The Peridot Foundation has expressed deep sadness at the passing of Ms. Mary Eileen Healy, a past honoree and a lifelong advocate for mental health awareness in Sint Maarten.
Foundation President Jaqueline Holiday described Ms. Healy as a committed citizen and formidable woman whose dedication helped bring greater attention to mental health care and advocacy on the island. Former Foundation President and current Minister Plenipotentiary Gracita Arrindell reflected on Healy’s passion and vision, noting the importance of honoring individuals while they are still with us.
Ms. Healy was recognized by the Peridot Foundation during International Women’s Day 2024, an acknowledgment of her lasting impact and advocacy.
The Foundation extends heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues, wishing them strength and comfort during this difficult time.
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“From Paris to the Caribbean once again, a familiar airline is back on the tarmac at Princess Juliana Airport. What does the return of Air Caraïbes mean for St. Martin’s future? Our Featured Story is next.”
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FEATURE:
❓ FEATURED STORY TITLE (Question Form)
“What Does the Return of Air Caraïbes Mean for St. Martin’s Tourism Recovery?”
🎙️ FEATURED STORY — 3 Minutes
Tonight’s Featured Story focuses on a milestone for St. Martin’s airlift and tourism sector: the official return of Air Caraïbes’ direct service between Paris Orly and Princess Juliana International Airport, restoring a vital connection that had been absent for more than three years.
On December 12th, Air Caraïbes marked the relaunch of the route with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the airport—symbolizing more than just a flight resumption. The Paris–St. Martin connection is a critical link to the French market, one of the island’s most important tourism and cultural partners, and its return brings renewed capacity at a time when demand for Caribbean travel remains strong.
The airline will now operate the route three times weekly during the winter high season, using Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Service will scale back during the low season and pause in the summer, a model designed to balance demand while maintaining route sustainability. Even so, the reinstated Orly connection significantly strengthens St. Martin’s long-haul airlift and complements existing Paris services.
For the tourism industry, this return is particularly meaningful. Direct flights reduce travel friction, improve accessibility for visitors, and enhance the island’s competitiveness in the European market. For hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and small businesses, increased airlift often translates directly into stronger bookings and economic activity.
Beyond long-haul flights, Air Caraïbes also plays a key regional role. Through its ATR inter-island services, the airline connects St. Martin with Guadeloupe and other destinations across the French Caribbean—supporting commerce, family travel, and regional integration. These shorter routes are often overlooked, but they are essential to maintaining economic and social ties between neighboring islands.
Founded in 2000 through the merger of several Caribbean airlines, Air Caraïbes has steadily grown into a major connector between the French Caribbean and Europe. Its operations are deeply rooted in the region, and its return to St. Martin reflects both confidence in the destination and the airline’s long-standing commitment to Caribbean resilience.
The three-year absence of the Paris Orly route was felt across multiple sectors, particularly as the island worked to stabilize tourism after global disruptions. Its restoration signals momentum—not just a return to pre-2022 conditions, but a step forward in rebuilding a stronger, more diversified airlift network.
As St. Martin continues positioning itself as a premier destination for European and regional travelers alike, partnerships with airlines like Air Caraïbes remain central to that strategy. Connectivity, after all, is more than movement—it is opportunity.
And with the return of this key Paris link, St. Martin is once again closer to one of its most important markets.
“Philipsburg Becomes Maagical” Returns with a Festive Weekend – MP Omar Ottley Presents His First Legislative Initiative – Doran Warns Vendors Are Still Waiting for Real Support – PM Mercelina Marks One Year of Government Progress – Government Savings Plan Disburses Nearly Cg. 478,000 to Civil Servants – Peridot Foundation Mourns the Passing of Mental Health Advocate Eileen Healy – What Does the Return of Air Caraïbes Mean for St. Martin’s Tourism Recovery?
!SCRIPT NEWSDESK | Wednesday 17 December, 2025 - Progress, Pressures, and a Touch of Holiday Magic”
Philipsburg comes alive again with the return of “Philipsburg Becomes Maagical,” while in Parliament, MP Omar Ottley introduces his first legislative initiative and MP Doran warns that vendors are still waiting for meaningful support. Prime Minister Mercelina marked one year of government progress, as it was revealed that the government savings plan disbursed nearly Cg. 478,000 to civil servants. On the social front, the Peridot Foundation expressed its sorrow over the passing of respected mental health advocate Eileen Healy. We close by looking ahead, examining what the return of Air Caraïbes could mean for St. Martin’s tourism recovery — ending the episode on a note of cautious optimism.