MP Franklin Meyers holding up the draft legislation prepared by former MP Claude Peterson.

St. Martin Tourism Office presented the eight 2026 Miss St. Martin/St. Barthélemy for Miss France candidates for a photo opportunity on Monday at the information kiosk on the Marigot waterfront. From left: Samantha Laurent, Luna Kassa Dalmasso, Vanille Bonneau, Appolline Duranville, Darina Laurent, Andréa Aladin, Juliette Pocovi, and Naïla Parotte, pose in front of the St. Martin Tourism Office information kiosk.    (Robert Luckock photo)

Endangered Caribbean Reef Shark in St. Maarten’s waters.

PHILIPSBURG--The St. Maarten Insular Shelf has been recognised as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group's global standard.

The deceased dolphin seen on Orient Beach.

ORIENT BAY--On Wednesday, July 1, 2026 at around 9:00 am, the Management Association of the Saint-Martin Nature Reserve (Réserve Naturelle) was alerted to the presence of two dolphins stranded on Orient Beach.

Ponum Dance finale by Funtopia dancers, with Rudolph Davis, Naomi Warsop and Kyro Vanterpool backed by drummers Samy D’Alexis, Helier Coquillas, and Cobra Camara (Robert Luckock photo)

OYSTER POND--The 163rd Emancipation Day ceremony was held at the Belvedere Plantation close to the Oyster Pond road on Wednesday under the theme “Buss Di Chain & Free your … ”. The programme contained speeches, and a medley of poetry, songs and dance.