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.

GREAT BAY--Nation Opportunity Wealth (NOW) Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis is calling on members of the governing coalition to place the interests of St. Maarten above political loyalty, warning that continued concerns surrounding the Ministry of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (VROMI) require decisive leadership and accountability. Lewis said coalition members must be prepared to confront shortcomings within the ministry, including considering a motion of no confidence against Minister Patrice Gumbs if serious failures remain unresolved.

GREAT BAY--Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis confirmed on Wednesday, October 28, that the court has granted the Public Prosecutor’s Office permission to proceed with its criminal case against him, following a hearing held on October 6. Lewis responded to the ruling by declaring his confidence in the judicial process and emphasizing that the court’s authorization to prosecute does not constitute a finding of guilt.

GREAT BAY--The remains of 69 Afrikan ancestors will be laid to rest on St. Eustatius on Friday, November 13, 2026, during a historic reburial ceremony intended to restore dignity, honor ancestral memory and reconnect the island's community with an important part of its heritage. The ceremony will include an ancestral procession, traditional drumming, the calling of ancestral names, reflections and a formal reburial, with residents invited to participate in designated public portions of the observance.

GREAT BAY--Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transportation and Telecommunication (TEATT) Grisha Heyliger-Marten is calling on St. Maarten's business community to take a more active role in decorating and beautifying the island ahead of St. Martin Day and the Christmas season, emphasizing that creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere should be a shared effort between government, businesses and residents.

GREAT BAY--SXM Festival is preparing to celebrate its 10th edition with five days of electronic music across St. Maarten and Saint-Martin from March 17 to 21, 2027, announcing an initial lineup of 31 international artists led by Bob Sinclar, MEDUZA, Sasha, Claptone, Dombresky and Guy Gerber. The anniversary edition will once again transform beaches, clubs, villas and other locations across both sides of the island into entertainment venues, bringing international performers and music enthusiasts together for one of the Caribbean's established destination music festivals.