Photos, top to bottom, courtesy of Jay Haviser / SIMARC, Simpson Bay Lagoon Authority Corporation (SLAC), and Be The Change

Be The Change Board Members, left to right: Melanie Choisy, Erika Cannegieter, and Linda Cocks

Artists Talu Green and Daisha Graf for Be The Change Foundation

Dr. Jay Haviser

Island ReportNews, events, and happenings around St. Maarten/St. Martin

St. Maarten/St. Martin co-hosting symposiumFor the first time, in 2015, the International Caribbean Archaeology Association (IACA) will host their biennial congress at two lo-cations simultaneously. Hosts Anguilla and St. Maarten/St. Martin will actually make it a tri-nation affair attracting the largest gather-ing of Caribbean archaeologists in the region. Celebrated resident archaeologist Dr. Jay Haviser (knighted for his exemplary work throughout the Dutch Caribbean) is delighted that an event of this magnitude will further put this island on the archaeology enthusiast’s map.

Swing bridge at Simpson Bay “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing” is the mantra behind the creative construction of the new causeway/bridge at Simpson Bay. When completed, it will be the only turning bridge in the Caribbean – an innovative so-lution to alleviate traffic congestion, while at the same time accommodating increased marine traffic. Two feeder roads with round-abouts will complete the ease of access to Cole Bay, the airport, and other parts of the island, and there will also be a protected walkway and bike path.

“Be The Change” helps island causesThis non-profit foundation helps island causes raise much-needed funds. In the past year they have helped the St. Maarten Nature Foundation, I Love My Island Dog Association, Art Saves Lives, I-Can Children’s Home, Voices Foundation, and more. Founder Erika Cannegieter says, “Inspired by the Mahatma Gandhi quote ‘Be the change you wish to see in this world’, we strive to help the often overlooked, neglected, and unknown social movements on our small 37-square-mile island.” You can help. Donations and volun-teers are always welcome! For more info, visit www.bethechangesxm.com.

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Photos, top to bottom, courtesy of Ready Set Sail Now, SIMARC, and Caribbean Gems

More news, events, and happenings around St. Maarten/St. Martin

Young sailors making historyBuoyed by island support and sponsored by local businesses, young sailors Maria Merckens, Laura Bijnsdorp, Kippy Gilders, Alexander Nebe, Adam Robb, and Captain Max Loubser are attempting to circumnav-igate the globe in the 52-foot Beneteau Oceanis yacht Corina IV over two years. They set sail June 2013, and if successful will be first to sail a St. Maarten craft around the world. Their intrepid journey is dedicated to Envi-ronmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) and they will actively promote environmental awareness as they go. For more details about their voyage, visit www.readysetsailnow.com.

SIMARC studies tree ringsWhen an ancient tamarind tree had to be removed to make way for the new causeway, students of SIMARC (St. Maarten Archaeo-logical Center) asked for a cross-section of its trunk for “dendro-chronology”– the study of tree rings to determine age. Their research will also provide a means to establish a da-tabase for dating more trees in the region. SIMARC is also responsible for establishing the annual National Tree Day on St. Maarten (held each March 22nd,) and dedicated to planting new trees on the island.

Caribbean Gems milestoneWhen Caribbean Gems opened in 1983, the family business had the charm, expertise, and service to set the foundation for many years of customer satisfaction to follow. Started by Manu Budhrani and joined later by his wife Neelam, the business grew over its 30 years to become a top-tier name in luxury jewelry offering personalized, profes-sional service. Today, Caribbean Gems boasts an unparalleled variety of quality merchandise, and is consecutively rated the No. 1 Jewelry Store on St. Maarten. Stop by this gem of the jewelry industry in a sea of many for tempting prices and the true Caribbean Gems experience.

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