St. Maarten has been glowing this holiday season after Project US SXM completed the installation of more than 500 Christmas light decorations across the Dutch Side—an island-wide effort driven by private-sector donations and volunteer support.

The non-profit, led by founder Anella Brooks, expanded its lighting project significantly this year. What took more than three weeks in 2024 was completed in just one week, thanks to GEBE workers, rented bucket trucks, and dozens of community volunteers. Lights were installed from Philipsburg to Middle Region, Dutch Quarter, Belvedere, St. Peters, St. John’s Estate, Ebenezer, and around various schools. Residents cheered as trucks arrived, with many saying the decorations revived their Christmas spirit.

Brooks said donors—including SOL, NAPA, Republic Bank, Nagico, NV GEBE, and many small businesses—wanted the project to uplift the entire island, not just the main roads. Print & Sign Express also sponsored large banners featuring all sponsors, which will be mounted on containers around the island.

This year’s theme, “Follow the Star – The Bethlehem Story,” was created in collaboration with the Ministry of TEATT. Roundabouts will feature scenes from the Nativity, angels, doves, and illuminated stars—designed to recreate a journey through Bethlehem and offer residents iconic, photo-ready Christmas spots.

Brooks said the project’s purpose went beyond decoration, aiming to keep holiday spending and family activities local while strengthening community pride. She added that with continued support, St. Maarten could one day build a Christmas tradition as big as Curaçao’s.

The foundation is now preparing for a major Christmas show on December 1—described as one of the largest events of its kind in the Caribbean. More details will be announced soon.

SEGUE 1 (Pre-commercial):

“As the holidays approached, one foundation was already working quietly behind the scenes to bring light to hundreds of families. After the break, we’ll take a closer look at how the Angels Project turned simple acts of kindness into meaningful Christmas moments across the island.”

[Break][Commercial]

[WEATHER SCRIPT OPEN]

[WEATHER CLOSE ]