St. Maarten COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic Opens by Appointment Sept. 18

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.

September 8 marks the birthday of Gregorio Luperón, one of the most significant military and political figures in Dominican Republic history. Born on this date in 1839 in Puerto Plata, Luperón is widely celebrated as a national hero across the Dominican Republic and its diaspora communities throughout the Caribbean. He is best known for his pivotal role in defending Dominican sovereignty, particularly during the Restoration War that ended Spanish reannexation of the country in the 1860s. His legacy carries particular resonance in St. Maarten, where a substantial Dominican community maintains strong cultural and historical ties to the island nation. The commemoration serves as an opportunity to reflect on Caribbean independence movements and the enduring influence of Dominican culture in the region. Local observances of the date underscore the deep connections between the Dominican community and their adopted island home.