From JMB / SXM Weekly News 10/10/22: Entry Requirements Change October 15; El Zafiro Boutique Hotel is Shuttered; A Possible Change in This Hurricane Season; Thoughts on Whether US Moves Toward Marijuana Legalization May Resonate in SXM; Sargassum Seaweed Likelihood Drops to "Low"; Huge SkyMed Extra-Weeks Bonuses Must End 12/31 - Get SkyMed Medevac Protection Now; Last Call TODAY for Two New SXM Euro-Oval Car Stickers; Beat The November 1 Price Increase for JMB Memberships & Renewals [Issue #1366 -- 40 Top SXM News Stories for Tourists]

Can't see this newsletter? Go HERE for our SXM Weekly News PDF Archives.
SXM Sunset

Vol. 4, #1366 ---- Monday, October 10, 2022
News From Sint Maarten / Saint Martin / SXM

Entire Contents Copyright, ©, JMB Communications, Plymouth, MA 02362-1812, 2022.
World rights reserved.

Member News

 


St. Maarten & St. Martin

"SXM" Weekly News


St. Maarten & St. Martin's Most Relied-Upon Source
of Tourist-Oriented News & Information
 
 

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TOP STORIES IN THIS ISSUE:

Scroll Down for Full Table of Contents; this edition features many new stories about your favorite island:

Top Stories in Today's SXM Weekly News:

Getting Here; Weather:
-- Repeat: Entry Requirements Get Big-Time Changes October 15 & In March
-- Where to Find Our Guide to SXM Entry Requirements / Return to US Requirements (Newly Updated)

-- Keep an Eye of Your Flights Regardless of Which Airline You're Flying
-- How What's Not Happening in Africa May Impact This Hurricane Season in SXM
-- Where to Find Current SXM Weather Info

SXM Accommodations:

-- El Zafiro Is Shuttered; What Happened & Why, and What's Next
-- Hundreds of SXM Timeshare Condo Rentals Available for '22 and Lots for 2023
-- Realtors to See for SXM Condos & Villas
-- Buying a Condo in SXM: Important Procedural Help (including Residency)
-- How To Rent Out Or Sell Your Timeshare Units

Other Island Headlines for Tourists
:

-- Likelihood of Sargassum Seaweed Impacting SXM Drops to "Low"
--
The Real Lowdown on Tipping in SXM
-- About Russell Clark's Unbeatable Beach Reading Series
-- SXM's Best Sunday Brunches
-- You're Invited to Our SkyMed Member Appreciation Luncheon in SXM January 20

-- Long-time Dutch Side Governor Eugene Holiday is Feted on His Retirement
-- Today is Constitution Day, Celebrating "Country Sint Maarten" Establishment 10/10/10
-- SKYMED'S Up to 22 Weeks Free with Ultimate Purchase MUST END 12/31: Buy Now
-- Two New SXM Euro Oval Stickers Now Available; Where to See Them & How to Order
-- Restaurant of the Week: Pineapple Pete & Wasabi Charlie
-- First Responders Now Get Platinum Benefits
-- Please Patronize JMB Sponsors

Please see our complete Table of Contents below.

In This Issue: 40 News Stories

Scroll down for our complete Table of Contents


Timeshare Rental and Sale of the Week


Each week JMB randomly picks timeshare condominiums for rent and for sale in SXM from the huge selection at http://everythingsxm.com/sxm/timeshare_rent_sale/index.shtml and features them here.

To rent out or sell timeshares you own in SXM or anywhere else worldwide, for no ad charge or commission, join JMB Website Supporters. Visit http://everythingsxm.com/sxm/about_sxm/paypal.shtml for info. Membership now delivers a growing list of about 300 St. Maarten and St. Martin-focused travel benefits -- and your membership subscription helps keep these weekly SXM newsletters coming.

SXM Timeshare Rental of The Week:

RENTAL 12/24/2022 12/31/2022 52 Royal Palm Beach Resort by Diamond Resorts 3 Bedroom/ 3 bath (sleeps 8) second-floor unit with full kitchen. 2 master suites have balconies with views of the beach, bay/ocean, and sunset. Ocean-side resort with pool, gym, and restaurant. Within walking distance of shops and other restaurants. $4,000 Ray 609-468-0844 pweigle6@gmail.com

See them all at http://everythingsxm.com/sxm/timeshare_rent_sale/index.shtml

SXM Timeshare Sale of The Week:

SALE 6/10/2023 7/1/2023 Weeks 23, 24, 25 Belair Beach Hotel 2BR,2BA oceanfront resort on Dutch side. Located on Little Bay Beach. Fully equipped kitchen, dining and living room w/sleeper sofa. King bed in Master, double bed in 2nd BR. sleeps 6, TVs in LR & MBR. Washers/dryers on site. Free Wifi. Free beach chairs & umbrella reserved for entire stay and free beach towels daily. Free daily maid service. Private balcony overlooking beach/Caribbean. Restaurant/bar/entertainment, pool on site. Small grocery store and rental car on site. Gated with security. Walking distance to Philipsburg. Lots of restaurants and casinos nearby. US$ accepted. Will sell 1,2 or all 3 weeks. Multiple week purchase will get discount. $3,500 per week plus closing costs Jerry 860 841-6497 jerryhelming@yahoo.com

See them all at http://everythingsxm.com/sxm/timeshare_rent_sale/index.shtml



St. Maarten / St. Martin Homes, Villas, Businesses, Commercial Properties, and Residential Properties for Sale (NEW): Click to access our recommended real estate agents

TABLE OF CONTENTS -- This Week's Stories

Stories are numbered; scroll down for stories of interest. This week's Table of Contents follows these links:

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Get a growing group of about 300 SXM-focused island discounts and other SXM-related benefits through JMB Website Supporters membership: http://www.everythingsxm.com/sxm/about_sxm/paypal.shtml

Complete Table of Contents

Section One: Getting Here: Flights, Airlines, Airports, Cruises, Going Home, Etc./ Weather --Scroll Down in This Section--

Getting Here:

1
. Repeat: Entry Requirements Get Big-Time Changes October 15 & In March
2
. Where to Find Our Guide to SXM Entry Requirements / Return to US Requirements (Newly Updated)
3. Medevac Costs Have Soared: Got a Spare $45,000++? You May Need It, In Cash in Advance, to Get a Medevac Jet Home in a Medical Emergency
4. ABSOLUTELY ENDS 12/31: 22 Additional Weeks FREE From SkyMed with Ultimate Global 5-year Medevac Memberships (Act Quickly If You're Planning a Trip to Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, Australia)
5. What To Do If Your Flight is Canceled Or Delayed...


Etc.; Weather

6. How What's Not Happening in Africa May Impact This Hurricane Season in SXM
7. Where to Find The Latest SXM Weather Information

Section Two: Accommodations (Hotels, Resorts, Timeshares, Villas, Etc.)
--Scroll Down To This Section--

8. El Zafiro Is Shuttered; What Happened & Why, and What's Next
9. For SXM Condo Buyers, Some Critically Important Advice
10. Buying a Condo in SXM: Important Procedural Help (including Residency)
11. Realtors to See for SXM Condos & Villas
12. Some SXM Timeshare Condo Rentals Still Available for '22, plus Tons for 2023
13. Reminder: JMB Members May Now Advertise Both Timeshare Weeks They Own and
Privately Owned SXM Condominiums for Both 2022 and 2023 On Our Site
14. How To Rent Out Or Sell Your Timeshare Units
15. SkyMed TRAVEL Guarantees Big-Time Savings on Hotels, Cruises, & Car Rentals

St. Maarten / St. Martin Homes, Villas, Businesses, Commercial Properties, and Residential Properties for Sale (NEW): Click to access our recommended real estate agents

Section Three: JMB Member Discounts & Benefits
--Scroll Down To This Section--

16. Updated Contact Information for JMB Communications, JMB Website Supporters Members

Section Four: Island News, Info, & Features
--Scroll Down To This Section--

17. ABSOLUTELY ENDS 12/31: Get Up to 22 Bonus Weeks When You Buy SkyMed:

THIS WEEK'S TOP ISLAND NEWS:

18. THE FULL SKYMED STORY: What SkyMed Medevac Protection Is, Where & How It Works, and More

19. Answering Your Questions: What Does SkyMed Do for Its Members?
-----Important from Jeff Berger

20. See Our Story on the Shutdown of El Zafiro
21. Why US Steps Toward Marijuana Legalization May Finally Resonate in SXM
22
. The Real Lowdown on Tipping in SXM
23. About Russell Clark's Unbeatable Beach Reading Series
24. SXM's Best Sunday Brunches
25. You're Invited to Our SkyMed Member Appreciation Luncheon in SXM January 20

26. Long-time Dutch Side Governor Eugene Holiday is Feted on His Retirement
27. Today is Constitution Day, Celebrating "Country Sint Maarten" Establishment 10/10/10
28. Likelihood of Sargassum Seaweed Impacting SXM Drops to "Low"
29. About Our SXM Vacation Giveaway

30. Restaurant of the Week:
31.Two New SXM Euro Oval Stickers Now Available; Where to See Them & How to Order
32. What Are the Best Sources of Accommodations Rentals?

33. Enormous Library of SXM Information is On The Web
34
. Flying This Coming Winter? Here's Something You Should Know
35. Getting Answers to All Your Questions About SXM
36. Important Updated Contact Information for JMB Website Supporters & SkyMed Sales Inquiries
37. Who Our Sponsors Are, and Why You Should Patronize Them
38. First Responders / Military / MDs & Nurses Now Get Platinum Benefits
39. Want to See Back Issues of SXM Weekly News? Here's How
40. SXM Business Owners: How To Increase Foot & Web Traffic

Section Five: For Members Only    (Revised 8/2017)

A. Where to Get Member Info: www.everythingsxm.com/secret
B. Password Recovery Info: Your username is the email address you have registered with JMB Website Supporters. If you forget your password, click "forgot password" in the orange login box near the masthead at www.everythingsxm.com.
C. How To Submit Rental or Sale Ads: Links are on the Secret Website (see a, above.)
 

Section Six: Where To Find Background Information for Travelers (For New Readers)   (Revised 8/2017)

How To Get a GROWING LIST of 300+ Money-Saving St. Maarten- and St. Martin-Focused Travel Benefits
Visit http://www.everythingsxm.com/secret , the *secret* site for JMB Website Supporters members only, for low fares to SXM from cities across the USA, Canada, and Western Europe, plus a growing list of 300+ additional major travel benefits.

Not a member yet? See http://everythingsxm.com/sxm/about_sxm/paypal.shtml . Cost: $59 for one year, or $99 total for three full years. Other durations available. Join us today...

