Nature Lovers Partner To Organize Dec. 7th Birds & Bugs Event in St. Martin

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Grand Case, Saint Martin, November 25, 2013 - Naturalists, ecologists, birdwatchers, artists, and other volunteers all over the island are working together to make the first annual Birds & Bugs event a very special day for everyone. Birds & Bugs is a free, public Wildlife Discovery Event created by Les Fruits de Mer, where St. Martin residents and visitors of all ages are invited to see, hear, celebrate, and learn about the amazing birds and bugs living in the broadleaf forest. The event will include guided birding tours, a bird education station, a bug discovery station, and local wildlife-themed art activities for children. Birds & Bugs 2013 will take place at Loterie Farm on the western slope of Pic Paradis on Saturday, December 7th from 9am to noon.

Pic Paradis is home to many migratory birds not found elsewhere on the island, such as this American Redstart. EPIC biologists collected data on this bird and released it unharmed as part of ongoing research into bird health and diversity at Loterie Farm.

Preparations for the event are well underway. A team of wildlife experts and event coordinators conducted a test run of the birding tour at Loterie Farm this past Saturday to plan the best route for the birdwatching tour, and noted a wide variety of migratory and resident birds along the route, including hummingbirds, thrashers, redstarts, and warblers.

Local artist and Les Fruits de Mer Secretary Stephen Winkel is designing special wildlife-inspired children’s art activities for the event, which will include decorating bird feeders made from calabashes.

Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC) is organizing the bird education station, where event guests will learn to recognize birds by their song. Thanks to support from the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance and BirdsCaribbean, there will also be children’s activities including a Junior Birdwatcher journal and activity book as well as free bird stickers and tattoos. Bird identification cards and t-shirts will be available for a donation to support conservation efforts.

The location of the first Birds & Bugs event, Loterie Farm, is one of the most ecologically significant places on St. Martin.Pic Paradis is listed as an Important Bird Area (IBA), a designation provided to sites that support significant global or regional bird populations. The broadleaf forest on the western slope of Pic Paradis, including Loterie Farm, is a unique environment that is home to an extraordinary array of fascinating animal species. This habitat, with its large trees and full canopy, is both essential and breathtaking. EPIC Senior Biologist Adam Brown states, “Of all the habitats on St. Martin, this one has provided the most unique window into the life of migratory birds. This forest alone has been the location of at least seven first island records of bird species and played a significant role in the re-establishment of such resident forest species as Scaly-breasted Thrasher, Scaly-naped Pigeon, and Bridled Quail Dove. I can’t imagine the island without this forest.” 

“The wildlife in this forest is an important part of St. Martin’s natural heritage, and the Birds & Bugs event is the perfect opportunity to experience, celebrate, and learn about it!” said Mark Yokoyama, author of The Incomplete Guide to the Wildlife of St. Martin. Yokoyama will be hosting the bug discovery station, which will showcase a variety of live insects and other invertebrates from St. Martin, including walking sticks, katydids, caterpillars and spiders.

The Les Fruits de Mer Association is currently seeking additional volunteers to help out at the event, and sponsorship for event materials including art supplies for the kids’ activities, t-shirts, additional binoculars, and drinking water. People interested in being involved can contact info@lesfruitsdemer.org.

Birds & Bugs 2013 is a co-production of the Les Fruits de Mer Association, EPIC, and Loterie Farm.

Local bird expert and Les Fruits de Mer member Binkie van Es and President Jenn Yerkes

test-run the event’s birding tour at Loterie Farm..

EPIC was founded in 2000 with the mission to protect the Caribbean environment through research and community-based action, and has conducted long-term studies on the birds of the island while working to raise awareness of bird conservation issues. EPIC biologists have partnered with Loterie Farm for over a decade to study the health and diversity of birds in this rare habitat. 

Loterie Farm is a private nature reserve. The 54-hectare property includes broadleaf forest as well as the remains of historical buildings dating back to the 18th century. Loterie Farm safeguards the history and the environment while also sharing this unique site with the public. The Farm has hosted a great deal of biological research, including ongoing studies of birds and other animals. Loterie Farm offers hiking and zip-lining as well as a gourmet restaurant, lounge, and spring-fed swimming pool.

