“This May, let’s turn passion into purpose. Be a part of SXM DOET 2025 and help build a brighter, stronger St. Maarten—one community project at a time”

PHILIPSBURG:---  With Carnival 2025 now behind us, the SXM DOET Project Coordination Team is encouraging the community to keep the island’s vibrant energy alive by signing up to volunteer for SXM DOET 2025 via www.sxmdoet.com. Scheduled for May 16 and 17, this annual initiative is the largest volunteer movement on the island. Funded by the Oranje Fonds and Be the Change Foundation, SXM DOET unites individuals, community groups, businesses, and organizations to participate in meaningful projects that create lasting impact across St. Maarten, supporting the important work of different NGOs on the island. The impact of volunteer work is one to not be underestimated, and contributes positively to the social fabric of our community.

The theme for this year, “From Parading to Progress for a Brighter St. Maarten,” captures the post-Carnival spirit and channels it into collective community action. Community members are invited to help turn enthusiasm into empowerment, working side by side to improve schools, care for the environment, support vulnerable groups, and engage youth in positive development.

The 2025 edition will feature an impressive number of almost 100 community projects spread across both days, with 43 activities scheduled for Friday, May 16, and 57 on Saturday, May 17. These projects span a wide range of causes and needs—from environmental clean-ups and beautification efforts to programs designed to benefit seniors, persons with disabilities, underserved neighborhoods, and youth groups. “The diversity in listed projects shows just how committed our people are to supporting one another and building a better future together,” the project coordination team mentioned.

Over the years, SXM DOET has drawn between 1,000 and 1,500 volunteers annually. For 2025, the goal is to mobilize 1,500 volunteers, especially youth, to ensure the success of the expanded project list. With more opportunities, there's something for everyone — from those looking to make a difference in just a few hours to those ready to commit both days to helping others.

Everyone is encouraged to visit the website at www.sxmdoet.com to browse available projects and register as a volunteer. Participation is open to individuals and groups alike, and signing up is quick and easy. Volunteers can also subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date on project developments, deadlines, and community stories.

For further inquiries, the SXM DOET team can be reached by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Stay connected with all the latest updates and volunteer spotlights by following @sxm.doet on Facebook and Instagram.

Let’s make a difference—together. Sign up today and DOET for St. Maarten!

Where are the Caribbean academics/researchers? That is the central question behind the project: Mapping the Caribbean researchers, commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations (BZK), carried out by local researchers Renske Pin and Steffen van Heijningen.

The aim is to identify who is active in science and research on the ABCSSS islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, and Saba), both locally and within the diaspora.

Many students from the region pursue their education abroad and later build careers in research or academia. Some return, others continue to contribute from afar. But who are they? What fields are they working in? And how can their knowledge benefit our communities?

A short online survey has been developed to find out. If you have studied and now work in a research field—or know someone who does—we invite you to participate. Are you a parent of a student or a knowledge professional working in science? Please help spread the word.

https://tinyurl.com/MappingCaribResearchers

The more responses we receive, the clearer the picture of the Caribbean academic community will become. The survey helps improve the visibility of science across our islands.

~To track real estate trends ~

Willemstad/Philipsburg - The Centrale Bank van Curaçao en Sint Maarten (CBCS), together with Kadaster Sint Maarten, officially launched the Property Price Index (PPI) dashboard for Sint Maarten on their respective websites. This user-friendly online tool tracks real estate price developments across the island, helping individuals, businesses, policymakers, and researchers make informed decisions.
While the PPI is valuable for anyone interested in buying, selling, or analyzing real estate, its main goal is to support the CBCS in assessing how real estate trends affect financial stability and in detecting potential risks early, thereby helping to maintain confidence in Sint Maarten’s financial system.
The real estate market is not just about homes, offices, and apartments; it also represents a significant risk exposure to the country’s financial system. As of December 2024, mortgages accounted for 64.4 percent of total outstanding loans in the local financial sector of the monetary union. This implies that any sudden change in property prices — whether rising too quickly or falling too sharply — can have spillover effects on financial institutions, the economy, and individuals’ financial well-being. By tracking these trends early, the PPI serves as an early warning indicator, enabling the CBCS to take timely action to prevent broader, system-wide risks.
The PPI dashboard presents average and median prices in Sint Maarten’s real estate market, covering (land) parcels and apartment rights. It also provides data on mortgage and sales volumes across 8 districts. The CBCS compiles and analyzes the index using transaction data from Kadaster Sint Maarten, the official registrar of the ownership of immovable properties in Sint Maarten. The PPI includes data from 2016 up to March 2025 and is updated quarterly.
The CBCS will continue its efforts to develop a similar PPI dashboard for Curaçao. These initiatives underscore the CBCS’s ongoing commitment to informed decision-making and the long-term stability of the financial system of the monetary union.

Willemstad, May 5, 2025
CENTRALE BANK VAN CURAÇAO EN SINT MAARTEN

PHILIPSBURG:--- The Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM) would like to inform the public that the Closing Jump-Up of Carnival 2025 will take place tonight, Monday, May 5, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM from Welgelegen Road in Cay Hill.

As with all official Carnival events, KPSM reminds the community that all safety and public order measures remain entirely in effect. These protocols are designed to protect both residents and visitors and to ensure a secure environment for everyone participating in the festivities.

Enforced Public Safety Measures Include:

🚫 No serving of alcohol to minors

🚫 No possession or use of illegal drugs

🚫 No public intoxication

🚫 No disturbances to public order

🚗 Adherence to traffic regulations and road safety

In addition, KPSM continues to conduct preventive searches as part of the broader safety operations ongoing through May 6, 2025. These operations are intended to prevent illegal firearm possession and minimize the risk of violence during the closing Jump-Up.

The Jump-Up may affect traffic in several key areas. KPSM advises all motorists to plan their routes accordingly and avoid the Jump-Up path during the specified times.

 Location                                                                                     Estimated Time

• Welgelegen Road (Cay Hill)            20:00 hrs
• Churchill Roundabout 20:15 hrs
• Bush Road / Zagersgut Road Intersection 20:35 hrs
• Prins Bernard Bridge          21:10 hrs
• Percy Labega Street          21:15 hrs
• Tamarinde Steeg 21:45 hrs
• Hensley Beaujon Street 22:00 hrs
• Cornelius Vlaun Street 22:25 hrs
• Salt Pickers Roundabout         22:35 hrs
• Soualiga Boulevard 23:15 hrs

Temporary road closures will be placed along the route. Drivers should use alternate roads to avoid congestion and ensure the safety of participants and pedestrians.

Public Cooperation Appreciated

KPSM urges all members of the public to cooperate fully with law enforcement personnel throughout tonight’s event. Public support is crucial in maintaining a safe and successful closing of the Carnival celebration.

KPSM Press Release.