**********************************************************************
All JMB Newsletters Read *From JMB*
**********************************************************************
This newsletter and mail from JMB Website Supporters to members read *From JMB* in the subject area so you won't misinterpret them as spam.

THIS WEEK'S STORIES:

Stories are numbered; scroll down for stories of interest.

SECTION 1: Getting Here: Flights, Airlines, Airports, Cruises, Covid, & Weather; Etc.

GETTING HERE:

1. Repeat: Entry Requirements Get Big-Time Changes October 15 & In March

Entry Requirements for visitors to SXM will change big-time this coming Saturday, October 15, and further changes will be made next March. To ensure that all island visitors stay thoroughly aware of changing requirements, we have created an updated second edition of our Guide to Entry Requirements which is available online in the Files area of our Everything SXM Facebook Group. The next article tells you how to access that highly useful, detailed information.


2. Where to Find Our Guide to SXM Entry Requirements / Return to US Requirements (Newly Updated)

Tens of thousands of tourists will be visiting SXM this Fall and next Winter. Planning for all of these visits is well underway, and our Guide to Entry Requirements (Second Edition, last updated 9/23) simplifies SXM Entry Requirements to make it easier for our readers to understand exactly what the island is looking for and to successfully navigate SXM's Electronic Health Authorization System (EHAS) website, through which visitors to SXM must still apply for the required preapproval.

To access the just-updated second edition of our Guide to Entry Requirements, which is free, go through this link (revised) to the files area of our Everything SXM Facebook Group. You should be able to access the file easily if you are already a Facebook member. What's happening next Saturday, October 15? Click the link to see all the information you need.

Further updates may happen as the number of hospitalizations on the island stays very low.


3. MEDEVAC COSTS ARE SOARING: Got a Spare $45,000++? You May Need It, In Cash in Advance, to Get a Medevac Jet Home in a Medical Emergency

$45,000 or more payable in cash in advance could be what you must pay out-of-pocket should you need emergency medical evacuation while traveling anywhere in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, or anywhere in the Caribbean. By contrast, SkyMed Takes You Home® for zero dollars when you become critically ill or injured in any of those countries if you are a SkyMed member. All it takes is one phone call and SkyMed does everything. That $45,000 you might have to spend without SkyMed assumes that you can make all the arrangements, find and hire the jet, make sure it is properly outfitted for the specific medical problems you face, staff it with appropriate medical professionals who are cleared to travel back home to the US or Canada, and take care of customs, immigration, and loads of other paperwork including Ambulances and getting your records to your Destination hospital. By contrast, SkyMed does all of that and its members pay $0 for the evacuation or ambulances.

Setting up medical evacuations sounds complicated because it is and having to do all this in a medical emergency is a daunting task for anyone who has never done it. For about $1.64/day for an annual or multiyear SkyMed membership, SkyMed will do all of this stuff once you make that single quick phone call.

For more information, call us today at 508-591-3483 or Jeff.Berger@skymed.com. Include your phone number and time zone so we can call back and get all your questions answered. We can also take your application by phone in roughly 10 minutes.

SKYMED's EXTRA-WEEKS BONUSES WITH PURCHASES END 12/31, SO GET SKYMED NOW FOR THEIR BEST OFFERS! SEE NEXT STORY:


4. ABSOLUTELY ENDS 12/31: 22 Additional Weeks FREE From SkyMed with Ultimate Global 5-year Medevac Memberships (Act Quickly If You're Planning a Trip Across the Pond or to Asia, Africa, Australia, or South America )

The 22-week FREE MEMBERSHIP BONUS for buying SKYMED's best GLOBAL membership, the SkyMed 5-yr. Ultimate, ENDS 12/31. If you travel beyond the USA, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and all the nations of the Caribbean, this is the BEST and LEAST EXPENSIVE product SkyMed sells on a cost-per-day basis: it will pay you to get these bonus 22 free weeks while they are still offered. Email me at jeff.berger@skymed.com with your phone number and time zone or call us USING WHATSAPP (free) 721-588-4188 or text or phone us at 508-591-3483.

Available only to Americans, Canadians, or both living as xPats in the countries noted above. DO IT NOW WHILE IT'S FRESH IN YOUR MIND....SKYMED TAKES YOU HOME® when you become seriously ill or injured while traveling for pleasure or on business!


5. What To Do If Your Flight is Canceled or Delayed...

What should you do if your flight is canceled or delayed as happens fairly often now due to weather or staffing shortages?

This article gives you answers.


Etc./Weather

6. How What's Not Happening in Africa May Impact This Hurricane Season in SXM

Through the heart of the Cape Verde hurricane season, which is really the month of September, tropical monsoons marched east to west across the African continent, emerging off the coast of West Africa where some of them later became tropical cyclones that threatened the Windward islands and some islands in the Greater Antilles (Puerto Rico, for example).

Now, some meteorologists are noting that monsoonal activity across Africa has diminished greatly, perhaps signaling an end to the Cape Verde season and a lessened potential for development of long-track storms that can affect Caribbean islands such as SXM.

Of course, hurricane season doesn't end until the end of November — if then. And tropical cyclones can still spin up over the next couple of months in the Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico, and off the US East coast. Although the greatly diminished activity across Africa is an encouraging sign concerning future developments, mother nature still has about two months to do her thing.

As always, we'll continue to watch all developments; see the next stories for more on where you can access up-to-the-minute tropical weather information.


Get your SKYMED MEMBERSHIP *BEFORE* you need it. Air ambulances are now more costly than ever: when you become seriously or critically ill or injured while traveling, SKYMED TAKES YOU HOME® to doctors and hospitals you know & trust. Otherwise you must pay tens of thousands of dollars in cash in advance to get a medevac jet -- if you can even do it (NOT easy or fast if you don't know how). SkyMed annual or multiyear memberships are only about $1.64/day, and they're guaranteed renewable regardless of age or medical condition at renewal and they are PRICE GUARANTEED FOR LIFE. Why wait? CALL today 508-591-3483 or email us at jeff.berger@skymed.com; include your callback number & time zone please. Protect your family NOW!


7. Where to Find The Latest SXM Weather Information

Although hurricane season officially begins June 1, nonetheless it's best to be prepared before then. In recent years, tropical activity has begun around mid-May. Stay in touch with any or all of these sources of tropical weather information...

Here are SIX sources of current SXM weather info:

1) Crown Weather Services whose very inexpensive subscription service is, we feel, the best in the business.
2) Our "Weather Center / Hurricane Center" at www.everythingsxm.com -- it has current satellite images and radar loops 24/7/365 and now all the latest NHC weather forecasts, outlooks, and advisories as well. There are now also active weather widgets on the site's home page. That page also includes real-time or near-real-time satellite images and radar loops.
3) Our Everything SXM Facebook Group publishes the latest advisories, watches, and warnings when SXM is threatened by any storms.
4) On or off the island, listen to Island 92 -- 91.9FM or see www.island92.com. They report island warnings at once so you'll know exactly what's going on. You can listen on the web anytime through live streaming.
5) For a quick look at weather radar exactly where you are or where you're going, try the My Radar phone app or My Radar for Windows -- excellent programs.
6) Get a quick, current satellite look at the Atlantic basin anytime: http://www.goes.noaa.gov/GIFS/ATWV.JPG .

N. B.: Again...Never rely on any website if you're in the path of a storm; always heed warnings from local authorities.

In addition, when storms form or pass near SXM, we expect to run the latest forecasts, watches, warnings, and observations in our Everything SXM Facebook Group, and we will post all of that material directly in the weather center of our everything SXM website, www.everythingsxm.com.


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SECTION 2: Accommodations: Hotels, Resorts, Timeshares, Villas Etc

8. El Zafiro Is Shuttered; What Happened & Why, and What's Next

Social media was abuzz with the news late last week: the popular hidden gem El Zafiro Boutique Hotel in the Beacon Hill area had been shuttered; it was unoccupied and the entrance to its parking lot had been cut off, and a guard was in place to prevent entry.

We have communicated over the last few days with both Nicole Dupree and Jessica Frambes. Ms. Dupree operated El Zafiro hotel as a tenant of Ms. Frambes, who owns not only El Zafiro but also White Sands Beach Club nearby. There is disagreement between these individuals about who did what to whom, but at the end of the day Ms. Frambes apparently went to court and shortly thereafter, changed many of the locks on the El Zafiro property and shut it down, allegedly with the court's blessing. She has also announced that the contents of the El Zafiro buildings will be sold at auction on the 28th of this month. Beyond that, she is looking for a new tenant to take over the property, either on a rental or sale basis.

We expect this disagreement to wind up in court, where a judge may decide what actually happens next. Because of our conviction that litigation is probable, and because of the fact that Ms. Frambes declined to answer some of our questions, we aren't going to report or comment on the arguments each party may use as part of the litigation — it's up to the parties to say what they wish about this in public, and at that point we'll report those comments / positions.

However, a number of tourists / island visitors had made deposits for future stays at El Zafiro so that makes their situations a matter of great interest to SXM Weekly News. We asked Ms. Dupree what is going to happen to those deposits. She said her team remains intact, and "We are addressing each reservation different [separately - Ed.]. We are also working with other hotels within the area to be able to relocate guests."

Ms. Dupree added this: "To avoid any miscommunication and misunderstanding, yes it is correct that we are currently closed. As you may not know we have been in an ongoing battle with Jessica ever since Hurricane Irma [regarding -Ed.] funds that we were supposed to receive to rebuild the business. We have been in a back and forth with her since then hoping that she would give us that money back. At this point since we haven’t been able to resolve things in an amicable way, we had to take matters into our own hands; thus bringing us to today," she said, continuing: "After much thought and consideration we have decided to end this chapter with EL Zafiro although not an easy one, and continue with our other ventures... We are contacting all guests to address their current booking with us."

Ms. Frambes had cited "violations" as being reasons for her action against El Zafiro, but declined to define what the "violations" were when we asked her.

We will continue to watch further developments and report on them here as always in SXM Weekly News.


9. For SXM Condo Buyers, Some Critically Important Advice

Moving to the Caribbean requires a multi-step procedure that involves different citizenship programs. While territories in the Caribbean region have made relocation to the Caribbean easier for people, it's still a meticulous process. It's best to go through the application with seasoned immigration consultants.

Our partner BrightPath Caribbean is an expert immigration agency that has helped countless people move to their slice of paradise in the tropics. Investors, retirees, and skilled workers who were assisted by the BrightPath team now enjoy life in the land of sun, sea, and sand.

