Thank you to all the participants who made our Second Results and Knowledge Fair a huge success!
Over 150 attendees, including government leaders, community organizations, beneficiaries, students, and World Bank specialists, came together at the Sonesta Ocean Point Hotel on March 24, 2025, at the Trust Fund’s second Results and Knowledge Fair.
The event was packed with panel discussions on small island priorities, student presentations on disaster preparedness, an expo showcasing innovative local businesses, and real-world lessons from Sint Maarten Trust Fund projects. This event helped to foster collaboration and drive change toward resilience and sustainability in small island nations, particularly Sint Maarten.
Celebrating Voices and Creating Solutions
In her welcome remarks, Grisha Heyliger-Marten, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & Telecommunications (TEATT), said, “Today is not just another meeting—it is an opportunity to look back at what we’ve accomplished, to share knowledge, and most importantly, to shape the road ahead.” Gail Richardson, Operations Manager for Caribbean Countries, Latin America and Caribbean, spoke of how critical it is to share lessons learned and network with experts and other small island nations to encourage regional collaboration.
Students Get Creative about Disaster Resilience
A highlight of the event was the participation of dozens of local high school students. Introduced by Melissa Gumbs, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth & Sport (MECYS), students from St. Dominic High School, Milton Peters College, and Charlotte Brookson Academy delivered videos, poetry, and skits on disaster preparedness and recovery. The students also interacted with exhibitors and attendees and used virtual reality headsets at the World Bank booth to experience real-world development challenges.
Trust Fund Project Beneficiaries “Show and Tell”
At the event’s busy business expo, attendees learned about the progress of Princess Juliana Airport and St. Maarten Medical Center, and met small business owners that received Trust Fund support for expansion. The entrepreneurs shared their diverse array of products, like locally sourced mushrooms, tourism activities, marketing strategies, tasty coffees and spices, and women’s fashion. Selected beneficiaries also gave lightning talks about their businesses on the event’s main stage.
Sharing Knowledge for a Safer, More Resilient Future
Throughout the event, attendees and non-World Bank member countries engaged with global experts and learned more about the World Bank’s role in supporting small island nations. Panels discussed common small island challenges, including climate adaptation, disaster risk management, and investments for economic growth. Through interactive Q&A, audience members asked questions about building resilience and strengthening communities in Sint Maarten, the Caribbean, and beyond.