GREAT BAY--With the new school year approaching, the Buddhist Compassion Relief Tzu Chi Foundation St. Maarten has distributed 300 school bags filled with supplies to help children from families in need begin the academic year equipped with essential materials.

GREAT BAY--St. Maarten has been named by Travel + Leisure as one of the nine best places in the Caribbean to buy a home, with the international travel publication highlighting the country’s favorable tax environment, comparatively reasonable real estate prices, established residential communities and new luxury development as factors strengthening its appeal to buyers.

GREAT BAY--The draft 2026 budget allocates approximately XCG 12.22 million to St. Maarten’s three High Councils of State and four separately listed special entities, including the Integrity Chamber, Social Economic Council and Security Service.

GREAT BAY--Researcher and policy advisor Leandra Leslie-Cyntje will be among the featured speakers at Friday’s “Building the Future of Cannabis Regulation” public forum, where she will bring a research and policy perspective to the discussion on cannabis legislation, with particular attention to its effects on young people. The forum will be moderated by Dr. Rhoda Arrindell, an educator, linguist, author and former Minister of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs.

GREAT BAY--A meaningful gesture of appreciation. NV GEBE is helping families prepare for the new school year with a Back-to-School Shopping Voucher initiative, offering customers an opportunity to receive an XCG 100 shopping voucher to assist with the cost of school supplies and other essentials.

GREAT BAY--The Government of St. Maarten has budgeted approximately XCG 14.59 million for building rentals in 2026, a slight decrease from the XCG 14.84 million budgeted in 2025, according to figures contained in the draft 2026 budget.