GREAT BAY--Photographer Rodney Washington has been selected as the winner of the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association’s 2027 Events Calendar Photo Contest, earning the top recognition with an image showcasing one of the island’s most scenic natural settings.
Washington’s winning photograph captures the wooden gazebos at Emilio Wilson Park framed by lush greenery and blooming flamboyant trees, with St. Maarten’s mountainous landscape rising in the background. The image will be featured prominently in the 2027 edition of the SHTA Events Calendar.
As winner of the annual competition, Washington will receive a weekend stay at Seaview Beach Hotel on the Philipsburg Boardwalk.
This year’s competition also recognized photographers Mara Bailey and Richard Santaga with honorable mentions. Bailey was recognized for photographs of Carnival, while Santaga received an honorable mention for images of the Heineken Regatta. Both are previous winners of the competition, with Santaga winning the 2026 edition.
The SHTA Events Calendar will enter its 11th edition in 2027 and continues to highlight the events, culture, creativity and people that contribute to the character of St. Maarten and St. Martin. CC1 remains the calendar’s main sponsor.
The 2027 edition will also introduce a new design after 10 years of the calendar’s previous format. Alongside its annual listing of events, the publication will continue its tradition of recognizing the island’s cultural and creative community.
“Love in Spring Garden” has been selected as the 2027 Cultural Icon. The production was recognized for its creative approach to preserving island history and culture, as well as its binational character, bringing together actors from both sides of the island.
The Cultural Icon feature was introduced in 2020. The National Institute of Arts became the first organization to receive the distinction in the 2026 edition. Previous honorees include fashion designer Zillah Duzon-Hazel, painters Ruby Bute and Roland Richardson, Calypsonian Leroy “King Beaubeau” Brooks, steelpan expert Isidore “Mighty Dow” York and choreographer Clara Reyes.
The 2027 SHTA Events Calendar will be distributed free of charge. Persons interested in reserving a copy can contact the SHTA atevents@shta.com
