INDIGO BAY-- The Setai luxury development has donated a total of US$15,000 to three St. Maarten organizations as part of its commitment to investing not only in the country’s economy, but also in the people and institutions that strengthen the community.
The Let’s Talk Foundation, the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation and Stichting EGO each received US$5,000 to support programs focused on youth development, creativity, science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics.
The contribution reflects The Setai’s intention to establish itself as a long-term community partner in St. Maarten. Alongside the jobs, business activity and other economic opportunities expected to be generated by the development, The Setai recognizes that responsible investment also requires meaningful participation in the social and educational development of the country.
As a luxury development, The Setai is being positioned to contribute to St. Maarten’s tourism product, create employment opportunities and support economic activity through construction, hospitality, professional services and local business partnerships. The development also recognizes that its role in St. Maarten must extend beyond its physical property and commercial operations.
Being a good corporate citizen means supporting organizations that are already working within the community, understanding local priorities and helping to expand opportunities for young people. The three organizations selected for the donations each provide structured programs that contribute to education, skills development, innovation and future career opportunities.
Supporting St. Maarten’s creative economy
The Let’s Talk Foundation is a registered St. Maarten nonprofit organization that works to strengthen the country’s cultural and creative industries as a pathway for youth development, skills training and economic opportunity.
The Foundation provides structured platforms through which young creatives can develop their abilities, display their work and connect with mentors, entrepreneurs and potential markets. Its work supports the continued development of St. Maarten’s Orange Economy and helps young people consider career opportunities outside of the country’s traditional economic sectors.
Through its primary platform, Let’s Talk Art, the Foundation creates organized spaces where creativity is connected with professional development.
The Let’s Talk Art Event Series includes exhibitions, performances, panel discussions and interactive activities. These events expose young participants to entrepreneurs, policymakers and industry professionals, while providing local talent with greater visibility.
The Foundation’s work also helps participants understand how creative abilities can be developed into income-generating skills, businesses and long-term careers.
The Setai’s US$5,000 donation will support the Foundation’s continued efforts to create opportunities for young artists and other creative professionals in St. Maarten.
Strengthening science and technology education
The St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation received US$5,000 in recognition of its long-standing work to encourage students to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Established in 1992, the volunteer-managed nonprofit was formed by teachers, engineers and business professionals who recognized the limited availability of local science and technology professionals.
For more than three decades, the Foundation has addressed that challenge by encouraging students to explore STEM subjects from an early age. Its programs are designed to build curiosity, confidence, academic discipline and interest in technical fields that are important to St. Maarten’s future development.
The Foundation held its first Island Science Fair in April 1993 with a small number of schools and projects. The event has since developed into an annual national competition involving the country’s major secondary schools.
Several schools now organize their own internal science fairs to select projects for the island-wide competition. This structure has helped establish an ongoing culture of research, innovation and problem-solving within participating schools.
The Setai recognizes the importance of preparing young people for careers in technical and scientific fields, particularly as St. Maarten continues to develop its tourism, construction, engineering, environmental and technology sectors.
Expanding practical STEAM learning
Stichting EGO also received US$5,000 to support a focused STEAM Club for children between the ages of 10 and 12 in Grades 5 and 6.
The program will be delivered through two established afterschool locations at Sr. Regina School in Simpson Bay and Sr. Borgia School in Philipsburg.
The initiative targets an important stage in children’s development, when students are naturally curious and responsive to practical, hands-on learning. It is designed to strengthen scientific literacy, confidence, creativity and problem-solving abilities at an early age.
The club will provide weekly two-hour sessions for approximately 12 to 15 students at each location. Students will participate in challenge-based activities that connect classroom learning with practical situations in St. Maarten.
Projects will include designing hurricane-resistant houses and building simple electrical circuits. These activities will help students understand how science and engineering relate to their environment, safety and the needs of their community.
The Setai’s contribution will assist Stichting EGO in providing the materials, instruction and structured learning environment needed to deliver the program.
Investing beyond development
The Setai views the three donations as an early demonstration of the type of relationship it intends to build with St. Maarten.
The development recognizes that major investments can have an impact beyond construction and tourism. They can contribute to workforce development, support local businesses, create career pathways and strengthen organizations that are addressing community needs.
The Setai intends to continue engaging with local stakeholders and identifying opportunities through which its investment can generate wider benefits for St. Maarten.
By supporting the Let’s Talk Foundation, the St. Maarten Science Fair Foundation and Stichting EGO, The Setai is investing in young people who may become the country’s future artists, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, hospitality professionals and community leaders.
The US$15,000 contribution reinforces The Setai’s commitment to becoming an active corporate citizen and a responsible partner in St. Maarten’s continued development.
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