Les Fruits de Mer is a non-profit association based in St. Martin whose core mission is to raise awareness about nature, culture, and sport. The organization carries out this mission through publications, an education program, and special public outreach events that entertain, inspire, and inform. The Association is currently accepting new member applications on its website, http://ass.lesfruitsdemer.org.

For more information about Birds & Bugs 2013, visit website or Facebook , and visit http://www.epicislands.org to learn more about EPIC.

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St. Maarten Carnival Offers Caribbean Music Melting Pot

Thursday, June 13, 2013

The 2013 Dutch St. Maarten Carnival experience drew countless festival fans to the North Eastern Caribbean destination.

This year’s edition was nothing short of vibrant with colourful parades, an onslaught of local cultural shows, pageants and international concerts which featured top rate entertainers from the Caribbean, North and Latin America.

This annual Carnival has been the island’s largest cultural event for the past 43 years and is organized by the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF).

The capital city of Phillipsburg, was the site of the main activity as hordes of festival newbies and Carnival veterans converged day and night in the major action hub known as the “Carnival Village”.

In addition to a wide array of local and international cuisine (representing the island’s many cultural and culinary influences) the St. Maarten Carnival Village, was the literal hotspot for all the major concerts and pageants during the Carnival period. These concerts showcased practically every musical genre inclusive of Soca, Latin, Zouk, Reggae, Dancehall, R&B and Hip-Hop.

R&B singer Miguel

Gracing this year’s St. Maarten Carnival stage were performers the likes of R&B heartthrob Miguel, rapper Busta Rhymes, Latin star Daddy Yankee, Jamaican sensations Busy Signal and Konshens, Soca stars Nadia Batson and Tallpree and Dancehall Queen Lady Saw.  

 

The most anticipated international performer for the 2013 St. Maarten Carnival season was none other than son of the legendary Bob Marley, Damian‘Junior Gong’ Marley. Marley had the entire festival village crowd in the palm of his hands as he carried the eager audience through his catalogue of hit songs e.g. ‘Affairs of the Heart’, ‘Road to Zion’, ‘Beautiful’, ‘In too Deep’ and the ever popular ‘Welcome to Jamrock’.

Damian 'Junior Gong' Marley

 

In the weeks leading up to the Carnival visitors to the village also had opportunities to enjoy other forms of entertainment such as Calypso Competitions, Youth and Teen Extravaganzas, Speech and Culture Wear Competitions and several Queen Pageants.

Also notable at this year’s St. Maarten Carnival celebrations was the well-attended J’ouvert festivities which set the pace for 2 days of exciting costumed revelry.

As per tradition, the end of St. Maarten’s Carnival is marked with the symbolic burning of King Moumou, a straw-stuffed effigy who annually presides over the whole festive affair.

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St. Maarten Heineken Regatta 2013 - Entertainment Galore!

Thursday, March 21, 2013

The sounds of Reggae, Soca, Zouk, House and Soul music filled the air on the isle of St. Maarten during the 33rd Heineken Regatta; an event which is highly recognized for its magnificent stage shows and untouchable after parties as it is for its sailing action.


The entertainment card for these regatta mega-concerts featured some of St. Maarten’s and the Caribbean’s most dynamic performers and was headlined by the incomparable Motown group ‘The Commodores’. The seasoned musicians and vocalists who are famous for hit songs

“Night Shift” and “Slippery When Wet” brought down the house at Kim Sha Beach in Simpson Bay for the grand finale of the Regatta.

Trinidadian Soca Queen Destra Garcia thrilled the Heineken Regatta
crowd with her numerous hit songs

Much to the St. Maarten audience’s delight, the group performed such classics as “Brick House”, “Easy”, “Three Times A Lady” and “Sail On” displaying true energetic ‘old school’ flair to an audience of all ages and backgrounds.

