Tropical Shipping Updates Fees for St. Maarten Routes

Sint Maarten Prime Minister Dr. Luc F.E. Mercelina participated in celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of Windward Islands Airways, commonly known as WINAIR, a regional airline headquartered in St. Maarten. WINAIR has served as a vital inter-island connector across the Caribbean since its founding, linking smaller islands that lack direct international air service. The milestone anniversary highlights the airline's enduring role in regional mobility, commerce, and tourism throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Prime Minister Mercelina's participation underscores the government's recognition of WINAIR as a strategic national asset and economic contributor to Sint Maarten. The celebration serves as a moment to reflect on the airline's legacy while looking ahead to its continued role in sustaining Caribbean connectivity. WINAIR operates short-haul routes across multiple islands, making it a lifeline for both residents and visitors in the region.

Sint Maarten Prime Minister the Honorable Dr. Mercelina joined celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of WINAIR (Windward Islands Airways), the regional carrier based on the island. WINAIR has served as a critical link between St. Maarten and neighboring Caribbean islands for over six decades, making its anniversary a significant milestone for regional aviation and inter-island connectivity. The Prime Minister's participation underscores the government's recognition of WINAIR's essential role in the economic and social fabric of the Dutch Caribbean. The airline has long been a lifeline for smaller islands that depend on St. Maarten as a regional hub for both passengers and cargo. The 65-year mark highlights WINAIR's resilience through decades of Caribbean challenges, including hurricanes and the economic disruptions of recent years. The celebration reflects broader pride in a homegrown Caribbean institution that continues to connect communities across the region.

St. Maarten's Minister of Finance, Marinka Gumbs, publicly praised Richard Doornbosch, the outgoing President of the Central Bank of Curaçao and Sint Maarten (CBCS), for his leadership and service to the monetary union. Gumbs acknowledged Doornbosch's significant contributions to strengthening institutional frameworks and building trust between the CBCS and St. Maarten. The tribute was issued from Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten. Doornbosch is departing his role at the helm of the CBCS, the central banking authority shared by Curaçao and Sint Maarten under their monetary union arrangement. His tenure is being recognized for fostering a more stable and credible financial relationship between the two constituent countries. The CBCS plays a critical role in overseeing monetary policy, financial stability, and the regulation of banks and insurance companies across both islands. Gumbs' remarks signal a positive and cooperative tone as the institution prepares to transition to new leadership.