Saint Martin Must Center Fishers and Farmers in Food Cost Fight

Two St. Maarten-based organizations, Perpetual Plastics by EPIC Team and Freegan Food Foundation, have earned second place at the National Volunteer Awards hosted by the Association for Volunteerism in the Netherlands. The Perpetual Plastics team claimed their second-place finish in the 'Nature and Environment' category, which encompasses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 13, 14, and 15 — covering climate action, life below water, and life on land. The recognition places St. Maarten's volunteer community on a national Dutch stage, highlighting the island's grassroots environmental and social efforts. Perpetual Plastics focuses on addressing plastic waste and sustainability, while Freegan Food Foundation works to reduce food waste and support communities in need. The award underscores the growing impact of Caribbean volunteer organizations within the broader Kingdom of the Netherlands. Both groups expressed pride in the achievement, which brings international visibility to their ongoing work on the island.

The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ruby Labega Primary School on Thursday, September 17, 2026, in Sint Maarten. The agreement marks an expansion of the Club's existing Breakfast Program, bringing it to additional students at the school. The signing represents a formal commitment between the community organization and the educational institution to ensure more children have access to a morning meal. Breakfast programs at the school level are widely recognized for improving student attendance, concentration, and overall academic performance. The expansion reflects the Rotary Club's continued investment in youth welfare and food security across the island. No details were provided regarding the number of students expected to benefit or the program's funding structure.

International Coastal Cleanup Day is observed annually on the third Saturday of September, bringing communities around the world together to remove trash and debris from coastlines. In 2026, the event falls on Saturday, September 19. St. Maarten, as an island nation heavily dependent on its beaches for tourism and marine ecosystems, stands to benefit significantly from participation in this global initiative. The event encourages residents, businesses, and visitors to take direct action in protecting coastal environments. Coastal cleanups help reduce plastic pollution, protect marine wildlife, and preserve the natural beauty that draws visitors to Caribbean islands. The annual observance also raises broader awareness about the sources of ocean pollution and the importance of sustainable waste management.