Stealing the show on the French Side of the island was dynamic St. Maarten band Youth Waves which gave the crowd in Marigot a mixed set comprising of all musical genres. The Youth Waves band shared the stage with Trinidadian Soca Queen Destra Garcia who thrilled her fans with her hits “Bonnie and Clyde”, “Call My Name”, “It’s Carnival” and “Fly”.

A group of Swedish pose with members of St. Maarten’s Reggae-Rock fusion band Orange Grove
which performed at one of the Regatta parties

 

Rounding off the entertainment highlights were the performances by St. Maarten’s Reggae-Rock fusion band Orange Grove (which rocked the Phillipsburg Boardwalk), Zouk artiste Patrick Grayham and Dutch DJ duo Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano.

Throughout the years the St. MaartenHeineken Regatta has featured top regional and international music acts such as Shaggy, Wyclef Jean, The Black Eyed Peas and the Marley Brothers. After this year’s successful events the promoters and organizers are already in the planning stages for a high-powered 34th edition.

 

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HGTV "House Hunters on Vacation" Heads to St Maarten

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

House Hunters on Vacation a hit show on HGTV, recently shot an episode in St Maarten, to be aired on Sunday, September 16, 2012 at 3:30 PM.

The episode in which host Taniya Nayak, follows two couples, Nashville musicians Krystal and Jared Ribble, and Leif and Jaimee Shires who were surprised with a vacation to St. Maarten . Filming was done at three amazing properties; the Penthouse with the media room and spa privileges, the hilltop oasis with the infinity pool, and the deluxe Hacienda with private bungalow and French Chef. Both family will ultimately choose their favorite property out of the three to enjoy for one week .

Filming of "House Hunters on Vacation" took place on both the Dutch and French sides of the island, including Maho Beach, Pic du Paradis, Mullet Bay, Front Street, Rue de Republique and the Grand Case area.

Augusto Priest acting director of tourism for the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau said "We're thrilled that our beautiful island will be featured on HGTV.”

 

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St. Maarten sizzles with multi-cultural Carnival

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Known by many as the best Carnival experience in the North Eastern Caribbean, the 2012 festival season on the Dutch side of St. Maarten proved to be a pleasant collision of cultures. This year’s edition offered nothing short of vibrant, colourful parades, the very best of local cultural shows and pageants, highly entertaining international concerts and a perfect opportunity for locals and foreigners to mix with each other and explore new cultures.


This annual occurrence has been the island’s largest cultural event for the past 42 years and is organized by the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation (SCDF).



The Divi Little Bay Resort and surrounding Phillipsburg accommodations served the as relaxation points for many of the festival’s newbie aficionados as well as seasoned Carnival connoisseurs. However, all observers and participants alike converged day and night in the main centre of action also known as the “Carnival Village” for a one of a kind cultural buffet.


The St. Maarten Carnival Village, which is transformed into the region's largest restaurant, features booths with samplings of cuisine from each of the near 80 nationalities that call St. Maarten home and is also the literal hotspot for all the major concerts and pageants. Over this year’s 2 week Carnival period, visitors to the village enjoyed several forms of entertainment which included Calypso Competitions, Youth and Teen Extravaganzas, Speech and Culture Wear Competitions, a Ms. Mature Queen Pageant and world class concerts which showcased top Soca, Latin and Zouk performers.  

Ms. Mature Queen Pageant 2012 winner

Much like several other regional Carnival celebrations, the Jouvert revelry set the pace and built excitement for the main costumed parades. However, it must be noted than unlike some regional and international Carnivals, St. Maarten’s parade had a smooth flow of mas bands (before and after judging points) and each mas band boasted music trucks with full live brass bands which performed a variety of genres.


Also, it is evident that a high level of order was present as even though the costumed bands were not roped off from the public, non-masqueraders chose to remain on the sidelines as opposed to invading the ‘costumed zones’.

Additionally, every band had a choreographed routine which they executed seamlessly at each judging point.