By working with BrightPath's immigration consultants, you don't have to deal with the nitty-gritty of the complicated immigration process. Plus, you avoid delays and increase your chances of approval.

Moving, retiring, and opening a business in Sint Maarten (country abbreviation SXM) all involve complicated, multi-step processes. So leave the nitty-gritty to professionals who are well-versed in immigration and the business climate in this Caribbean country.

BrightPath Caribbean makes your move to Sint Maarten smooth-sailing and fuss-free. You no longer have to deal with complicated paperwork or complex immigration, incorporation, or retirement procedures. Our consultants in Sint Maarten will oversee everything so that you can focus on the important thing -- your new life in paradise.

Moving to St. Maarten
BrightPath Caribbean provides various services to prepare for your relocation, retirement, or venture in Sint Maarten.

Immigration Services
Our team handles immigration matters for individuals who want to relocate to St. Maarten. Moving to this country is no easy task, but the effort is more than worth it. Its beautiful beaches and scenery make it seem like you're on vacation all year round.

BrightPath immigration consultants in Sint Maarten:

  • Walk you through the various immigration avenues in Sint Maarten, including investment, employment, family reunification, cohabitation agreements, and more

  • Collect required documents based on the avenue for immigration and review them for completeness and accuracy

  • Oversee the entire application process and guide you every step of the way

Business Incorporation Services
Our business incorporation consultants see to it that you start your company on the right legal footing. You'll get expert-level guidance in:

  • Business License. Our experts deliver reliable advice about the right business license for your company if you haven't applied for one yet. We also guide you in applying for the license in St. Maarten.

  • Name Search. BrightPath consultants check if your chosen business name is available. If not, we can work with you to form a cleared name.

  • Preparing the Articles of Incorporation. Our team prepares and makes sure the paperwork is complete and error-free. We'll also be the ones to file the articles of incorporation.

Business Banking Services
Our team opens bank accounts for existing or planned businesses in SXM to make sure your company starts on the right financial footing. You'll be assisted as you:

  • Choose Your Bank. Our consultants review your business banking needs, as well as your in-person and online banking preferences, to help you choose the right bank. Our goal is to find a bank that provides scalable solutions and day-to-day banking convenience.

  • Gather Requirements. Our team helps you collect the required documents and review them for accuracy and completeness. We'll also be the ones to submit them and set an appointment with your chosen bank in Sint Maarten.

  • Sign Forms. You simply attend the appointment and sign the forms.

Retirement Planning Services
You'll develop a personal retirement planning strategy that takes into account your personal financial goals, the financial risks you face, and the kind of life you want to lead during your golden years in the Caribbean. Our retirement service consultants in Sint Maarten:

  • Help you set clearly defined goals for your retirement in St. Maarten

  • Improve tax efficiency and help you maximize your benefits

  • Plan your legacy in case you want to leave something to your grandchildren or a charitable institution

Sint Maarten Awaits:
There's more to Sint Maarten than beautiful beaches and breathtaking landscapes. The culinary scene is rich and diverse, representing over 100 nationalities, including French cheeses and Mediterranean wines. The shopping experience is divine, and the festivals are spectacular.

If you're eyeing St. Maarten for your retirement or new venture, then you've made the right choice.


10. Buying a Condo in SXM: Important Procedural Help

A while ago, working with Arun Jagtiani of Island Real Estate Team, we put together and conducted an SXM Relocation Seminar for dozens of attentive attendees at Emilio's Restaurant at the Emilio Wilson estate near Philipsburg.

Many of you have asked whether it would be possible for you to see video we made of our relocation seminar.

Although we do intend to put on future relocation seminars, the video of our November '18 seminar is available online to anyone interested in buying on SXM, whether for a vacation home, retirement home, income property, or anything else. Lots of outstanding info was communicated during this excellent seminar, and another is now in the early planning stages.

See the video here. (Link is being updated).

Please check this link to BrightPath Caribbean SXM, a company that can help provide very deep and expeditious help in completing residency requirements for people buying a second home, income property, or a new business in SXM, or relocating there. They're located in the Puerta del Sol building opposite Avantika, Simpson Bay, Dutch side. Tell them you heard about BrightPath through Jeff Berger's SXM Weekly News.


11. Realtors to See for SXM Condos & Villas

The following list of our sponsor realtors tells you how to contact SXM's best sources of condos and villas across the island:

VILLA RENTALS / RENTAL COMPANIES:

If you're interested in making a villa reservation (doing it with close friends can be fun and more economical than you'd imagine), contact our top recommended Villa rental/sale partners at Island Real Estate Team. Call the number that follows and ask to speak with the agent who handles villa rentals: 1 721 520 7284. Please let the agent know that you're interested in a rental and you were referred by Jeff Berger's Everything SXM Facebook Group. Hundreds of villas are now online.

Jennifer's Vacation Villas
has also joined us as a villa rental partner. Jennifer's Vacation Villas is a licensed management, real estate and villa rental company specializing in the rental of private villas and condos on both French and Dutch St. Maarten. Its proprietor, Jennifer, is a New Yorker who has been residing in St. Maarten for 40 years and whose goal is to provide guests with personal attention and to ensure that their vacations are memorable. Jennifer's Vacation Villas also does Weddings, Private Events, and any additional services including massages, boat trips, and private catering. Their aim is to make your vacation stay as comfortable, accommodating, and easy going as possible. Call 1 (721) 544-3107 | +1 (631) 546-7345. When you contact them, please tell them you were referred by Jeff Berger's Everything SXM Facebook Group.

Candie Billant does condo and villa rentals and sales. You will find her at #Caribbean Estate Agency N. V.

GoBeach Vacations

Sunshine Properties

Monte Verde / Belle Vue

Villa Acropole:
www.acropole-stmartin.com

Villa Vijoux:
https://www.facebook.com/VillaVijoux

Villa Steel Magnolias (new 1/22)

40Weeks SXM Vacation Rentals (new)

Villa En'sea 5 bedroom Villa, overlooking Philipsburg bay (new)

Villa Kimon

Daffodil Villa


12. Some SXM Timeshare Condo Rentals Still Available for '22, and Tons for 2023

Dozens of new listings of timeshare and other condominiums for rent and for sale for both 2022 and 2023 have been added to our timeshare sales / rental page in our main SXM site, www.everythingsxm.com. If you're looking for a place to stay, that's where to find it. All of our listings are from members of our JMB Website Supporters island discount program so you deal directly with timeshare owners -- there are no middlemen or agents or anyone else charging commissions. Usually, timeshare owners charge close to their actual annual maintenance fee costs.

Dozens more new entries were posted over the last couple of weeks.


13. Reminder: JMB Members May Now Advertise Both Timeshare Weeks They Own and Privately Owned SXM Condominiums On Our Site

We are now accepting advertising for both timeshare resort condominiums as well as privately owned condominiums on the island directly from their owners who are members of our JMB Website Supporters Island Discount Program. This is effective immediately and includes weeks from both 2022 and 2023. Submit your ads through the members-only "Secret" website.

Not a member? Join us by clicking the page curl on our main site, www.everythingsxm.com. All the details you need are there.


14. How To Rent Out Or Sell Your Timeshare Units

If you own timeshare weeks that you would like to rent out or sell on our main everythingSXM.com website, you can do it once you become a member of our JMB Website Supporters island discount program. For all the details, go to our main site, everythingSXM.com and click on timeshare rentals in the navigation bar. You'll find the details about posting there.

For information about joining JMB Website Supporters, click the page curl on all pages of everythingSXM.com. As a member, you will have access to a growing package of about 300 discounts and other benefits including the ability to post up to 10 ads per year in our rental pages at everythingsxm.com.

The ability to post timeshare rentals on our site is limited to JMB Website Supporters members only, and is not available to any others at any price.


15. SkyMed TRAVEL Guarantees Big-Time Savings on Hotels, Cruises, Car Rentals

We're now giving JMB Website Supporters members and SXM Weekly News readers access to a private, "members only" travel wholesale club that offers incredible prices not only on airfares but on travel reservations and packages worldwide.

SkyMed Travel offers exceptional pricing on everything and almost invariably beats everyone else's pricing. We have found their pricing excellent across the board and their 15% low rate guarantee on hotels and car rentals is real news.

Normally, SkyMed Travel charges $99 to join plus $99 annual renewals. But for our JMB Website Supporters members and now for Weekly News readers, the cost to join is zero as will be the cost for renewals. Join the Club by going to https://www.skymedtravel.com/register, sign up, and provide the requested information. Complete the first sign up item (SkyMed Membership Number or Representative ID) by entering the code 391330; doing that ensures that you pay nothing for your SkyMed Travel Club membership. No code, no free entry to the club's phenomenal pricing. If you are a SkyMed Member, however, enter your SkyMed Membership Number there to get the absolute greatest possible discounts.

You won't be disappointed.

Not a SkyMed member? Learn more about it at www.skymed.com/jmb, then call us with questions or to sign up. Call 508-591-3483 (NEW NUMBER) any weekday. Thanks.


SECTION 3: JMB Member Discounts & Benefits

16. Updated Contact Information for JMB Website Supporters and SkyMed Sales Inquiries (UPDATED 6/6/22)

Updated Contact Information for Everything SXM / JMB Communications / JMB Website Supporters Membership Services and SkyMed Sales:

Because of volume, email is not the best way to reach us. Here’s what’s best: First, a Suggestion: Get the free WhatsApp app. It lets you make free phone calls (including video calls) worldwide and send free texts, all for zero cost. It is very widely used around the world.

  1. SkyMed Answers to Questions or to Sign Up by Phone: If you’re interested in learning more about SkyMed, contact Jeff Berger at jeff.berger@skymed.com. Leave your phone number and time zone and he’ll return your call. SkyMed is sold only to Americans, Canadians, and xPats. If you prefer, phone Jeff at 508-591-3483 and leave a message; that is a NEW NUMBER. You may also call our JMB office, 508-747-8281.

  2. JMB Membership Questions/Issues -- JMB Website Supporters: Use WhatsApp to send questions to Membership Services; use Jeff Berger’s WhatsApp phone number, 721-588-4188, but call or TEXT (texting is
    preferred) from within the WhatsApp application ONLY
    . Membership Services at our headquarters in Massachusetts handles all these calls. INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL, since all responses are made by email.

  3. Our new email is jmbcomms@gmail.com; use it for JMB Website Supporters membership questions. Thank you.


SECTION 4: Island News, Info, & Features

17. ABSOLUTELY ENDS 12/31:
Get Up to 22 Bonus Weeks FREE When You Buy SkyMed---


Up To 22 Weeks FREE (PLUS Military/First Responder Free Weeks) with New Multiyear SkyMed Purchases ===Only $1.64/day Gets You Guaranteed Renewable, Price-Guaranteed-Forever SkyMed Annual or Multiyear Medevac Protection

**************************************

THE UP TO 22 FREE WEEKS OFFER ENDS 12/31!

