An important part of our heritage is in our architecture. It is our architecture that reflects our past how we deal with our history and how we value our history. It anchors us to our past and gives body to family stories, the buildings where our forefathers lived and worked. Without knowing where we come […]

Vibrant Black-necked stilts are one of the many bird species that inhabit the Great Salt Pond, often nesting on the remains of the stone walls of the old salt pans. The pond is one of several Important Bird Areas recognized on the island. Vulnerable An abundance of life remains in and around the Great Salt […]

Vibrant Without our nature, our habitat would be poor and desolate. It amazes me that even though we, the human race, destroy and damage nature, it will always take back its place. This tree shows its wonderful colors against the sea and sky, proudly standing despite the elements and the littering. Vulnerable Our old « […]

Vibrant I call the Flamboyant tree our “National Tree” as I love the way St Martin/St Maarten looks when it’s time for the tree to show their wonderful red flowers. They dress up the island with their magnificent colors. Vulnerable I really love the wooden houses that can still be found on the island and […]

Vibrant African Tulip Tree; Flame of the Forest; African Flame Tree (Spathodea campanulata.) The colours of the Flame Tree are truly vibrant. When they are in bloom it makes one glad to be a witness to Mother Nature’s beauty. Flame trees are native to Equatorial Africa, they can reach heights of 40 to 60 tall […]

Vibrant Fete, Jollification, serenade and large family gatherings all play a huge role in our Cultural Heritage. They are vibrant cultural traditions that promote a sense of community. And food of course is an essential component of these gatherings. The traditional way of cooking on 3 stones predates the era of convenience items like stoves. […]

Vibrant For some the arrival of summer is marked by the rising temperatures and humidity, for others it’s marked by end of the school year. For me it’s not summer until the Flamboyant trees paint the island in vibrant red, orange and yellow blooms. The Flamboyant, also known as the July Tree, is our National […]

Vibrant Freedom of expression is a vibrant force and Religion is ever present in the life of St. Maarten, some religious forms are practiced openly and other forms secretive, like this scene of ritual practice hidden in the cemetery under a cloak of darkness. Yet all these expressions are a testament to the vibrant diversity […]

Vibrant Youth are that vibrant power that steers our future, and their expressions deserve respect and attention, like this tree at Kim Sha Beach, transforming the linkage from a natural feature to a youth gathering place. Whether it be an expression of free-style art, a dedication for the soul of a lost loved one, or simply […]

Vivant Les tortues marines doivent etre protégées car elles sont endemiques de nos eaux et quel bonheur de pouvoir les observées a l’etat naturel. La photo a été prise dans la baie de Tintamarre … Vulnerable Les rues couleurs caraibes et autres maisons typiques doivent etre preservé et je dirais meme plus protégés avec des […]