The festive 2012 Carnival brought out the creativity in many

The End of St. Maarten’s Carnival is marked with the symbolic burning of King Moumou, a straw-stuffed effigy who annually presides over the whole festive affair

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Kes The Band rocks St. Maarten Carnival’s ‘1 Red Nation’

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Kes the Band's Kees Dieffenthaller shares an entertaining onstage moment with an audience member

Just days before its annual Carnival celebration, the beautiful island of St. Maarten was set ablaze by a fiery contingent of talented international musical acts. Adding to the melting pot of this year’s festivities was regional crowd pleaser Kes The Band which headlined the highly anticipated “1 Red Nation” concert at the Carnival Village in the capital of Phillipsburg.

The Carnival Village was bustling with energy and expectation for the performance by the Trinidad and Tobago based Soca ensemble. Calypso and Soca fans as well as live show enthusiasts alike lined the front of the stage from early in order to gain the best vantage point for absorbing each detail of the famed Caribbean crossover band’s appearance.

Much to the delight of the audience, Kes The Band led by frontline vocalist and 2011 International Groovy Soca Monarch Kees Dieffenthaller with his team of talented musicians hit the St. Maarten stage with high impact. The band delivered a diverse set which satisfied the many musical cravings of the massive crowd which consisted of local party goers, visitors to the island and even international celebrities and foreign media personnel.

Kes’ high-powered St. Maarten performance included all of the band’s original hit songs such as “Where Yuh From”, “Right Dey”, “Thunder”, the Carnival 2012 smashes “Coming Over”, “Play Ah Mas” and “Stress Away” and the ever popular “Wotless” (a tune which the St. Maarten crowd sang word for word). Kes also offered music selections for all age groups and musical tastes.
The energetic Carnival Village attendees exclaimed in delight as the band displayed true versatility. The appreciative audience sang along in unison as Kes performed everything from classics by Calypso legends such as Super Blue and David Rudder to modern day popular hits by Pitbull, Usher, Chris Brown and Vybz Kartel.


Sharing the stage with Kes at the “1 Red Nation” were Jamaican Reggae artistes Popcaan and Chris Martin who was joined onstage by Dancehall Diva Cecile.

Given the pure energy and positive vibrations of that night’s atmosphere (both on the stage and in the crowd), it is indeed evident that as much as the patrons were excited to see these performers, the artistes themselves were obviously enthusiastic about being in St. Maarten for Carnival to entertain these eager fans.

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Soca and Zouk shared spotlight at St. Maarten’s Carnival 2012

Monday, May 14, 2012

The final international concert spectacular of St. Maarten’s Carnival 2012 brought a plethora of the Caribbean’s finest entertainers to the adventure island. The much publicized Sunday evening event “One Love Soca and Zouk Xplosion” put a special spotlight on two of the region’s party music genres as top Soca acts shared the stage with world renowned Zouk band extraordinaire Kassav.


The event which took place at St. Maarten’s party central, the Carnival Village, attracted attendees from both the Dutch and French side of the island as well as fans from the neighbouring islands of St. Barth’s, Guadeloupe and Martinique. Interestingly enough, a large delegation of European and North American tourists who were experiencing their first tastes of Carnival culture were also in attendance.


The evening’s sizzling line-up of Soca artistes included St. Maarten’s Shadowman, Youth Extreme – Aruba's Road March champions, Roxanne Webster (aka Roxxy) – the Calypso and Soca singing sensation from Anguilla, WCK – Dominica's Bouyon Kings and a highly awaited band clash between the Awesome Jam Band from St. Thomas, and Anguilla’s reigning Road March champs, Pantha Vibes International.


Hometown hero Shadow Man along with his live band kept the crowd moving with his popular Soca tunes which include “Caribbean Cruise” and “White Line” while Roxxy enticed the audience with her originals “Delete” and “Ready for the World”. WCK kept the vibes flowing with high energy ‘jump up’ music and renditions of hit songs from Soca artistes Machel Montano, Kees Dieffenthaller and Kerwin Dubois and made way for the grand performance by the legendary Zouk band Kassav.