MAKE YOUR MOVE TO SKYMED NOW AND GET
22 WEEKS FREE WITH YOUR NEW PURCHASE OF
A FIVE-YEAR SKYMED ULTIMATE, OUR
LOWEST-COST-PER-DAY, MOST FEATURE-RICH
MEMBERSHIP!

**********************************************************
IF YOU HAVE EVER THOUGHT ABOUT SKYMED,
*NOW* IS THE TIME TO ACT
**********************************************************
SkyMed Routinely Never Does Bonuses
-- Except Right Now:

Only $1.64/day - *LESS THAN A CUP OF COFFEE* -- gets you annual or multiyear SKYMED MEDEVAC protection for virtually all of your upcoming trips.

Buy it NOW, *BEFORE* you need it -- just like fire insurance.

For info see the links below, for answers to questions or to sign up by phone call 508-591-3483 (you can text to that number & leave voicemail 24/7). NOTE: My prices for multiyear memberships ARE MUCH LESS THAN YOU WOULD PAY ONLINE.

.........................SKYMED's BEST BONUSES EVER MUST END 12/31/22.......................
BONUSES
For ALL NEW MEMBERSHIPS in 2022
:

22 FREE weeks added to all new 5-year ULTIMATES*
12 FREE weeks added to all new 3-year ULTIMATES*
22 FREE days added to all new Annual memberships*

ALL THESE BONUSES GO AWAY 12/31/22!

=== PLUS===

"Thank YOU for Your Service"
Bonuses for US & Canadian Military Veterans
& FIRST RESPONDERS:

6 FREE months added to all new 5-year ULTIMATES*
3 FREE months added to all new 3-year ULTIMATES*
*What are "Ultimates"? See next story.
***These MILITARY benefits are IN ADDITION TO the benefits for all new members!***

18. SKYMED DETAILS:

Only $1.64/day Gets You Guaranteed Renewable, Price-Guaranteed-Forever SkyMed Annual or Multiyear Medevac Protection:

  • WHAT IS SKYMED? WHERE DOES SKYMED WORK?SkyMed is a medical evacuation membership company. "SkyMed Takes You Home®" when you become seriously or critically ill or injured when traveling anywhere throughout the USA, Canada, all the nations of the Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Bahamas. Global protection is also available. SkyMed members pay nothing for SkyMed-arranged medical evacuation flights that would cost non-SkyMed members $45,000 and up payable in cash, in advance. Why risk that? Of course, you must get your SkyMed membership before you need it -- just like fire insurance. You'll find an overview of all SkyMed Services here, and you'll find Frequently Asked Questions here.

  • WHAT ARE "ULTIMATES"?SkyMed Ultimates are SkyMed's best memberships and also its LEAST EXPENSIVE on a cost-per-day basis (about $1.64/day for family protection). They offer a suite of 18 services and protect you worldwide -- almost everywhere. They are offered in monthly-pay (minimum payment period two years), three-year, and five-year versions.

  • LOW GROUP PRICING *LOWER THAN THE PRICES ON THE SKYMED WEBSITE*:

All of the SkyMed memberships we sell go to either members of our JMB Website Supporters Island Discount Program, to members of our various online SXM groups, or to readers of SXM Weekly News. The prices we charge for all multiyear Ultimate memberships are SUBSTANTIALLY LESS than the retail prices you will see online from SkyMed's website. Call or email us DIRECTLY (contact info below) for details on all of our major-league savings on SkyMed Ultimate multi-year membership prices.

  • LIFETIME PRICE GUARANTEE / GUARANTEED RENEWABLE MEMBERSHIPS:All existing SkyMed memberships and new SkyMed membership purchases of one-year or longer are now price-guaranteed for life. The price of your membership will not increase if you buy during 2022 or if you already are a SkyMed owner of any annual or longer membership: this applies as long as your renewals are paid on time. SkyMed annual and longer memberships are also Guaranteed Renewable when annual or multiyear fees are paid on time -- guaranteed renewable regardless of advancing age or declining health.

  • HOW TO CONTACT US: Phone us ANYTIME at 508-591-3483 (new number, where you can also text us) for answers to questions or to sign up. When you call us directly, we get credit for the sale. You can also email us directly through SkyMed at jeff.berger@skymed.com.
    My SkyMed website: http://www.skymed.com/jmb. But please CALL ME DIRECTLY with questions or to sign up - that way I get credit (number above). Or jeff.berger@skymed.com
    .

  • When and Where SkyMed Protects You:Basic SkyMed short-term and annual memberships protect you throughout the USA, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and all the nations of the Caribbean. In that SkyMed universe, SkyMed Takes You Home® when you become critically ill or injured. Optional protection covering most of the rest of the world is provided by GETS, Global Emergency Travel Services, a SkyMed company.

  • Key Differences Between SkyMed Short-Term & Annual Memberships: Many people who buy SkyMed memberships first request short-term protection. Is that the best solution for most people? That's a decision you have to make, but before you do, here's some important info. First, short-term memberships are available only for a specific defined short term. They protect you with SkyMed Takes You Home速 membership that applies throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and all the nations of the Caribbean including Cuba. Short-term protection cannot be upgraded or renewed since you buy it for a specific trip; it's temporary protection. There is no waiting period for benefits. When you want protection for another future trip, you must make a separate application for it. Although at $15/day per couple SkyMed short-term protection is the most expensive product SkyMed sells on a cost-per-day basis, short-term protection is economical if you seldom travel and take brief trips. The cost is $9/day per individual, or a maximum of $15 a day per family (parents and kids 21 or younger). We always tell people who are 50 or over about the most important advantages of SkyMed annual and multiyear memberships. The single most important benefit is that SkyMed annual and multiyear memberships are guaranteed renewable, regardless of advancing age or declining health. Details are in SkyMed's Member Services Agreement. We currently have members who are still traveling and are in their upper 80s and 90s. The cost of annual memberships per family is far more economical than the $15/day per family for short-term coverage -- it's now only about $1.64/day total. Multiyear memberships also have more features; contact me for full information about features of each type of SkyMed membership. Ultimate memberships protect you worldwide. I can answer all your questions by phone in minutes, and can also take your application by phone (that way I get credit). Phone anytime at 508-591-3483 (NEW NUMBER). That's a direct line to Jeff Berger that also accepts text messages. Updated 6/20/22.

    *What is the SkyMed Ultimate?
    Again, the Ultimate is SkyMed's best - and least expensive (on a daily cost basis) form of medical evacuation membership. With SkyMed "Takes You Home"® services in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and all the nations of the Caribbean, plus Global Emergency Travel Services (GETS) almost everywhere else worldwide, the Ultimate is for people who visit Europe, Africa, Asia, and almost anywhere else your wanderlust takes you. It also delivers 18 critically important travel-related services as opposed to 12 with SkyMed annual memberships. You'll find an overview of all SkyMed Services including those provided with Ultimate memberships here.


  • SkyMed Frequently Asked Questions / FAQ

Feel free to contact me via Facebook Messenger as well or now WhatsApp, 721-588-4188 (through WhatsApp ONLY), or use our new office line, 508-591-3483. Or email me at jeff.berger@skymed.com (SkyMed inquiries only please). You can also send texts to that 508 line and leave voice messages. Please include your phone number, time zone, callback number, and email address.

--Jeff Berger
7/25/22


19. Answering Your Questions:

What Exactly Does SkyMed Do for its Members?

We've always said SkyMed TAKES YOU HOME® when you become critically ill or injured --
home to doctors and hospitals you know and trust, and home where your health insurance works. In
recent weeks as many of you have decided to resume traveling, you've asked us for examples of
what SkyMed does
. Several examples are right here:

For answers to questions or to sign up, email me at jeff.berger@skymed.com or call me at
508-591-3483. Open to Americans & Canadians & xPats only. Based in Scottsdale, Arizona,
for the last 33+ years, SkyMed TAKES YOU HOME® when you become critically ill or injured
while traveling anywhere in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, or all the
nations of the Caribbean. Global protecti
on is available. Cost for family membership is as
little as $1.64/day on annual and multiyear plans.
IMPORTANT: Buy directly through me;
our pricing for multiyear memberships is much lower than SkyMed's pricing published
on the web.

Here are specific examples of how SkyMed works for its members:

On a recent Thursday at Mullet Bay Beach, a woman at the edge of the water fell and accidentally
knocked down her friend, standing close by. The friend felt pain in her leg as she got up, went to
a hospital, and was told she had a "soft tissue injury" and should relax in the sun. Pain
continued. Next day she went to the Maho Clinic for another opinion since she couldn't put any
weight on the leg without pain. The doctor there sent her to the French Side for a new x-ray. That
diagnosis came back - broken leg and she had to be medically evacuated back to the US for surgery.
A few days before, the woman had bought short-term SkyMed medevac protection for her short trip to
SXM. Cost, under $100. She was sent home by jet by SkyMed. The charge for the jet: $0. Without
SkyMed, had she needed a medevac jet, the $26,000 (approx.) price of that jet home would have had
to be paid in cash in advance; with SkyMed she was home and in the hospital of her choice the next
day for $0 out-of-pocket.

Mary Beth and her partner Don were vacationing in SXM when Don fell and broke his hip -- only about
a month after they had bought SkyMed. SkyMed flew them home on a medevac jet for the hospital care
he needed. Flight cost to the patient: $0. Savings: over $35,000.

An MD from Florida who always visits SXM was on a cruise vacation to the Greek Islands with his
wife when he broke his femur aboard the ship. He was rushed to the hospital in Corfu but called
SkyMed which arranged and paid for an emergency medevac flight to Athens for urgent surgery. A few
days later SkyMed evacuated him again, with an excellent male nurse, all the way home to Florida,
where an ambulance took him home for recovery. Required flight cost to the patient: $0. Savings:
huge.

A Summer trip ended in disaster when a child visiting her grandmother in Grand Case was bitten in
the head
by the grandmother's bulldog, imperiling the girl's eyesight. She was flown to Miami in a medical
evacuation jet for emergency eye surgery that saved her sight. Flight cost to the patient: $0.

A woman from Virginia shopped at an island grocer and headed back to her car carrying two bags of
groceries. She tripped and fell on a curb and knew at once she had fractured her hip.
After being
stabilized locally, she was flown home on a medical evacuation jet from SkyMed where she had the
surgery she needed. Flight cost to the patient: $0.

