GREAT BAY--St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce and Industry (COCI) President Tamara Leonard says proposed changes to the Chamber's election procedures are ready for submission to government, including an extension of voting hours intended to give business owners more time to participate. With Chamber elections approaching in December, Leonard also revealed that members of the current Board of Directors have asked her to continue serving as president, although she has not made a firm public commitment to another term in the leadership position.

GREAT BAY--The Windward Islands Bank (WIB) has donated XCG 5,000 to the Positive Foundation and the Elektralyets Foundation as part of its activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. The joint donation will support the foundations' ongoing awareness initiatives, educational programs and services for individuals and families affected by cancer.

GREAT BAY--St. Maarten is scheduled to host the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show from October 18 to 22, 2027, marking the fourth time the island will welcome one of the Caribbean's most important cruise industry gatherings.

GREAT BAY--Port St. Maarten Group (PSG) has described its participation in the recently concluded Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Cruise Conference and Trade Show in Puerto Rico as a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships with major cruise lines, assess industry developments and identify new areas of cooperation that could benefit St. Maarten's tourism sector and local communities.

THE HAGUE--King Willem-Alexander attended the opening of the fifth UNESCO Global Forum Against Racism and Discrimination in The Hague on Thursday, October 29, as international leaders, government representatives, researchers and civil society organizations gathered to examine how countries can move beyond promises of equality toward measurable action against racism and discrimination.

GREAT BAY--Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise company, is projecting double-digit growth in cruise capacity to Bonaire between 2025 and 2027, with seven of its cruise lines scheduled to visit the Dutch Caribbean island next year. The announcement signals an expanded presence for the company in the southern Caribbean and presents additional opportunities for Bonaire's tourism industry, particularly businesses involved in excursions, transportation, restaurants, retail and cultural activities.