The St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) and The Windward Islands Bank Ltd. (WIB) have joined forces to provide aspiring dancers with an opportunity to further their studies abroad in the realm of dance. Having noticed that there are limited scholarship options on St. Maarten for young persons seeking to pursue performing arts after secondary school,...
PHILIPSBURG – Community development and support continue post Irma with new collaboration between St Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) and the Red Cross. As efforts to build back better across St Maarten continue, SMDF and the Red Cross have partnered together to help build contribute towards stronger community life for all. Over the course of the...
PHILIPSBURG–Melanie Choisy (29) has joined the team at St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF). Choisy, a well-known St. Martiner, will be joining THE social development agency as the new Programme and Development Manager. In her new role, Choisy will serve as SMDF’s primary liaison with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs). As SMDF’s newest staff member,...
After bringing to life St. Maarten’s first and only dedicated social development agency, the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF), the Fund’s first Managing Director Keith Franca will be ending his seven-year tenure as Director. During his seven years as Director, Mr. Franca led the journey to realizing SMDF as we know it today. In his...
Recently, Minister of Finance Ardwell Irion welcomed a meeting with representatives of the St. Maarten Development Fund. During the meeting, SMDF Managing Director Keith Franca and Program and Development Manager Makhicia Brooks presented the Minister with the Fund’s third quarter financials which provides the Minister with an overview of SMDF’s funding to some 25 different...
PHILIPSBURG – Starting off her tenure in Parliament, Member of Parliament recently visited the St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) to learn more about the organization, and particularly its work in Community Development. During the visit, SMDF Managing Director Keith Franca and Program and Development Manager Makhicia Brooks briefed the MP about the organization’s work in...
The St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) has a new partner on its journey to helping those affected by the passing of hurricane Irma. Joining SMDF’s Home Repair Program is Milano Diamond Gallery. When it opened its newest store at the Port of St. Maarten, Milano Diamond Gallery set out to cement itself on St. Maarten...
PHILIPSBURG – Recently, St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) met with Prime Minister Honorable Leona Romeo-Marlin. During the visit, the Fund, represented by Director Keith Franca and Program and Development Manager Makhicia Brooks, presented its Annual Report for the year 2018, including its Audited Financial Statement. The Annual Report, which outlines the organization’s work throughout the...
PHILIPSBURG – Expanding its activities in the area of District and Neighborhood Improvement, SMDF, in partnership with Dutch humanitarian and development aid agency Cordaid, hosted its Community Mobilization and Emergency Preparedness workshops. The workshop, which was well attended, saw over 25 attendees bringing together some 12 Community Based Organizations throughout St. Maarten. Speaking about the...
PHILIPBSURG – At 71 years old, Peter Alfonso Hodge is one of the latest recipients of a new home constructed by St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF). Hodge, a pensioner, was originally identified for assistance at the end of May, 2017 when SMDF began seeking out seniors in need for its Elderly Project. When he was...
