SMART 2027 Opens Registration with Early Bird Promotion

Sint Maarten-based regional carrier Winair is expanding its fleet as part of a broader growth strategy aimed at strengthening its position in the Caribbean aviation market. The airline, formally known as Windward Islands Airways, has long served as a critical connector between smaller Eastern Caribbean islands and major hubs. The fleet additions are expected to increase capacity and improve reliability across Winair's route network. Alongside the fleet growth, Winair is pursuing upgrades to its interline agreements, which allow passengers to book connecting flights across multiple airlines on a single ticket — a move that would make the carrier more competitive and convenient for travelers. Enhanced interline partnerships would allow Winair to feed passengers to and from larger international carriers more seamlessly. The developments signal renewed investment and ambition at the airline, which serves as a lifeline for many smaller islands with limited air access. If successful, the expansion could meaningfully improve regional connectivity across the Lesser Antilles.

The Ministry of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) on St. Maarten, through its Inspectorate of Economic and Transport Affairs (IETA), has released a list of car rental operators that have successfully completed the 2026 Confirmation Letter Process. The publication serves as official recognition of businesses that are currently in compliance with licensing and permit requirements. Alongside the compliant list, the ministry issued a final notice to operators who have not yet completed the process, signaling that a deadline is approaching. The move is part of the government's broader effort to regulate and formalize the car rental industry on the island. Non-compliant operators who fail to respond to the final notice risk losing their permits to operate legally. The action is significant for consumers and the tourism sector, as it helps ensure that rental businesses meet established standards. This regulatory push reflects St. Maarten's ongoing efforts to maintain a structured and accountable business environment within its tourism-driven economy.

Aalbers Private Tax Advisory has transformed its website, aalbersprivatetaxadvisory.com, into a free public knowledge portal focused on tax law in Sint Maarten and the broader Dutch Caribbean. The firm has introduced the Caribbean Tax Update, a weekly English-language email newsletter that summarizes new tax cases, legislative developments, and regulatory changes across the region. The initiative is based in Philipsburg, Sint Maarten, and is aimed at making Caribbean tax information more accessible to English-speaking residents, businesses, and professionals. By offering the resource at no cost, Aalbers is positioning itself as a public-facing authority on Dutch Caribbean tax law rather than operating solely as a private advisory firm. The move is particularly significant for Sint Maarten's business community, where many stakeholders operate in English but must navigate tax frameworks rooted in Dutch legal tradition. The portal and newsletter represent a notable shift toward transparency and public education in a jurisdiction where tax guidance has historically required professional engagement to access.