Two men were riding their horses on a hill in Cay Bay when a car backfiring spooked one of the
horses, which threw its rider.
The other rider got off his horse to check his companion when the car again
backfired, spooking the horse again which led it to kick its dismounted driver in the head, luckily
causing "only" a severely dislocated jaw. The local hospital had no ability to solve that problem
so the victim was airlifted by SkyMed back to Pennsylvania for surgery. Flight cost to the patient:
$0.

A member of the clergy fell down cement stairs and broke her leg. She too was airlifted home by
SkyMed for surgery. Flight cost to the patient: $0.

Not all trips end well: anything can happen when you travel. Being a member of SkyMed was the common thread in all these cases. SkyMed takes its members home when serious or critical injuries occur in the "SkyMed universe" , usually in a private, ICU-equivalent medical evacuation jet -- home to doctors and hospitals the patient knows and trusts -- and home where their health insurance works. That's just one of up to 18 benefits received by SkyMed members for about $1.64/day for annual or multiyear memberships.

All this is why we always recommend SkyMed. Call Jeff Berger 24/7 at 508-591-3483 and leave
your name, phone number, and time zone. Jeff will call back at a mutually convenient time and
answer all your questions. He can also take your application by phone in about 10 minutes. You're eligible to
apply regardless of your age or health if you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen or an American or
Canadian ExPat living in SXM or certain other countries.

Anything can happen anywhere: Do it now, BEFORE YOU NEED IT. To learn more, visit
www.skymed.com/jmb. JMB members get big discounts off SkyMed's online pricing for all multiyear memberships, the BEST memberships for most people age 50 or over. More contact info is above.

Thanks for reading this.


20. See Our Story on the Shutdown of El Zafiro

It's story #8, at the beginning of Section 2 above.


21. Why US Steps Toward Marijuana Legalization May Finally Resonate in SXM

In many states across the USA, marijuana has long since become legalized — and pot shops with a spectrum of merchandise are dotting the landscape. In some states, you can even get home delivery of a slew of marijuana (cannabis) products wherever you are.

US president Joe Biden, reportedly keeping one of his campaign promises, last week took some initial steps which many regard as the first steps toward marijuana legalization nationally in the US.

Increasingly over the last few years, we have heard a limited number of SXM politicians tentatively say they may at some point favor legalization in SXM, at least on the Dutch side. If the US continues to move in the direction of legalization, it strikes us as inevitable, finally, that politicians in Dutch SXM would recognize the economic reality that legalization of cannabis products on the island could increase tourism and also increase tax revenues — a fact which we expect would be very attractive to any politician.

Here is detailed information on what is happening in the US.


22. The Real Lowdown on Tipping in SXM

Long-time Domino's Pizza entrepreneur on SXM and other nearby islands John Caputo recently answered a post in our Everything SXM Facebook Group concerning Tipping on the island, which to some is a contentious issue. We asked his permission to reprint his comments here — and here they are:

A lot of comments here going all ways but I would like to comment on a few that could also hopefully allow some clarity. Start with the pic of the receipt posted. sc is not clear that a “service charge” is added on. That is a purposeful deception by the restaurant that they hope you will miss that 15 or 18% (or more) has already been added. Some call it “tax”. Some hide it up in the line items of the check so when you glance at the bottom to see if it was added you don’t see it. This is a horrible and deceptive practice by many restaurants.

Secondly, the prices of food and drinks are already so expensive. Granted. The rising cost of shipping and the food cost itself has forced increases in price. Has that also increased the amount and level of service provided? Usually no. 20% of a meal costing $100 is of course $20. With increased food and shipping, restaurants have increased their prices substantially. That same meal now costing $150. So 20% is now $30. Fair for the customer? No. Yes cost of living has gone up for the worker as well. That should be reflected in their salary paid by the employer this factored into their margins and also is compensated by the compounded increased service charge.

French side. Service IS included in the price. Americans are just programmed to tip. Look at meal prices Dutch side being compatible to the French Side (now that Euro is closer to 1 to 1. And you are having 15,18 or 20% added to your check and in many cases deceptively. For the record, I still tip on the French Side but I do base it on the service provided. My tip starts at 20% on the Dutch Side but if you add it to my check that’s what it is. I’ll only give extra if you were exceptional. Points off if you try to hide it or cry that you don’t get it. That’s between you and the management; shouldn't’t cost me extra (as the cost of the meal is already expensive). Note that French Side pays 2 to 3 times higher salary for working 10+ hours less per week while including service in their prices. Cost of goods similar on both sides. Rent a bit less on French Side. Utilities indeed less in French Side. But French Side doesn’t (or shouldn’t) add “service charge” and they still make it viable paying their staff 2x3 times more.

The point of the person saying they will be fired if they receive a tip in hand….that is not possible. Labor laws are extremely protective of the worker and if you choose to thank an individual worker personally with an extra gratuity by placing a tip directly in her or his hand there is nothing wrong with that. If the employee gets terminated my guess is that the employee is not aware of their rights or is working “under the table” thus them or employer skirting taxes. Again, not the customer’s concern.

I stop going to places that have raised their prices beyond what I know the costs to be. I also don’t go to places where the service charge is added deceptively. There are so many great restaurants on both sides that do it right and provide good value and fairness for their staff.

In restaurants in the US waiters are legally paid much less than minimum wage as their tips and service charge much more that make up for that. They also “tip out” or share their tips with other staff. The bus boy; the bar tender, etc are all sharing to an extent the waiters tips. Tip pooling or sharing is not unique to St. Maarten. “Breakage Fees” and Owners reasons for taking part of it is no bueno (unless they are waiting tables themselves). Again not my problem as the customer as I just want a great meal with good service at a fair price while willing to tip the norm.

Like I said; there are so many great places to choose from

On both sides where the worry or concern should t be an issue. Enjoy your meal. Enjoy your time on the island. Check your receipt. And tip what you feel is right and what you are comfortable with. The rest is between the restaurant management and their employees.

Also food for thought... in the US you get free water for your table and free refills on non alcoholic drinks. Not here for sure. That $5ea water bottle and 3x $3 sodas add to your check substantially thus compounding that service charge. Just sayin'.


23. About Russell Clark's Unbeatable Beach Reading Series

You may not have heard yet about author Russell Clark — so here goes.

Over the last few years, Mr. Clark has authored several fascinating beach reading books that would be perfect for your next SXM trip. Escape to the Islands, Return to the Islands, and Living in the Islands are the titles of the three Ben Carlisle novels Mr. Clark has penned so far. What will be particularly fascinating to our readers is the fact that first, these books are heavily oriented toward SXM; second, Mr. Clark and his cohorts tend to spend much of their time doing the kinds of things you do and going to some of the places you visit on the island, so you will recognize many of the touch points / places visited and people mentioned in his stories; and third, you may also be fascinated by some of the images conjured up during Mr. Clark's travels across SXM.

It will definitely be worth your while to check out these books on Amazon but once you have them, you may not want to wait to read them until your feet are in the sand on SXM.


24. SXM's Best Sunday Brunches

There is a difference between brunches and breakfast buffets. Although we are focused here on brunches, we can't resist the temptation to tell you about a breakfast buffet that has impressed us and also about some other breakfasts that you might want to check out.

In no special order, here we go:

One of the most popular Sunday brunches is held weekly at Emilio's Restaurant at the Rainforest Adventures area of the Emilio Wilson estate on the Dutch side. Chef Sydney and Norm and Su Wathey have done a magnificent job with this restaurant, and Emilio's is a top choice for thoroughly sumptuous breakfast buffets/brunches on the island. It's a huge brunch/buffet which sometimes is located both indoors and outside (depending on weather) and offers you a selection that is both tantalizing and dizzying simultaneously. Take one of everything and you'll have food for a month (though it's a better idea to simply come back the next week and keep munching).

La Patrona restaurant at Simpson Bay resort offers the setting for an extensive American style buffet breakfast open not only to guests of the resort, but also to others with reservations. The culinary staff at Simpson Bay resort is highly talented and delivers excellent food in a beautiful ambience. Again, reservations are highly recommended.

The Sunday brunch at Mario's Bistro at the Cliff in Cupecoy offers an idyllic setting and extraordinary dining. Although Mario is known for his dinners, you can come here on Sundays for delicious breakfasts and equally delicious Sunday lunches. Creativity is "gastronomical" here: these are amazing breakfasts and lunches.

Astra, Toppers, and Vesna Taverna don't offer either a brunch or a buffet on Sunday mornings, but they do offer a spectrum of delicious breakfast entrées which you can customize in an almost infinite number of ways. Don't forget the Dutch Blonde Restaurant on the Boardwalk for very sweet & sumptuous breakfasts too.


25. You're Invited to Our SkyMed Member Appreciation Luncheon in SXM January 20

SKYMED MEMBER APPRECIATION LUNCHEON in SXM has been scheduled for Friday January 20 – and we want you to join us even if you’re not a member (yet) so you can meet SkyMed’s top management and learn much more about SkyMed Medical Evacuation protection!

SkyMed top executives Eleanore and Will Klein will be there to meet current SkyMed members and others interested in learning more. If you will be in SXM on Friday January 20 and want to learn more about SkyMed, email us now at jeff.berger@skymed.com with your names, email addresses, SkyMed member numbers (if you’re members), and the names & emails of others who you would like to invite to this SkyMed event (they’re welcomed, but please MAKE SURE THEY ARE INTERESTED AND WILL BE ON THE ISLAND ON THAT DATE BEFORE INVITING THEM). Advance registration REQUIRED.

We will contact everyone who expresses interest again next month once formal invitations are ready to go.


26. Long-time Dutch Side Governor Eugene Holiday is Feted on His Retirement

Governor Eugene Holiday has presided over some highly eventful times in the country's history including the causeway opening, the pandemic, and both Irma and Maria -- despite those events, he has offered a constantly steady hand and knowledgeable leadership. He will be greatly missed. Here is more including his full parting address.


27. Today is Constitution Day, Celebrating "Country Sint Maarten" Establishment 10/10/10

It's the island's 12'th anniversary as Country St. Maarten. It's a legal holiday on SXM. .


28. Likelihood of Sargassum Seaweed Impacting SXM Drops to "Low"

This is the best news we could see concerning Sargassum Seaweed -- take a look.


29. About Our Vacation Giveaway...

It was only at the end of July that we gave away six St. Martin vacations as part of the celebration of our SXM websites surpassing 10 million visits; the winners were announced in the last couple of editions of SXM Weekly News.

