GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Chamber of Commerce & Industry (COCI) has formally submitted a proposed National Decree Containing General Measures (LBHAM) to Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten, seeking to modernize the Chamber's election process through electronic voting and expanded voting hours. The initiative is intended to make COCI elections more accessible to registered businesses while strengthening transparency, accountability, and participation in the institution's governance.

GREAT BAY--The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation (SMSFF) has announced that ten high schools have already expressed preliminary interest in participating in Science Week 2027, reflecting growing engagement in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) education. The announcement follows a successful 2026 edition that reached more than 1,200 people through science competitions, educational field trips, robotics activities, and other initiatives designed to encourage innovation among young people.

GREAT BAY--St. Maarten's traditional Ponum dance will take center stage at an international conference in California next week, as cultural advocate Clara Reyes and dance movement therapist Jonathan van Arneman present a new approach to examining how the island's ancestral traditions could contribute to modern therapeutic practices, particularly in addressing trauma, emotional well-being, and cultural identity.

GREAT BAY--Community advocate Nzinga Lake is calling for caregiving to become a more visible part of St. Maarten's national conversation, following an emotional radio interview that prompted an outpouring of personal stories from residents who have cared for loved ones or are currently carrying the responsibilities of caregiving.

THE HAGUE--A broad majority in the Dutch House of Representatives is supporting a proposal to prohibit primary school pupils from using generative artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT, amid growing concerns that reliance on the technology could undermine children's development of reading, writing, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

GREAT BAY--Artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for the hospitality industry to improve efficiency, control operating costs, and strengthen guest services, but technology should support rather than replace the people responsible for delivering the hospitality experience.