Kassav lead female vocalist Jocelyne Beroard wows the St. Maarten crowd

Kassav fronted by singers Jocelyne Beroard and Jean Philippe Marthely electrified the Carnival Village and had the audience lingering on their every lyric. It was clear that within the multiethnic, multicultural population of St. Maarten were throngs of Kassav fans as all present seemed to become one with the music as they sang along to their favourite Kassav classics such as “Siwo”, “Syé bwa” and “Zouk-la sé sèl médikaman nou ni”


With over 30 years of live performances and over 60 albums under their belts, the members of Kassav injected an unmatched level of vibrancy and vitality into the lives and hearts of those in attendance and set the stage for an unforgettable St. Maarten-styled Carnival.

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Reggae and Soca combine for a Regal Regatta Finale

Saturday, March 17, 2012

The capacity crowd at Kim Sha Beach

Simpson Bay, St.Maarten (Sonique Solutions) – The 2012 edition of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta was truly a memorable affair. The excitement of the weekend reached its peak during the Sunday evening final party which was headlined by the sensational Reggae balladeer Beres Hammond.

The normally laid back nature of Kim Sha Beach in Simpson Bay was fired up with the energy of regatta participants, tourists and local music fans that came out in their numbers to enjoy live performances from some of the Caribbean’s most electrifying performers. After being hyped up the night before by Antiguan Soca powerhouse Claudette Peters and the dynamic St. Maarten band Youth Waves, the massive audience filled both the general and VIP areas of the seaside venue in order to partake of a diverse musical buffet.

Beres Hammond

Beres Hammond with his full band and beautiful backup singers certainly brought the house down with his extensive catalogue of world renowned hit songs. The famed Jamaican crooner moved the capacity crowd both physically and emotionally with classics such as “Rock away”, “Sweet Lies” and “I Feel Good”. Full of life, vigour and charisma the ‘King of Lovers' Rock’ had the audience eating out the palm of his hand and singing along to fan favourites including “Pull it Up”, “Putting Up a Resistance” and “Queen and a Lady”.

Much to patrons delight, the night’s entertainment card also featured a special cross-Caribbean collaboration. St. Maarten’s Shadow Man joined by Trinidad and Tobago’s Terry Seales and Ziggy Rankin delivered the very best in Soca, Reggae and Rapso vibrations to the appreciative audience.

Trinidadian Soca singers Terry Seales (left) and Ziggy Rankin pose backstage with two local fans

Shadow Man, known for hit Soca tunes such as “Caribbean Cruise” and “White Line” has previously collaborated with both Seales and Rankin and took pleasure in sharing the stage with his Trinidadian counterparts. Backed by a live band, Shadow Man, Terry Seales and Ziggy Rankin (who shared that he felt completely at home and treated like family in St. Maarten) were well received by the Kim Sha Beach crowd.

St. Maarten Superstar artiste Shadow Man

The St. Maarten Heineken Regatta is as well known for its live entertainment component as it is for competitive sailing. Attendees are already waiting in anticipation for next year’s edition and the stellar line up of artistes.

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Tessanne and Tami Rocked St. Maarten Boardwalk

Friday, March 16, 2012



From Left. Tami Chynn, Assistant Director of the St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Michele Korteweg and Tessanne Chin

Jamaican songstresses Tessanne Chin and Tami Chynn rocked the boardwalk in downtown Phillipsburg with the sweet sounds of the islands as one of the many talented regional acts for the recent 32nd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

The beautiful, musical sisters were the main stage performers for the regatta’s Friday night entertainment. Due to their international appeal and the popularity of their songs it was clear that their appearance was one of the more highly anticipated ones for the entire weekend of activity as fans (both local and foreign alike) lined the front of stage from early to be able to see these dynamic divas.

Tessanne and Tami, who are both influenced by several musical genres, injected true Caribbean energy into the boardwalk crowd. Tess (as some of her friends and fans call her) opened the Friday night vibes with some of her original rock and pop-infused reggae songs such as “BlackBooks”, “Messenger” and the mega-hit “Hideaway”. She even put a Rock-Reggae spin on Kevin Lyttle's Soca smash “Turn Me On”, as well as renditions of songs by Adele and Bob Marley.