Although it's usually some time before we announce another giveaway, we can't deny the enthusiasm we all feel about the way St. Martin recovered this past season from the impact of the Covid Pandemic preceded by annoying weather events five years ago. It was clear that more than a million people wanted to celebrate life by returning to SXM this past letter, and return they did.

We decided that before the 2022・2023 high season begins in a couple of months, we want to do some celebrating of our own by giving away one more week of vacations here on SXM.

That vacation will be at Villa Kimon on your right just off the road high on a hill just to the west of downtown Philipsburg. As you follow the shore road westward out of Philipsburg and by the site of the former Sonesta Great Bay, you have passed Villa Kimon on your right. You'll get to spend seven days and 6 nights there.

We will also give away a couple of dinners for two to our winner; those will be announced shortly.

Everyone who entered our previous six vacation giveaway is already eligible to have their entry drawn in this giveaway. However, if you have not yet entered, you can do so now -- just follow the directions in the next paragraph.

ENTRIES ARE NOW OPEN AND IF YOU RECEIVE YOUR OWN *FREE* COPY OF SXM WEEKLY NEWS DIRECTLY FROM US, YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO WIN BUT YOU STILL MUST ENTER. ENTER HERE. If you do NOT subscribe, you must go to sxmweeklynews.com now to subscribe FREE before entering this giveaway. ENTRIES FROM NONSUBSCRIBERS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO WIN. PREVIOUS WINNERS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE.


Get your SKYMED MEMBERSHIP *BEFORE* you need it. Air ambulances are now more costly than ever: when you become seriously or critically ill or injured while traveling, SKYMED TAKES YOU HOME® to doctors and hospitals you know & trust. Otherwise you must pay tens of thousands of dollars in cash in advance to get a medevac jet -- if you can even do it (NOT easy or fast if you don't know how). SkyMed annual or multiyear memberships are only about $1.64/day, and they're guaranteed renewable regardless of age or medical condition at renewal and they are PRICE GUARANTEED FOR LIFE. Why wait? CALL today 508-591-3483 or email us at jeff.berger@skymed.com; include your callback number & time zone please. Protect your family TODAY!


30. Restaurant of the Week: Returns Next Week!

What:

Where:

Particulars:

Here are recently featured SXM restaurants:
Pineapple Pete, www.pineapplepete.com (featured 9/12/22)
Known for great lobster Thermidor and lots, lots more. Generous portions, reasonable prices. Huge variety. Games for kids & their parents.
Wasabi Charlie Japanese Restaurant (9/12/22)
now combined with Pineapple Pete at the Pineapple Pete location, opposite IZI Ristorante Italiano in Simpson Bay. GREAT sushi rolls and sashimi and much more.
Avantika Thai www.avantikasxm.com (featured 9/6/22)
Avantika is flat-out wonderful; SXM's best Thai; Delicious food artfully presented and reasonably priced, backed by seasoned service. Go...you'll become a regular.
Isola
next to Hollywood Casino at Simpson Bay Resort, (featured 8/29/22). Italian. Excellent food, many choices (pizza too), busy, good specials. Lively; busy; entertainment some nights. Many folks from Simpson Bay Resort dine here as well as many locals and lots of casino high-rollers. Outstanding restaurant. www.isolaristorante.com
Astra Steak & Seafood
(featured 7/25/22) is the newest creation of the organization that also operates Avantika and Movida in the same area of Simpson Bay. It's new, gorgeous, constantly evolving, and has highest-quality written all over it. We go often and love it. See https://www.astrasxm.com/
IZI Ristorante Italiano
, www.izisxm.com (featured 7/11/22). Open for dinner starting at 5pm except Mon., when they're closed. Fantastic food from one of SXM's very best restaurants. Fun atmosphere, too.
Bold Buddha Bar/Restaurant,
49 Front Street at Horizon View Hotel, Philipsburg (featured 7/5/22) Cool new place with seasoned service, very good tapas / Caribbean / Asian and other food, a superb location, and a perfect concept. Highly recommended; something new and different. Ideal place to cool off with a delicious drink and make your taste buds happy.
Vesna Taverna, www.vesnasxm.com (featured 6/13/22).
Now open every day but Monday for B/L; dinner is offered Tuesday through Saturday. Outstanding dining, reasonable pricing.
La Rosa Restaurant
, Maho Plaza, (featured 5/23/2022): Loved the relaxing vibe, attentive service, GREAT food, reasonable prices, and BIG portions. www.larosarestaurant.com/index.html
Jai's Contemporary Fusion Cuisine
(featured 5/9/22), Simpson Bay Leave your preconceptions behind! A 15-second walk to the opposite side of the building from Top Carrot. Outstanding dinners (and lunches a few days weekly) in Jai's, a fun new contemporary fusion restaurant operated by two young SXM graduates of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Super creative, artfully presented, phenomenally executed selections spanning an ever-growing spectrum of flavors, aromas, textures, and tastes. You gotta try Jai's! Highest recommendation. See https://www.facebook.com/jaissxmresto
Melange International Grill, Port de Plaisance (next to Princess Casino entrance). (featured 4/18/22) A spectrum of delightful offerings from Europe, the USA, and South America. One of the most eclectic menus on SXM. Delicious dining.
Mama Pizza,
Porto Cupecoy & Oyster Pond, (featured 4/4/22) Big, outstanding pizza, and sizable portions plus reasonable prices on numerous other delicious Italian specialties. They also have a number of fresh fish entrees you should not miss. On the plaza at Porto Cupecoy, Cupecoy Beach, and on the main drag through Oyster Pond, French side. https://www.facebook.com/Mamapizzaisthebest
Mandarin Pan Asian
at Port de Plaisance Resort off the Union Road, Cole Bay, (featured 3/21/22). Excellent selection of palate-pleasing offerings from Japan, Thailand, and China. Highly recommended.
La Patrona, Simpson Bay Resort (featured 2/28/22) La Patrona is SXM's only truly authentic Mexican restaurant. Highly recommended: great food, great service, not to be missed.
Bovin Steakhouse at Simpson Bay Resort, Marina Plaza next to la Patrona (featured 2/21/22)
Upscale restaurant offering sumptuous dining, outstanding service, and more than just steak (though we expect lots of steak lovers will flock here.
Spiga, www.spiga-sxm.com (featured 2/7/22) Chef-co-owner Ciro Russo & Lara Russo haven't missed a beat here as Spiga continues to be simply the best restaurant of any kind in Grand Case, where it has a lot of competition. Incredibly irresistible food, great staff, service, and beautiful ambiance. Everything is great, appetizers are out of this world. Absolutely not to be missed.
SkipJacks Seafood Grill, Bar, and seafood Market (featured 1/31/22 is one of the largest seafood restaurants on the island, located in a remarkable site overlooking Simpson Bay Lagoon and many megayachts. With many types of fresh fish cooked to order, SkipJack's is best known for lobster, both the local spiny variety and even some flown in from Maine. Pick your own and have it prepared as you like it. Lots of other choices too for all kinds of appetites. Classic attentive service and delicious everything. It's a must.
Emilio's at the Emilio Wilson Estate,
Dutch Side, https://emilios-sxm.com/ . [Featured January 2022] Truly fine dining in one of SXM's most well known and respected restaurants. The property is rich in history, the owners and Chef Sidney are culinary perfectionists, and you will kick yourself if you don't go here early in your trip so you have time to come back. Sunday Brunch is a must but requires reservations as does dinner. Not to be missed.
Mario's Bistro at the Cliff
, formerly Mario's Bistro www.mariobistrot.com/en/ 1/17/22 Mario's is one of the most spectacular culinary experiences you'll ever have -- here in SXM or anywhere else. Go. Phenomenal dining. Formerly on the plaza at Porto Cupecoy, Cupecoy Beach, they are now at the Cliff. Open every day but Monday, they serve both lunch and dinner six days a week. Traditional and highly creative Continental dinners, with Tapas and other selections at lunch. Do not miss it. Reservations essential. They do not use an answering machine, so call when they are open and let it ring.
The Coffee Lounge, (featured 1/3/22) Simpson Bay next to Domino's and in Philipsburg at the head of town. Great freshly roasted coffees, pastries, and sandwiches. Don't miss it.
Topper's http://www.sxmtoppers.com/ (featured 10/11/21) One of SXM's oldest and busiest restaurants, now in a beautiful new over-water setting at the Carousel building on Simpson Bay lagoon. Lunch, dinner, and late dining. Karaoke. Co-located with Toppers Rhum Distillery so have some rum (rhum is the French spelling) and rhum cake when you dine. Open until late night. Sports on TV. From cops to billionaires, everyone loves Toppers.
Blue Bitch Bar www.bluebitchbar.com, formerly Taloula Mango's Blue Bitch Bar, is THE bar/restaurant to visit on the Boardwalk in Philipsbuirg. (featured 8/9/21) Great open-air atmosphere, outdoor dining/drinking, entertainment. Their menu is extensive with excellent food, fun atmosphere, and beautiful ocean views. Located on the beach, at the Boardwalk....
Pure Ocean Restaurant at Divi Little Bay Resort, Dutch side (featured 3/1/21) Fine new beachside restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and fine dining dinners. Excellent choices for everyone, innovative menu, beautiful presentation, and downright delicious. Great #Caribbean ambiance on their open-air beachside deck. Attentive service and responsive staff.
Freedom Fighters ITAL SHACK Rasta Restaurant, www.sxmfreedomfighters.com/restaurant 4/15/19. Just go....
Dany's Smooth Cupecoy Beach Bar (on Cupecoy beach); follow the road toward Shore Pointe and turn near Shore Pointe to get there. (Featured 1/20/2019) Parking, drinks, chairs and umbrellas, lolo-type food, and an all-over tan. What could possibly be better?
Enigma C3 luxury Catamaran, www.sailstmaarten.com (featured 8/7/17). Neil's new boat is as big as Celine Too was and it has now entered service. Neil is known for amazing cooking on board his boats.

You will find hundreds more restaurants from both the Dutch Side and French Side listed in the Files area of our Everything St. Maarten / St. Martin / SXM Facebook Group. Our thanks to our Admin there, Contessa Aiello, who edited the restaurant entries on that site.


31. LAST DAY -- ORDERS END FOR THE SEASON OCT. 10 -- ORDER NOW: New SXM Euro Oval Stickers Now Available; Where to See Them & How to Order

As many readers are aware, we have SXM euro oval stickers available for sale to our readers for very reasonable prices. There are currently two versions available: our traditional green SXM Euro ovals with a large SXM overlaying a recently modified image of coconut palms in the background, and a purple sand chair SXM euro oval which features the SXM letters in large purple type with a purple sand chair in the background. Both of these are now available for ordering.

