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Island Report News, events, and happenings around St. Maarten/St. Martin “Be The Change” founder honored
It is with great sadness that we report that Erika Cannegieter-Smith, founder of Be The Change foundation – a non-profit organization dedicated to raising money for important island causes – passed away last year long before her time. Her mother, Barbra Cannegieter accepted her posthumous Crystal Pineapple award as “Person of the Year” from the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association. Erika’s important legacy will certainly live on as a beacon of hope for the island’s community programs. To help, donate, or learn more, visit www.bethechangesxm.com. Fabulous Les Fruits de Mer nature festivals
The island’s dedicated nature group headed up by naturalist Mark Yokoyama called Les Fruits de Mer holds many fabulous festivals throughout the year to help locals and visitors alike get to know St. Maarten’s creatures and critters better. Their Migratory Bird Festival will be held in October, their Birds and Bugs Fest is in January, and their Endemic Animal event is in April. Many other fairs and special public outreach events take place with this group all year long. www.lesfruitsdemer.com “Archaic Age” society uncovered on Saba
St. Maarten’s SIMARC and Saba’s SABARC – youth archaeology groups – were delighted to take part in a joint project where remnants of a Caribbean people dating back 3,000 years ago was discovered when Saba Electric Company broke ground to build their new power plant. Group leader resident archaeologist Dr. Jay Haviser says, “This is a very significant site; we don’t know much about the Archaic Age yet, but the sponsorship of Saba Electric Company was invaluable in the recovery of these rare and important artifacts.” 20 Nights
Top to bottom, photos courtesy of Barbra Cannegieter, Les Fruits de Mer, and Dr. Jay Haviser / SIMARC