Tami, however, unleashed her collection of ‘eclectic Dancehall’ tunes which included the well loved “Hyperventilating”, “Over and Over” and “Frozen”.

When asked about how she felt to be in St. Maarten to perform at the Regatta concert, Tessane shared, “It’s wonderful to be back and I feel blessed to be here. The last time I was here I was a backup singer for Jimmy Cliff, so it's great to return to this stunning island and these die-hard music fans with my original material.

Tami (who revealed plans of launching a new album and bringing forth more live shows for 2012) added, “I'm excited to be here in beautiful St. Maarten. The vibes are wonderful here; nothing but pure niceness. We are thankful to the organizers for having us”.
For this fantastic night of music the always vibrant boardwalk was transformed into a seemingly unending strip of skilled djs and musical technicians accentuated by a cool, serene ocean backdrop. Joining Tessanne and Tami on this night performance were St. Maarten’s entertainers The Showtime Band, The Rebels and steelpan stalwart The Mighty Dow along with Latin and Zouk performers.
From above one could see a sea of glowsticks waving back and forth as an army of appreciative attendees moved to the Reggae, Dancehall, Soca, Hip- Hop and Dance music offered by the regatta’s multi-faceted music mixologists.

An appreciative audience enjoys the night's entertainment

 

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St. Maarten Heineken Regatta Brought Excitement to the Island

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

The boats in full sail at the 32nd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta.

The recent 32nd St. Maarten Heineken Regatta  brought thousands of sail enthusiasts, leisure/adventure seekers as well as hardcore music fans to the magnificent, multifaceted island.

Over the years the highly acclaimed St. Maarten Heineken Regatta has become a mainstay on the regional event calendar attracting a multitude of visitors to isle from various parts of the world such as Europe, North, Central and South America and of course various West Indian islands and territories. This 32nd edition was indeed a landmark experience for many and gave participants, media practitioners and vacationers an opportunity to experience the many exciting sides to St. Maarten.

Voted by top online travel community ‘Trip Advisor Travellers’ as one of the top 5 Caribbean destinations, the picturesque St. Maarten boasts several historical and family-oriented attractions along with a unique range of fun-filled activities. In addition to the annual regatta, throughout the year watersport enthusiasts can enjoy the island’s scuba diving and snorkelling facilities, while others can take full advantage of duty-free shopping in the high energy Caribbean city atmosphere of the capital, Philipsburg.

St. Maarten's picturseque coastline

The 37 square mile island proudly serves up a slice of paradise for all types of travellers. Those who wish to lounge in luxury can spend their time relaxing between any of the island’s elegant private villas, family hotels, quaint cottages or luxury spa resorts and its 37 pristine beaches (which include a clothing optional beach for the truly adventurous and uninhibited).

A visitor samples Guavaberry Liqueur at the Guavaberry Emporium in St. Maarten's captial, Phillipsburg

Explorers can visit interesting sights such as the ‘Butterfly Farm’ as well as the ‘Guavaberry Emporium’ where they can sample various by products and cocktails made from Guavaberry (the key ingredient in the legendary folk liquor of the island). Most notably, the island offers an unmatched entertainment component in the form of numerous nightclubs, casinos, art galleries and over 365 restaurants displaying a full range of international cuisine.

It must be mentioned that the Regatta which is run by the St. MaartenYacht Club Regatta Foundation was an environmentally friendly one as the committee encouraged the use of biodegradable water bottles, straws, etc, thus maintaining the island’s rich beauty and aesthetic value. The vibe on each race day was filled with competition and excitement as sailors and boat owners from all over the globe fervently shared stories about their past competitions and ocean exploits with a passion similar to that of children describing their first Disney World experience. The nights however, brought out a superb spirit of festivity as locals and visitors alike partied to performances by the region’s top musical acts.

From Left. Tricia Rapp of KTCpr (PR agency for St. Maarten) poses with Lisa Noel, (Product Development Assistant, St. Maarten Tourist Bureau)

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