They are great for cars, smooth-sided luggage, mirrors in your home, and LOTS of other places. These are copyrighted by us and available ONLY from us by mail. (Sorry, no magnets but we ARE working on luggage tags...) Available for mailing only to USA, Canadian, and APO/FPO Addresses. Pricing: 1 for $10, but THREE for $20 including shipping; multiple orders of three accepted (order a total of 6 or more ovals and we'll send a surprise in the package). Unless you direct otherwise, We will send you our green coconut palms SXM euro oval to fulfill your order. If you'd like to have both the purple sand chair SXM euro oval and the new green coconut palm tree SXM euro oval, tell us how many of each you want when ordering.

To see pictures of both Euro ovals, please visit our Everything SXM Facebook Group and search for "coconut" or for "purple sand chair" -- remember that prices are as indicated in the preceding paragraph when ordering.

HOW TO ORDER: Please use PayPal and submit payment to jeff@jmbcommunications.com. NOW BEING SHIPPED. Allow 3 weeks for delivery but they will likely arrive much sooner. Printed on vinyl and varnished for long life. Questions? TEXT US at 508-591-3483 or email us ONLY AT jmbcomms@gmail.com please. IF YOU DON'T USE PAYPAL send a US DOLLAR check payable to JMB Communications to JMB, P. O. Box 1812, Plymouth, MA 02362-1812. Include # of ovals you are ordering and your phone, email, and delivery address.


32. What Are the Best Sources of Accommodations Rentals?

We offer hundreds of timeshare condominium rentals directly from timeshare owners in the listings on our main site, www.everythingSXM.com. There, you're not buying from strangers you're buying from other people who love St. Maarten as much as you do. We've been doing this since 1992 and we know that it's the way thousands of people have rented weeks successfully over the last 30 years. Give it a try. More information about Condominiums is in Section 2, above.


33. Enormous Library of SXM Information is On The Web

Regardless of what kind of SXM information you need, our sites deliver it.

Here are three examples:

a) Our SXM Weekly News PDF archives include every edition of SXM Weekly News since 2014 -- now approaching 9 years of editions and hundreds of thousands of words of SXM information. Our PDF archives are searchable by keywords to make it easy for you to find whatever information you seek quickly and easily on your computer. (A link to the Archives is in every edition of SXM Weekly News.)

b) Our Everything SXM Facebook Group is a repository for an enormous amount of SXM information posted during its more than 10 years of existence. You can search all posts ever allowed, for any SXM topic -- and you will find hundreds of posts on virtually any specific topic. If you don't find what you're looking for, you can always post a question on that site that will tap the brains of well over 33,000 members, not counting their friends and spouses. The vast majority of our members are tourists who have spent years visiting SXM and have a wealth of information available.

c) We have a Files area in our Everything SXM Facebook Group with another enormous reservoir/library of island information. Our files are also searchable directly from our Everything SXM Facebook Group. They are also frequently updated by our admins and moderators, particularly Contessa Aiello who has written most of them.

Take advantage of these resources -- and don't forget to thank those who have made them possible.


34. Flying Next Winter? Here's Something Else You Should Know

If you are traveling anywhere this winter, there is a way you can inject tremendous peace of mind into your travels.

For the first three months of any new SkyMed annual or multiyear membership, SkyMed excludes coverage of pre-existing conditions; after three months, those conditions are covered in full. So...to AVOID ANY IMPACT on your travel plans this Winter, buy your new SkyMed annual or multiyear membership NOW, at least three months ahead of your planned travel -- then the 90-day exclusion period for preexisting conditions will end before you travel...

Why get annual or multiyear memberships? SHORT-TERM family memberships (for a week or two) are $15/day, while guaranteed renewable for life, price guaranteed for life annual and multiyear memberships are only about $1.64/day -- less than a cup of coffee. Call me at 508-591-3483 or jeff.berger@skymed.com for answers to questions or to sign up by phone.

Available exclusively to Americans and Canadians. SkyMed TAKES YOU HOME(R) when you become seriously ill or injured while traveling in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and all the nations of the Caribbean. Global protection is also available through GETS, Global Emergency Travel Services, part of the SkyMed group.


35. Getting Answers to All Your Questions About SXM

Regardless of what questions you have about SXM, you can find the answers to any questions either in the files area of our Everything SXM Facebook Group (where we post our current Guide to Entry Requirements) that answers many questions) or you can simply post a question on our site.

We have over 33,000 members, more than other active SXM Facebook sites combined. Our site is also a unique news and information portal, not typical social media where people post pictures of smiling cats, monkeys standing on their heads, and other pointless items. Our SXM site is strictly SXM focused with no drivel. Join it today at www.facebook.com/groups/mySXM.


36. Important Updated Contact Information for Everything SXM / JMB Communications / JMB Website Supporters Membership Services and SkyMed Sales (UPDATED):
Because of volume, email is not the best way to reach us. Here’s what’s best: First, a Suggestion: Get the free WhatsApp app. It lets you make free phone calls (including video calls) worldwide and send free texts, all for zero cost. It is very widely used around the world.

  1. SkyMed Answers to Questions or to Sign Up by Phone: If you’re interested in learning more about SkyMed, contact Jeff Berger at jeff.berger@skymed.com. Leave your phone number and time zone and he’ll return your call. SkyMed is sold only to Americans, Canadians, and xPats. If you prefer, phone Jeff at 508-591-3483 and leave a message; that is a NEW NUMBER.
  2. JMB Membership Questions/Issues -- JMB Website Supporters: Use WhatsApp to send questions to Membership Services; use Jeff Berger’s WhatsApp phone number, 721-588-4188, but call or TEXT (texting is
    preferred) from within the WhatsApp application ONLY
    . Membership Services at our headquarters in Massachusetts handles all these calls. INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL, since all responses are made by email.
  3. Our new email is jmbcomms@gmail.com; use it for JMB Website Supporters membership questions. Thank you.

37. Who Our Sponsors Are, & Why You Should Patronize Them (Updated 10/10/22)

Our JMB SXM Web Media Sponsors help make it possible for us to research, write, produce, and email you SXM Weekly News every week. They also enable us to spend lots of hours making sure our Everything SXM Facebook Group fulfills its mission to be SXM's only authentically managed [by a seasoned journalist] interactive conversational SXM news and information portal on Facebook. And their help makes our JMB Website Supporters members-only Island Parties possible (resuming next year) as well as all the working going into enhancing our Island Discount Program now for its thousands of loyal members. Thank You for patronizing our Sponsors! (JMB Communications is based in Massachusetts, USA).

ARTISTS

Roland Richardson
Patty Meotti
Laura Fisher Saxon


AUTHORS/NOVELISTS

Russell Clark

Jacky Rom

 

BARS

Juggie's "The Smallest Bar In The World," Philipsburg


BOAT TOURS
/ BOAT CHARTERS

Celine Charters (Enigma)

Luxury Private Catamaran Charters:
www.sxmstmartincatamarancharters.net

Rumbelly Boat Charters Pleasure boats, motorized and catamaran


BOUTIQUES

En Vogue, Billy Folly Road opposite Atrium Resort

BREWERIES & DISTILLERIES

Toppers Rhum & Vodka Distillery

Caribbean Brewing

CAR RENTALS:

Leisure Car Rental

Sax Car Rental

Exclusive Car Rental

Tropicana Car Rental

Dollar/Thrifty Car Rental

SixT Car Rental


CHILD CARE & MORE FOR VISITORS

Alisha Brookes


COFFEE / PASTRY & MORE (NEW):

Coffee Lounge & More: Head of town in Philipsburg and Simpson Bay near Domino's


COVID TESTING:

Medcare (near Avantika in Puerto del Sol)

Test-to-Fly (new 1/22)


CUBAN CIGARS
:

Cigar Mack

SXM Cigars


DOLLAR STORES

All in One Place (Near Carrefour and now in Simpson Bay near Domino's)


DUTY-FREE SHOPPING

Great Deals on Watches, Bags, Wallets, Sunglasses and Fashion Jewelry:

https://www.facebook.com/buy.sxm


EMERGENCY MEDICAL EVACUATION MEMBERSHIP PROGRAMS
:

SkyMed International (Covers the entire USA, Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, the Bahamas, and
all the nations of the Caribbean; Global protection available. Sold only to Americans, Canadians,
and X-Pats living in these countries.)

FASHIONS FOR WOMEN

En Vogue, Billy Folly Road, Simpson Bay, opposite Atrium Hotel.


FISHING CHARTERS

Taylor Made fishing charters, Captain Dougie. Full day or half day Call WhatsApp # 721-524-7510


Immigration (SXM Residency) / Relocation / Business Formation /"Papers" Consulting Companies

BrightPath/Caribbean is posting in our Everything St. Maarten / St. Martin / SXM Facebook Group


JEWELERS:


Zhaveri Jewelers in Philipsburg.

Caribbean Gems

Oro Diamante

Majesty Jewelers

Ray's Jewelers

Alpha Jewels

JN Jewelers (Maho under Jax, open late)

Jewels & Beyond (Maho)

Shoppers Haven

Royal Jewelers

Kay's Fine Jewelry

Joe's Jewelry International

Ballerina Jewelers


LIVE MUSIC

Hole in the Wall, Maho Plaza, Dutch side


MAPS
(SXM MAPS and others in the Caribbean)

Kasprowski Publisher


MASSAGE see Spas


PARFUMERIE / PERFUME

Tijon Parfumerie, Grand Case, www.tijon.com

PHARMACIES

Simpson Bay Pharmacy

Orange Grove Pharmacy



REAL ESTATE COMPANIES
:
(See also VILLA RENTAL COMPANIES, below)

Island Real Estate Team is widely regarded as SXM's top real estate organization. A long-time JMB Sponsor, they offer both residential and commercial real estate in every price range. Call the number that follows and ask to speak with the agent who handles what you seek: 1 721 520 7284. Please let the agent know that you were referred by Jeff Berger's Everything SXM Facebook Group.

Jennifer's Vacation Villas

Century 21 St. Maarten

Sunshine Properties

Candie Billant does condo and villa rentals and sales. You will find her at Caribbean Estate Agency N. V.

