional island tourism boards to explore potential collaborations and discuss opportunities.
Saba also hosted ABC Travel and Bay Travel from the Netherlands after the event, both tour operators who actively promote and sell Saba. This provided an invaluable opportunity to acquire updates on the properties they sell and the island's activities and culinary aspects. Both expressed that they were impressed by the product offering and would highly recommend that clients book Saba. Both tour operators also sell an SSS Island Hopping package which is gaining much interest.
Reflecting on the event, Malinda Hassell, Director of Tourism for Saba, commented, "The SMART tradeshow serves as a platform for connecting regional islands with trade partners from diverse regions. As St. Maarten serves as our main hub, this event offers an ideal platform for meaningful discussions on sales, training, collaborations, and product offerings. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the SMART organizers for a successful event."

PHILIPSBURG:--- District Governor of Sub-District 60B, Lion Dr. Carlisle Goddard, PMJF recently made his official visit to the St. Maarten Leo Club, St. Maarten South Leo Club, and the Sint Maarten Lions Club.
The District Governor was met upon his arrival by a welcoming delegation that included Lion Felix Richards, President of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, Zone Chairperson 2B, Lion Oralie Boirard, MJF, Past District Governor Lion Wally Havertong, PMJF, and Lion Dennis Lake.
The District Governor's visit included an enlightening radio interview streamed live on the “Viewpoint with Wendell Moore” show, in which he expounded on the responsibilities of a District Governor and shared his experiences visiting the various Lion and Leo clubs within his District, which comprises 16 English—and Dutch-speaking islands, with St. Maarten included.
A courtesy visit was made to the President of Parliament, Hon. Sarah Wescot-Williams, during which the two leaders discussed the role of social entities in communities, partnerships with Governments, and the work of the Sint Maarten Leos and Lions Clubs. District Governor Lion Dr. Goddard also met with the Caretaker Government's Hon. Prime Minister Ms. Silveria Jacobs, who is an Honorary member of the Sint Maarten Lions Club.
The District Governor had the chance to visit the "Nature Nurtures" Project, an educational community service project of the No Kidding with our Kids Foundation that introduces young people to various facets of agriculture, while on his tour of the island to observe several service projects.
District Governor Lion Dr. Carlisle Goddard attended separate meetings for the Lions and Leos during the evening. During these meetings, the District Governor engaged in lively and passionate discussions about recruiting new members and carrying out worthwhile community service. He emphasized the significance of being adaptable in these times as members discover chances for deeper community service.
Prospect Lindell Wilson and his fellow Leos were proud when the District Governor inducted them into the St. Maarten South Leo Club during the meeting.
The Sint Maarten Lions Club has served its community for over 53 years. District Governor Lion Dr. Goddard took the opportunity to congratulate Lion President Felix and the membership on the outstanding work they have done and are still doing on the island.
The Sint Maarten Lions Club honored its four Past District Governors during the visit, which was led by District Governor Lion Dr. Carlisle Gooddard, PMJF.
The District Governor’s theme for this Lionistic year is: “I Am Because We Are,” which focuses on the concept and Ubuntu spirit of family. Lions and Leos demonstrating the “Heart of a Lion” in their recommitment to each other and the community. In summary, remembering “who we are and why we serve”.

PHILIPSBURG:--- Destination: St. Maarten/St. Martin was well represented by the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau (STB) at the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) 2024. At this year's convention, STB, represented by Cherinah Franken - Head of Product Development & Visitor Relations, and Rosette Generlette-Pantophlet, Secretary & Product Development Assistant, hosted an interactive and informative workshop for 100+ travel agents, eagerly anticipating poignant selling points to promote destination St. Maarten among their customers and associates. Themed "EXPERIENCE Sweet St. Maarten/St. Martin," this immersive workshop was facilitated by IMBRACE Group's CEO, Jacqueline Louis, with supporting performances by Funtopia's cultural ambassadors.

All core aspects of St. Maarten's tourism products were passionately shared with conference attendees through a multi-sensory presentation. This included using vibrant visuals, rhythmic local music, cultural singing, and dancing, along with a sweet and savory taste of Colombier Guavaberry and tarts. Strategically designed to awaken the minds, souls, hearts, and spirits of all participants, compelling information regarding the destination of St. Maarten was uniquely intertwined. The details ranged from the local history, geography, culture, and ecology - including beaches and St. Maarten's diverse landscapes, agriculture, and adventures, to cruise ports, hotels, restaurants, transportation, events, and activities, as well as the countless sites to see, things to do and places to go on the island.

Furthermore, STB's participation included an on-site display booth that showcased the destination to thousands of Conference attendees at the Broward/Fort Lauderdale Convention Center. Direct one-on-one interactions and ongoing networking also promoted St. Maarten by providing pertinent information to busloads of inquisitive participants.

Working seamlessly together, Team St. Maarten successfully achieved the desired objectives, which included raising awareness and inciting the desires of travel agents to visit and explore destination St. Maarten personally. Many conference attendees expressed their inspiration and enthusiasm to keep the island at the forefront of their minds by encouraging CLIA's wide-ranging global membership and their respective customer bases to vacation on the island.

Internationally recognized as the only official conference of the cruise industry, CLIA Cruise360 brings together travel professionals, cruise line representatives, ports, destinations, industry suppliers, and CLIA-preferred partners for a truly panoramic view of the cruise industry. The CLIA community includes the world's most prestigious ocean, river, and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and widespread industry stakeholders, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers, and business services.

CLIA represents 95% of the world’s ocean-going cruise capacity and 54,000 travel agents, including 15,000 of the largest travel agencies in the world. Jointly, CLIA's membership encompasses the world's largest cruise industry trade association, which provides a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a secure, healthy, and sustainable cruise ship environment, promoting positive travel experiences for more than 30 million passengers who have cruised annually.