St. Maarten Library Reconstruction Kicks Off on International Literacy Day

The Collective Prevention Services (CPS) of Sint Maarten will open a COVID-19 vaccination clinic by appointment on Friday, September 18, 2026, in Great Bay. The clinic will offer vaccines for both adults and children. CPS is using the announcement as an opportunity to remind the community that COVID-19 has not disappeared and that vaccination remains an available protective measure. The by-appointment format suggests a structured, managed intake process rather than a walk-in service. Residents seeking vaccination will need to schedule ahead of time to receive their shot. The announcement underscores ongoing public health vigilance in Sint Maarten even as global attention to COVID-19 has waned.

The Nature Foundation Sint Maarten has installed a new awareness sign in the arrivals area of Princess Juliana International Airport as part of its 'Keep the Reef Off the Runway' campaign. The initiative is funded by the CITES Secretariat, the international body that regulates trade in endangered wildlife and plant species. The sign targets travelers entering Sint Maarten, aiming to educate them about the illegal trade in protected marine and wildlife species before they engage with the local environment or marketplace. Placing the sign in the airport's arrival hall ensures maximum visibility among incoming tourists and residents returning to the island. The campaign reflects growing international concern about the trafficking of coral, sea turtles, and other protected Caribbean species, which are sometimes sold as souvenirs or decorative items. The Nature Foundation's partnership with CITES signals a coordinated effort between local conservation groups and global regulatory bodies to combat wildlife trafficking at the point of entry.

Sint Maarten marine biologist and natural resource manager Tadzio Bervoets recently conducted a three-day training program in Barbados focused on sustainable fisheries and marine spatial planning. The sessions took place from September 1 to 3 at the invitation of the Barbados Marine Spatial Planning office. Bervoets, a recognized regional expert in marine resource management, led the practical training to help Barbadian stakeholders develop more effective tools for managing their coastal and marine environments. Marine spatial planning is a structured process that helps governments and communities organize human activities at sea to balance ecological, economic, and social objectives. The training reflects growing regional cooperation among Caribbean islands on ocean governance and sustainability. Sint Maarten's involvement underscores the island's capacity to contribute technical expertise to broader Caribbean environmental efforts.