BrightFuture Realty

My Net Immo (French Side, Muriel Lemoine)

40Weeks SXM Vacation rentals


RESORTS:

Baker's Suites

Belair Beach Hotel

Simpson Bay Resort

Azure Hotel & Art Studio

Mary's Boon Beach Hotel




RESTAURANTS, BARS, & BEACH BARS

IZI (See their new website)

SPIGA

VESNA TAVERNA

ISOLA

Mandarin Asian Bistro (Port de Plaisance)

Melange (Port de Plaisance)

Pelican Bistro

Soggy Dollar Bar

Topper's Restaurant, Gelateria, & Rhum Distillery

LA PATRONA (Simpson Bay Resort)

MARIO'S BISTRO (Porto Cupecoy)

NAVY BEACH

BOVIN STEAKHOUSE

Pineapple Pete Restaurant
/ Wasabi Charlie Japanese Restaurant

Emilio's

Taloula's Blue Bitch Bar

Nowhere Special

ROXXY Bar / Restaurant

LA ROSA

NONNA ROSA

LAZY LIZARD

RANCHO del SOL

SUNSET CAFE (Grand Case)

AVANTIKA

MOVIDA

ASTRA

JAI'S CONTEMPORARY FUSION CUISINE

COFFEE LOUNGE & More, Head of town in Philipsburg & Simpson bay near Domino's (new)

BUCCANEER BEACH BAR

NAVY BEACH

BAMBOO HOUSE (new 5/16/22)

BOLD BUDDHA BAR / RESTAURANT on the Boardwalk at Horizon View Hotel, Philipsburg (6/27/22)

RESTAURANT ORDERING ONLINE
Orders.sx


SOUVENIRS

Flamboyant on The Boardwalk, Philipsburg (new 1/22)


SPAS

Sunset Spa, Simpson Bay Resort (11/21)

Patty's Healing Hands Massage (7/22)

 

STAR WARS / YODA GUY MUSEUM

Nick Malley, Front Street



VILLA RENTALS / RENTAL COMPANIES
:

If you're interested in making a villa reservation (doing it with close friends can be fun and more economical than you'd imagine), contact our top recommended Villa rental/sale partners at Island Real Estate Team. Call the number that follows and ask to speak with the agent who handles villa rentals: 1 721 520 7284. Please let the agent know that you're interested in a rental and you were referred by Jeff Berger's Everything SXM Facebook Group. Hundreds of villas are now online.

Jennifer's Vacation Villas
has also joined us as a villa rental partner. Jennifer's Vacation Villas is a licensed management, real estate and villa rental company specializing in the rental of private villas and condos on both French and Dutch St. Maarten. Its proprietor, Jennifer, is a New Yorker who has been residing in St. Maarten for 40 years and whose goal is to provide guests with personal attention and to ensure that their vacations are memorable. Jennifer's Vacation Villas also does Weddings, Private Events, and any additional services including massages, boat trips, and private catering. Their aim is to make your vacation stay as comfortable, accommodating, and easy going as possible. Call 1 (721) 544-3107 | +1 (631) 546-7345. When you contact them, please tell them you were referred by Jeff Berger's Everything SXM Facebook Group.

Candie Billant does condo and villa rentals and sales. You will find her at #Caribbean Estate Agency N. V.

GoBeach Vacations

Sunshine Properties

Monte Verde / Belle Vue

Villa Acropole:
www.acropole-stmartin.com

Villa Vijoux:
https://www.facebook.com/VillaVijoux

Villa Steel Magnolias (new 1/22)

40Weeks SXM Vacation Rentals (new)

Villa En'sea 5 bedroom Villa, overlooking Philipsburg bay (new)

Villa Kimon

Daffodil Villa


Wedding Planners / Wedding Venues

Fawnette Scott-Angelides - Azure Hotel and Art Studio (Fawnette is a minister and she owns Azure,
a venue on beautiful Simpson Bay Beach, where beach weddings are her specialty)

Sint Maarten Marry-Me Destination Weddings (new)

Updated 10/10/22


38. First Responders Now Get Platinum-Status JMB Discounts

If you're U. S. Military with a DD214, you're able to get a Platinum-Status Military JMB Membership for $16.99/year, the lowest we ever charge anyone. You get instant Platinum Status which is permanent as long as you're a JMB member plus 300+ SXM discounts and other benefits. All you do is pay for four years to start and renew in four-year increments ($67.96). Nobody else pays so little -- our small way of expressing how grateful we all are for your service.

And now we're adding police, firefighters, EMTs, and nurses to our just-renamed Military / First Responder Memberships in recognition of their sacrifices for the rest of us every single day. We just need you to send us documentary proof (ID) that you're one of America's very best. To sign up or upgrade your JMB membership to Military / First Responders, visit everythingsxm.com and click the page curl to sign up for your JMB military membership (the page still says Military). We'll also need a DD214 (or other police / fire / nursing ID) with your SS# obliterated for security. We'll be delighted to welcome you all to our new best-of-all JMB Website Supporters Platinum Memberships.


39. Want to See Back Issues of SXM Weekly News? Here's How

Our SXM Weekly News PDF archives enable you to download any issue of Weekly News published since Spring 2014, including our amazing 2018 April Fools' Day parody and many Special Editions.

Check it out here. It has just been thoroughly updated. Each week's newsletter is usually added within a few days after mailing of that issue to its subscribers completes (Monday).



Get The Current Low Price
on SkyMed's Best 5-Year Ultimate Membership

Ask Jeff for details -- call him at 508-591-3483. More info? See skymed.com/jmb or email Jeff at jeff.berger@skymed.com. SkyMed is the Principal Sponsor of JMB SXM programs.

See the rundown of all SkyMed Features & Benefits


Got a Radio While You're in SXM?

Want to Listen to SXM While You're Home?

Tune In Island92 at 91.9 FM

or On Your Internet-Connected Device

at island92.com ...

and hear Jeff Berger LIVE on the air most Mondays

between about 9:45am and 10am island time

on "Fresh Air in the Morning" with Dr. Soc.



40. SXM Business Owners: How To Increase Foot & Web Traffic

SXM Weekly News, our everythingSXM.com website and its Hurricane Center, and our Everything SXM Facebook Group along with our many Vacation Giveaways and hundreds of benefits of JMB Website Supporters membership are all made possible through our partnerships with our JMB Website Supporters members and our Sponsors.

Our JMB SXM Web Media Sponsorships enable SXM businesses to present their products or services to a huge, responsive audience of tourists from around the world, but primarily the USA and Canada. (Our site is based in the U. S. and is focused on the needs of tourists traveling to SXM.) If you own an SXM business and want to look into and take advantage of this unique marketing opportunity, please email susank@jmbcommunications.com with the subject "JMB Sponsorships". Or PM us on FB for an even faster response. We'll get complete information to you quickly. (Or again, just PM Jeff Berger on Facebook Messenger or phone us / text us on WhatsApp at 721-588-4188.)

Tourism is returning in a big way and with it, plenty of opportunity to bring more tourists into your business not only in the short term, but especially as tourist business increases in the months ahead. Contact us today for more information.


****************************************************************************************************************************************

St. Maarten / St. Martin Homes, Villas, Businesses, Commercial Properties, and Residential Properties for Sale (NEW):

Click to access our recommended real estate agent, Arun Jagtiani, featured on HGTV.


Rent Out or Sell Your Timeshare (both SXM and Worldwide)-- Frequently Updated

JMB members can run up to 10 free ads on our website per 12-month period to rent out or sell St. Maarten / St. Martin timeshare weeks they own -- or any timeshares, anywhere worldwide. If you're not a member, learn more about membership here: http://everythingsxm.com/sxm/about_sxm/paypal.shtml .

Want to rent or buy a week?

"2022 St. Maarten / St. Martin Timeshare Weeks For Rent or Sale" are posted at
http://everythingsxm.com/sxm/timeshare_rent_sale/index.shtml Listings are now updated weekly. Ads are free (no commission) but are accepted from our JMB Website Supporters members only.

SECTION 5: For Members Only

A. Where to Get Member Info: www.everythingsxm.com/secret
B. Password Recovery Info: Your username is the email address you have registered with JMB Website Supporters. If you forget your password, click "forgot / change password" in the orange login box near the masthead at www.everythingsxm.com. To change your password, click that same link.
C. How To Submit Rental or Sale Ads or Update the Price in an Ad: See www.everythingsxm.com/secret .Your username and password are required.

SECTION 6: Background Information for Travelers (For New Readers) Updated 7/2017

See www.everythingsxm.com.


About Email Address Changes / How To Unsubscribe (Updated 4/17/17)

To unsubscribe, go here: www.sxmweeklynews.com. You CAN NOT unsubscribe either by replying to this email or, if you are an AOL user, by clicking the *spam* button on AOL.

To change your email address, visit www.sxmweeklynews.com; unsubscribe your old email address and subscribe your new one. JMB Website Supporters members should notify Membership Services of the new email address for continued Secret Site access.

Get Your Own Free Copy Of St. Maarten and St. Martin Weekly News:
http://www.everythingsxm.com/cgi-bin/dada/mail.cgi?

LEGAL:

Entire contents copyright (c), JMB Communications, 2022. World rights reserved. Excerpting, quotation, and republication, in any form, print, electronic, or archival, is expressly prohibited without written advance permission. You can forward this newsletter in its entirety only to your friends. For reprint permission, email us. JMB vigorously defends its copyrights. *Everything St. Maarten*, *Everything SXM*, and *Everything St. Martin* are service marks of JMB Communications. *JMB Communications* is a trademark of JMB Communications, P. O. Box 1812, Plymouth, Massachusetts 02362-1812 USA. Join this free St. Maarten / St. Martin newsletter mailing list at http://www.sxmweeklynews.com . You cannot join by emailing us.

Our email headers also contain subscribe / unsubscribe / address change links.

Contact Us (Revised 11/22/21)

  1. SkyMed Answers to Questions or to Sign Up by Phone: If you’re interested in learning more about SkyMed, contact Jeff Berger at jeff.berger@skymed.com. Leave your phone number and time zone and he’ll return your call. SkyMed is sold only to Americans, Canadians, and xPats. If you prefer, phone Jeff at 508-591-3483
    and leave a message; t
    hat is a NEW NUMBER.
  2. JMB Membership Questions/Issues -- JMB Website Supporters: Use WhatsApp to send questions to Membership Services; use Jeff Berger’s WhatsApp phone number, 721-588-4188, but call or TEXT (texting is
    preferred) from within the WhatsApp application only
    . Membership Services at our headquarters in Massachusetts handles all these calls. INCLUDE YOUR EMAIL, since all responses are made by email.

Our main St. Maarten / St. Martin website: www.everythingsxm.com .

Privacy Policy http://www.everythingsxm.com/sxm/privacy_policy/index.shtml (Updated 5/25/18)

10/10/22 #V4-1366 500am EDT 10/10 | Terms of use |

Copyright © JMB Communications, 2022. World rights reserved.

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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